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Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Gold Nanoparticle Synthesis
Published on: July 10, 2021
Gold nanoparticles regulate tight junctions and improve cetuximab effect in colon cancer cells
Fernanda Leve1, Daniella P Bonfim1, Giselle Fontes2
1Tissue Bioengineering Laboratory (Labio), Division of Metrology Applied to Life Sciences (Dimav), National Institute of Metrology Quality & Technology (Inmetro), Duque de Caxias, Brazil.
Abstract:
Aim: Colon cancer (CC) is the second cause of cancer death worldwide. The use of nanoparticles for drug delivery has been increasing in cancer clinical trials over recent years. Materials & methods: We evaluated cytotoxicity of citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and the role they play on cell-cell adhesion. We also used GNP for delivery of cetuximab into different CC cell lines. Results: CC cells with well-formed tight junctions impair GNP uptake. Noncytotoxic concentration of GNP increases paracellular permeability in Caco-2 cells in a reversible way, concomitantly to tight junctions proteins CLDN1 and ZO-1 redistribution. GNP functionalized with cetuximab increases death of invasive HCT-116 CC cells. Conclusion: GNP can be used for drug delivery and can improve efficiency of CC therapy.
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