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Synthesis of Functionalized 10-nm Polymer-coated Gold Particles for Endothelium Targeting and Drug Delivery
Published on: January 15, 2018
Nuclear penetration of surface functionalized gold nanoparticles
Yan-Juan Gu1, Jinping Cheng, Chun-Chi Lin
1Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology
|March 31, 2009
Summary
Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) modification enhances gold nanoparticle (AuNP) stability and biocompatibility. These PEG-modified AuNPs are taken up by cells and can target the nucleus, suggesting potential as drug delivery carriers.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Free gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are prone to aggregation in changing environments.
- Surface modification is crucial for improving nanoparticle stability and biocompatibility.
- Developing stable and biocompatible nanoparticles is essential for biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-modified gold nanoparticles (AuNP@MPA-PEG).
- To evaluate the biocompatibility and intracellular fate of AuNP@MPA-PEG in human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells.
- To investigate the potential of AuNP@MPA-PEG as a nuclear-targeted drug delivery carrier.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of 3.7 nm gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).
- Surface modification with 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) and subsequent conjugation with NH(2)-PEG-NH(2).
- Assessment of cell viability, cellular uptake via confocal laser scanning microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, and nuclear penetration using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and confocal microscopy.
Main Results:
- PEG modification significantly enhanced the stability and biocompatibility of AuNPs.
- AuNP@MPA-PEG were readily internalized by HeLa cells in a time-dependent manner.
- AuNP@MPA-PEG demonstrated penetration into the nucleus of mammalian cells after 24 hours of exposure.
Conclusions:
- Surface modification with PEG improves gold nanoparticle stability and biocompatibility.
- PEG-modified gold nanoparticles exhibit cellular uptake and nuclear targeting capabilities.
- AuNP@MPA-PEG holds promise as a potential carrier for nuclear drug delivery.
