This invention outlines a method to create drug-loaded fluorescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) embedded in a mesoporous silica structure for imaging and treating solid tumors. The process begins by combining red-emissive GQDs with a surfactant called CTAB and silica precursors. GQDs aid in imaging. The mixture then undergoes hydrolysis and condensation, forming a silica coating around the GQDs attached to the CTAB surfactant. Next, the mixture is centrifuged at high speeds to separate the GQDs embedded silica nanostructures from the rest of the solution. The CTAB surfactant is then removed, leaving behind mesoporous silica nanostructures with embedded GQDs. "Mesoporous" means these structures have tiny pores, which are useful for holding drugs. Finally, these porous structures are loaded with a drug, creating a compound that can be used for both imaging and removing tumors, thus enhancing the effectiveness of solid tumor ablation.
Type of IP
Faculty
Category of Patent
Department
- This technology offers more precise and effective treatment of solid tumors, potentially leading to better therapeutic outcomes minimizing damage to healthy tissues represents a major advancement in cancer therapy.
- By ensuring targeted drug delivery and reducing systemic exposure, the invention can minimize the side effects typically associated with cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
- Superior imaging leads to accuracy of cancer diagnoses and effectiveness of subsequent treatments. Early and precise detection of tumors can lead to better prognoses and treatment outcomes.
- Photothermal Therapy: The invention utilizes near-infrared (NIR) light to heat the GQDs within the mesoporous silica structure. This localized heating, known as photothermal therapy, raises the temperature of the tumor region, inducing thermolysis (heat-induced cell death) of the tumor cells.
- Combined Therapeutic Approach: By integrating imaging and therapeutic capabilities, the invention enables a combinational treatment strategy. The precise imaging guides the photothermal therapy, ensuring that the tumor is effectively targeted and ablated while simultaneously delivering the therapeutic drug.
- Real-Time Monitoring: The fluorescent properties of the GQDs allow for real-time monitoring of the treatment process. This ensures that the progress of tumor regression can be tracked accurately, providing immediate feedback on the effectiveness of the therapy and allowing for adjustments as needed.
- Integration of Fluorescent GQDs within Mesoporous Silica (MS): Embedding fluorescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) within mesoporous silica (MS) leverages GQDs' better fluorescent properties for imaging and MS's large cargo capacity.
- Improved Imaging and Monitoring: Red-emissive GQDs enable deep tissue visualization, allowing precise imaging of the tumor and facilitating accurate monitoring and guidance during near infrared light mediated tumor ablation.
- Efficient Drug Loading and Delivery: The method involves loading the drug into the mesoporous silica nanostructure embedded with GQDs, ensuring direct delivery to the tumor site and enhancing therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing side effects.
- Targeted and Controlled Release: The drug loaded silica nanoparticles allows for controlled release of the loaded drug, ensuring sustained therapeutic agent release at the tumor site, increasing the accumulation of the drug-loaded nanostructure in the tumor, and improving treatment efficacy.
The technology has been successfully tested in vitro
Medical Diagnostics and Treatment
Their ability to improve imaging, drug delivery efficiency, and targeted treatment makes them valuable tools in advancing cancer treatment and diagnosis while potentially benefiting fields such as nanomedicine and biotechnology.