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Zhang HJ, Zhou HR, Pan W, Wang C, Liu YY, Yang L, Tsz-Ki Tsui M, Miao AJ. Accumulation of nanoplastics in human cells as visualized and quantified by hyperspectral imaging with enhanced dark-field microscopy. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 179:108134. [PMID: 37595538 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastic (NP) pollution is receiving increasing attention regarding its potential effects on human health. The identification and quantification of intracellular NPs are prerequisites for an accurate risk assessment, but appropriate methods are lacking. Here we present a label-free technique to simultaneously visualize and quantify the bioaccumulation of NPs based on hyperspectral imaging with enhanced dark-field microscopy (HSI-DFM). Using polystyrene NPs (PS NPs) as representative particles, the construction of a hyperspectral library was optimized first with more accurate NP identification achieved when the library was based on intracellular instead of extracellular PS NPs. The PS NPs used herein were labeled with a green fluorescent dye so that the accuracy of HSI-DFM in identifying and quantifying intracellular NPs can be evaluated, by comparing the results with those obtained by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The validation of HSI-DFM for use in determinations of the NP concentration at the single-cell level allows analyses of the accumulation kinetics of NPs in single living cells. The utility of HSI-DFM in different cell lines and with NPs differing in their chemical composition was also demonstrated. HSI-DFM therefore provides a new approach to studies of the accumulation and distribution of NPs in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210023, China
| | - Hao-Ran Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210023, China; Bureau of Hydrology, Changjiang Water Resources Commission, Ministry of Water Resources of People's Republic of China, Wuhan 430010, China
| | - Wei Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210023, China
| | - Chuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210023, China
| | - Yue-Yue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210023, China
| | - Liuyan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210023, China
| | - Martin Tsz-Ki Tsui
- School of Life Sciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences Programme, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Ai-Jun Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210023, China.
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2
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Sebastian S, Hoffmann MK, Howard D, Young C, Washington J, Unterweger H, Alexiou C, Turnbull T, D’Andrea R, Hoffmann P, Kempson I. Kinetic Effects of Transferrin-Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles on the Antioxidant Glutathione-Thioredoxin Pathway. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1617. [PMID: 37627612 PMCID: PMC10451790 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticle-based therapeutics are being clinically translated for treating cancer. Even when thought to be biocompatible, nanoparticles are being increasingly identified as altering cell regulation and homeostasis. Antioxidant pathways are important for maintaining cell redox homeostasis and play important roles by maintaining ROS levels within tolerable ranges. Here, we sought to understand how a model of a relatively inert nanoparticle without any therapeutic agent itself could antagonize a cancer cell lines' antioxidant mechanism. A label-free protein expression approach was used to assess the glutathione-thioredoxin antioxidative pathway in a prostate cancer cell line (PC-3) after exposure to gold nanoparticles conjugated with a targeting moiety (transferrin). The impact of the nanoparticles was also corroborated through morphological analysis with TEM and classification of pro-apoptotic cells by way of the sub-G0/G1 population via the cell cycle and annexin V apoptosis assay. After a two-hour exposure to nanoparticles, major proteins associated with the glutathione-thioredoxin antioxidant pathway were downregulated. However, this response was acute, and in terms of protein expression, cells quickly recovered within 24 h once nanoparticle exposure ceased. The impact on PRDX-family proteins appears as the most influential factor in how these nanoparticles induced an oxidative stress response in the PC-3 cells. An apparent adaptive response was observed if exposure to nanoparticles continued. Acute exposure was observed to have a detrimental effect on cell viability compared to continuously exposed cells. Nanoparticle effects on cell regulation likely provide a compounding therapeutic advantage under some circumstances, in addition to the action of any cytotoxic agents; however, any therapeutic advantage offered by nanoparticles themselves with regard to vulnerabilities specific to the glutathione-thioredoxin antioxidative pathway is highly temporal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Sebastian
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5095, Australia; (S.S.); (D.H.); (T.T.)
- Clinical Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (M.K.H.); (C.Y.); (P.H.)
| | - Manuela Klingler Hoffmann
- Clinical Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (M.K.H.); (C.Y.); (P.H.)
- Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics Group, Clinical Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Douglas Howard
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5095, Australia; (S.S.); (D.H.); (T.T.)
| | - Clifford Young
- Clinical Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (M.K.H.); (C.Y.); (P.H.)
- Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics Group, Clinical Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Jenni Washington
- Clinical Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (M.K.H.); (C.Y.); (P.H.)
- Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics Group, Clinical Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Harald Unterweger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine (SEON), Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung Professorship, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (H.U.); (C.A.)
| | - Christoph Alexiou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine (SEON), Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung Professorship, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (H.U.); (C.A.)
| | - Tyron Turnbull
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5095, Australia; (S.S.); (D.H.); (T.T.)
| | - Richard D’Andrea
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia;
| | - Peter Hoffmann
- Clinical Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (M.K.H.); (C.Y.); (P.H.)
- Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics Group, Clinical Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Ivan Kempson
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5095, Australia; (S.S.); (D.H.); (T.T.)
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3
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Frickenstein AN, Mukherjee S, Harcourt T, He Y, Sheth V, Wang L, Malik Z, Wilhelm S. Quantification of monodisperse and biocompatible gold nanoparticles by single-particle ICP-MS. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023; 415:4353-4366. [PMID: 36670192 PMCID: PMC10645370 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04540-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Bioanalytical and biomedical applications often require nanoparticles that exhibit narrow size distributions and biocompatibility. Here, we demonstrate how different synthesis methods affect gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) monodispersity and cytotoxicity. Using single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS), we found that the size distribution of AuNPs synthesized with a cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) cap was significantly improved compared to AuNPs synthesized with citrate capping agents. We determined an up to 4× decrease in the full width at half maximum (FWHM) value of the normal distributions of AuNP diameter and up to a 12% decrease in relative standard deviation (RSD). While the CTAC-capped AuNPs exhibit narrow nanoparticle size distributions, they are cytotoxic, which limits safe and effective bioanalytical and biomedical applications. We sought to impart biocompatibility to CTAC-capped AuNPs through a PEGylation-based surface ligand exchange. We developed a unique ligand exchange method driven by physical force. We demonstrated the successful PEGylation using various PEG derivatives and used these PEGylated nanoparticles to further bioconjugate nucleic acids and peptides. Using cell viability quantification, we confirmed that the monodisperse PEGylated AuNPs were biocompatible. Our monodisperse and biocompatible nanoparticles may advance safe and effective bioanalytical and biomedical applications of nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex N Frickenstein
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Shirsha Mukherjee
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Tekena Harcourt
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Yuxin He
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Vinit Sheth
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Lin Wang
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Zain Malik
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Stefan Wilhelm
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA.
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Technology (IBEST), University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA.
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4
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Dowling CV, Cevaal PM, Faria M, Johnston ST. On predicting heterogeneity in nanoparticle dosage. Math Biosci 2022; 354:108928. [PMID: 36334785 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2022.108928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticles are increasingly employed as a vehicle for the targeted delivery of therapeutics to specific cell types. However, much remains to be discovered about the fundamental biology that dictates the interactions between nanoparticles and cells. Accordingly, few nanoparticle-based targeted therapeutics have succeeded in clinical trials. One element that hinders our understanding of nanoparticle-cell interactions is the presence of heterogeneity in nanoparticle dosage data obtained from standard experiments. It is difficult to distinguish between heterogeneity that arises from stochasticity in nanoparticle-cell interactions, and that which arises from heterogeneity in the cell population. Mathematical investigations have revealed that both sources of heterogeneity contribute meaningfully to the heterogeneity in nanoparticle dosage. However, these investigations have relied on simplified models of nanoparticle internalisation. Here we present a stochastic mathematical model of nanoparticle internalisation that incorporates a suite of relevant biological phenomena such as multistage internalisation, cell division, asymmetric nanoparticle inheritance and nanoparticle saturation. Critically, our model provides information about nanoparticle dosage at an individual cell level. We perform model simulations to examine the influence of specific biological phenomena on the heterogeneity in nanoparticle dosage in the absence of heterogeneity in the cell population. Under certain modelling assumptions, we derive analytic approximations of the nanoparticle dosage distribution. We demonstrate that the analytic approximations are accurate, and show that nanoparticle dosage can be described by a Poisson mixture distribution with rate parameters that are a function of Beta-distributed random variables. We discuss the implications of the analytic results with respect to parameter estimation and model identifiability from standard experimental data. Finally, we highlight extensions and directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia V Dowling
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paula M Cevaal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Australia
| | - Matthew Faria
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stuart T Johnston
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Australia.
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5
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Wang C, Zhou HR, Zhao YT, Xiang ZQ, Pan K, Yang L, Miao AJ. A label-free technique to quantify and visualize gold nanoparticle accumulation at the single-cell level. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 302:134857. [PMID: 35561767 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite their wide bioapplications, potential health risks of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) remain unclear. As a determinant of their risks, AuNP accumulation within a cell population is subject to cell-to-cell heterogeneity. Methods to simultaneously quantify and visualize intracellular AuNPs at the single-cell level are, however, lacking. Here we developed a novel label-free technique, based on hyperspectral imaging with enhanced darkfield microscopy (HSI-DFM), to visualize and quantify AuNP accumulation at the single-cell level. The identification ability of the hyperspectral libraries derived from extra- and intracellular AuNPs was compared. The spectral number in the libraries was optimized to maximize their identification ability while minimizing the identification time. In addition, a filtration method was established to merge spectral libraries from different cell lines based on their similarity. The intracellularly accumulated AuNPs as determined by HSI-DFM well correlated with those detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. This validation allowed us to calculate the intracellular concentration of AuNPs at the single-cell level and to monitor the accumulation kinetics of AuNPs in living cells. The label-free method developed herein can be applied to other types of AuNPs differing in their physicochemical properties as well as other NPs, as long as they are detectable by HSI-DFM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210023, China
| | - Hao-Ran Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210023, China
| | - Ya-Tong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210023, China
| | - Zhi-Qian Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210023, China
| | - Ke Pan
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Liuyan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210023, China
| | - Ai-Jun Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210023, China.
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6
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Howard D, Turnbull T, Paterson DJ, Thierry B, Kempson I. Cell Size as a Primary Determinant in Targeted Nanoparticle Uptake. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:4222-4231. [PMID: 36027561 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticle (NP) internalization by cells is complex, highly heterogeneous, and fundamentally important for nanomedicine. We report powerful probabilistic statistics from single-cell data on quantitative NP uptake of PEG-coated transferrin receptor-targeted gold NPs for cancer-derived and fibroblast cells according to their cell size, receptor expression, and receptor density. The smaller cancer cells had a greater receptor density and more efficient uptake of targeted NPs. However, simply due to fibroblasts being larger with more receptors, they exhibited greater NP uptake. While highly heterogeneous, targeted NP uptake strongly correlated with receptor expression. When uptake was normalized to cell size, no correlation existed. Consequently, skewed population distributions in cell sizes explain the distribution in NP uptake. Furthermore, exposure to the transferrin receptor-targeted NPs alters the fibroblast size and receptor expression, suggesting that the receptor-targeted NPs may interfere with the metabolic flux and nutrient exchange, which could assist in explaining the altered regulation of cells exposed to nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Howard
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, Salisbury, South Australia 5095, Australia
| | - Tyron Turnbull
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, Salisbury, South Australia 5095, Australia
| | - David J Paterson
- Australian Synchrotron, ANSTO, 800 Blackburn Road, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Benjamin Thierry
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, Salisbury, South Australia 5095, Australia
| | - Ivan Kempson
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, Salisbury, South Australia 5095, Australia
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7
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Tabatabaie F, Franich R, Feltis B, Geso M. Oxidative Damage to Mitochondria Enhanced by Ionising Radiation and Gold Nanoparticles in Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136887. [PMID: 35805905 PMCID: PMC9266628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) can increase the efficacy of radiation therapy by sensitising tumor cells to radiation damage. When used in combination with radiation, AuNPs enhance the rate of cell killing; hence, they may be of great value in radiotherapy. This study assessed the effects of radiation and AuNPs on mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in cancer cells as an adjunct therapeutic target in addition to the DNA of the cell. Mitochondria are considered one of the primary sources of cellular ROS. High levels of ROS can result in an intracellular state of oxidative stress, leading to permanent cell damage. In this study, human melanoma and prostate cancer cell lines, with and without AuNPs, were irradiated with 6-Megavolt X-rays at doses of 0–8 Gy. Indicators of mitochondrial stress were quantified using two techniques, and were found to be significantly increased by the inclusion of AuNPs in both cell lines. Radiobiological damage to mitochondria was quantified via increased ROS activity. The ROS production by mitochondria in cells was enhanced by the inclusion of AuNPs, peaking at ~4 Gy and then decreasing at higher doses. This increased mitochondrial stress may lead to more effectively kill of AuNP-treated cells, further enhancing the applicability of functionally-guided nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Tabatabaie
- School of Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia;
| | - Rick Franich
- School of Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia;
- Correspondence: (R.F.); (M.G.); Tel.: +61-401-730-320 (R.F.); +61-3-9925-7991 (M.G.)
| | - Bryce Feltis
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia;
| | - Moshi Geso
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia;
- Correspondence: (R.F.); (M.G.); Tel.: +61-401-730-320 (R.F.); +61-3-9925-7991 (M.G.)
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Ghasemi M, Turnbull T, Sebastian S, Kempson I. The MTT Assay: Utility, Limitations, Pitfalls, and Interpretation in Bulk and Single-Cell Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12827. [PMID: 34884632 PMCID: PMC8657538 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The MTT assay for cellular metabolic activity is almost ubiquitous to studies of cell toxicity; however, it is commonly applied and interpreted erroneously. We investigated the applicability and limitations of the MTT assay in representing treatment toxicity, cell viability, and metabolic activity. We evaluated the effect of potential confounding variables on the MTT assay measurements on a prostate cancer cell line (PC-3) including cell seeding number, MTT concentration, MTT incubation time, serum starvation, cell culture media composition, released intracellular contents (cell lysate and secretome), and extrusion of formazan to the extracellular space. We also assessed the confounding effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) as a tested treatment in PC-3 cells on the assay measurements. We additionally evaluated the applicability of microscopic image cytometry as a tool for measuring intracellular MTT reduction at the single-cell level. Our findings show that the assay measurements are a result of a complicated process dependant on many of the above-mentioned factors, and therefore, optimization of the assay and rational interpretation of the data is necessary to prevent misleading conclusions on variables such as cell viability, treatment toxicity, and/or cell metabolism. We conclude, with recommendations on how to apply the assay and a perspective on where the utility of the assay is a powerful tool, but likewise where it has limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ivan Kempson
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5095, Australia; (M.G.); (T.T.); (S.S.)
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Huynh M, Kempson I, Bezak E, Phillips W. Predictive modeling of hypoxic head and neck cancers during fractionated radiotherapy with gold nanoparticle radiosensitization. Med Phys 2021; 48:3120-3133. [PMID: 33818799 DOI: 10.1002/mp.14872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Intrinsic radioresistance and increased proliferation rates in head and neck cancers (HNCs) are associated with negative radiotherapy (RT) treatment responses. The use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as radiosensitizers could enable total radiation dose reduction and lowered radiation toxicity. AuNP radiosensitization may overcome hypoxia-induced radioresistance and treatment-induced accelerated repopulation of cancer cells in HNCs, improving radiotherapy outcomes. METHODS Tumor control was determined by considering individual cancer cell responses in probabilistic computational simulations using HYP-RT software for clinical radiotherapy doses and fractionation schedules along with three different nanoparticle administration schedules. Antagonistic tumor hypoxia and rapid tumor regrowth due to accelerated repopulation of cancers cells were taken into consideration. RESULTS Simulations indicate that tumors that are conventionally uncontrollable can be controlled with AuNP radiosensitization. In simulations where the absence of AuNPs required radiotherapy doses above standard clinical prescriptions, reoccurring AuNP administration allowed for radiation dose reductions below standard clinical dose prescriptions. For example, considering a 2 Gy per fraction radiotherapy schedule, tumor control was achieved with 57.2 ± 5.1 Gy (P = <0.0001) for weekly AuNP administration and 53.0 ± 4.0 Gy (P = <0.0001) for biweekly AuNP administration compared to 69.9 ± 5.8 Gy with no radiosensitization. CONCLUSIONS AuNPs decreased the predicted RT total doses required to achieve tumor control via total stem cell elimination, offering an optimistic prediction and method for which hypoxia-induced and rapidly growing radioresistant tumors are treated more effectively. Outcomes are also shown to be sensitive to the RT schedule with data for hyperfractionated RT indicating the greatest benefits from radiosensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myxuan Huynh
- Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Ivan Kempson
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, 5095, Australia
| | - Eva Bezak
- Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Department of Physics, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Wendy Phillips
- Department of Physics, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Department of Medical Physics, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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10
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Huynh M, Kempson I, Bezak E, Phillips W. In silico modeling of cellular probabilistic nanoparticle radiosensitization in head and neck cancers. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2020; 15:2837-2850. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2020-0301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as radiosensitizers may offer a new approach in the treatment of head and neck cancers; minimizing treatment-associated toxicities and improving patient outcomes. AuNPs promote localized dose deposition; permitting improved local control and/or dose reduction. Aim: This work aimed to address the theoretical optimization of radiation doses, fractionation and nanoparticle injection schedules to maximize therapeutic benefits. Materials & methods: Probabilistic nanoparticle sensitization factors were incorporated into the individual cell-based HYP-RT computer model of tumor growth and radiotherapy. Results: Total dose outcomes across all radiation therapy treatment regimens were found to be significantly reduced with the presence of AuNPs, with bi-weekly injections showing the most decrease. Conclusion: Outcomes suggest the need for regular AuNP administration to permit effective radiosensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myxuan Huynh
- Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ivan Kempson
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes 5095, South Australia, Australia
| | - Eva Bezak
- Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Department of Physics, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Wendy Phillips
- Department of Physics, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Department of Medical Physics, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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11
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Kempson I. Mechanisms of nanoparticle radiosensitization. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 13:e1656. [PMID: 32686321 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Metal-based nanoparticles applied to potentiating the effects of radiotherapy have drawn significant attention from the research community and are now available clinically. By improving our mechanistic understanding, nanoparticles are likely to evolve to provide very significant improvements in radiotherapy outcomes with only incremental increase in cost. This review critically assesses the inconsistent observations surrounding physical, physicochemical, chemical and biological mechanisms of radiosensitization. In doing so, a number of needs are identified for continuing research and are highlighted. The large degree of variability from one nanoparticle to another emphasizes that it is a mistake to generalize nanoparticle radiosensitizer mechanisms. Nanoparticle formulations should be considered in an analogous way as pharmacological agents and as a broad class of therapeutic agents, needing to be considered with a high degree of individuality with respect to their interactions and ultimate impact on radiobiological response. In the same way that no universal anti-cancer drug exists, it is unlikely that a single nanoparticle formulation will lead to the best therapeutic outcomes for all cancers. The high degree of complexity and variability in mechanistic action provides notable opportunities for nanoparticle formulations to be optimized for specific indications. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Kempson
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia
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12
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Peukert D, Kempson I, Douglass M, Bezak E. Modelling Spatial Scales of Dose Deposition and Radiolysis Products from Gold Nanoparticle Sensitisation of Proton Therapy in A Cell: From Intracellular Structures to Adjacent Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124431. [PMID: 32580352 PMCID: PMC7353008 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gold nanoparticle (GNP) enhanced proton therapy is a promising treatment concept offering increased therapeutic effect. It has been demonstrated in experiments which provided indications that reactive species play a major role. Simulations of the radiolysis yield from GNPs within a cell model were performed using the Geant4 toolkit. The effect of GNP cluster size, distribution and number, cell and nuclear membrane absorption and intercellular yields were evaluated. It was found that clusters distributed near the nucleus increased the nucleus yield by 91% while reducing the cytoplasm yield by 7% relative to a disperse distribution. Smaller cluster sizes increased the yield, 200 nm clusters had nucleus and cytoplasm yields 117% and 35% greater than 500 nm clusters. Nuclear membrane absorption reduced the cytoplasm and nucleus yields by 8% and 35% respectively to a permeable membrane. Intercellular enhancement was negligible. Smaller GNP clusters delivered near sub-cellular targets maximise radiosensitisation. Nuclear membrane absorption reduces the nucleus yield, but can damage the membrane providing another potential pathway for biological effect. The minimal effect on adjacent cells demonstrates that GNPs provide a targeted enhancement for proton therapy, only effecting cells with GNPs internalised. The provided quantitative data will aid further experiments and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Peukert
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia;
- Division of ITEE, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Ivan Kempson
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia;
| | - Michael Douglass
- Department of Medical Physics, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia;
- Department of Physics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
| | - Eva Bezak
- Department of Physics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
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Howard D, Sebastian S, Le QVC, Thierry B, Kempson I. Chemical Mechanisms of Nanoparticle Radiosensitization and Radioprotection: A Review of Structure-Function Relationships Influencing Reactive Oxygen Species. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E579. [PMID: 31963205 PMCID: PMC7013516 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Metal nanoparticles are of increasing interest with respect to radiosensitization. The physical mechanisms of dose enhancement from X-rays interacting with nanoparticles has been well described theoretically, however have been insufficient in adequately explaining radiobiological response. Further confounding experimental observations is examples of radioprotection. Consequently, other mechanisms have gained increasing attention, especially via enhanced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to chemical-based mechanisms. Despite the large number of variables differing between published studies, a consensus identifies ROS-related mechanisms as being of significant importance. Understanding the structure-function relationship in enhancing ROS generation will guide optimization of metal nanoparticle radiosensitisers with respect to maximizing oxidative damage to cancer cells. This review highlights the physico-chemical mechanisms involved in enhancing ROS, commonly used assays and experimental considerations, variables involved in enhancing ROS generation and damage to cells and identifies current gaps in the literature that deserve attention. ROS generation and the radiobiological effects are shown to be highly complex with respect to nanoparticle physico-chemical properties and their fate within cells. There are a number of potential biological targets impacted by enhancing, or scavenging, ROS which add significant complexity to directly linking specific nanoparticle properties to a macroscale radiobiological result.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ivan Kempson
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes 5095, Australia; (D.H.); (B.T.)
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