Targeted imaging of breast cancer cells using two different kinds of aptamers-functionalized nanoparticles

Breast cancer which is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women; have been known as a serious threat for health and life around the world. So development of an approach for early-stage diagnosis of breast cancer is vital. In this study, we designed a double aptamer-nanoparticle conjugates-based (DANP) complex for specific detection and visualization of MCF-7 cells using Mucin 1 (MUC 1) aptamer-conjugated gold nanoparticles (MUC1 apt - GNPs) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) aptamer-conjugated CdTe quantum dots (ATP apt-QDs). The ATP apt-QDs was attached onto MUC1 apt - GNPs surface through Van der Waals forces and electrostatic interactions between ATP aptamer and GNPs leading to the formation of DANP complex. Atomic force microscopy asserted DANP complex formation. The imaging process was based on the recognition of MUC1 protein on the surface of MCF-7 cells by MUC1 aptamer and specific internalization of DANP complex into target cells (MCF-7). Existence of abundant amounts of ATP in lysosome led to release of ATP apt-QDs from the MUC1 apt-GNPs surface resulting in strong fluorescence emission. The flow cytometry analysis and fluorescence microscopy confirmed significant internalization of DANP complex into MCF-7 cells (target) in comparison with CHO cells (non-target). Based on the obtained results, the DANP complex possesses high potency for efficient detection and monitoring of breast cancer cells (MCF-7).