Abstract Details

Presented By:Gormley, Adam
Affiliated with:University of Utah, Bioengineering
Authors:Adam Gormley, Joe Hui, Alexander Malugin, Abhijit Ray, Hamid Ghandehari
From:University of Utah
Title
Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Evaluation of PEGylated Gold Nanorods
Abstract

Objectives: To synthesize PEGylated gold nanorods (GNRs), investigate their cellular uptake and toxicity in prostate cancer cells, and biodistribution in mice.

Methods: GNRs were synthesized using a seed-mediated growth method and surface functionalized with polyethylene glycol for stability under physiological conditions. Characterization of size, charge, concentration, and aggregation was performed by TEM, DLS, ICP-MS, and UV-Vis-NIR respectively. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using a WST-8 assay in DU145 prostate cancer cells and uptake was observed by transmission electron and dark field microscopy. In vivo biodistribution of the GNRs was assessed in Female C57BL/6 immunocompetent black mice.

Results: PEGylated GNRs were synthesized to be 10x45 nm in size. They remained stable as colloids in 3.5% NaCl. No inhibition of mitochondrial function was observed after GNR exposure to prostate cancer cells indicating no apparent toxicity. GNRs were uptaken as aggregates and ultimately transported in vesicles to the perinuclear regions. Uptake was energy dependent suggesting an endocytotic mechanism was involved. Injected GNRs were uptaken by the liver and spleen within two hours with some gold detected in the blood after 24 hours.

Conclusion: PEGylated GNRs are non-toxic and taken up by prostate cancer cells. This coupled with the ability to surface functionalize them with targeting moieties make GNRs suitable candidates for photothermal ablation and tumor therapy.