Multifunctional gold nanorods for siRNA gene silencing and photothermal therapy
Jianliang Shen1, Han-Cheon Kim, Chaofeng Mu
1MOE Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China; Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, 77030, USA.
Abstract:
Cancer is a complex disease that usually requires several treatment modalities. A multifunctional nanotherapeutic system is designed, incorporating small interfering RNA (siRNA) and gold nanorods (Au NRs) for photothermal therapy. Surface-engineered Au NRs with polyethylenimine are synthesized using a layer-by-layer assembly and siRNA is absorbed on the surface. The siRNA is efficiently delivered into breast cancer cells, resulting in subsequent gene silencing. Cells are then irradiated with near-infrared (NIR) light, causing heat-induced anticancer activity. The combination of gene silencing and photothermal therapy results in effective inhibition of cell proliferation.
