MUC1 aptamer-based near-infrared fluorescence probes for tumor imaging.

DNA aptamer (APT) is able to bind to Mucin 1 (MUC1) specifically. The possibility of APT acting as a moiety to construct tumor-targeting probes was investigated. A near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye (MPA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were conjugated to APT to form APT-MPA and APT-PEG-MPA. The successful synthesis of the two probes was characterized via thin layer chromatography (TLC) and optical spectra. The tumor-targeting efficacy of the probes was evaluated in detail at cell level and animal level, respectively. The results indicated that MPA and PEG were successfully coupled with APT. APT-based probes were mediated by Mucin 1 into tumor cells, and PEG-modified probe exhibited higher cell affinity. The aptamer-based NIR fluorescent probes are promising candidates for tumor imaging and diagnosis.