Abstract
Surface modifications of radiosensitizing gold nanoparticles (GNP), in particular coating with polyethylene glycol (PEG), may greatly improve their physico-chemical, pharmacological and theranostic properties. However, GNP coating material can seriously alter the efficacy of radiosensitization. We performed a Monte-Carlo simulation of 17 nm GNP PEGylation (8.5 nm layer thickness) effects on secondary radiation spectra at different energies of primary photons (from ∼8 keV to 1 MeV). Our calculations revealed a decrease of the amount of low energy electrons (LEE) that leave PEGylated GNP (from 20% to 40% at the photon energy <500 keV, and from 20% to 0% at energies 500–1000 keV). In all cases, the average energy of the low-energy component of the electron spectrum was smaller for coated GNP. Total energy differed only slightly at photon energy up to ∼200 keV; at bigger energies the normalized total energy of secondary electrons that left the PEG shell significantly (∼20%) exceeded the respective value for electrons that left the uncoated GNP. Thus, rational design of GNP-based radiosensitizers should include critical assessment of physico-chemical properties of the material used for surface modification.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
