AS1411-conjugated doxorubicin-loaded silver nanotriangles for targeted chemo–photothermal therapy of breast cancer

Background: Combination therapy has attracted tremendous interest for its great potential in treating cancers. Materials & methods: Based on chitosan-coated silver nanotriangles, polyethylene glycol, AS1411 aptamer and doxorubicin, a multifunctional nanocomposite (AS1411-DOX-AgNTs) was constructed and characterized. Then the photothermal properties, ability to target breast cancer cells and anti-breast cancer effect of AS1411-DOX-AgNTs were evaluated. Results: AS1411-DOX-AgNTs were successfully fabricated and showed excellent photothermal conversion efficiency, breast cancer cell and tumor targeting ability. Compared with single treatments, the combination of AS1411-DOX-AgNTs with near-infrared irradiation possessed the strongest anti-breast cancer effect in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: AS1411-DOX-AgNTs hold great potential in targeted DOX delivery and combined chemo–photothermal therapy for breast cancer.