BF2-Oxasmaragdyrin Nanoparticles: A Non-toxic, Photostable, Enhanced Non-radiative Decay-Assisted Efficient Photothermal Cancer Theragnostic Agent

Kandala Laxman, B. Pradeep K. Reddy, Sumit K. Mishra, Maddala Bala Gopal, Andrea Robinson, Abhijit De, Rohit Srivastava, Mangalampalli Ravikanth

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Photothermal therapy (PTT), a simple and minimally invasive procedure, is an attractive option for cancer therapy. To date, inorganic agents have been widely employed as photothermal agents; however, organic molecules may provide a solution to rapid metabolic/in vivo clearance. Herein, we prepared lipid (S 75)-stabilized meso-tritolyl-BF2-oxasmaragdyrin nanoparticles (TBSNPs) using thin-film hydration and homogenization. Assessment of the physicochemical properties of the TBSNPs reveals the formation of particles of size <12 nm stabilized within the lipid matrix. The TBSNPs exhibit near infrared fluorescence (NIRF) being accompanied by an increase in non-radiative decay, leading to excellent photothermal properties. In vitro studies demonstrate excellent biocompatibility, hemocompatibility, cellular internalization, and photothermal efficacy (p = 0.0004). Extensive in vivo assessment of TBSNPs also highlights the non-toxic nature of the material and passive tumor homing. The strong NIRF exhibited by the material is exploited for whole-body imaging in the rodent model. The novel material also shows excellent photothermal efficacy (p = 0.0002) in a 4T1 xenograft mice model. The organic nature of the material coupled with its small size and strong NIRF provides an advantage for bio-elimination and potential clinical image-guided therapy over the inorganic counterparts.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)52329-52342
Number of pages14
JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Volume12
Issue number47
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Nov 2020

Keywords

  • BF-oxasmaragdyrin nanoparticles
  • Bioluminescence imaging
  • NIR fluorescence imaging
  • Photothermal therapy
  • Transient absorption

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