Neutron capture nuclei-containing carbon nanoparticles for destruction of cancer cells

• Published in: Biomaterials 2010-11, Vol.31 (32), p.8419-8425
• Main Authors: Hwang, Kuo Chu, Lai, Po Dong, Chiang, Chi-Shiun, Wang, Pei-Jen, Yuan, Chiun-Jye
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Advanced Basic Science; Biocompatibility; Boron - administration & dosage; Boron - therapeutic use; Boron Neutron Capture Therapy - methods; Carbon - chemistry; Cell proliferation; Cell Survival - radiation effects; Cell viability; Cobalt - administration & dosage; Cobalt - therapeutic use; Dentistry; Drug delivery; Gadolinium - administration & dosage; Gadolinium - therapeutic use; HeLa Cells; Humans; Isotopes - administration & dosage; Isotopes - therapeutic use; Nanoparticles; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Nanoparticles - ultrastructure; Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Neutron Capture Therapy - methods
• ISSN: 0142-9612; 1878-5905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2010.07.057

Abstract HeLa cells were incubated with neutron capture nuclei (boron-10 and gadolinium)-containing carbon nanoparticles, followed by irradiation of slow thermal neutron beam. Under a neutron flux of 6 × 1011  n/cm2 (or 10 min irradiation at a neutron flux of 1 × 109  n/cm2  s), the percentages of acute cell death at 8 h after irradiation are 52, 55, and 28% for HeLa cells fed with BCo@CNPs, GdCo@CNPs, and Co@CNPs, respectively. The proliferation capability of the survived HeLa cells was also found to be significantly suppressed. At 48 h after neutron irradiation, the cell viability further decreases to ˜35 ± 5% as compared to the control set receiving the same amount of neutron irradiation dose but in the absence of carbon nanoparticles. This work demonstrates “proof-of-concept” examples of neutron capture therapy using10 B-,157 Gd-, and59 Co-containing carbon nanoparticles for effective destruction of cancer cells. It will also be reported the preparation and surface functionalization of boron or gadolinium doped core–shell cobalt/carbon nanoparticles (BCo@CNPs, GdCo@CNPs and Co@CNPs) using a modified DC pulsed arc discharge method, and their characterization by various spectroscopic measurements, including TEM, XRD, SQUID, FT-IR, etc. Tumor cell targeting ability was introduced by surface modification of these carbon nanoparticles with folate moieties.