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Targeted SERS nanosensors measure physicochemical gradients and free energy changes in live 3D tumor spheroids.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Jamieson, Lauren E 
Camus, Victoria L 
Bagnaninchi, Pierre O 
Fisher, Kate M 
Stewart, Grant D 

Abstract

Use of multicellular tumor spheroids (MTS) to investigate therapies has gained impetus because they have potential to mimic factors including zonation, hypoxia and drug-resistance. However, analysis remains difficult and often destroys 3D integrity. Here we report an optical technique using targeted nanosensors that allows in situ 3D mapping of redox potential gradients whilst retaining MTS morphology and function. The magnitude of the redox potential gradient can be quantified as a free energy difference (ΔG) and used as a measurement of MTS viability. We found that by delivering different doses of radiotherapy to MTS we could correlate loss of ΔG with increasing therapeutic dose. In addition, we found that resistance to drug therapy was indicated by an increase in ΔG. This robust and reproducible technique allows interrogation of an in vitro tumor-model's bioenergetic response to therapy, indicating its potential as a tool for therapy development.

Description

Keywords

Humans, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, MCF-7 Cells, Nanostructures, Neoplasms, Oxidation-Reduction, Spectrum Analysis, Raman, Spheroids, Cellular, Tumor Microenvironment

Journal Title

Nanoscale

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2040-3364
2040-3372

Volume Title

8

Publisher

Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Sponsorship
Leverhulme Trust (Grant ID: RPG-2012-680), Jamie King Cancer Research Fund