Tumor regression in vivo by photothermal therapy based on gold-nanorod-loaded, functional nanocarriers

Won Il Choi, Ja Young Kim, Chul Kang, Clare C. Byeon, Young Ha Kim, Giyoong Tae

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

431 Scopus citations

Abstract

We developed a very effective hyperthermia system for successful photothermal cancer therapy. Instead of applying individual gold nanorods (GNRs) that can absorb NIR light, GNRs were loaded into functional nanocarriers that could provide stable storage of GNRs and selective delivery to a target tumor site. The functional nanocarriers (chitosan-conjugated, Pluronic-based nanocarriers) were prepared by chemically cross-linking Pluronic F 68 with chitosan conjugation to form a flexible, soft, and excellent reservoir for biomacromolecules as well as tumor targeting. In vivo characteristics of the nanocarriers including a long circulation time, a good tumor accumulation, and low liver uptake were previously characterized by us. When GNRs were delivered by using these nanocarriers, much enhanced in vitro cellular uptake and a photothermal effect were observed for a cancer cell line. More importantly, an intravenous injection of this system followed by NIR laser irradiation to the tumor site resulted in a very efficient thermolysis in vivo. Thus, apparently complete tumor resorption was achieved without damage to the surrounding tissue, suggesting a promising candidate for clinical phototherapeutic applications.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1995-2003
Number of pages9
JournalACS Nano
Volume5
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 22 Mar 2011

Keywords

  • gold nanorods
  • nanocarriers
  • NIR
  • photothermal
  • Pluronic

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