p-Sulfonatocalix[6]arene-Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles: Applications in Drug Delivery and Bioimaging

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Noble metal nanoparticles, particularly gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), are widely explored for biomedical applications.
• Macrocyclic hosts offer unique molecular recognition capabilities for functionalizing nanoparticles.
• Surface-functionalized nanoparticles are crucial for targeted drug delivery and diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize stable p-sulfonatocalix[6]arene-functionalized gold nanoparticles (SCx6AuNPs).
• To evaluate the potential of SCx6AuNPs for targeted delivery and stimuli-responsive release of the anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox).
• To assess the cellular uptake and bioimaging capabilities of SCx6AuNPs.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of SCx6AuNPs using UV-vis absorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).
• In vitro evaluation of doxorubicin (Dox) loading, release kinetics, and cytotoxicity assays on cancerous (A549) and normal (W126) cell lines.
• Bioimaging studies using thioflavin T (ThT) dye-loaded SCx6AuNPs to visualize cellular uptake.

Main Results:

• Stable SCx6AuNPs (∼7.5 nm) were successfully synthesized and characterized.
• Efficient loading and stimuli-responsive release of Dox from SCx6AuNPs were demonstrated.
• SCx6AuNPs exhibited decreased cytotoxicity of Dox towards normal cells and selective uptake by cancer cells.
• Bioimaging confirmed efficient cellular uptake of SCx6AuNPs.

Conclusions:

• SCx6AuNPs are promising nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery of anticancer agents like doxorubicin.
• The reduced cytotoxicity and stimuli-responsive release offer advantages for selective cancer therapy.
• SCx6AuNPs possess potential for dual applications in drug delivery and bioimaging.