Release and biological performance of theranostics from novel tissue engineering scaffolds for cancer patients

Abstract

For cancer patients, new tissue needs to be formed at the original tumor site after surgery. Scaffold-based tissue engineering can regenerate human body tissues. Cancer recurrence threatens lives and hence early detection and treatment of recurring cancer is vital. Theranostics are anticancer nanodevices providing diagnostic and therapeutic functions and Au-based nanoparticles (NPs) form excellent theranostics. In this study, novel nanofibrous scaffolds with embedded theranostic-containing microspheres for cancer patients were made via concurrent electrospinning and coaxial electrospray. Fibrous scaffolds were PLGA(75:25), and PLGA(50:50) microspheres encapsulating theranostics (Au@CS-FA NPs: highly branched folic acid-chitosan-capped gold) were electrosprayed. Results showed theranostics were contained in the hollow core of PLGA microspheres which were randomly distributed in fibrous scaffolds. After 21-day immersion in PBS in in vitro tests, PLGA shell of microspheres in scaffolds broke down and theranostics were released. Released theranostics could provide strong SERS signals for cancer detection. In vitro biological results showed released theranostics could target cancer cells with high-level folate-receptor expression (HeLa cells, not MCF-7 cells) and be internalized by these cells. Fluorescent imaging of HeLa cells with internalized theranostics was achieved.