Enhancement of radiation cytotoxicity in breast-cancer cells by localized attachment of gold nanoparticles.
Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and modified GNPs having two kinds of functional molecules, cysteamine (AET) and thioglucose (Glu), are synthesized. Cell uptake and radiation cytotoxicity enhancement in a breast-cancer cell line (MCF-7) versus a nonmalignant breast-cell line (MCF-10A) are studied. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results show that cancer cells take up functional Glu-GNPs significantly more than naked GNPs. The TEM results also indicate that AET-capped GNPs are mostly bound to the MCF-7 cell membrane, while Glu-GNPs enter the cells and are distributed in the cytoplasm. After MCF-7 cell uptake of Glu-GNPs, or binding of AET-GNPs, the in vitro cytotoxicity effects are observed at 24, 48, and 72 hours. The results show that these functional GNPs have little or no toxicity to these cells. To validate the enhanced killing effect on cancer cells, various forms of radiation are applied such as 200 kVp X-rays and gamma-rays, to the cells, both with and without functional GNPs. By comparison with irradiation alone, the results show that GNPs significantly enhance cancer killing.
Kong
Tao
T
Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale University of Science and Technology of China, PR China.
Zeng
Jie
J
Wang
Xiaoping
X
Yang
Xiaoyan
X
Yang
Jing
J
McQuarrie
Steve
S
McEwan
Alexander
A
Roa
Wilson
W
Chen
Jie
J
Xing
James Z
JZ
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016923:Cell Death / Q000187:drug effects; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013057:Spectrum Analysis
D006046:Gold