Fluorescein/gold nanoparticles conjugated EGFR antibody for imaging and P53 upregulation in hamster mucosal cells carcinoma

Abstract

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has an imperative role in cancer evolution and progression. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have outstanding utilization in targeting, and diagnosis of cancers, especially when coupled with antibodies. In this study, the GNPs were conjugated with Anti-EGFR then labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) for targeting tumor-induced in hamster mucosal cells using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Anti-EGFR-GNPs-FITC was prepared by mixing 10 mL of the gold solution with 1 mL antibody solution then 0.5 mL of 1% polyethylene glycol (PEG) was added to the mixture to prevent aggregation. FITC was added to the previous solution and stirred overnight. Characterization of GNPs and Anti-EGFR-GNPs-FITC was done by UV–Vis, TEM, and Zeta potential. CLSM study of tissue treated with Anti-EGFR-GNPs-FITC reveals the successful distribution and bioconjugation of Anti-EGFR-GNPs-FITC in tumor cells. The best time for distribution in tumor tissue was between 6 and 8 h. In addition, a real-time PCR study showed an increase in mean values of P53 (tumor suppressor gene) expression in both normal and tumor-induced cells. The up-regulation in gene expression of P53 means using Anti-EGFR-GNPs-FITC will help in suppressing the tumor cells growth. This study acquaints an innovative GNPs antibody assemblage (Anti-EGFR-GNPs-FITC) that was successful in both bioconjugation and tumor suppression in mucosal cells.