Gold Nanoparticles Bearing Functional Anti-Cancer Drug and Anti-Angiogenic Agent: A 2 in 1 System with Potential Application in Cancer Therapeutics

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from a pre-existing vessel, is a necessary step for tumor growth and metastasis. Combination therapy using anti-angiogenic molecule and cytotoxic agents is a promising approach in anti-cancer therapy. However, the underlying problem in the use of anti-cancer drug is that they have short half-lives with extensive systemic toxicity. However, when delivered in a gold-conjugated form, these molecules might have increased retention in the body with reduced systemic toxicity. In this study a nano-composite system consisting of a nanogold core bearing an anti-angiogenic molecule, VEGF antibody-2C3 (AbVF), along with an anti-cancer drug, gemcitabine has been reported. The physico-chemical characterization of these nanocomposites was performed using UV-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The functional activity of the individual components in the nanocomposites was tested on HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) and 786-O cells and showed retention of functional activity of both VEGF antibody and gemcitabine. This provides a unique 2 in 1 system where 2 components with different functions have been attached onto a single gold core, yet the functional activity of the individual components are retained. These nano-composites might find potential applications in the treatment of cancer.