Organic–inorganic hybrid nanoflowers as a new biomimetic platform for ROS-induced apoptosis by photodynamic therapy

Abstract

We report here a newly and facile synthesis of the phospholipids@gold nanoflowers (AuNFs) from intact cells as a new biomimetic organic-inorganic hybrid. The most appealing feature of this nanostructure is its dual-absorbing peak in near infrared (NIR) and visible region of spectra, which makes them a potential light-sensitive agent for reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced apoptosis. Here, in contrast to previous studies, proposed nanostructures are synthesized in a one-pot reaction using phospholipids present in living cell membranes (as a donor cell) with detectable micro process of AuNF formation. The properties of the resulting AuNFs were evaluated through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), as well as FT-IR, 31P-NMR spectra and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Designed cell membrane-based nanostructure looks like an intact cell and would be able to interact with other cells (as a target cell) and also capable to produce cytotoxic singlet oxygen under NIR irradiation. Generated ROS act as a key player in initiation of programmed cell death (apoptosis) and progress of cancer photodynamic therapy (PDT). Cellular experiments on breast cancer MCF-7 cells demonstrated that they may be effective as photodynamic therapy agents.