Multi-stimuli responsive Cu2S nanocrystals as trimodal imaging and synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy agents

Nanoscale. 2015 May 14;7(18):8378-8388. doi: 10.1039/c4nr07139e.

Abstract

A size and shape tuned, multifunctional metal chalcogenide, Cu2S-based nanotheranostic agent is developed for trimodal imaging and multimodal therapeutics against brain cancer cells. This theranostic agent was highly efficient in optical, photoacoustic and X-ray contrast imaging systems. The folate targeted NIR-responsive photothermal ablation in synergism with the chemotherapeutic action of doxorubicin proved to be a rapid precision guided cancer-killing module. The multi-stimuli, i.e., pH-, thermo- and photo-responsive drug release behavior of the nanoconjugates opens up a wider corridor for on-demand triggered drug administration. The simple synthesis protocol, combined with the multitudes of interesting features packed into a single nanoformulation, clearly demonstrates the competing role of this Cu2S nanosystem in future cancer treatment strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Contrast Media / chemical synthesis
  • Copper / chemistry*
  • Copper / radiation effects
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / chemical synthesis*
  • Doxorubicin / administration & dosage
  • Doxorubicin / chemistry
  • Elasticity Imaging Techniques / methods
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Light
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / radiation effects
  • Metal Nanoparticles / ultrastructure
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods
  • Multimodal Imaging / methods*
  • Nanocapsules / chemistry*
  • Nanocapsules / radiation effects
  • Nanocapsules / ultrastructure
  • Photochemotherapy / methods*
  • Theranostic Nanomedicine / methods
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Contrast Media
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Nanocapsules
  • Copper
  • Doxorubicin
  • cupric sulfide