Nanoparticle–cell–nanoparticle communication by stigmergy to enhance poly(I:C) induced apoptosis in cancer cells

Abstract

Nanoparticle–cell–nanoparticle communication by stigmergy was demonstrated using two capped nanodevices. The first community of nanoparticles (i.e.S(RA)_IFN) is loaded with 9-cis-retinoic acid and capped with interferon-γ, whereas the second community of nanoparticles (i.e.S(sulf)_PIC) is loaded with sulforhodamine B and capped with poly(I:C). The uptake of S(RA)_IFN by SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells enhanced the expression of TLR3 receptor facilitating the subsequent uptake of S(sulf)_PIC and cell killing.