Potential Of Gold Nanoparticles Research Articles

The Potential of Nuclear Pore Complexes in Cancer Therapy

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) play a critical role in regulating transport-dependent gene expression, influencing various stages of cancer development and progression. Dysregulation of nucleocytoplasmic transport has profound implications, particularly in the context of cancer-associated protein mislocalization. This review provides specific information about the relationship between nuclear pore complexes, key regulatory proteins, and their impact on cancer biology. Highlighting the influence of tumor-suppressor proteins as well as the potential of gold nanoparticles and intelligent nanosystems in cancer treatment, their role in inhibiting cell invasion is examined. This article concludes with the clinical implications of nuclear export inhibitors, particularly XPO1, as a therapeutic target in various cancers, with selective inhibitors of nuclear export compounds demonstrating efficacy in both hematological and solid malignancies. The review aims to explore the role of NPCs in cancer biology, focusing on their influence on gene expression, cancer progression, protein mislocalization, and the potential of targeted therapies such as nuclear export inhibitors and intelligent nanosystems in cancer treatment. Despite their significance and the number of research studies, the direct role of NPCs in carcinogenesis remains incompletely understood.

Gold Nanoparticles in Nanobiotechnology: From Synthesis to Biosensing Applications.

Nanobiotechnology has ushered in a new era of scientific discovery where the unique properties of nanomaterials, such as gold nanoparticles, have been harnessed for a wide array of applications. This review explores gold nanoparticles' synthesis, properties, and multidisciplinary applications, focusing on their role as biosensors. Gold nanoparticles possess exceptional physicochemical attributes, including size-dependent optical properties, biocompatibility, and ease of functionalization, making them promising candidates for the development of biosensing platforms. The review begins by providing a comprehensive overview of gold nanoparticle synthesis techniques, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches. It then delves into the remarkable properties that underpin their success in biosensing, such as localized surface plasmon resonance and enhanced surface area. The discussion also includes the functionalization strategies that enable specific binding to biomolecules, enhancing the sensitivity and selectivity of gold-nanoparticle-based biosensors. Furthermore, this review surveys the diverse applications of gold nanoparticles in biosensing, encompassing diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and drug delivery. The multidisciplinary nature of these applications underscores the versatility and potential of gold nanoparticles in addressing complex challenges in healthcare and environmental science. The review emphasizes the pressing need for further exploration and research in the field of nanobiotechnology, particularly regarding the synthesis, properties, and biosensing applications of gold nanoparticles. With their exceptional physicochemical attributes and versatile functionalities, gold nanoparticles present a promising avenue for addressing complex challenges in healthcare and environmental science, making it imperative to advance our understanding of their synthesis, properties, and applications for enhanced biosensing capabilities and broader scientific innovation.

Unlocking the potential of RGD-conjugated gold nanoparticles: a new frontier in targeted cancer therapy, imaging, and metastasis inhibition.

In the rapidly evolving field of cancer therapeutics, the potential of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) conjugated with RGD peptides has emerged as a promising avenue for targeted therapy and imaging. Despite numerous studies demonstrating the effectiveness of RGD-conjugated AuNPs in specifically targeting tumor cells and enhancing radiation therapy (RT), a comprehensive review of these advancements is currently lacking. This review aims to fill this critical gap in the literature. Our analysis reveals that RGD-conjugated AuNPs have shown significant promise in improving the diagnosis and treatment of various types of cancer, including breast cancer. However, the full potential of this technology is yet to be realized. The development of multifunctional nanoplatforms incorporating AuNPs has opened new horizons for targeted therapy, dual-mode imaging, and inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis. This review is of paramount importance as it provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in this area, and highlights the areas where further research is needed. It is hoped that this review will inspire further investigations into this promising nanotechnology, ultimately leading to improved cancer diagnosis and therapy. Therefore, the findings presented in this review underscore the potential of AuNPs conjugated with RGD peptides as a revolutionary approach in cancer therapeutics. It is our fervent hope that this review will serve as a catalyst for further research in this exciting field.

Potential of Gold Nanoparticle in Current Radiotherapy Using a Co-Culture Model of Cancer Cells and Cancer Associated Fibroblast Cells.

Many cancer therapeutics are tested in vitro using only tumour cells. However, the tumour promoting effect of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) within the tumour microenvironment (TME) is thought to reduce cancer therapeutics' efficacy. We have chosen pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) as our tumor model. Our goal is to create a co-culture of CAFs and tumour cells to model the interaction between cancer and stromal cells in the TME and allow for better testing of therapeutic combinations. To test the proposed co-culture model, a gold nanoparticle (GNP) mediated-radiation response was used. Cells were grown in co-culture with different ratios of CAFs to cancer cells. MIA PaCa-2 was used as our PDAC cancer cell line. Co-cultured cells were treated with 2 Gy of radiation following GNP incubation. DNA damage and cell proliferation were examined to assess the combined effect of radiation and GNPs. Cancer cells in co-culture exhibited up to a 23% decrease in DNA double strand breaks (DSB) and up to a 35% increase in proliferation compared to monocultures. GNP/Radiotherapy (RT) induced up to a 25% increase in DNA DSBs and up to a 15% decrease in proliferation compared to RT alone in both monocultured and co-cultured cells. The observed resistance in the co-culture system may be attributed to the role of CAFs in supporting cancer cells. Moreover, we were able to reduce the activity of CAFs using GNPs during radiation treatment. Indeed, CAFs internalize a significantly higher number of GNPs, which may have led to the reduction in their activity. One reason experimental therapeutics fail in clinical trials relates to limitations in the pre-clinical models that lack a true representation of the TME. We have demonstrated a co-culture platform to test GNP/RT in a clinically relevant environment.

Comparison of Four Common Gold Nanoparticles for Photothermal Cancer Therapy: A Review

Current cancer treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, often cause damage to healthy tissue and reduce a patient's quality of life with well-known side effects, such as pain, infection and nerve damage. Recent research has shown that gold nanoparticles used as photothermal agents in photothermal therapy may pose as an alternative to traditional treatments. This great potential is due to their ability to selectively accumulate in cancerous tissue, efficiently absorb near-infrared light, and kill cancerous tissue without harming surrounding cells. Gold nanoparticles show promise in increasing treatment efficacy and reducing the side effects associated with cancer therapy. While recent studies show the potential of gold nanoparticles, the existing literature is limited in drawing comparisons between studies and practical use for photothermal therapy. This paper reviews notable studies on four common gold nanoparticles used in the therapeutic treatment of cancer: gold nanocages, gold nanospheres, gold nanorods, and gold nanoshells. By comparing key characteristics of the particles’, including their synthesis, toxicity, absorption spectrum, and selective photothermal lethality, gold nanospheres can be recommended for use in photothermal therapy. Although forms of each gold nanoparticle were found to have a low toxicity, gold nanospheres can be rapidly synthesized and appear to exceed in selective photothermal lethality and immature tumour accumulation. Due to these advantages in using gold nanospheres for photothermal therapy, cancer could be treated more effectively and improve patient prognosis.

Protecting the Normal Physiological Functions of Articular and Periarticular Structures by Aurum Nanoparticle-Based Formulations: an Up-to-Date Insight.

Taking the articular and periarticular structures as a litmus test for gold-based nanoformulations, the potential of gold nanoparticles in protecting the normal physiological functions of these structures particularly in geriatric patients is one of the research areas of current interest. Aside from its use to make the traditional and fashionable ornaments for human usage, the gold metal is also known for its rich therapeutic activity. This is especially true when the gold is converted from its bulk form into nanosized form before its administering into the human body. Since it is the age of nanocomponents in medical and pharmaceutical research areas, this review is therefore mainly focused on nanoparticulate systems consisting of aurum. Accumulating research reports nevertheless show concrete evidence indicating the potential of gold-based nanoformulations to manage joint syndromes such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This review embarks from preparation techniques and characterization methods to therapeutical application potentials of gold-based nanoformulations.

Recent Progress in Catalytic Oxidative Transformations of Alcohols by Supported Gold Nanoparticles

AbstractCatalytic oxidative transformations of alcohols constitute one of the greatly important protocols for the synthesis of various aldehydes, ketones, acids, imines, amides, etc. that are required to make drug intermediates, food additives, plastics, detergents and cosmetics. The potential of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in catalytic oxidation reactions is generally competent owing to their tendency to activate oxygen. Supports play a conspicuous and increasingly important role not only in the preparation and stabilization of Au NPs, but also can address the issues of sustainability by facilitating separation and reusability of the catalyst. This review aims to systematically discuss the impressive developments in catalytic oxidative transformations of alcohols promoted by supported Au NPs in the last five years. These Au NPs exhibit unique electronic properties and crystal structures, which gives us an excellent opportunity to correlate atomic structure with intrinsic catalytic properties over Au NPs. The effect of a support on the significant properties of Au NPs in terms of catalytic activity, selectivity, recyclability, and stability is discussed at length. The tentative reaction mechanisms and the structure‐performance relationships are also discussed at appropriate places, which will provide some clues for the design of efficient Au NPs‐based catalysts.magnified image

Potential of Gold Nanoparticles as Antioxidants in Diabetic Mice

Potential of Gold Nanoparticles as Antioxidants in Diabetic Mice

Gold nanoparticles in cardiovascular imaging.

Although originally applied in the field of oncology, recent results have illustrated the considerable potential of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in the imaging of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). CVDs represent the leading cause of mortality and disability in the world. The principal cause underpinning CVDs is atherosclerosis, which develops into mid and large blood vessels, often leading to severe complications. Thanks to their unique physicochemical properties, GNPs have drawn much attention from the research community in cardiovascular imaging. Thus, the optical properties of GNPs have led to their utilization as contrast agents for optical or X-ray imaging modalities allowing the detection of atherosclerotic plaques, intravascular thrombus, or fibrotic tissue. In this study, we detail the most promising preclinical scientific progresses based on the use of GNPs for imaging in cardiovascular field and their improvements for a potential clinical application. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2018, 10:e1470. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1470 This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Cardiovascular Disease.

Increased radiosensitivity of colorectal tumors with intra-tumoral injection of low dose of gold nanoparticles.

The potential of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) as radiosensitizers for the treatment of malignant tumors has been limited by the large quantities of GNPs that must be administered and the requirement for low-energy X-ray irradiation to optimize radiosensitization. In this study, we enhance the radiosensitivity of HCT116 human colorectal cells with tiopronin-coated GNPs (Tio-GNPs) combined with a low-energy X-ray (26 keV effective energy) source, similar to the Papillon 50 clinical irradiator used for topical irradiation of rectal tumors. Sensitizer enhancement ratios of 1.48 and 1.69 were measured in vitro, when the HCT116 cells were incubated with 0.1 mg/mL and 0.25 mg/mL of Tio-GNPs, respectively. In nude mice bearing the HCT116 tumor, intra-tumoral (IT) injection of Tio-GNPs allowed a 94 times higher quantity of Tio-GNPs to accumulate than was possible by intravenous injection and facilitated a significant tumor response. The time following irradiation, for tumors growing to four times their initial tumor volume (4Td) was 54 days for the IT injection of 366.3 μg of Tio-GNPs plus 10 Gy, compared to 37 days with radiation alone (P=0.0018). Conversely, no significant improvement was obtained when GNPs were injected intravenously before tumor irradiation (P=0.6547). In conclusion, IT injection of Tio-GNPs combined with low-energy X-rays can significantly reduce the growth of colorectal tumors.

ChemInform Abstract: Selective Oxidation of Alcohols by Supported Gold Nanoparticles: Recent Advances

AbstractReview: 292 refs.

Biomimetic gold nanocomplexes for gene knockdown: Will gold deliver dividends for small interfering RNA nanomedicines?

RNA interference (RNAi) effectors such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) and micro RNA (miRNA) can selectively downregulate any gene implicated in the pathology of a disease. Therefore, RNAi-based therapies have immense potential for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. However, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies have revealed that these therapeutic agents have poor bioactivity due to a number of factors, including insufficient plasma drug levels, short plasma half-lives, renal clearance, and hepatic metabolism. Non-viral delivery may facilitate the clinical application of siRNA-based therapeutics by helping to overcome these barriers. Recently, the potential of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as multifunctional carriers for transporting drugs, proteins, and genetic materials has been demonstrated. In this review, some of the key properties of AuNPs relevant to siRNA delivery, such as physical properties and surface chemistry have been described. In addition, the ability of AuNP-based formulation strategies to successfully overcome delivery barriers associated with siRNA, and the potential for this material to translate into safe and effective nanomedicines are critically discussed.

Evaluation of the physicochemical properties and the biocompatibility of polyethylene glycol-conjugated gold nanoparticles: A formulation strategy for siRNA delivery

The potential of RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutics for cancer has received much attention; however, delivery of RNAi effectors, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA), remains an obstacle to clinical translation. Non-viral delivery vectors have been used extensively to enhance siRNA delivery. Recently, the potential of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for transporting drugs, proteins and genetic materials has been demonstrated. Previously, our laboratory synthesised positively charged, surfactant-free AuNPs in water by the reduction of gold (III) chloride (AuCl3) using hydroxylamine hydrochloride (NH2OH·HCl) in the presence of l-cysteine methyl ester hydrochloride (HSCH2CH(NH2)COOCH3·HCl) as a capping agent. These AuNPs, which achieve higher cell viability in comparison to cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB, a surfactant)-capped counterparts, have demonstrated potential for siRNA delivery. However, it is well known that systemic administration of cationic delivery systems without biological stablising moieties causes non-specific binding with negatively charged serum proteins, resulting in particle aggregation and opsonisation. Consequently, highly stable AuNPs capped with l-cysteine methyl ester hydrochloride conjugated to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were synthesised in this study. PEGylation enhanced the biocompatibility of the AuNPs by reducing toxicity in a range of cell types, by inhibiting interaction with serum proteins thus avoiding aggregation, and, by providing protection against degradation by nucleases. Moreover, these PEGylated AuNPs formed nanoparticles (NPs) with siRNA (which was first compacted with protamine), and had a diameter within the nanoscale range (∼250nm) and a near neutral surface charge (∼10mV). In the future a bifunctional PEG chain on the AuNPs (i.e., SH-PEG-NH2, SH-PEG-COOH) will be used to facilitate conjugation of a targeting ligand to enhance cell specific uptake.

The size, charge, and electrokinetic potential of gold nanoparticles in solutions of sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate in n-decane-chloroform mixtures

The hydrodynamic diameters and electrokinetic potentials of gold nanoparticles in n-decane, chloroform, and mixtures thereof have been studied as functions of sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) concentration. At AOT concentrations in n-decane below 2 mM, gold nanoparticles are covered with AOT monolayer and do not reveal electrophoretic mobility. At a concentration of 0.3 M that, according to the data of photon-correlation spectroscopy, corresponds to the onset of adsorption of AOT micelles on the nanoparticle surface, the ζ-potential reaches a maximum value of 190 mV; then, it decreases with increasing surfactant concentration. A rise in the volume fraction of chloroform in decane-chloroform mixtures drastically increases the ζ-potential even at low AOT concentrations. The obtained results have been analyzed in terms of the Debye-Huckel theory.

Gold nanoparticles induce DNA damage in the blood and liver of rats

The potential of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) for use in different biological applications has led to a strong interest in the study of their possible deleterious effects in biological systems and how these effects may be mitigated. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of the acute and chronic administration of GNPs with mean diameters of 10 and 30 nm on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage in the blood and liver of adult rats. For the acute administration, Wistar adult rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of either GNPs or a saline solution. For the chronic administration, Wistar adult rats received a daily single injection of the same GNPs or saline solution for 28 days. Twenty-four hours after either the single (acute) or final injection (chronic), the rats were euthanised by decapitation, and the blood and liver were isolated for the evaluation of DNA damage. In this study, we demonstrated that the acute and chronic administration of GNPs 10 and 30 nm in size increased the frequency of DNA damage and the damage index in the blood and liver of adult rats. These findings suggest that the DNA damage may be caused by oxidative stress, which occurred regardless of the type of administration and GNP size.

TU‐A‐9A‐11: Gold Nanoparticles Enhanced Diffuse Optical Tomography: A Proof of Concept Study

Purpose:To investigate the feasibility and potential of gold nanoparticles (GNP) enhanced diffuse optical tomography (DOT) as a novel imaging strategy for tumor detection.Methods:Simulation was performed on a digital homogeneous cylindrical phantom of 30mm×30mm. Gold nanorods (GNR) with aspect ratio 3.9 and effective radius 21.86nm were used as contrast agent. The peak light absorption for these GNR occurs at 842nm within the near‐infrared region, with the absorption cross‐section of 1.97×10‐14m‐2 and scatter cross‐section of 1.07×10‐14m‐2. A 6mmdiameter sphere of GNR solution was positioned inside the tissue‐simulating phantom. Simulations were performed at the GNR concentration level of 1nM, 100pM and 10pM, respectively. The points representing laser sources and light detectors were around the phantom with 30o apart tangentially and 1mm apart axially for 9 rows. As one point being source, all the other points within the current row and nearby four rows become detectors. Hence there are 108 source points in total and 55 detector points corresponding to each source. Forward light transport at 842nm wavelength was run on a three‐dimensional mesh of 33186 nodes (∼0.5mm resolution) to acquire the light emission data. Reconstruction was performed on a coarse mesh of 19408 nodes (∼1mm resolution) with ∼20minutes on a 2.4GHz CPU and 8GB RAM computer.Results:The position of the GNR solution at 1nM, 100pM and 10pM concentration was reconstructed, respectively, with <1mm error. The GNR concentration was interpreted from the reconstructed absorption coefficient within the enhanced volume. The reconstructed maximum concentrations were 0.3nM, 120.0pM, and 5.3pM, respectively.Conclusion:To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time to apply GNP to enhance DOT. The simulation results showed the high sensitivity of GNP enhanced DOT, which is in pM concentration level, compared to the μM level for MRI agents and nM level for PET agents.

Gold nanoparticles in radiation research: potential applications for imaging and radiosensitization.

The potential of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in therapeutic and diagnostic cancer applications is becoming increasingly recognized. These biologically compatible particles can be easily synthesized, tuned to different sizes, and functionalized by conjugation to various biologically useful materials. Efficient and specific delivery to tumor tissue can then be accomplished either by passive accumulation in leaky tumor vessels and tissue, or by directly targeting tumor-specific biomarkers. Tumor-localized GNPs can serve as both adjuvants for enhancing the efficacy of radiation therapy and also as contrast agents for various imaging modalities. In this review, we will discuss recent advancements and future potential in the application of GNP as both a radiosensitizer and an imaging contrast agent. Due to their versatility and biocompatibility, gold nanoparticles may represent a novel theranostic adjuvant for radiation applications in cancer management.

Tissue distribution of gold nanoparticles after single intravenous administration in mice

Nanoparticles (a part of matter which size is less than 100 nm) have numerous potential applications in biomedicine, due to their unique surface, electronic and optical properties. The goal of the present study was to examine the distribution of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in mice after single intravenous administration. Spherical GNPs were synthesized by chemical reduction of tetrachloroauric acid with ascorbic acid as a reductant. GNPs were stabilized using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, m.w. = 67000Da) a substance approved for use in the pharmaceutical industry. The size of colloidal gold particles (diameter equals 25 ± 8 nm) was determined using HR SEM and DLS techniques; ζ potential of GNPs was determined using Malvern Zetasizer Nano ZS and it equals -5.2 ± 5.4 mV. An aqueous dispersion of GNPs was administered to mice in a dose of about 10 cm(3)/kg and 24 h later the amount of gold in different organs was determined using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP MS). Initial concentration of GNPs equals 29.55 mg/l. GNPs after single intravenous administration preferentially accumulated in the liver (12.7% of the applied dose), while the other organs accumulated around 0.1% or less. Colloidal GNPs of the used size (about 25 ± 8 nm) provide new potential route for direct delivery system to the liver, which may be important e.g., in liver cancer diagnosis.

Electrical Pulsed Stimulation of Surfaces Homogeneously Coated with Gold Nanoparticles to Induce Neurite Outgrowth of PC12 Cells

In this study, the potential of gold nanoparticles (20 nm) to deliver electrical stimulation to nerve cell cultures in vitro to induce nerve regeneration was evaluated. In order to use these biomaterials to deliver an electrical stimulus, we devised a novel method for the fabrication of a nanostructured 2D substrate comprising gold nanoparticles attached to the surface of a cover glass via an adsorption system. In this strategy, gold nanoparticles are created and then coated onto a positively charged cover glass that has been pretreated with polyethyleneimine (PEI). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the PC 12 cells extended neurites well on the gold nanoparticles in the presence of electrical stimulation. In addition, the neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells in response to pulsed and constant electrical stimulation was evaluated by live/dead cell determination, by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis, as well as by beta-tubulin and NF-200 expression. By electrical stimulation (250 mV for 1 h), PC12 cells with their neurite outgrowth length were highly increased, with a mean diameter of 98.5 microm. However, the neurite outgrowth length without electrical stimulation was approximately 10 approximately 20 microm. Moreover, the alternating current stimulation also showed good viability (<90%), while a high amount of cell death (more than 30%) was observed with constant current stimulation. Thus, the gold nanoparticles with pulsed current stimulation may provide suitable tools for the nerve regeneration using neuronal cells.