Enhanced Tumor Accumulation of Sub-2 nm Gold Nanoclusters for Cancer Radiation Therapy

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 Au-25 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-Au-25 NCs can be efficiently cleared by the kidney, minimizing any potential side effects due to the accumulation of Au-25 NCs in the body.