Self‐Folding Macromolecular Drug Carrier for Cancer Imaging and Therapy

Abstract Nano‐sized contrast agents (NCAs) hold potential for highly specific tumor contrast enhancement during magnetic resonance imaging. Given the quantity of contrast agents loaded into a single nano‐carrier and the anticipated relaxation effects, the current molecular design approaches its limi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Shan Gao, Yutaka Miura, Akira Sumiyoshi, Satoshi Ohno, Keisuke Ogata, Takahiro Nomoto, Makoto Matsui, Yuto Honda, Minoru Suzuki, Megumi Iiyama, Kensuke Osada, Ichio Aoki, Nobuhiro Nishiyama
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2024-02-01
Series:Advanced Science
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202304171
Description
Summary:Abstract Nano‐sized contrast agents (NCAs) hold potential for highly specific tumor contrast enhancement during magnetic resonance imaging. Given the quantity of contrast agents loaded into a single nano‐carrier and the anticipated relaxation effects, the current molecular design approaches its limits. In this study, a novel molecular mechanism to augment the relaxation of NCAs is introduced and demonstrated. NCA formation is driven by the intramolecular self‐folding of a single polymer chain that possesses systematically arranged hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments in water. Utilizing this self‐folding molecular design, the relaxivity value can be elevated with minimal loading of gadolinium complexes, enabling sharp tumor imaging. Furthermore, the study reveals that this NCA can selectively accumulate into tumor tissues, offering effective anti‐tumor results through gadolinium neutron capture therapy. The efficacy and versatility of this self‐folding molecular design underscore its promise for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
ISSN:2198-3844