Recent studies suggested that tumor-associated lymphatics play important roles in tumor growth and metastasis. Gold nanoshell (AuNS)-mediated photothermolysis targeting the lymphatic vessels is investigated as a strategy to inhibit tumor metastasis through the lymphatics. AuNSs are optically tunable nanoparticles that are capable of efficiently converting light into heat when irradiated with light of appropriate wavelength. These properties can be used to induce photothermal injury to lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and disrupt lymphatic vessels. An effective photothermal agent, AuNS can generate a therapeutic dose of heat for inducing injury to cells upon laser irradiation. The main goal of this study is to optimize the AuNS-mediated photothermolysis of LECs. Time-dependent AuNS uptake by the LECs was examined. Power density of the laser irradiation was found to be critical for effective photothermolysis of LECs using AuNS. With sufficient power density, the effectiveness of AuNS-mediated photothermolysis increases with both AuNS concentration and irradiation time. To further enhance AuNS update by the LECs and improve the specificity of AuNS-mediated photothermolysis toward LECs, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (anti-VEGFR3) antibody is introduced onto the AuNS surface as a targeting moiety. We hope this will improve the specificity of cellular uptake of AuNSs by the LECs.

Optimization of gold-nanoshell-mediated photothermolysis of lymphatic endothelial cells for potential application in disrupting tumor-associated lymphatic vessels

247th National Meeting (2014)

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