Nanotechnologies involving physical methods of
tumor destruction using functional
oligonucleotides are promising for targeted
cancer therapy. Our study presents magnetodynamic
therapy for selective elimination of
tumor cells in vivo using
DNA aptamer-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles exposed to a low frequency alternating magnetic field. We developed an enhanced targeting approach of
cancer cells with aptamers and
arabinogalactan. Aptamers to
fibronectin (AS-14) and heat shock cognate 71 kDa
protein (AS-42) facilitated the delivery of the nanoparticles to Ehrlich
carcinoma cells, and
arabinogalactan (AG) promoted internalization through
asialoglycoprotein receptors. Specific delivery of the aptamer-modified FeAG nanoparticles to the
tumor site was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). After the following treatment with a low frequency alternating magnetic field, AS-FeAG caused
cancer cell death in vitro and
tumor reduction in vivo. Histological analyses showed mechanical disruption of
tumor tissues, total
necrosis, cell lysis, and disruption of the extracellular matrix. The enhanced targeted magnetic
theranostics with the aptamer conjugated superparamagnetic ferroarabinogalactans opens up a new venue for making biocompatible contrasting agents for MRI imaging and performing non-invasive anti-
cancer therapies with a deep penetrated magnetic field.