Multifunctional uniform nanoparticles composed of a magnetite nanocrystal core and a mesoporous silica shell for magnetic resonance and fluorescence imaging and for drug delivery

Heparinized magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles as multifunctional growth factor delivery carriers

Well-defined magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MMSNs) with a core/shell structure were prepared via a one pot synthesis. Sphere-like magnetite aggregates were obtained as cores of the final nanoparticles by assembly in the presence of polyvinyl pyrrolidone and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. The nanoparticles have the property of superparamagnetism with a saturation magnetization value of 20.3 emu g(-1). In addition, the combination of heparin and fluorescence-labeled MMSNs endows the resultant particles (denoted as MFMSNs-HP) with magnetism and fluorescence properties, excellent dispersity in the buffer solutions and cell culture media, anticoagulant activity in the blood stream, and the controlled release of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Furthermore, the bFGF cell viability assays indicate that MFMSNs-HP has nearly no toxicity to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) up to a concentration of 200 μg ml(-1), and the proliferation activity of bFGF incorporated into MFMSNs-HP could be retained for at least 6 days. All of these suggest that MFMSNs-HP may serve as a multifunctional carrier for the delivery of growth factors.

Size-selective pH-operated megagates on mesoporous silica materials

pH-responsive megagates have been fabricated around mesoporous silica material SBA-15 in order to mechanize the mesopores. These megagates remain closed in neutral conditions, but open at pH 5. The capping components of the megagates were designed to be capable of controlling pores up to 6.5 nm in diameter. Selectivity of payloads with different sizes can be achieved through the use of different capping components. The operation of the megagates was demonstrated by time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy which is capable of monitoring the release of both the payload and the cap. This study opens up new possibilities in the field of controllable release.

Highly ordered periodic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles with controllable pore structures

A general synthetic procedure for highly ordered and well-dispersed periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) nanoparticles is reported based on a single cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and simple silica sources with organic bridging groups via an ammonia-catalyzed sol-gel reaction. By changing the bridging group in the silica sources, the pore structures of the as-made particles with three-dimensional hexagonal (P6(3)/mmc), cubic (Pm3n), two-dimensional hexagonal (P6mm), and wormlike structure were evidenced by powder X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The size range of the nanoparticles can be adjusted from 30 nm to 500 nm by variation of the ammonia concentration or the co-solvent content of the reaction medium. The PMO nanoparticles with high concentration of organic groups in the framework offered good thermal stability, good dispersion in low polarity solvent and high adsorption of small hydrophobic molecules. Finally, the dye functionalized PMO nanoparticles show low cytotoxicity and excellent cell permeability, which offers great potential for biomedical applications.

Synthesis, characterization, cell imaging and anti-tumor activity of multifunctional nanoparticles

Most anticancer complexes are unable to differentiate between diseased and healthy cells, systemic toxicity and undesired side effects can result. In the current study, a PEG and RGD peptides functionalized fluorescent dye Rhodamine B isothiocyanate (RBITC) doped magnetic silica nanoparticle (MnFe(3)O(4)@SiO(2)-PEG-RGD), carrying a anticancer superparamagnetic Mn(II) complex, was synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic methods. The multifunctional nanoparticles (MnFe(3)O(4)@SiO(2)-PEG-RGD) can image HepG-2 cells and differentiate between HepG-2 and WRL-68 cells based on T(1) MR imaging technology. The in vitro fluorescence image and inhibition assay on the proliferation of HeLa cells indicate that MnFe(3)O(4)@SiO(2)-PEG-RGD nanoparticles can effectively reach the tumor site, be internalized by endocytosis and then retain in cancer cells due to the retention effect of nanoparticles. This study demonstrated that a PEG and RGD peptides functionalized silica nanoparticle was a good carrier for the anticancer complexes, and the anticancer complexes loaded multifunctional nanoparticles could be developed as special agents in monitoring therapy of cancer.

Recent advances in the rational design of silica-based nanoparticles for gene therapy

Gene therapy has attracted much attention in modern society and provides a promising approach for treating genetic disorders, diseases and cancers. Safe and effective vectors are vital tools to deliver genetic molecules to cells. This review summarizes recent advances in the rational design of silica-based nanoparticles and their applications in gene therapy. An overview of different types of genetic agents available for gene therapy is provided. The engineering of various silica nanoparticles is described, which can be used as versatile complexation tools for genetic agents and advanced gene therapy. Several challenges are raised and future research directions in the area of gene therapy using silica-based nanoparticles are proposed.

Upconversion nanoparticles for sensitive and in-depth detection of Cu2+ ions

Detection of Cu(2+) ions and study of their subcellular distribution in physiological processes are of considerable significance because of their potential environmental and biological applications. Some fluorescence based sensors have been developed for selective detection of Cu(2+) ions, based on organic fluorescent probes that specifically bind to Cu(2+) ions. However, these sensors are not suitable for detection in biological samples due to the short penetration depth of UV/visible light used to excite the fluorescent probes. The use of near-infrared (NIR) light can afford penetration depths of an order of magnitude greater than that of visible light, however, a material that can convert NIR light to visible light is required. A facile method has been developed for in-depth detection of Cu(2+) ions based on fluorescence upconversion. A mesoporous silica shell is coated on upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and a Cu(2+) ion sensitive fluorescent probe, rhodamine B hydrazide, is incorporated into the mesoporous silica. Upon excitation by a NIR light, the UCNPs emit visible light to excite the Cu(2+)-sensitive fluorescent probe. Because of the unique optical properties of UCNPs and their ability to convert NIR light to visible light, this is a feasible method for sensitive and in-depth detection of Cu(2+) ions in a complex biological or environmental sample due to the low autofluorescence and the high penetration depth of NIR light.

Doxorubicin-conjugated mesoporous magnetic colloidal nanocrystal clusters stabilized by polysaccharide as a smart anticancer drug vehicle

Fabrication of magnetic nanocarriers that demonstrate enhanced biocompatibility and excellent colloidal stability is critical for the application of magnetic-motored drug delivery, and it remains a challenge. Herein, a novel approach to synthesize mesoporous magnetic colloidal nanocrystal clusters (MMCNCs) that are stabilized by agarose is described; these clusters demonstrate high magnetization, large surface area and pore volume, excellent colloidal stability, enhanced biocompatibility, and acid degradability. The hydroxyl groups of agarose, which cover the surface of the magnetic nanocrystals, are modified with vinyl groups, followed by click reaction with mercaptoacetyl hydrazine to form the terminal hydrazide (-CONHNH(2)). The anticancer agent doxorubicin (DOX) is then conjugated to MMCNCs through a hydrazone bond. The resulting hydrazone is acid cleavable, thereby providing a pH-sensitive drug release capability. This novel carrier provides an important step towards the construction of a new family of magnetic-motored drug-delivery systems. The experimental results show that the release rate of DOX from the DOX-conjugated MMCNCs (MMCNCs-DOX) is dramatically improved at low pH (tumor cell: pH 4-5 in the late stage of endolysosome and pH 5-6 from the early to late endosome), while almost no DOX is released at neutral pH (blood plasma). The cell cytotoxicity of the MMCNCs-DOX measured by MTT assay exhibits a comparable antitumor efficacy but lower cytotoxicity for normal cell lines, when measured against the free drug, thus achieving the aim of reducing side effects to normal tissues associated with controlled drug release.

Dual functions of highly potent graphene derivative-poly-L-lysine composites to inhibit bacteria and support human cells

Dual-function poly(L-lysine) (PLL) composites that function as antibacterial agents and promote the growth of human cell culture have been sought by researchers for a long period. In this paper, we report the preparation of new graphene derivative-PLL composites via electrostatic interactions and covalent bonding between graphene derivatives and PLL. The resulting composites were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The novel dual function of PLL composites, specifically antibacterial activity and biocompatibility with human cells [human adipose-derived stem cells and non-small-cell lung carcinoma cells (A549)], was carefully investigated. Graphene-DS-PLL composites composed of 4-carboxylic acid benzene diazonium salt (DS) generated more anionic carboxylic acid groups to bind to cationic PLLs, forming the most potent antibacterial agent among PLL and PLL composites with high biocompatibility with human cell culture. This dual functionality can be used to inhibit bacterial growth while enhancing human cell growth.

Multifunctional biodegradable polyacrylamide nanocarriers for cancer theranostics--a "see and treat" strategy

We describe here the development of multifunctional nanocarriers, based on amine-functionalized biodegradable polyacrylamide nanoparticles (NPs), for cancer theranostics, including active tumor targeting, fluorescence imaging, and photodynamic therapy. The structural design involves adding primary amino groups and biodegradable cross-linkers during the NP polymerization, while incorporating photodynamic and fluorescent imaging agents into the NP matrix, and conjugating PEG and tumor-targeting ligands onto the surface of the NPs. The as-synthesized NPs are spherical, with an average diameter of 44 nm. An accelerated biodegradation study, using sodium hydroxide or porcine liver esterase, indicated a hydrogel polymer matrix chain collapse within several days. By using gel permeation chromatography, small molecules were detected, after the degradation. In vitro targeting studies on human breast cancer cells indicate that the targeted NPs can be transported efficiently into tumor cells. Incubating the multifunctional nanocarriers into cancer cells enabled strong fluorescence imaging. Irradiation of the photosensitizing drug, incorporated within the NPs, with light of a suitable wavelength, causes significant but selective damage to the impregnated tumor cells, but only inside the illuminated areas. Overall, the potential of polymeric-based NPs as biodegradable, multifunctional nanocarriers, for cancer theranostics, is demonstrated here.

Development of mesoporous silica nanomaterials as a vehicle for anticancer drug delivery

The development of delivery vehicles that would carry therapeutic agents selectively to cancer cells has become an important focus in biomedical research. Nanoparticles have received much attention because the advances made in this field have resulted in multiple biocompatible materials. In particular, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) offer a solid framework with porous structure and high surface area that allows for the attachment of different functional groups. In this article we discuss the different surface modifications made to MSNs that have allowed for the construction of targeted nanoparticles to enhance accumulation and uptake in target sites, the incorporation of nanomachines for controlled cargo release and the combination with superparamagnetic metals for MRI cell labeling. We also discuss biocompatibility, biodistribution and drug-delivery efficacy of MSNs. Finally, we mention the construction of multifunctional nanoparticles that combine all of the previously examined nanoparticle modifications.

Microenvironments and different nanoparticle dynamics in living cells revealed by a standard nanoparticle

For quantitative analysis of nanoparticle diffusions and submicro-environments in living cells, use of newly synthesized silica-based fluorescent nanoparticle (Si-FNP) as a standard nanoprobe is successfully demonstrated. The appropriate characteristics of a standard probe were fully analyzed in vitro by single molecule detection, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. Using fluorescence correlation analysis in single living cells, we quantitatively compared the diffusional properties of the standard Si-FNP with a diameter of 50 nm, peptide coated Si-FNP, streptavidin coated Qdot, and GFP molecule which have different sizes and surface properties. The result demonstrates that the standard Si-FNP without coat is minimally trapped in the vesicles in the process of cellular endocytosis. Interestingly, a large proportion of Si-FNP introduced into the cells by electroporation diffuses freely in the cells during a cell cycle suggesting free diffusing NPs are hardly trapped in the vesicles. The simple but highly sensitive method will provide insight into strategies to understanding the hydrodynamic process of nanoparticle delivery into living cells as well as the cellular microenvironment in the view of submicro-size.

Conjugated polymer and gold nanoparticle co-loaded PLGA nanocomposites with eccentric internal nanostructure for dual-modal targeted cellular imaging

Herein is reported the one-step synthesis of an integrated nanocomposite with eccentrically loaded 5 nm gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and conjugated polymer of poly[9,9-bis(6'-N,N,N-trimethylammonium)hexyl)fluorenyldivinylene-alt-4,7-(2,1,3,- benzothiadiazole) dibromide] (PFVBT). The nanocomposite is generated with surface-functionalized folic acid groups due to the matrix polymer of PLGA-PEG(2000) -folate used for encapsulation. The nanocomposite shows far-red fluorescence from PFVBT and scattering signal from Au NPs. Although Au NPs have been widely reported to quench the fluorescence of conjugated polymers, the PFVBT fluorescence is well maintained in the nanocomposite due to the eccentric location of Au NPs. The folic acid groups at the nanocomposite surface favor its cellular uptake by MCF-7 breast cancer cells, which have overexpressed folate receptors on the cell membranes. In conjugation with its low cytotoxicity, the folic-acid-functionalized nanocomposite has been successfully utilized for fluorescence and dark-field dual-modal targeted cellular imaging.

Hybrid nanoparticles for detection and treatment of cancer

There is currently considerable effort to incorporate both diagnostic and therapeutic functions into a single nanoscale system for the more effective treatment of cancer. Nanoparticles have great potential to achieve such dual functions, particularly if more than one type of nanostructure can be incorporated in a nanoassembly, referred to in this review as a hybrid nanoparticle. Here we review recent developments in the synthesis and evaluation of such hybrid nanoparticles based on two design strategies (barge vs. tanker), in which liposomal, micellar, porous silica, polymeric, viral, noble metal, and nanotube systems are incorporated either within (barge) or at the surface of (tanker) a nanoparticle. We highlight the design factors that should be considered to obtain effective nanodevices for cancer detection and treatment.

Simultaneous nuclear imaging and intranuclear drug delivery by nuclear-targeted multifunctional upconversion nanoprobes

Nuclear-targeted therapy by delivering anticancer drug directly into cancer cell nuclei can elicit synergistic therapeutic effects and kill these cancer cells with much enhanced efficiencies. Besides nuclear targeting, another difficulty in nuclear-targeted therapy is how to achieve real-time monitoring of the therapy process simultaneously. In this article we report on the development of multifunctional upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) which were able to target cancer cell nuclei, and thus deliver the anticancer drug directly to the nuclear region and simultaneously image cell nucleus by magnetic resonance (MR)/upconversion fluorescent for real-time guidance of their therapeutic action simultaneously. The Er/Yb-doped NaYF(4) core and NaGdF(4) shell endow the core/shell structured UCNPs with enhanced upconversion fluorescent imaging and more sensitive T(1)-MR imaging performances, and the surface conjugation of TAT peptide served as a key role in the nuclear targeting and nuclear transport process. This multifunctional UCNPs-based nano-theranostic was used to improve the efficacy of DOX in Hela humor tumor models, by direct DOX delivery to the nucleus under the synchronous monitoring of the nano-theranostics. Further development of this technology may provide more exciting opportunities in treating cancer disease by nuclear-targeted therapy.

Hybrid BaYbF(5) nanoparticles: novel binary contrast agent for high-resolution in vivo X-ray computed tomography angiography

A novel CT contrast agent denoted as BaYbF(5) @SiO(2) @PEG is presented. The as-prepared nanoparticles exhibit significantly enhanced contrast efficacy relative to clinical iodinated agents and maintain higher X-ray attenuation at different voltages, suitable for diagnostic imaging of various patients. Prolonged circulation time in vivo and low toxicity mean the nanoparticles perform excellently in in-vivo X-ray CT angiography.

Biological evaluation of Fe₃O₄-poly(L-lactide)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(L-lactide) magnetic microspheres prepared in supercritical CO₂

The biocompatibility of Fe₃O₄-poly(L-lactide)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(L-lactide) magnetic microspheres (Fe₃O₄-PLLA-PEG-PLLA MMPs) prepared in a process of suspension-enhanced dispersion by supercritical CO₂ (SpEDS) was evaluated at various levels: cellular, molecular, and integrated. At the cellular level, the investigations of cytotoxicity and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation indicate that the polymer-coated MMPs (2.0 mg/mL) had a higher toxicity than uncoated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles, which led to about 20% loss of cell viability and an increase (0.2 fold) in ROS generation; the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, an opposite phenomenon was observed in tests of hemolysis, which showed that the MMPs displayed the weakest hemolytic activity, namely only about 6% at the highest concentration (20 mg/mL). This phenomenon reveals that polymer-coated MMPs created less toxicity in red blood cells than uncoated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. At the molecular level, the MMPs were shown to be less genotoxic than Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles by measuring the micronucleus (MN) frequency in CHO-K1 cells. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines demonstrates that polymer-coated MMPs elicited a less intense secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines than uncoated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. Acute toxicity tests of MMPs show quite a low toxicity, with an LD₅₀ > 1575.00 mg/kg. The evidence of low toxicity presented in the results indicates that the Fe₃O₄-PLLA-PEG-PLLA MMPs from the SpEDS process have great potential for use in biomedical applications.

The manipulation of natural killer cells to target tumor sites using magnetic nanoparticles

The present work demonstrates that Cy5.5 conjugated Fe(3)O(4)/SiO(2) core/shell nanoparticles could allow us to control movement of human natural killer cells (NK-92MI) by an external magnetic field. Required concentration of the nanoparticles for the cell manipulation is as low as ~20 μg Fe/mL. However, the relative ratio of the nanoparticles loaded NK-92MI cells infiltrated into the target tumor site is enhanced by 17-fold by applying magnetic field and their killing activity is still maintained as same as the NK-92MI cells without the nanoparticles. This approach allows us to open alternative clinical treatment with reduced toxicity of the nanoparticles and enhanced infiltration of immunology to the target site.

Synthesis of monodisperse, hierarchically mesoporous, silica microspheres embedded with magnetic nanoparticles

We report a preparation method for the synthesis of monodisperse magnetic polymer/silica hybrid microspheres using polymer microspheres incorporated with magnetic nanoparticles as a novel template. Monodisperse, hierarchically mesoporous, silica microspheres embedded with magnetic nanoparticles were successfully fabricated after the calcination of the hybrid microspheres. The magnetic nanoparticles were encapsulated in silica and distributed over the whole area of the porous microspheres without leakage. The resulting inorganic materials possess highly useful properties such as high magnetic nanoparticle loading, high surface area, and large pore volumes. The hierarchically mesoporous magnetic silica microspheres resulted in a high bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein adsorption capacity (260 mg/g) and a fast adsorption rate (reaching equilibrium with 8 h).

Nanoparticles in targeted cancer therapy: mesoporous silica nanoparticles entering preclinical development stage

Nanotechnology may help overcome persisting limitations of current cancer treatment and thus contribute to the creation of more effective, safer and more affordable therapies. While some nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems are already being marketed and others are in clinical trial, most still remain in the preclinical development stage. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles have been highlighted as an interesting drug delivery platform, due to their flexibility and high drug load potential. Although numerous reports demonstrate sophisticated drug delivery mechanisms in vitro, the therapeutic benefit of these systems for in vivo applications have been under continuous debate. This has been due to nontranslatable conditions used in the in vitro studies, as well as contradictory conclusions drawn from preclinical (in vivo) studies. However, recent studies have indicated that the encouraging cellular studies could in fact be repeated also in vivo. Here, we report on these recent advances regarding therapeutic efficacy, targeting and safety issues related to the application of mesoporous silica nanoparticles in cancer therapy.

Biological applications of magnetic nanoparticles

In this review an overview about biological applications of magnetic colloidal nanoparticles will be given, which comprises their synthesis, characterization, and in vitro and in vivo applications. The potential future role of magnetic nanoparticles compared to other functional nanoparticles will be discussed by highlighting the possibility of integration with other nanostructures and with existing biotechnology as well as by pointing out the specific properties of magnetic colloids. Current limitations in the fabrication process and issues related with the outcome of the particles in the body will be also pointed out in order to address the remaining challenges for an extended application of magnetic nanoparticles in medicine.

General one-pot strategy to prepare multifunctional nanocomposites with hydrophilic colloidal nanoparticles core/mesoporous silica shell structure

A general and facile strategy was developed to coat hydrophilic inorganic nanoparticles directly with mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). The cationic surfactant of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was adsorbed to various negatively charged CdTe quantum dots, Fe(3)O(4) nanocrystals or Au nanoparticles, introducing the bilayer of CTAB overcoating with positive charge. The subsequent sol-gel reaction of TEOS with the basic catalyst resulted in uniform nanocomposites. The concentration of CTAB and NH(4)OH in the recipe strongly influenced the number of inorganic nanoparticles in the nanocomposites and the homogeneity of MSNs shell. One dimensional Au nanorods and larger size of solid SiO(2) nanoparticles were also able to coat with MSNs using a similar synthetic procedure. The proposed method was greatly simplified without the help of any mediators or silane coupling agents and excellent mesostructural performance was readily achieved. Compared to the methods known from the literatures for the coating of hydrophobic nanoparticles, this efficient way is especially useful for trapping different hydrophilic nanoparticles with arbitrary sizes and shapes into MSNs. These highly versatile multifunctional nanocomposites, together with the pH-responsible drug release behaviors, non-toxicity to normal cells and ease of uptake into cancer cells, are expected to be utilized as drug delivery system for simultaneous imaging and therapeutic applications.

Photocytotoxicity and magnetic relaxivity responses of dual-porous γ-Fe2O3@meso-SiO2 microspheres

Novel high magnetization microspheres with porous γ-Fe(2)O(3) core and porous SiO(2) shell were synthesized using a templating method, whereas the size of the magnetic core and the thickness of the porous shell can be controlled by tuning the experimental parameters. By way of an example, as-prepared γ-Fe(2)O(3)@meso-SiO(2) microspheres (170 nm) display excellent water-dispersity and show photonic characteristics under externally applied a magnetic field. The magnetic property of the γ-Fe(2)O(3) porous core enables the microspheres to be used as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging with a high r(2) (76.5 s(-1) mM(-1) Fe) relaxivity. The biocompatible composites possess a large BET surface area (222.3 m(2)/g), demonstrating that they can be used as a bifunctional agent for both MRI and drug carrier. Because of the high substrate loading of the magnetic, dual-porous materials, only a low dosage of the substrate will be acquired for potential practical applications. Hydrophobic zinc(II) phthalocyanine (ZnPC) photosensitizing molecules have been encapsulated into the dual-porous microspheres to form γ-Fe(2)O(3)@meso-SiO(2)-ZnPC microspheres. Biosafety, cellular uptake in HT29 cells, and in vitro MRI of these nanoparticles have been demonstrated. Photocytotoxicity (λ > 610 nm) of the HT29 cells uptaken with γ-Fe(2)O(3)@meso-SiO(2)-ZnPC microspheres has been demonstrated for 20 min illumination.