A dual-targeted nucleic acid moiety decorated SPION nanoparticles for chemo-photodynamic synergistic therapy

• Published in: Journal of luminescence Vol. 209; pp. 387 - 397
• Main Authors: Sun, Xiang-Yu, Liu, Min-Chao, Chen, Xian-Li, Lin, Hui-Chao, Liu, Bing, Peng, Yan-Bo, Zhang, Lu-Yong, Shen, Jian-Liang, Zhao, Ping
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.05.2019
• Subjects: AS1411; Dual-targeted; i-motif; pH responsive; Synergistic therapy; Dual-targeted; AS1411; pH responsive; i-motif; Synergistic therapy
• ISSN: 0022-2313; 1872-7883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jlumin.2019.02.019

Administering a cocktail of different anticancer drugs or combining chemotherapeutic agents with other conventional cancer treatment modalities has attracted great attentions of scientists and pharmaceutical industries in recent years. Herein, a hybridized DNA structure composed of aptamer, i-motif and ds-DNA, was designed and served as an active targeted coat. The hybridized DNA was conjugated with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) and then developed as a multifunctional nanocarrier for co-delivery of a chemotherapeutic agent and a photosensitizer molecule. The i-motif component of the DNA structure endowed the nanocarriers with the property of releasing its payload rapidly and effectively in simulated tumor environment. Moreover, the aptamer@SPION drug delivery nanoplatform displayed active and magnetic target-specific efficiency to cancer cells. The successful cell internalization and sensitive pH-controlled intracellular drug release greatly assisted the nanomedicine to exhibit high chemical and photodynamic anticancer activity. This new nucleic acid conjugated SPION nanocarrier successfully integrates dual-targeted, dual-therapy and pH stimuli responsive drug release, into one single system, and thus maybe an ideal drug delivery vehicle with great potential in the era of precision medicine.