Aptamer induced nanosystem with dynamically self-monitoring and in-situ imaging for breast cancer therapy

Breast cancer is a malignant disease that threatens human health, making it very meaningful and urgent to find a safe and effective treatment. In this study, a strategy (CuO2 @DMSNs-G-FL@PDA/Apt) utilizing the function of dynamically self-monitoring and in-situ imaging guided control release was constructed for combined therapy with active targeting of photothermal and chemical therapy for breast cancer. The developed nanosystem was specifically aggregated in the tumor area with the guidance of Texas red marked aptamer (Apt) for in-situ imaging. The nanosystem showed excellent biocompatibility without laser irradiation. When the nanosystem was irradiated with the laser (808 nm) via imaging guidance, the photothermal effect from the polydopamine (PDA) was produced and control released CuO2 nanodots from dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSNs) produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) for chemical dynamic therapy. The nanosystem showed excellent therapeutic effect via photothermal/chemodynamic therapy with targeting, evidenced in tumors bearing nude mice. Meanwhile, the 2, 7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (G-FL) glowed green and was reversibly activated by ROS in order to dynamically monitor the production and consumption of ROS in the cancer position. The results showed that the intracellular ROS reached their maximum concentration after 4 h of laser irradiation, followed by a declination, which can provide reference for individualized medication. The nanosystem was successfully applied to breast cancer therapy both in vitro and in vivo, showing great potential for clinical treatment. •The nanosystem can real time monitor the treatment process, provide reference for individualized medication.•The CDT/PTT was control released and guided by targeted in-situ imaging, which enhanced the safety of therapy.•It was pH-responsive and oxygen self-supported, which decrease the side effects and enhanced the treatment effect.•It realized in-situ fluorescence imaging and thermal imaging in vivo.