Preparation of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles conjugated hollow gold nanospheres for MR/CT dual-mode imaging and synergistic photothermal-chemotherapy of cancer

Abstract

Developing multifunctional nanotheranostics that are safe, stimuli-responsive for controlled drug release, and capable of precise imaging-guided multimodal synergistic therapy is of great significance for anti-cancer treatment. In this study, a multifunctional DOX-HSP nanocomposite was prepared by conjugating superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles on the surface of DOX-loaded hollow gold nanospheres (HGNs) and PEG modification for computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance (MR) dual-mode imaging and synergistic photothermal-chemotherapy. The prepared DOX-HSP demonstrated favorable biocompatibility, high drug loading capacity, and considerable MR/CT image contrast agent capability. Moreover, on-demand controlled drug release could be achieved by preventing the premature drug release with the blocking effect of conjugated SPIO nanoparticles in a typical physiological environment and triggering drug release with NIR exposure in an acidic environment. Furthermore, the in vitro cell experiment revealed that the anti-tumor effect could be significantly enhanced via synergistic photothermal-chemotherapy. Therefore, we believe that the prepared DOX-HSP nanocomposite could provide great potential value for the biomedical area, including MR/CT imaging and synergistic cancer photothermal-chemotherapy.