The invention provides NIR-responsive, thermosensitive gold-coated polymer nanoshells based on poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) for targeted cancer treatment and diagnostics. These nanoshells enable efficient photothermal therapy, triggered drug release, X-ray contrast imaging, and application in surgical sutures.
Figure 1. Schematic representation of synthesis and application of in situ gold coated CHT-g-PNVCL nanoshells (Au PNVCL NS)
Conventional cancer therapies like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery often suffer from drawbacks such as toxicity to healthy tissues, poor targeting, and risk of relapse. Additionally, current photothermal agents used for tumor ablation face issues such as low photothermal efficiency, leaching, and toxicity. Knot failure in surgical sutures during laparoscopy also poses clinical challenges.
- NIR Photothermal Conversion: The nanoshells absorb NIR light at ~750 nm, enabling focused heating of tumor cells without harming nearby healthy tissue.
- Thermosensitive Drug Release: Chitosan grafting raises the LCST to ~42°C, allowing drug release only at elevated tumor temperatures.
- Multifunctionality: The system supports photothermal therapy, targeted drug delivery, X-ray imaging, and smart suturing in one platform.
- Biocompatibility: The nanoshells show over 90% cell viability and are safer than iodine-based imaging agents.
The prototype consists of gold-coated, chitosan-grafted poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (Au-PNVCL) nanoshells, 300–400 nm in size, designed to absorb NIR light at ~750 nm. The LCST is tuned to ~42°C for heat-triggered drug release. The nanoshells show positive surface charge (+13 mV), excellent biocompatibility (>90% cell viability), and effective photothermal ablation of cancer cells (>90% cell death in 4 minutes). They also serve as efficient X-ray contrast agents and are integrated into surgical sutures to improve knot tightening under NIR light, particularly useful in minimally invasive surgeries.
The technology is currently at the lab-scale stage of development. It has been successfully demonstrated under controlled laboratory conditions but has not yet progressed to pilot-scale or commercial production. Further validation and scaling-up studies are required to move towards industrial or clinical application.
4
This multifunctional platform addresses the need for precise, minimally invasive cancer treatment with fewer side effects. The smart surgical sutures can significantly improve surgical outcomes, especially in laparoscopic procedures, reducing post-operative complications.
- Theranostics: Combined diagnostic and therapeutic uses in oncology
- Medical Devices: Smart sutures for endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery
- Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals: Drug delivery platforms
- Imaging: Safe alternative to iodine-based X-ray contrast agents
Geography of IP
Type of IP
201621009168
377864