Cytotoxicity control of silicon nanoparticles by biopolymer coating and ultrasound irradiation for cancer theranostic applications

• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/aa5b7c
• Publication Date: 2017-02-08T13:13:55Z
• Authors: A P Sviridov; L A Osminkina; A Yu Kharin; M B Gongalsky; J V Kargina; A A Kudryavtsev; Yu I Bezsudnova; T S Perova; A Geloen; V Lysenko; V Yu Timoshenko
• Keywords: Silicon; silicon nanoparticle; Luminescence; Time Factors; Cell Survival; theranostic; [SDV]Life Sciences [q-bio]; mild cancer therapy; silicon si (symbol); sonosensitizers; 02 engineering and technology; Spectrum Analysis, Raman; ultrason; nanoparticule; Theranostic Nanomedicine; Mice; silicium; Dogs; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; 3T3-L1 Cells; Cell Line, Tumor; Neoplasms; ultrasonic treatment; cancer; Animals; Humans; cellular proliferation; prolifération cellulaire; irradiation; Cell Death; ultrasound; nanoparticle; cytotoxicité; Dextrans; 540; 3. Good health; cell proliferation; Ultrasonic Waves; Nanoparticles; photoluminescence; 0210 nano-technology

Silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) prepared by mechanical grinding of luminescent porous silicon were coated with a biopolymer (dextran) and investigated as a potential theranostic agent for bioimaging and sonodynamic therapy. Transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence and Raman scattering measurements of dextran-coated SiNPs gave evidence of their enhanced stability in water. In vitro experiments confirmed the lower cytotoxicity of the dextran-coated NPs in comparison with uncoated ones, especially for high concentrations of about 2 mg ml-1. Efficient uptake of the NPs by cancer cells was found using bioimaging in the optical transmittance and photoluminescence modes. Treatment of the cells with uptaken SiNPs by therapeutic ultrasound for 5-20 min resulted in a strong decrease in the number of living cells, while the total number of cells remained nearly unchanged. The obtained data indicate a 'mild' effect of the combined action of ultrasonic irradiation and SiNPs on cancer cells. The observed results reveal new opportunities for controlling the photoluminescent and sonosensitizing properties of silicon-based NPs for applications in the diagnostics and mild therapy of cancer.