AS1411 aptamer-modified theranostic liposomes co-encapsulating manganese oxide nano-contrast agent and paclitaxel for MRI and therapy of cancer

With the advantages and development of MRI nano-contrast agents (CAs), increasing number of MRI-based theranostic nanoparticles have emerged. Liposome, as a biosafe nanocarrier has been used phase III trial for cancer treatment. In this study, liposome was employed as a nanocarrier to co-encapsulate MRI nano-contrast agent poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted manganese oxide (PEG-MnO) and anticancer drug paclitaxel (PTX) for the fabrication of a novel theranostic nanocomplex. After being further modified with AS1411 aptamer, the obtained nanoprobe AS1411-liposome-PEG-MnO-PTX displayed the potential of simultaneous MRI diagnosis and therapy of renal carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. It was found that compared with PEG-MnO nano-CA, liposome-PEG-MnO and AS1411-liposome-PEG-MnO presented a stronger MR contrast enhancement effect in the tumor and longer retention time in the tumor region. More importantly, the introduction of AS1411 aptamer further enhanced the MRI effect and the tumor growth inhibition effect, showing its potential use as a theranostic nanoprobe for renal carcinoma.