Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Based Material for Tumor Heterogeneity MR Visualization and Precise Treatment

Abstract

Malignant tumors whose mortality rates up to 97% possess high heterogeneity that leads to rapid growth, strong invasive capability, and low drug sensitivity. Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging enables direct visualization of tumors. However, gadolinium-based contrast agents used in clinical practice have significant drawbacks of short half-life, non-specificity, and toxicity after gadolinium ions leakage. Herein, this study constructs a nanomaterial termed FFDP that utilizes octa (3-mercaptopropyl) silsesquioxane (POSS-SH) as functional bridge where the double-bonded folate, double-bonded doxorubicin, iron (II, III) oxide, and black phosphorus are grafted by chemical and metallic bonds through “click chemistry” approach. The FFDP being administered intravenously, enables real-time targeted enrichment of MR contrast that corresponding to the tumor heterogeneity and allow for precise tumor treatment at the site of in-situ triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Moreover, FFDP can deliver the anti-tumor drug into the deep tumor tissue. In an animal model of in-situ TNBC, efficient tumor ablation can be performed under FFDP enhanced quantitative magnetic resonance imaging. In conclusion, the FFDP nanomaterial designed in this study achieves real-time spatial tumor heterogeneity observation and precision tumor treatment. In clinical practice, POSS-based nanomaterials possess immense potential for MRI-guided individualized precision treatment for tumors.

Keywords

heterogeneity / magnetic resonance imaging / POSS / tumor

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