Integrin αvβ3-Targeted C-Dot Nanocomposites as Multifunctional Agents for Cell Targeting and Photoacoustic Imaging of Superficial Malignant Tumors

With a cocktail formulation of soybean milk as a green carbon source and TTDDA as a capping agent, integrin αvβ3-targeted C-dot nanocomposites (MB-CDs@NH-RGD) have been successfully fabricated via a facile microwaving protocol. Modification of the surface coating and RGD-conjugation endow their superior biocompatibility as well as highly specific targeting profile to αvβ3-overexpressed cell lines of MDA-MB231 and B16 as representative superficial malignant tumors. Meanwhile, the significant photothermal effect has been generated on irradiation of these targeted C-dot nanocomposites by a pulsed laser, which proved their eligibility for potential thermal ablation therapy. In vivo photoacoustic imaging using these C-dot nanocomposites as novel imaging probes verified their excellent targeting sensitivity and contrast enhancement. This exciting evidence implies a promising strategy to utilize them for multifunctional nanotheranostic purposes in combination with precision diagnosis and photothermal treatment against superficial malignant tumors.