A novel multifunctional nanocomposite C225-conjugated Fe3O4/Ag enhances the sensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells to radiotherapy

Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai). 2012 Aug;44(8):678-84. doi: 10.1093/abbs/gms051. Epub 2012 Jun 17.

Abstract

Radiotherapy is the major treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a malignant tumor of epithelial origin. In this process, a tracer with high sensitivity is pivotal for diagnostic imaging in radiotherapy. Here, we designed a novel multifunctional magnetic silver nanocomposite, Fe(3)O(4)/Ag conjugated to an epidermal growth factor receptor-specific antibody (C225), which can be potentially used for synchronous cancer therapy and diagnosis via magnetic resonance imaging. Characteristics of Fe(3)O(4)/Ag/C225 were determined by transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectra, and dynamic light scattering. The results demonstrated that Fe(3)O(4)/Ag/C225 nanoparticles were spherical and dispersed well in water. The activity of C225 was preserved ∼80% in the Fe(3)O(4)/Ag/C225 nanoparticles. Futhermore, we tested the cytotoxicity and radiosensitivity of the nanocomposite for human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines (CNEs) in vitro. MTT analysis revealed that Fe(3)O(4)/Ag/C225 could inhibit the proliferation of CNEs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The clonogenic assay indicated that Fe(3)O(4)/Ag/C225 combined with X-ray treatment could increase the sensitivity of CNEs to irradiation. In a summary, the novel multifunctional nanocomposite Fe(3)O(4)/Ag/C225 might be a potential radiosensitizer for treating malign tumors in the clinic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / methods
  • ErbB Receptors / immunology
  • Ferrosoferric Oxide / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission / methods
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods
  • Nanocomposites / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology / methods
  • Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / pharmacology
  • Silver / chemistry*
  • Tetrazolium Salts / pharmacology
  • Thiazoles / pharmacology
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents
  • Tetrazolium Salts
  • Thiazoles
  • Silver
  • ErbB Receptors
  • thiazolyl blue
  • Ferrosoferric Oxide