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Formulation optimization of lyophilized aptamer-gold nanoparticles: Maintained colloidal stability and cellular
Dalya Saidi1, Marya Obeidat1, Shrouq Alsotari2
1Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan.
Heliyon
|May 22, 2024
Summary
The anticancer aptamer AS1411 functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNP/NCL-Apt) were successfully lyophilized using sucrose as a cryoprotectant. The lyophilized nanoparticles retained their stability and cancer cell targeting efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- The anti-nucleolin (NCL) aptamer AS1411 is a pioneering anticancer aptamer in clinical trials.
- Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) offer unique properties for biomedical applications.
- Lyophilization is a common method for nanoparticle preservation, but stability can be a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the colloidal stability and targeting capacity of AS1411-functionalized AuNP (AuNP/NCL-Apt) after lyophilization.
- To determine the optimal cryoprotectant for preserving AuNP/NCL-Apt functionality.
- To assess the physical and biological properties of lyophilized functionalized nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Lyophilization of AuNP/NCL-Apt with various cryoprotectants (trehalose, mannitol, sucrose).
- Assessment of colloidal stability using UV-Vis spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS).
- Evaluation of targeting capacity and cytotoxicity via cellular uptake assays (flow cytometry, CLSM) and qPCR on MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Main Results:
- Sucrose (10% w/v) demonstrated the best cryoprotection, minimizing aggregation.
- Lyophilized AuNP/NCL-Apt maintained targeting and cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 cells.
- qPCR confirmed the effectiveness of the lyophilized nanoparticles in targeting nucleolin.
Conclusions:
- Proper cryoprotectant selection is crucial for nanoparticle lyophilization.
- Optimized lyophilization preserves the physical and biological integrity of functionalized nanoparticles.
- This study provides insights into the preservation of aptamer-functionalized nanoparticles for therapeutic applications.
