Polydopamine-coated, folic acid-functionalized gold nanostars for photothermal therapy
Andrey V. Simonenko1,2, Darya V. Manushina3, Vitaly A. Khanadeev1,3;
1 Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Plants and Microorganisms, Saratov Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IBPPM RAS), Saratov, Russia;
2 Saratov State University, Saratov, Russia;
3 Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering named after N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
Abstract
In recent years, the problem of cancer has become increasingly pressing. Cancer claims millions of lives worldwide each year. Even with advances in traditional treatment approaches, the prognosis for a significant proportion of patients remains poor. Existing methods are often associated with negative effects, such as high toxicity, drug resistance, and lack of selective action. Therefore, the search for alternative solutions continues, resulting in the creation of multifunctional composite systems that can increase the effectiveness of therapy and reduce its side effects. These composites contain two key functional components: a transducer and a carrier. In this study, gold nanostars, distinguished by their unique optical and morphological properties, were selected as the transducer. Due to these properties, they demonstrate high efficiency in converting optical radiation into thermal radiation and can act as photothermal agents for the ablation of cancer cells. Polydopamine, a versatile polymer coating with broad functional capabilities, was used as the carrier. The presence of thiol and amine groups in its structure allows for the covalent attachment of various biomolecules. Furthermore, the polydopamine shell is capable of absorbing laser radiation, thereby enhancing heating.
During the study, a nanocomposite based on gold nanostars coated with a polydopamine shell and functionalized with folic acid was synthesized and characterized. Its photothermal activity was studied using a HeLa cell line. Experimental data demonstrated that the presence of folic acid on the shell surface enhances the photothermal effect. This is due to more efficient accumulation of the nanocomposite in tumor cells, ultimately leading to more pronounced localized heating and cell death.
Speaker
Simonenko Andrey Victorovich
Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Plants and Microorganisms, Saratov Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IBPPM RAS), Saratov, Russia
Russia
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