Ultra-Small and Metabolizable Near-Infrared Au/Gd Nanoclusters for Targeted FL/MRI Imaging and Cancer Theranostics

Tumor accurate imaging can effectively guide tumor resection and accurate follow-up targeted therapy. The development of imaging-stable, safe, and metabolizable contrast agents is key to accurate tumor imaging. Herein, ultra-small and metabolizable dual-mode imaging probe Au/Gd@FA NCs is rationally engineered by a simple hydrothermal method to achieve accurate FL/MRI imaging of tumors. The probes exhibit ultra-small size (2.5-3.0 nm), near-infrared fluorescence (690 nm), high quantum yield (4.4%), and a better T-1 nuclear magnetic signal compared to commercial MRI contrast agents. By modifying the folic acid (FA) molecules, the uptake and targeting of the probes are effectively improved, enabling specific fluorescence imaging of breast cancer. Au/Gd@FA NCs with good biosafety were found to be excreted in the feces after imaging without affecting the normal physiological metabolism of mice. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased significantly after incubation of Au/Gd@FA NCs with tumor cells under 660 nm laser irradiation, indicating that Au/Gd@FA NCs can promote intracellular ROS production and effectively induce cell apoptosis. Thus, metabolizable Au/Gd@FA NCs provide a potential candidate probe for multimodal imaging and tumor diagnosis in clinical basic research. Meanwhile, Au/Gd@FA NCs mediated excessive intracellular production of ROS that could help promote tumor cell death.

Automated summary

This study engineered ultra-small and metabolizable dual-mode imaging probe Au/Gd@FA NCs using a simple hydrothermal method, which showed superior properties compared to commercial MRI contrast agents. The probes exhibited high quantum yield, near-infrared fluorescence, and a better T-1 nuclear magnetic signal. By modifying the folic acid molecules, the probes achieved specific fluorescence imaging of breast cancer. Moreover, the probes were deemed safe and could promote intracellular ROS production and induce cell apoptosis. This metabolizable probe provides a potential candidate for multimodal imaging and tumor diagnosis in basic research.