Targeting cancer cells through Mn(II)-dpa grafted silica nanoparticles

The unique properties of paramagnetic nanoscale metal-organic frameworks provide them with high potential as key probes and vectors in the next generation of biomedical applications. To increase the nanoparticle targeting at the tumor site, the grafting of Mn(II)-dpa (dpa =di(picolyl)amines) on oxide nanoparticles (SiO2) is proposed. The new Mn(II)-dpa-grafted silica nanoparticles can enhance the MR imaging area in cancer tissues and perturb the Ca2+-loaded mitochondria swelling. Experimental results indicate the cancer cells may be targeted through possible intracellular Ca2+ signaling mitochondria accumulating in vivo.