Vortex Nanodiscs Functionalization to Overcome Macrophage Recognition for Efficient Theragnosis Applications

Abstract

Biological barriers prevent nanotherapeutics successful accumulation at target cells, limiting diagnosis and treatment responses. Magnetic nanodiscs with a spin-vortex ground state have shown great promise for magnetomechanical cancer cells annihilation and for neuronal stimulation, requiring very low concentrations for an effective result. However, the biological barriers that these particles encounter upon intravenous administration remain a challenge. Herein, the synthesis of biocompatible multilayered Au/Fe/Au nanodiscs with a spin-vortex ground state and their inert surface modification is reported. Two different surface modifications with two distinct polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules are performed, which successfully reduce macrophage uptake, while maintaining the nanodiscs’ biocompatibility. By effectively preventing nanodisc uptake, innovative design features can be rationally incorporated to create a new generation of specific nanotherapeutics by modifying the PEG surface with specific targeting molecules.