Aptamer-based selective KB cell killing by the photothermal effect of gold nanorods

Development of both specific receptors against target cancer cells and therapeutic tools using receptor-functionalized nanoplatforms are important in cancer treatment. To address these challenges, we developed KB cell–specific aptamers using systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). Additionally, we combined the targeting properties of aptamers and photothermal characteristics of GNRs. As a result, we generated efficient aptamer-gold nanorods (Apt-GNRs) targeting KB cancer cells and exhibiting photothermal therapeutic effects. When the samples were irradiated with a light-emitting diode at 845 nm, the targeted KB cells showed ~ 80% cell death compared with the unirradiated and aptamer-free control. Based on the low toxicity, biocompatibility, and selectivity of Apt-GNRs, the proposed nanoplatform has significant potential as a cancer therapy in vivo.