Synthesis of novel galactose functionalized gold nanoparticles and its radiosensitizing mechanism.

Chuan-Dong Zhu,Yuan Wan,Jin-Long Tong,Quan-An Zhang,Li-Xue Wang,Jian-Qing Wu,Han-Feng Xu,Qin Zheng

doi:10.1186/s12951-015-0129-x

Abstract

BackgroundBiocompatible gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are potentially practical and efficient agents in cancer radiotherapy applications. In this study, we demonstrated that GNPs can significantly modulate irradiation response of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and investigated the underlying mechanisms. We co-grafted galactose (GAL) targeting hepatocyte specific asialoglycoprotein receptor and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) onto GNPs surfaces to increase GNPs targeting specificity and stability.ResultsThis novel GAL-PEG-GNPs and bare GNPs show similar appearance and cytotoxicity profiles, while more GAL-PEG-GNPs can be effectively uptaken and could enhance cancer cell killing.ConclusionGAL-PEG-GNPs have better radiosensitization to HepG2. The sensitization mechanism of GAL-PEG-GNPs is related to the apoptotic gene process activated by generation of a large amount of free radicals induced by GNPs.

Highlights

Biocompatible gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are potentially practical and efficient agents in cancer radiotherapy applications
HepG2 cells treated by GAL-Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)-GNPS showed significant DNA double-strand breaks and cell apoptosis after 6-MeV X-rays irradiation. These results demonstrated that our GAL-PEG-GNPs hold potential as a radiosensitizer for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy
Characterization of GAL‐PEG‐GNPs There was no significant difference in appearance between GNPs solution and GAL-PEG-GNPs solution (Fig. 2a)

Summary

Introduction

Biocompatible gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are potentially practical and efficient agents in cancer radiotherapy applications. We demonstrated that GNPs can significantly modulate irradiation response of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and investigated the underlying mechanisms. To improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy, image-guided radiation that provides real-time imaging of the tumor target during treatment has been study. Radioprotectors are drugs that protect normal cells from damage caused by radiation therapy [7]. Radiosensitizers make tumor cells more susceptible to radiation damage and can increase the damaging effects of radiation while minimizing exposure to normal and healthy cells [8]. Several radiosensitizers, such as misonidazole, metronidazole, tirapazamine, trans sodium crocetinate are under study [9]. Radiosensitizers could enable radiation therapy at a lower dose, but would not affect treatment efficiency

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Discussion

Conclusion