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Targeting Cancer Resistance via Multifunctional Gold Nanoparticles

Pedro Pedrosa1, M Luísa Corvo2, Margarida Ferreira-Silva1,2

  • 1Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit (UCIBIO), Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campus de Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|November 8, 2019
PubMed

Insights

This study developed a targeted gold nanoparticle (AuNP) delivery system for a novel anticancer agent, effectively combating doxorubicin-resistant colorectal cancer cells and reducing tumor growth with minimal toxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Nanotechnology
  • Oncology
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Chemotherapy resistance is a significant challenge in cancer treatment.
  • Doxorubicin (DOX) resistance in colorectal cancer necessitates novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Nanotechnology offers potential for improved drug delivery and overcoming resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a targeted nanoplatform for delivering a novel Zn(II) coordination compound (ZnD) to DOX-resistant colorectal cancer cells.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of the targeted nanosystem (NanoZnD) against resistant cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo.
  • To explore the potential of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) for overcoming chemotherapy resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) as a nanocarrier.
  • Functionalization of AuNP with a Zn(II) coordination compound [Zn(DION)2]Cl2 (ZnD) and cetuximab for active targeting.
  • In vitro evaluation of NanoZnD efficacy on DOX-resistant HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cells.
  • In vivo assessment of NanoZnD in a colorectal DOX-resistant tumor model.

Main Results:

  • NanoZnD demonstrated selective targeting and significant inhibition of proliferation in DOX-resistant colorectal cancer cells.
  • The NanoZnD system effectively triggered cell death in resistant tumor cells.
  • In vivo studies confirmed NanoZnD's capability for selective cancer cell targeting, reducing tumor growth without systemic toxicity.
  • Gold nanoformulations show promise for targeting drug-resistant cancers.

Conclusions:

  • Multifunctional gold nanoparticles provide an effective platform for targeted delivery of novel anticancer agents.
  • Active targeting with cetuximab enhances the specificity of the NanoZnD system against resistant cancer cells.
  • This nanotechnology-based approach holds significant potential for improving the efficacy of cancer therapy against drug-resistant tumors.
Keywords:
cancercancer resistancegold nanoparticlesnanomedicine

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