Systematic Studies of Gold Nanoparticles Functionalised with Thioglucose and its Cytotoxic Effect

In this paper, we present systematic studies concerning the synthesis protocol, functionalisation process, characterisation and cytotoxic effects of thioglucose-modified gold nanoparticles (TG-AuNPs). The characterisation of AuNPs and TG-AuNPs was performed using: scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis). The modification of AuNPs with TG was confirmed by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and the surface coverage was determined with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Prepared bio-conjugates with increasing and controlled amounts of TG on AuNPS were then biologically investigated: the cell viability using the MTT assay; the uptake of AuNPs in cell culture by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES); the incorporation of AuNPs in cell structures by confocal microscopy. The obtained results suggest that bio-conjugates disclose both good biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity, and further-can target the cancer cells and may constitute promising potential nanocarriers of anticancer drugs.

Automated summary

Systematic studies were conducted on the synthesis protocol, functionalization process, characterization, and cytotoxic effects of thioglucose-modified gold nanoparticles. The bio-conjugates showed good biocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, and potential as nanocarriers for anticancer drugs, with the ability to target cancer cells. The characterization of the nanoparticles and the biological investigations supported these findings.