Affibody-functionalized Ag2S quantum dots for photoacoustic imaging of epidermal growth factor receptor overexpressed tumors. Issue 35 (28th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Ying; Zhao, Ning; Qin, Yeshan; Wu, Fengxia; Xu, Zhihua; Lan, Tian; Cheng, Zhen; Zhao, Ping; Liu, Hongguang
• Is Part Of: Nanoscale. Volume 10:Issue 35(2018)
• Page Start: 16581
• Page End: 16590
• Publication Date: 2018-08-28
• Subjects: Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1039/c8nr02556h
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-3364

Abstract

Abstract : Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a new and attractive imaging modality, and it has strong potential for application in the early detection of tumors through the use of optically absorbing targeted contrast agents. Abstract : Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a new and attractive imaging modality, and it has strong potential for application in the early detection of tumors through the use of optically absorbing targeted contrast agents. Ag2 S quantum dots (QD) are a promising bionanomaterial and have attracted significant attention in the field of bioimaging. In this study, water-soluble and carboxylic acid group-coated Ag2 S QDs with an ultrasmall size (∼8 nm) were synthesized via a one-step method. Their surface plasmon resonance wavelength was determined to be ∼800 nm, which is ideal for PAI. Ag2 S QDs were then modified with the epidermal growth factor receptor 1 (EGFR) targeted small protein affibody ZEGFR:1907 . The resulted nanoprobe, ZEGFR:1907 -Ag2 S QDs, was then used for targeted PAI of EGFR-overexpressed tumors. The biodistribution of the nanoprobe was further measured by ex vivo near infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging of the dissected tissues. The PAI results showed that ZEGFR:1907 -Ag2 S QDs specifically image EGFR positive tumors. The biodistribution study revealed that the nanoprobe mainly accumulated in the liver, spleen and tumors; tissue H&E staining studies indicated that the probe has good biocompatibility. Overall, the affibody-functionalized Ag2 S QDs are a novel targeted nanoprobe that can be used for specific PAI of tumors.