10.57647/jnsc.2025.1506.23

Synthesis and Characterization of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid-Loaded Fibrous Nanosilica for Enhanced Detection of HT-29 Colorectal Cancer Cells

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  • Chuan Jiang1,
  • Lin Guo1,
  • Li Li2,
  • Chunhua Chi1,
  • Fengli Jiao3,
  • Zhongan Guan1,
  • Zhenji Liu4,
  • Jiansheng Li5,
  1. Department of Anorectal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
  2. Department of Anorectal Surgery, Qingdao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Qingdao Hiser Hospital), Qingdao, 266033, China
  3. The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
  4. Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, China
  5. Department of Anorectal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China

Received: 08-08-2025

Revised: 03-09-2025

Accepted: 18-10-2025

Published in Issue 31-12-2025

Copyright (c) 2025 Chuan Jiang, Lin Guo, Li Li, Chunhua Chi, Fengli Jiao, Zhongan Guan, Zhenji Liu, Jiansheng Li (Author)

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Jiang, C., Guo, L., Li, L., Chi, C., Jiao, F., Guan, Z., Liu, Z., & Li, J. (2025). Synthesis and Characterization of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid-Loaded Fibrous Nanosilica for Enhanced Detection of HT-29 Colorectal Cancer Cells . Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry, 15(06). https://doi.org/10.57647/jnsc.2025.1506.23
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Abstract

Accurate delineation of tumor margins remains a clinical challenge in colorectal cancer surgery. To address this, we developed a novel nanosystem by loading 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) onto amine-functionalized dendritic fibrous nanosilica (ALA@KCC-1-NH₂) for enhanced photodynamic diagnosis. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited uniform spherical morphology (average diameter: 455 ± 30 nm), high surface area (352 m²/g for KCC-1), and mesoporous architecture. After functionalization and drug loading, the final formulation retained structural integrity with a drug loading content of 15.3 wt% and encapsulation efficiency of 85.6%. In vitro release studies revealed a pH-responsive profile, with minimal release (<20%) at pH 7.4 and accelerated release (>70%) at pH 5.5 over 24 hours. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed excellent biocompatibility of the blank carrier and significant light-induced cytotoxicity from ALA@KCC-1-NH₂, with an IC₅₀ of 0.45 mM under irradiation—three times lower than that of free 5-ALA (1.38 mM). Confocal microscopy demonstrated a 4.5-fold increase in intracellular protoporphyrin IX fluorescence in HT-29 colorectal cancer cells treated with ALA@KCC-1-NH₂ compared to free 5-ALA. These results indicate that the fibrous nanosilica carrier significantly enhances 5-ALA uptake and fluorescence signal generation, offering a promising strategy for improved intraoperative tumor visualization. The ALA@KCC-1-NH₂ platform thus holds strong potential for advancing fluorescence-guided surgery in colorectal cancer management. Given the ∼455 ± 30 nm particle diameter, the envisioned translational route is topical/endoscopic or intraluminal application (spray/instillation) rather than intravenous delivery.

Keywords

  • Drug loading efficiency,
  • Endocytosis,
  • Mesoporous architecture,
  • Photosensitizer,
  • Tumor fluorescence
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