3 research outputs found
Frequency Doubling Nanocrystals for Cancer Theranostics
A novel bio-photonics approach based on the nonlinear optical process of
second harmonic generation by non-centrosymmetric nanoparticles is presented
and demonstrated on malignant human cell lines. The proposed method allows to
directly interact with DNA in absence of photosensitizing molecules, to enable
independent imaging and therapeutic modalities switching between the two modes
of operation by simply tuning the excitation laser wavelength, and to avoid any
risk of spontaneous activation by any natural or artificial light source.Comment: 16 pages, 7 figure
Functionalized bismuth ferrite harmonic nanoparticles for cancer cells labeling and imaging
Bismuth ferrite (BFO) harmonic nanoparticles (NPs) display high nonlinear optical efficiency and excellent biocompatibility profile which make them attractive for the development of diagnostic applications as contrast agents. In this study, we present a general method for the functionalization of this material with chemical ligands targeting cancer molecular biomarkers. In particular, a conjugation protocol based on click reaction between alkynyl-containing targeting ligands and poly(ethylene glycol)-coated BFO NPs (67.7 nm) displaying surface reactive azido groups was developed. Copper-free click reaction allowed fast and efficient conjugation of a covalent inhibitor of prolyl-specific endopeptidases to coated BFO NPs. The ability of these functionalized nanomaterials (134.2 nm) to act as imaging probes for cancer cells was demonstrated by the selective labeling of human lung cancer cells