Abstract
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Objectives CuS nanoparticles (NPs) mediate strong near-infrared light absorption and are proposed as an efficient conductor for photothermal ablation (PTA) therapy (J Am Chem Soc 132:15351, 2010). The purpose of this study was to synthesize a novel class of folate receptor-targeted CuS (FA-CuS) NPs, and evaluate the therapeutic effects of these NPs for PTA therapy in KB xenografts.
Methods FA-CuS NPs and non-targeted PEG-CuS NPs were synthesized and characterized with regard to size, and stability. Tumor uptake and biodistribution of NPs were studied by microPET/CT imaging. For antitumor activity, nude mice bearing s.c. folate receptor-positive KB cancer cells were injected i.v. with saline, PEG-CuS NPs, or FA-CuS NPs, followed by treatment with 808 nm laser at 1.5 W/cm2 for 3 min. Twenty-four hours after laser treatment, tumors were removed for histological evaluation
Results CuS NPs had average diameter of 11-18 nm and possessed colloidal excellent stability. FA-CuS NPs displayed significantly higher tumor-to-muscle ratio (T/M=7.26) than PEG-CuS NPs did (T/M=5.38). Mice treated with FA−CuS NPs plus laser caused almost greater than 90% tumor necrosis. In comparison, mice treated with PEG−CuS NPs plus the laser caused 50% tumor necrosis. Mice treated with saline plus laser had only baseline level of necrosis (<5%).
Conclusions FA-CuS NPs targeting folate receptors displayed increased tumor delivery of CuS NPs and enhanced antitumor effect of photothermal ablation therapy.