Antibody-functionalized nano test tubes target breast cancer cells

Aim: To develop nano test tubes that will deliver a biomedical payload to a specific cell type. Methods: The template-synthesis method was used to prepare silica nano test tubes. An antibody that is specific for breast cancer cells was attached to the outer tube surfaces. A fluorophore was attached to the inner surfaces of the nano test tubes. The tubes were incubated with the breast cancer cells and the extent of attachment to the cell surfaces was investigated by fluorescence microscopy. Results: Tubes modified on their outer surfaces with the target antibody showed enhanced attachment to breast-cancer cells, relative to tubes modified on their outer surfaces with a species and isotype-matched control antibody. Conclusions: This work is a first step toward demonstrating that nano test tubes can be used as cell-specific delivery vehicles.