Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) demonstrate great potential as immunotherapy agents for the treatment of diseases such as cancer as well as tagging for the targeted delivery of multicomponent therapeutic or diagnostic systems. Nevertheless, the large physical size, poor stability of mAbs and abnormal allergic reactions still remain the main issues affecting their generalised use. Single-domain antibodies (sdAb) are seen as the next generation of antibody derived therapeutics and diagnostics. This work presents the optimised production method for HER2-specific sdAb C7b, which led to an ∼11-fold increase in protein yield. In addition, the in vitro and in vivo efficiencies of the targeted delivery of a model nanoparticle cargo (50 nm silica particles doped with Mo₆ phosphorescent clusters) conjugated to C7b against those conjugated to HER2-specific trastuzumab is benchmarked. Specifically, this paper demonstrates the significantly higher rate of accumulation in and excretion from xenograft cancer tissue of nanoparticles with C7b, which is of particular importance for diagnostics, i.e. delivery of imaging agents.

(1) Background: accelerator-based neutron sources are a new frontier for BNCT but many technical issues remain. We aimed to study such issues and results in larger-animal BNCT (cats and dogs) with naturally occurring, malignant tumors in different locations as an intermediate step in translating current research into clinical practice. (2) Methods: 10 pet cats and dogs with incurable, malignant tumors that had no treatment alternatives were included in this study. A tandem accelerator with vacuum insulation was used as a neutron source. As a boron-containing agent, ¹⁰B-enriched sodium borocaptate (BSH) was used at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Animal condition as well as tumor progression/regression were monitored. (3) Results: regression of tumors in response to treatment, improvements in the overall clinical picture, and an increase in the estimated duration and quality of life were observed. Treatment-related toxicity was mild and reversible. (4) Conclusions: our study contributes to preparations for human BNCT clinical trials and suggests utility for veterinary oncology.

The plasmon-enhanced luminescence and singlet oxygen production rate of hybrid materials containing gold nanoparticles and photoactive cluster complexes are rising with the increase of the aspect ratio.