Protein-coated pH-responsive gold nanoparticles: Microwave-assisted synthesis and surface charge-dependent anticancer...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Biomedicine
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) offer excellent biocompatibility and functionalization potential for biomedical applications.
• Protein functionalization is key to tailoring AuNP properties for specific uses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize protein-coated AuNPs using various proteins under microwave irradiation.
• To investigate the influence of protein properties on AuNP formation, characteristics, and anticancer activity.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of AuNPs in aqueous medium using eight different proteins under microwave irradiation.
• Characterization using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), ImageJ, and zeta potential titration.
• Evaluation of cytotoxicity against cancer cells and cellular uptake mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Six out of eight proteins successfully formed AuNPs with strong surface plasmon bands, influenced by protein intrinsic pH.
• Hydrodynamic size was larger than TEM/ImageJ measurements due to a protein layer.
• AuNPs displayed pH sensitivity, and cytotoxicity studies revealed anticancer effects, varying with protein capping agents.
• Positively charged AuNPs showed higher cellular internalization than negatively charged ones.

Conclusions:

• Protein-coated AuNPs synthesized via microwave irradiation are effective anticancer agents.
• The choice of capping protein significantly impacts AuNP properties and therapeutic efficacy.
• These findings present a promising new direction for nanoparticle-based cancer therapy.