Abstract:
Target-specific reactive oxygen species (ROS)-based cancer treatments with high therapeutic efficacy and minimal side effects have been identified
recently as a potentially effective cancer management strategy. Herein, we report
the fabrication of a targeted nanotheranostic agent built on an iron oxide
nanoparticle-decorated graphene−gold hybrid [plasmonic magnetic nanoprobe
(PMNP)] for self-guided magnetic resonance (MR)/surface-enhanced Raman
scattering imaging and photothermal therapy (PTT)/chemodynamic therapy
(CDT). In the presence of glutathione, which is abundant in the tumor
environment, the iron oxide nanoparticles undergo in situ reduction, which in
turn generates hydroxyl radicals via a Fenton reaction to realize targeted
destruction of tumor cells. Moreover, the localized production of heat benefited
from the near-infrared absorption of the PMNP accelerates the intratumoral ROS
generation process, with a synergistic effect of CDT/PTT. Furthermore, the probe
offers an accurate visualization of the intracellular localization of the material
through SERS/MR dual imaging channels. In view of the advantages offered by the tumor-specific stimuli-responsive nature of the
probe, the PMNP presents as an effective tool for cancer management.
