Chitosan as stabilizing agent for negatively charged nanoparticles

Influences of carboxymethyl chitosan upon stabilization and gelation of O/W Pickering emulsions in the presence of inorganic salts

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) on the stabilization and gelation of oil-in-water (O/W) Pickering emulsions (PEs) with polyphenol-amino acid particles in the presence of inorganic salts. The results revealed that the CMCS-induced depletion interactions contributed to improving the emulsification ability and interfacial adsorption efficiency of polyphenol-amino acid particles as well as constructing the network structures in the continuous phase. These relevant changes collectively resulted in elevating stability, viscosity and moduli of PEs. The additional effects of different inorganic salts with varying additions were further investigated, and the addition-dependent phenomena were observed. At low additions of inorganic salts, the occurrence of the chelation of inorganic salts with CMCS consolidated the constructed network structure, favorable to the gelation of PEs. With increasing additions, this chelation effect became stronger which compromised the CMCS-induced depletion, gradually leading to destabilization of PEs. In terms of ion species, the more pronounced effect on emulsion stability was achieved with calcium ions than with potassium and iron ions. This study expects to provide a new perspective on the extending application of cationic CMCS for improving the stability of O/W PEs in the food industry.

Chitosan-based oral hydrogel formulations of β-galactosidase to improve enzyme supplementation therapy for lactose intolerance

β-Galactosidase supplementation plays an important role in the life of people with lactose intolerance. However, these formulations are rendered ineffective by the low pH and pepsin in the stomach and pancreatic proteases in the intestine. Therefore, it is necessary to develop oral transport systems for carrying this enzyme in the active form up to the intestine, where the lactose digestion occurs. In this research, a new hydrogel was developed that could potentially be used for enzyme supplement therapy. In this regard, the chitosan-based β-Gal formulations described in the manuscript are an alternative long-acting preparation to the so far available preparations that allow for enzyme protection and mucosal targeting. These hydrogels were prepared from chitosan and polyethylene glycol and contained a covalently immobilized β-galactosidase from Aspergillus oryzae. The β-galactosidase in the hydrogel was protected from degradation in a gastric medium at a pH of 2.5 and retained 75 % of its original activity under subsequent intestinal conditions. In the case of a simulated gastric fluid with a pH of 1.5, a copolymer containing methacrylic acid functional groups was sufficient to protect the hybrid hydrogel from the extremely acidic pH. In addition, the surface of the hydrogel was chemically modified with thiol and amidine groups, which increased the binding to intestinal mucin by 20 % compared with the unmodified hydrogel. These results represent a promising approach for oral transport as a reservoir for β-galactosidase in the small intestine to reduce the symptoms of hypolactasia.

The Commonly Used Stabilizers for Phytochemical-Based Nanoparticles: Stabilization Effects, Mechanisms, and Applications

Phytochemicals, such as resveratrol, curcumin, and quercetin, have many benefits for health, but most of them have a low bioavailability due to their poor water solubility and stability, quick metabolism, and clearance, which restricts the scope of their potential applications. To overcome these issues, different types of nanoparticles (NPs), especially biocompatible and biodegradable NPs, have been developed. NPs can carry phytochemicals and increase their solubility, stability, target specificity, and oral bioavailability. However, NPs are prone to irreversible aggregation, which leads to NP instability and loss of functions. To remedy this shortcoming, stabilizers like polymers and surfactants are incorporated on NPs. Stabilizers not only increase the stability of NPs, but also improve their characteristics. The current review focused on discussing the state of the art in research on synthesizing phytochemical-based NPs and their commonly employed stabilizers. Furthermore, stabilizers in these NPs were also discussed in terms of their applications, effects, and underlying mechanisms. This review aimed to provide more references for developing stabilizers and NPs for future research.

Plasmonic surface-enhanced Raman scattering nano-substrates for detection of anionic environmental contaminants: Current progress and future perspectives

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful technique of vibrational spectroscopy based on the inelastic scattering of incident photons by molecular species. It has unique properties such as ultra-sensitivity, selectivity, non-destructivity, speed, and fingerprinting properties for analytical and sensing applications. This enables SERS to be widely used in real-world sample analysis and basic plasmonic mechanistic studies. However, the desirable properties of SERS are compromised by the high cost and low reproducibility of the signals. The development of multifunctional, stable and reusable nano-engineered SERS substrates is a viable solution to circumvent these drawbacks. Recently, plasmonic SERS active nano-substrates with various morphologies have attracted the attention of researchers due to promising properties such as the formation of dense hot spots, additional stability, tunable and controlled morphology, and surface functionalization. This comprehensive review focused on the current advances in the field of SERS active nanosubstrates suitable for the detection and quantification of anionic environmental pollutants. The common fabrication methods, including the techniques for morphological adjustments and surface modification, substrate categories, and the design of nanotechnologically fabricated plasmonic SERS substrates for anion detection are systematically presented. Here, the need for the design, synthesis, and functionalization of SERS nano-substrates for anions of great environmental importance is explained in detail. In addition, the broad categories of SERS nano-substrates, namely colloid-based SERS substrates and solid-support SERS substrates are discussed. Moreover, a brief discussion of SERS detection of certain anionic pollutants in the environment is presented. Finally, the prospects in the fabrication and commercialization of pilot-scale handheld SERS sensors and the construction of smart nanosubstrates integrated with novel amplifying materials for the detection of anions of environmental and health concern are proposed.

Dual size/charge-switchable and multi-responsive gelatin-based nanocluster for targeted anti-tumor therapy

Biopolymers with excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability show great potential for designing drug nanocarriers, while it's difficult to fabricate smart vehicles with multiple switching (size, surface, shape) based on biopolymers alone. Here, we report a dual size/charge-switchable and multi-responsive doxorubicin-loaded gelatin-based nanocluster (DOX-icluster) for improved tumor penetration and targeted anti-tumor therapy. The DOX-icluster was electrostatically assembled from folic acid and dimethylmaleic anhydride modified gelatin (FA-GelDMA) and small-sized DOX-loaded NH₂ modified hollow mesoporous organosilicon nanoparticles (DOX-HMON-NH₂). DOX-icluster had an initial size of about 199 nm at neutral pH. After accumulation in tumor tissue, the DMA bond of FA-GelDMA was cleaved and gelatin was degraded by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2), thus 48 nm and positively charged DOX-HMON-NH₂ was released to facilitate penetration and cell internalization. DOX-HMON-NH₂ was further degraded by intracellular glutathione (GSH) with releasing 48.1 % of DOX. The cellular uptake results indicated that the fabricated icluster promoted the uptake of DOX by 4T1 cells. With enhanced penetration efficacy, the tumor spheroids volume treated with DOX-icluster was reduced to 15.1 % on day 7. This cytocompatible multi-responsive gelatin-based icluster with size-shrinking and charge-reversible characteristics may be used as a significant drug carrier for tumor therapy.

Structural characterization, stability, and cytocompatibility study of chitosan BaTiO3@ZnO:Er heterostructures

New imaging agents are required in cancer diagnosis to enhance the diagnostic accuracy, classification, and therapeutic management of tumors. Nanomaterials have emerged as a promising alternative to developing new nanostructures with imaging applications. In this study, a heterostructure based on barium titanate (BT), zinc oxide (ZnO), and erbium (Er) was prepared and coated with Chitosan (CS) to investigate their stability and compatibility with biological systems. The structure, particle morphology, luminescence properties, stability, and cytotoxicity of different nanoparticles (NPs) were assessed. The results demonstrated the formation of a [BT@ZnO:Er]-CS heterostructure, which is consistent with the relative intensities and positions of peaks in the X-ray diffraction (XRD) with an average crystallite size of ~76 nm. The electrokinetic measurement results indicate that the coated NPs are the most stable and have an average size close to 200 nm when the pH is between 3 and 5. Finally, we presented a cytotoxicity study of naked and CS-coated NPs. The results indicate that naked NPs exhibit varying cellular toxicity, as indicated by decreased cell viability, morphological changes, and an increase in an apoptotic marker. The CS-coated NPs prevented the cytotoxic effect of the naked NPs, demonstrating the significance of CS as a stabilizing agent.

Synthesis of Cellulose Nanoparticles from Ionic Liquid Solutions for Biomedical Applications

A method for the synthesis of cellulose nanoparticles using the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate has been optimised. The use of a highly biocompatible biopolymer such as cellulose, together with the use of an ionic liquid, makes this method a promising way to obtain nanoparticles with good capability for drug carrying. The operating conditions of the synthesis have been optimised based on the average hydrodynamic diameter, the polydispersity index, determined by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and the Z-potential, obtained by phase analysis light scattering (PALS), to obtain cellulose nanoparticles suitable for use in biomedicine. The obtained cellulose nanoparticles have been characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) with attenuated total reflectance (ATR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA). Finally, cell viability studies have been performed with a cancer cell line (HeLa) and with a healthy cell line (EA.hy926). These have shown that the cellulose nanoparticles obtained are not cytotoxic in the concentration range of the studied nanoparticles. The results obtained in this work constitute a starting point for future studies on the use of cellulose nanoparticles, synthesised from ionic liquids, for biomedical applications such as targeted drug release or controlled drug release.

Multiple Roles of Chitosan in Mucosal Drug Delivery: An Updated Review

Chitosan (CS) is a linear polysaccharide obtained by the deacetylation of chitin, which, after cellulose, is the second biopolymer most abundant in nature, being the primary component of the exoskeleton of crustaceans and insects. Since joining the pharmaceutical field, in the early 1990s, CS attracted great interest, which has constantly increased over the years, due to its several beneficial and favorable features, including large availability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, simplicity of chemical modifications, mucoadhesion and permeation enhancer power, joined to its capability of forming films, hydrogels and micro- and nanoparticles. Moreover, its cationic character, which renders it unique among biodegradable polymers, is responsible for the ability of CS to strongly interact with different types of molecules and for its intrinsic antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and hemostatic activities. However, its pH-dependent solubility and susceptibility to ions presence may represent serious drawbacks and require suitable strategies to be overcome. Presently, CS and its derivatives are widely investigated for a great variety of pharmaceutical applications, particularly in drug delivery. Among the alternative routes to overcome the problems related to the classic oral drug administration, the mucosal route is becoming the favorite non-invasive delivery pathway. This review aims to provide an updated overview of the applications of CS and its derivatives in novel formulations intended for different methods of mucosal drug delivery.

Chitosan-coated Selenium nanoparticles enhance the efficiency of stem cells in the neuroprotection of streptozotocin-induced neurotoxicity in male rats

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the common neurodegenerative diseases characterized by memory impairment. The protective effects of stem cell-based therapy have been reported in AD. In this study, it was assumed that Chitosan-coated Selenium nanoparticles (ChSeNPs) increase the efficiency of stem cells in the attenuation of neurotoxicity in the rat AD model. The AD model was induced using Streptozotocin (STZ) and treated by the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) and SeNPs/ChSeNPs (0.4 mg/kg). Passive avoidance learning and recognition memory were assessed using shuttle box and novel object recognition tasks. The amyloid-beta deposition, the injected cells' homing and survival, antioxidant capacity, and BDNF concentration were evaluated using the histological, biochemical, and ELISA methods. The results showed that the combined administration of ChSeNPs and AMSCs is more effective in increasing the step-through latency and discrimination index than administering SeNPs and stem cells. Combined therapy caused a significant increase in antioxidant capacity that ChSeNPs was more effective than SeNPs, while AMSCs beside SeNPs had a greater effect on BDNF levels compared to conventional treatment of nanoparticles or AMSCs alone. Ultimately, the homing and survival of the transplanted AMSCs were greater in the group that received both stem cells and ChSeNPs. Taken together, it seems that the administration of ChSeNPs enhances the efficiency of transplanted stem cells in decreasing the neurotoxicity induced by STZ through an increase in the antioxidant capacity.

Polymers in topical delivery of anti-psoriatic medications and other topical agents in overcoming the barriers of conventional treatment strategies

In recent decades, topical treatments to dermal disorders have shown ineffectiveness in delivering the medication at a particular location without a suitable drug carrier. Psoriasis treatment is hindered because of the ineffective delivery and efficacy of conventional pharmaceutical treatment. In conventional medication formulation approach, it is difficult to breach the transdermal layer of a skin membrane for topical drugs, i.e. cyclosporine, methotrexate. This problem is further complicated by extreme disease-associated conditions such as hyperkeratosis and irritation. Intending to assure better drug delivery carriers, this review emphasizes the therapeutic efficacy of polymers and their potential to deliver the drug into the deeper layer of the skin membrane. The polymers are essential in structural and physiochemical perspectives as it works as a carrier for the medication. A vast variety of delivery carriers is available nowadays but their applicability in such dermal cases like psoriasis is still lacking due to less knowledge on an appropriate polymer. The current investigation of suitable polymer would assist in brushing our expertise to optimize the advantages of a wide spectrum of polymers to fulfill the topical targeting of psoriasis.

Roles of Chitosan in Green Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications

Chitosan (CS) is a well-known stabilizer for metal nanoparticles in biomedical engineering. However, very few studies have explored other important roles of CS including reducing, shape-directing, and size-controlling. This review aims to provide the latest and most comprehensive overview of the roles of CS in the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles for biomedical applications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review that highlights these potentialities of CS. At first, a brief overview of the properties and the bioactivity of CS is presented. Next, the benefits of CS for enhancing the physicochemical behaviors of metal nanoparticles are discussed in detail. The representative biomedical applications of CS-metal nanoparticles are also given. Lastly, the review outlines the perceptual vision for the future development of CS-metal nanoparticles in the biomedicine field.

Characterisation of the Interaction among Oil-In-Water Nanocapsules and Mucin

Mucins are glycoproteins present in all mucosal surfaces and in secretions such as saliva. Mucins are involved in the mucoadhesion of nanodevices carrying bioactive molecules to their target sites in vivo. Oil-in-water nanocapsules (NCs) have been synthesised for carrying N,N'-(di-m-methylphenyl)urea (DMTU), a quorum-sensing inhibitor, to the oral cavity. DMTU-loaded NCs constitute an alternative for the treatment of plaque (bacterial biofilm). In this work, the stability of the NCs after their interaction with mucin is analysed. Mucin type III from Sigma-Aldrich has been used as the mucin model. Mucin and NCs were characterised by the multi-detection asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation technique (AF4). Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and ζ-potential analyses were carried out to characterise the interaction between mucin and NCs. According to the results, loading DMTU changes the conformation of the NC. It was also found that the synergistic interaction between mucin and NCs was favoured within a specific range of the mucin:NC ratio within the first 24 h. Studies on the release of DMTU in vitro and the microbial activity of such NCs are ongoing in our lab.

Cross-linked nanoparticles of silk fibroin with proanthocyanidins as a promising vehicle of indocyanine green for photo-thermal therapy of glioma

Instability of silk fibroin nanoparticles (SFNPs) in physiologic condition hinders its application as drug delivery vehicle. Herein, indocyanine green (ICG) loaded silk fibroin nanoparticles (ICG-SFNPs) was firstly prepared and then crosslinked by proanthocyanidins to obtain the stable ICG-CSFNPs for killing the residual tumour niche under near infra-red irradiation (NIR) after surgery. The particle size and zeta potentials of ICG-CSFNPs was 120.1 nm and -40.4 mV, respectively. Moreover, ICG-CSFNPs exhibited good stability of particle size in the physiological medium. Meanwhile, the stable photothermal properties of ICG-CSFNPs were not compromised even after several cycles of NIR. Few of the ICG-CSFNPs were phagocytized by RAW264.7 macrophage in vitro, while they were easily internalized by C6 glioma cells, resulting in their significant toxicity on tumour cells after NIR. The pharmacokinetic study showed that ICG-CSFNPs had a longer blood circulation time than ICG-SFNPs, making them more distribution in glioma after intravenous administration in vivo. Meanwhile, the pharmacological study showed the more effective inhibition of tumour growth was exhibited by ICG-CSFNPs in C6 glioma-bearing mice after NIR. Overall, the cross-linked nanoparticles of silk fibroin may be a promising vehicle of ICG for photothermal therapy of glioma after surgical resection.

Design and Characterization of Chitosan-Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites for the Delivery of Proanthocyanidins

Introduction

In the last years, the utilization of phytomedicines has increased given their good therapeutic activity and fewer side effects compared to allopathic medicines. However, concerns associated with the biocompatibility and toxicity of natural compounds, limit the phytochemical therapeutic action, opening the opportunity to develop new systems that will be able to effectively deliver these substances. This study has developed a nanocomposite of chitosan (CS) functionalized with graphene oxide (GO) for the delivery of proanthocyanidins (PAs), obtained from a grape seed extract (Ext.).

Methods

The GO-CS nanocomposite was covalently bonded and was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The loading and release of Ext. from the GO-CS nanocomposite were performed in simulated physiological, and the cytotoxicity of the raw materials (GO and Ext.) and nanocomposites (GO-CS and GO-CS-Ext.) was determined using a human kidney cell line (HEK 293).

Results

The chemical characterization indicated that the covalent union was successfully achieved between the GO and CS, with 44 wt. % CS in the nanocomposite. The GO-CS nanocomposite was thermostable and presented an average diameter of 480 nm (by DLS). The Ext. loading capacity was approximately 20 wt. %, and under simulated physiological conditions, 28.4 wt.% Ext. (g) was released per g of the nanocomposite. GO-CS-Ext. was noncytotoxic, presenting a 97% survival rate compared with 11% for the raw extract and 48% for the GO-CS nanocomposite at a concentration of 500 µg mL-1 after 24 hrs.

Conclusion

Due to π–π stacking and hydrophilic interactions, GO-CS was reasonably efficient in binding Ext., with high loading capacity and Ext. release from the nanocomposite. The GO-CS nanocomposite also increased the biocompatibility of PAs-rich Ext., representing a new platform for the sustained release of phytodrugs.

Complex Polysaccharide-Based Nanocomposites for Oral Insulin Delivery

Polyelectrolyte nanocomposites rarely reach a stable state and aggregation often occurs. Here, we report the synthesis of nanocomposites for the oral delivery of insulin composed of alginate, dextran sulfate, poly-(ethylene glycol) 4000, poloxamer 188, chitosan, and bovine serum albumin. The nanocomposites were obtained by Ca²⁺-induced gelation of alginate followed by an electrostatic-interaction process among the polyelectrolytes. Chitosan seemed to be essential for the final size of the nanocomposites and there was an optimal content that led to the synthesis of nanocomposites of 400–600 nm hydrodynamic size. The enhanced stability of the synthesized nanocomposites was assessed with LUMiSizer after synthesis. Nanocomposite stability over time and under variations of ionic strength and pH were assessed with dynamic light scattering. The rounded shapes of nanocomposites were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. After loading with insulin, analysis by HPLC revealed complete drug release under physiologically simulated conditions.

Potential inhibitors of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase and juvenile hormone with insecticidal activity: study of the binding mode via docking and molecular dynamics simulations

Models validation in QSAR, pharmacophore, docking and others can ensure the accuracy and reliability of future predictions in design and selection of molecules with biological activity. In this study, pyriproxyfen was used as a pivot/template to search the database of the Maybridge Database for potential inhibitors of the enzymes acetylcholinesterase and juvenile hormone as well. The initial virtual screening based on the 3D shape resulted in 2000 molecules with Tanimoto index ranging from 0.58 to 0.88. A new reclassification was performed on the overlapping of positive and negative charges, which resulted in 100 molecules with Tanimoto's electrostatic score ranging from 0.627 to 0.87. Using parameters related to absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion and the pivot molecule, the molecules selected in the previous stage were evaluated regarding these criteria, and 21 were then selected. The pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties were considered and for 12 molecules, the DEREK software not fired any alert of toxicity, which were thus considered satisfactory for prediction of biological activity using the Web server PASS. In the molecular docking with insect acetylcholinesterase, the Maybridge3_002654 molecule had binding affinity of -11.1 kcal/mol, whereas in human acetylcholinesterase, the Maybridge4_001571molecule show in silico affinity of -10.2 kcal/mol, and in the juvenile hormone, the molecule MCULE-8839595892 show in silico affinity value of -11.6 kcal/mol. Subsequent long-trajectory molecular dynamics studies indicated considerable stability of the novel molecules compared to the controls.AbbreviationsQSARquantitative structure-activity relationshipsPASSprediction of activity spectra for substancesCommunicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Interaction Between Chitosan and Mucin: Fundamentals and Applications

The term chitosan (CS) refers to a family of aminopolysaccharides derived from chitin. Among other properties, CS is nontoxic, mucoadhesive and can be used for load and transport drugs. Given these and other physicochemical and biological properties, CS is an optimal biopolymer for the development of transmucosal drug delivery systems, as well as for the treatment of pathologies related to mucosal dysfunctions. Mucins are glycoprotein macromolecules that are the major components of mucus overlaying epithelia. CS interacts with mucin and adsorbs on and changes the rheology of mucus. However, CS and mucins denote families of polymers/macromolecules with highly variable chemical structure, properties, and behavior. To date, their interactions at the molecular level have not been completely unraveled. Also, the properties of complexes composed of CS and mucin vary as a function of the sources and preparation of the polymers. As a consequence, the mucoadhesion and drug delivery properties of such complexes vary as well. The breadth of this review is on the molecular interactions between CS and mucin. In particular, in vitro and ex vivo characterization methods to investigate both the interactions at play during the formation of CS-mucin complexes, and the advances on the use of CS for transmucosal drug delivery are addressed.

Lactose-Modified Chitosan Gold(III)-PEGylated Complex-Bioconjugates: From Synthesis to Interaction with Targeted Galectin-1 Protein

Galectins (Gal) are a family of glycan-binding proteins characterized by their affinity for β-galactosides. Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a dimeric lectin with two galactoside-binding sites, regulates cancer progression and immune responses. Coordination chemistry has been engaged to develop versatile multivalent neoglycoconjugates for binding Gal-1. In this study we report a fast and original method to synthesize hybrid gold nanoparticles in which a hydrochloride lactose-modified chitosan, named CTL, is mixed with dicarboxylic acid-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG), leading to shell-like hybrid polymer-sugar-metal nanoparticles (CTL-PEG-AuNPs). The aim of this paper is to preliminarily study the interaction of the CTL-PEG-AuNPs with a target protein, namely, Gal-1, under specific conditions. The molecular interaction has been measured by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), UV-vis, and Raman Spectroscopy on a large range of Gal-1 concentrations (from 0 to 10^-12 M). We observed that the interaction was strongly dependent on the Gal-1 concentration at the surface of the gold nanoparticles.

Silk fibroin nanoparticles dyeing indocyanine green for imaging-guided photo-thermal therapy of glioblastoma

Silk was easily dyed in traditional textile industry because of its strong affinity to many colorants. Herein, the biocompatible silk fibroin was firstly extracted from Bombyx mori silkworm cocoons. And SF nanoparticles (SFNPs) were prepared for dyeing indocyanine green (ICG) and construct a therapeutic nano-platform (ICG-SFNPs) for photo-thermal therapy of glioblastoma. ICG was easily encapsulated into SFNPs with a very high encapsulation efficiency reaching to 97.7 ± 1.1%. ICG-SFNPs exhibited a spherical morphology with a mean particle size of 209.4 ± 1.4 nm and a negative zeta potential of −31.9 mV, exhibiting a good stability in physiological medium. Moreover, ICG-SFNPs showed a slow release profile of ICG in vitro, and only 24.51 ± 2.27% of the encapsulated ICG was released even at 72 h. Meanwhile, ICG-SFNPs exhibited a more stable photo-thermal effect than free ICG after exposure to near-infrared irradiation. The temperature of ICG-SFNPs rapidly increased by 33.9 °C within 10 min and maintained for a longer time. ICG-SFNPs were also easily internalized with C₆ tumor cells in vitro, and a strong red fluorescence of ICG was observed in cytoplasm for cellular imaging. In vivo imaging showed that ICG-SFNPs were effectively accumulated inside tumor site of C₆ glioma-bearing Xenograft nude mice through vein injection. Moreover, the temperature of tumor site was rapidly rising up to kill tumor cells after local NIR irradiation. After treatment, its growth was completely suppressed with the relative tumor volume of 0.55 ± 033 while free ICG of 33.72 ± 1.90. Overall, ICG-SFNPs may be an effective therapeutic means for intraoperative phototherapy and imaging.