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Updated: Jan 31, 2026
Synthesis and Characterization of Amphiphilic Gold Nanoparticles
Published on: July 2, 2019
Characterization of Iron Core⁻Gold Shell Nanoparticles for Anti-Cancer Treatments: Chemical and Structural
Ya-Na Wu1,2, Dar-Bin Shieh1,3, Li-Xing Yang4
1Institute of Oral Medicine and Department of Stomatology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan. dbshieh@mail.ncku.edu.tw; yana.wu@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Finding a cancer-selective drug that avoids damaging healthy cells and organs is a holy grail in medical research. In our previous studies, gold-coated iron (Fe@Au) nanoparticles showed cancer selective anti-cancer properties in vitro and in vivo but were found to gradually lose that activity with storage or "ageing." To determine the reasons for this diminished anti-cancer activity, we examined Fe@Au nanoparticles at different preparation and storage stages by means of transmission electron microscopy combined with and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, along with X-ray diffraction analysis and cell viability tests. We found that dried and reconstituted Fe@Au nanoparticles, or Fe@Au nanoparticles within cells, decompose into irregular fragments of γ-F₂O₃ and agglomerated gold clumps. These changes cause the loss of the particles' anti-cancer effects. However, we identified that the anti-cancer properties of Fe@Au nanoparticles can be well preserved under argon or, better still, liquid nitrogen storage for six months and at least one year, respectively.
Insights
Gold-coated iron nanoparticles lose anti-cancer activity due to decomposition. Storing these iron-gold (Fe@Au) nanoparticles in liquid nitrogen preserves their efficacy for over a year.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Developing cancer-selective drugs is crucial to minimize damage to healthy tissues.
- Previous studies indicated gold-coated iron (Fe@Au) nanoparticles possess in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer properties.
- A significant limitation observed was the gradual loss of Fe@Au nanoparticle activity during storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the underlying causes for the diminished anti-cancer activity of Fe@Au nanoparticles over time.
- To identify optimal storage conditions to maintain the therapeutic efficacy of Fe@Au nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of Fe@Au nanoparticles at various preparation and storage stages using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).
- X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was employed to assess structural changes.
- Cell viability assays were conducted to correlate structural integrity with anti-cancer effects.
Main Results:
- Fe@Au nanoparticles, when dried and reconstituted or internalized by cells, decompose into irregular fragments of gamma-iron(III) oxide (γ-Fe₂O₃) and aggregated gold clumps.
- This structural decomposition directly correlates with the observed loss of anti-cancer properties.
- Storage under argon for six months or liquid nitrogen for at least one year effectively preserved the anti-cancer properties of Fe@Au nanoparticles.
Conclusions:
- The loss of anti-cancer activity in Fe@Au nanoparticles is attributed to their decomposition into γ-Fe₂O₃ and gold agglomerates.
- Liquid nitrogen storage is identified as a highly effective method for long-term preservation of Fe@Au nanoparticle anti-cancer efficacy.
- These findings are critical for the future development and clinical application of Fe@Au nanoparticles in cancer therapy.
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