Sialate receptor targeted smart drug delivery system for light assisted eradication and imaging of cancer cells

Zinc sulphide (ZnS) is a cytocompatible metal, which possess significant luminesce propensity for bio-imaging and drug delivery applications. In our previous study we have found the enhanced photoluminescence of ZnS nanoparticles (ZnS NPs) when doped with transition metal copper (Cu). 

IR780 iodide is a near-infrared (NIR) dye with a huge potential for cancer imaging and phototherapy (photodynamic therapy/photothermal therapy). However, low cell uptake and off-target effects are the limitations of IR 780 for effective phototherapy in cancer. In addition IR 780 mediated phototherapy activates STAT3 signaling pathway, which again results in survival of cancer cells. In the present study we, therefore, propose transition metal (TM) doped ZnS NPs for targeted combinatorial delivery of IR-780 and STAT3 inhibitor (Stattic) to cancer cells.

Phenylboronic acid (PBA) is a ligand, which selectively binds to the sialic acid (SA) receptors overexpress on the surface of cancer cells. Recently we have reported the beneficial effects of PBA surface modified nanocarriers for targeted inhibition of STAT3 in cancer cells. We, therefore, hypothesise surface modification of IR 780 and Stattic loaded ZnS NPs (STAT3-ZnS NPs) with PBA (PBA-STAT3-ZnS NPs) will result in selective eradication of cancer cells.