Atomically precise gold nanoclusters stabilized by neutral ligands as active anticancer agents

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Oncology

Background:

• Atomically precise gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) are emerging as novel therapeutic agents.
• Understanding their stability and anticancer activity in biological environments is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically investigate the anticancer potential of AuNCs stabilized by neutral ligands (phosphines, di-NHCs).
• To evaluate the relationship between AuNC stability, anticancer activity, and selectivity for tumor cell lines.
• To explore the modulation of antitumor activity through variations in AuNC composition and nuclearity.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of AuNCs with phosphine and di-NHC ligands.
• Assessment of AuNC stability in complete biological media.
• In vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity and selectivity against various tumor cell lines.

Main Results:

• AuNCs demonstrated broad stability under biological conditions.
• Significant anticancer activity was observed, ranging from micromolar to sub-micromolar concentrations.
• Activity and selectivity were largely independent of cluster stability, suggesting intact clusters are bioactive.
• Antitumor efficacy was effectively modulated by altering AuNC composition and nuclearity.

Conclusions:

• Neutral ligand-stabilized AuNCs show significant potential as anticancer agents.
• Bioactivity is likely mediated by intact nanoclusters, even those highly stable in biological media.
• Further optimization of AuNCs offers a promising avenue for developing targeted cancer therapies in precision medicine.