Gold Nanocluster-Mediated Cellular Death under Electromagnetic Radiation
Anna Cifuentes-Rius1,2, Angela Ivask1, Shreya Das1
1ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus , Mawson Lakes Boulevard, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|November 9, 2017
Summary
Ultrasmall gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) show low toxicity but become cytotoxic to cancer cells when exposed to microwave radiation, suggesting potential as targeted nanomedicines.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) are biocompatible and fluorescent nanomaterials.
- Au NCs show promise for applications in cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of protein-stabilized 2 nm Au NCs on mammalian cells under electromagnetic radiation.
- To evaluate the potential of Au NCs as nanomedicines for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Studied the cellular association and intrinsic toxicity of Au NCs in vitro.
- Exposed Au NC-incubated cells to a 1 GHz electromagnetic field (microwave radiation).
- Assessed cell viability and Au NC presence in mice post-injection.
Main Results:
- Au NC cellular association was concentration-dependent with low intrinsic toxicity.
- Exposure to microwave radiation significantly decreased cell viability in Au NC-treated cells.
- Au NCs were detected in mice 24 hours after intravenous injection.
Conclusions:
- Au NCs exhibit specific microwave-dependent cytotoxicity, likely due to localized heating.
- The combination of targeted cytotoxicity and low intrinsic toxicity supports Au NCs' potential as safe nanomedicines for cancer therapy.
