Angiopep-2-conjugated FeTi@Au core-shell nanoparticles for tumor targeted dual-mode magnetic resonance imaging and hyperthermic glioma therapy.

Herein, we fabricated gold surface-coated iron titanium core-shell (FeTi@Au) nanoparticles (NPs) with conjugation of angiopep-2 (ANG) (FeTi@Au-ANG) NPs for targeted delivery and improved NPs penetration by receptor-mediated endocytosis to achieve hyperthermic treatment of gliomas. The synthesized "core-shell" FeTi@Au-ANG NPs exhibited spherical in shape with around 16 nm particle size and increased temperature upon alternating magnetic field (AMF) stimulation, rendering them effective for localized hyperthermic therapy of cancer cells. Effective targeted delivery of FeTi@Au-ANG NPs was demonstrated in vitro by improved transport and cellular uptake, and increased apoptosis in glioma cells (C6) compared with normal fibroblast cells (L929). FeTi@Au-ANG NPs exhibited higher deposition in brain tissues and a superior therapeutic effect in an orthotopic intracranial xenograft mouse model. Taken together, our data indicate that FeTi@Au-ANG NPs hold significant promise as a targeted delivery strategy for glioma treatment using hyperthermia. The development of effective theranostic agents capable of crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and delivering therapeutics to gliomas remains a significant challenge facing targeted glioma therapy. We fabricated gold coated onto the surface of iron titanium core-shell (FeTi@Au) nanoparticles (NPs) with conjugation of angiopep-2 (ANG) (FeTi@Au-ANG) NPs for targeted delivery to improve hyperthermic treatment of gliomas. Our strategy was to exploit receptor-mediated transcytosis of the ANG ligand and FeTi@Au NPs, which have a considerable level of stability, to keep the particles separated and prevent agglomeration. FeTi@Au-ANG NPs displayed good biocompatibility and have superior capability to kill glioma cells. Additionally, FeTi@Au-ANG NPs exhibited significantly increased T 1 and T 2 relaxivities, which might be used effectively for monitoring biodistribution and diagnostic imaging of pathogenic aspects. [Display omitted] • Theranostic FeTi@Au-ANG core-shell NPs were developed. • FeTi@Au-ANG NPs enter into glioma cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis. • FeTi@Au-ANG NPs exhibit the best MRI and glioma effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]