Antibody–drug gold nanoantennas with Raman spectroscopic fingerprints for in vivo tumour theranostics

Inspired by the ability of SERS nanoantennas to provide an integrated platform to enhance disease targeting in vivo, we developed a highly sensitive probe for in vivo tumour recognition with the capacity to target specific cancer biomarkers such as epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) on human cancer cells and xenograft tumour models. Here, we used ~ 90 nm gold nanoparticles capped by a Raman reporter, encapsulated and entrapped by larger polymers and a FDA antibody–drug conjugate – Cetuximab (Erbitux®) – that specifically targets EGFR and turns off a main signalling cascade for cancer cells to proliferate and survive. These drug/SERS gold nanoantennas present a high Raman signal both in cancer cells and in mice bearing xenograft tumours. Moreover, the Raman detection signal is accomplished simultaneously by extensive tumour growth inhibition in mice, making these gold nanoantennas ideal for cancer nanotheranostics, i.e. tumour detection and tumour cell inhibition at the same time.

Graphical abstractAntibody–drug gold nanoantennas to use as nanotheranostic tool for in vivo imaging/detection and tumour inhibition. These smart drug–Raman NPs can easily bind to EGF receptors, blocking the EGF protein from reaching the cancer cells and inhibit the signalling cascade, consequently stop proliferation and survival of targeted cells.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (101 K)Download as PowerPoint slide