Multiphoton molecular photorelease in click-chemistry-functionalized gold nanoparticles

Yellow-green controlled photorelease: probes click-linked to peptide-coated gold nanospheres by a triazole ring can be released in living cells under a focused 561 nm laser at low power. Photocleaving follows a three-photon event stimulated by the excitation of the localized surface plasmon resonance.     

Drug delivery: Logic‐Embedded Vectors for Intracellular Partitioning,Endosomal Escape,and Exocytosis of Nanoparticles (Small 23/2010)

A new generation of nanocarriers, logic‐embedded vectors (LEVs), is endowed with the ability to localize components at multiple intracellular sites, thus creating an opportunity for synergistic control of redundant or dual‐hit pathways. LEV encoding elements include size, shape, charge, and surface chemistry. In this study, LEVs consist of porous silicon nanocarriers, programmed for cellular uptake and trafficking along the endosomal pathway, and surface‐tailored iron oxide nanoparticles, programmed for endosomal sorting and partitioning of particles into unique cellular locations. In the presence of persistent endosomal localization of silicon nanocarriers, amine‐functionalized nanoparticles are sorted into multiple vesicular bodies that form novel membrane‐bound compartments compatible with cellular secretion, while chitosan‐coated nanoparticles escape from endosomes and enter the cytosol. Encapsulation within the porous silicon matrix protects these nanoparticle surface‐tailored properties, and enhances endosomal escape of chitosan‐coated nanoparticles. Thus, LEVs provide a mechanism for shielded transport of nanoparticles to the lesion, cellular manipulation at multiple levels, and a means for targeting both within and between cells.     

Gold Nanoparticle–Protein Agglomerates as Versatile Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery

The fabrication of a versatile nanocarrier based on agglomerated structures of gold nanoparticle (Au NP)–lysozyme (Lyz) in aqueous medium is reported. The carriers exhibit efficient loading capacities for both hydrophilic (doxorubicin) and hydrophobic (pyrene) molecules. The nanocarriers are finally coated with an albumin layer to render them stable and also facilitate their uptake by cancer cells. The interaction between agglomerated structures and the payloads is non‐covalent. Cell viability assay in vitro showed that the nanocarriers by themselves are non‐cytotoxic, whereas the doxorubicin‐loaded ones are cytotoxic, with efficiencies higher than that of the free drug. Transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy along with flow cytometry analysis confirm the uptake of the drug‐loaded nanocarriers by a human cervical cancer HeLa cell line. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy reveals the formation of apoptotic bodies leading to cell death, confirming the release of the payloads from the nanocarriers into the cell. Overall, the findings suggest the fabrication of novel Au NP–protein agglomerate‐based nanocarriers with efficient drug‐loading and ‐releasing capabilities, enabling them to act as multimodal drug‐delivery vehicles.     

Drug/Dye‐Loaded,Multifunctional Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Combined Targeted Cancer Therapy and Dual Optical/Magnetic Resonance Imaging

A biocompatible, multimodal, and theranostic functional iron oxide nanoparticle is synthesized using a novel water‐based method and exerts excellent properties for targeted cancer therapy, and optical and magnetic resonance imaging. For the first time, a facile, modified solvent diffusion method is used for the co‐encapsulation of both an anticancer drug and near‐infrared dyes. The resulting folate‐derivatized theranostics nanoparticles could allow for targeted optical/magnetic resonance imaging and targeted killing of folate‐expressing cancer cells.