A multifunctional targeted nanoprobe with high NIR-II PAI/MRI performance for precise theranostics of orthotopic early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma

J Mater Chem B. 2021 Nov 3;9(42):8779-8792. doi: 10.1039/d1tb01729b.

Abstract

Early diagnosis and effective treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is quite critical for improving patients' prognosis. The combination of second near-infrared window photoacoustic imaging (NIR-II PAI) and T2-magnetic resonance imaging (T2-MRI) is promising for achieving omnibearing information on HCC diagnosis due to the complementary advantages of outstanding optical contrast, high temporospatial resolution and soft-tissue resolution. Thus, the rational design of a multifunctional targeted nanoplatform with outstanding performance in dual-modal NIR-II PAI/T2-MRI is particularly valuable for precise diagnosis and imaging-guided non-invasive photothermal therapy (PTT) of early-stage HCC. Herein, a versatile targeted organic-inorganic hybrid nanoprobe was synthesized as a HCC-specific contrast agent for sensitive and efficient theranostics. The developed multifunctional targeted nanoprobe yielded superior HCC specificity, reliable stability and biocompatibility, high imaging contrast in both NIR-II PAI and T2-MRI, and an excellent photothermal conversion efficiency (74.6%). Furthermore, the theranostic efficiency of the targeted nanoprobe was systematically investigated using the orthotopic early HCC-bearing mice model. The NIR-II PAI exhibited sensitive detection of ultra-small HCCs (diameter less than 1.8 mm) and long-term real-time monitoring of the tumor and nanoprobe targeting process in deep tissues. The T2-MRI demonstrated clear imaging contrast and a spatial relationship between micro-HCC and adjacent structures for a comprehensive description of the tumor. Moreover, when using the targeted nanoprobe, the non-invasively targeted PTT of orthotopic early HCC was carried out under reliable dual-modal imaging guidance with remarkable anti-tumor efficiency and biosafety. This study provides an insight for constructing a multifunctional targeted nanoplatform for precise and comprehensive theranostics of early-stage HCC, which would greatly benefit the patients in the era of precision medicine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infrared Rays
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Liver Neoplasms, Experimental / diagnostic imaging
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Mice, Nude
  • Molecular Structure
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Photoacoustic Techniques*
  • Precision Medicine*
  • Theranostic Nanomedicine*
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured