BmK CT-conjugated fluorescence nanodiamond as potential glioma-targeted imaging and drug

The development of glioma-specific nanoparticles is an area of intense research recently. Fluorescent nanodiamonds (FND) as optical probes to image biological systems have attracted considerable attention. In this paper, the glioma-specific nanoparticles FND-conjugated with BmK CT, a key chlorotoxin-like peptide isolated from the scorpion venom of Buthus martensii Karsch, were developed. The receptor-mediated uptake of FND-BmK CT bioconjugates into rat C6 glioma cells and direct tumor visualization were confirmed by confocal fluorescence assay. Moreover, FND-BmK CT had high inhibition rate during the migration of rat C6 glioma cells by in vitro wound healing assay. These glioma-specific multifunctional nanoparticles FND-BmK CT might be responsible for the development of more effective therapeutic agents in clinical treatment of glioma.

► Development of glioma-specific nanoparticle is an area of intense research in 2010.
► FND-BmK CT exhibits a direct tumor visualization.
► FND-BmK CT has high inhibition rate during the migration of C6 cells.
► FND-BmK CTs may be therapeutic agents in treatment of glioma.
► FND-BmK CT may provide a therapeutic option for a variety of MMP-2 related tumors.