Construction of CXCR4 Receptor-Targeted CuFeSe Nano Theranostic Platform and Its Application in MR/CT Dual Model Imaging and Photothermal Therapy.

Introduction: Targeting, imaging, and treating tumors represent major clinical challenges. Developing effective theranostic agents to address these issues is an urgent need.

Methods: We introduce an "all-in-one" tumor-targeted theranostic platform using CuFeSe-based composite nanoparticles (CuFeSe@PA) for magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) dual model imaging-guided hyperthermia tumor ablation. Plerixafor (AMD3100) is bonded to the surface of CuFeSe as a targeting unit. Due to the robust interaction between AMD3100 and the overexpressed Chemokine CXC type receptor 4 (CXCR4) on the membrane of 4T1 cancer cells, CuFeSe@PA specifically recognizes 4T1 cancer cells, enriching the tumor region.

Results: CuFeSe@PA serves as a contrast agent for T-weighted MR imaging (relaxivity value of 1.61 mM s) and CT imaging. Moreover, it effectively suppresses tumor growth through photothermal therapy (PTT) owing to its high photothermal conversion capability and stability, with minimized side effects demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo.

Discussion: CuFeSe@PA nanoparticles show potential as dual-mode imaging contrast agents for MR and CT and provide an effective means of tumor treatment through photothermal therapy. The surface modification with Plerixafor enhances the targeting ability of the nanoparticles, performing more significant efficacy and biocompatibility in the 4T1 cancer cell model. The study demonstrates that CuFeSe@PA is a promising multifunctional theranostic platform with clinical application potential.