Enhanced tumor accumulation of sub-2 nm gold nanoclusters for cancer radiation therapy

Adv Healthc Mater. 2014 Jan;3(1):133-41. doi: 10.1002/adhm.201300189. Epub 2013 Jul 22.

Abstract

A new type of metabolizable and efficient radiosensitizers for cancer radiotherapy is presented by combining ultrasmall Au nanoclusters (NCs, <2 nm) with biocompatible coating ligands (glutathione, GSH). The new nanoconstruct (GSH-coated Au25 NCs) inherits attractive features of both the Au core (strong radiosensitizing effect) and GSH shell (good biocompatibility). It can preferentially accumulate in tumor via the improved EPR effect, which leads to strong enhancement for cancer radiotherapy. After the treatment, the small-sized GSH-Au25 NCs can be efficiently cleared by the kidney, minimizing any potential side effects due to the accumulation of Au25 NCs in the body.

Keywords: gold nanoclusters; in vivo treatment; radiation therapy; radiosensitizers; renal clearance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Carbocyanines / chemistry
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / radiation effects
  • Gamma Rays
  • Glutathione / chemistry
  • Glutathione / metabolism
  • Gold / chemistry*
  • Half-Life
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / therapeutic use
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Particle Size
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / chemistry
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Transplantation, Heterologous

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Carbocyanines
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents
  • cyanine dye 5
  • Gold
  • Glutathione