Highly soluble multifunctional MnO nanoparticles for simultaneous optical and MRI imaging and cancer treatment using photodynamic therapy

Superparamagnetic MnO nanoparticles were functionalized using a hydrophilic ligand containing protoporphyrin IX as photosensitizer. By virtue of their magnetic properties these nanoparticles may serve as contrast enhancing agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), while the fluorescent target ligand protoporphyrin IX allows simultaneous tumor detection and treatment by photodynamic therapy (PDT). Caki-1 cells were incubated with these nanoparticles. Subsequent exposure to UV light lead to cell apoptosis due to photoactivation of the photosensitizer conjugated to the nanoparticles. This method offers great diagnostic potential for highly proliferative tissues, including tumors. In addition, it is an efficient platform that combines the advantages of a biocompatible photosensitizer with the possibility for MRI monitoring due to the magnetic properties of the highly soluble functionalized manganese oxide nanoparticles.