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Intrinsically Pro-Apoptotic Gold Nanoclusters for Optical Tracing and Inhibition of Solid Tumors
Priyanka Sharma1, Hao Yuan2, Ruchi Verma3
1Inorganic & Organic Nanomedicine (ION) Lab, Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Sector 81, Knowledge City, Mohali, Punjab, 140306, India.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|March 20, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed novel gold nanoclusters (AXE) for simultaneous bioimaging and cancer therapy. These AXE nanoclusters show potent anticancer effects in preclinical models, outperforming doxorubicin.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Intrinsically theranostic metal nanoclusters are scarce, often requiring therapeutic ligands.
- Few-atom gold nanoclusters offer unique optical and therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel class of near-infrared emitting, cytotoxic gold nanoclusters (AXE) for simultaneous bioimaging and cancer therapy.
- To characterize the structure, optical properties, and therapeutic efficacy of AXE nanoclusters.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of AXE nanoclusters stabilized by fluorinated polymers.
- Characterization using Nano Variable Temperature-Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS).
- In vitro cytotoxicity assays and in vivo preclinical evaluation in a breast tumor model.
Main Results:
- AXE nanoclusters are quasi-molecular, <1 nm in size, with a large Stokes shift and NIR emission (700-1100 nm).
- Fluorination enhanced quantum yield; nanoclusters showed dose-dependent apoptosis in cancer cells.
- Preclinical studies demonstrated significant tumor growth inhibition and metastasis control, exceeding doxorubicin's efficacy.
Conclusions:
- AXE gold nanoclusters represent a promising theranostic platform for integrated cancer imaging and treatment.
- Their enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity profile warrant further clinical investigation.
