One-step green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using casein hydrolytic peptides and their anti-cancer assessment using the DU145 cell line

This study demonstrates casein hydrolytic peptide (CHP)-mediated synthesis of crystalline gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The AuNPs formation was triggered by the addition of an aqueous NaOH solution due to the catalytic properties of OH- and/or hydration of the functional groups of CHPs. The CHPs were capable of forming a monolayer on the AuNP surface via electrostatic interactions, thus playing an important role in long-term stability (12 months). The AuNPs resulted in lower viability in the human prostate cancer cell line as compared to the normal mouse hepatocyte cell line; this property exhibits the potential of AuNPs for applications in cancer therapy. (C) 2015 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.