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BackgroundThe interest for gold nanorods in biomedical optics is driven by their intense absorbance of near infrared light, their biocompatibility and their potential to reach tumors after systemic administration. Examples of applications include the photoacoustic imaging and the photothermal ablation of cancer. In spite of great current efforts, the selective delivery of gold nanorods to tumors through the bloodstream remains a formidable challenge. Their bio-conjugation with targeting units, and in particular with antibodies, is perceived as a hopeful solution, but the complexity of living organisms complicates the identification of possible obstacles along the way to tumors.ResultsHere, we present a new model of gold nanorods conjugated with anti-cancer antigen 125 (CA125) antibodies, which exhibit high specificity for ovarian cancer cells. We implement a battery of tests in vitro, in order to simulate major nuisances and predict the feasibility of these particles for intravenous injections. We show that parameters like the competition of free CA125 in the bloodstream, which could saturate the probe before arriving at the tumors, the matrix effect and the interference with erythrocytes and phagocytes are uncritical.ConclusionsAlthough some deterioration is detectable, anti-CA125-conjugated gold nanorods retain their functional features after interaction with blood tissue and so represent a powerful candidate to hit ovarian cancer cells.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12951-014-0055-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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In this paper, two simple and sensitive approaches for CA 125 detection are presented by using antibody immobilized on poly‐anthranilic acid modified graphite screen‐printed electrodes. The first proposed approach is a label‐free impedimetric immunosensor. The immunoassay is based on poly‐anthranilic acid (PAA) modified graphite screen‐printed electrodes with subsequent covalently monoclonal antibody anti‐CA 125 immobilization. The modified screen‐printed electrodes are used to capture the protein from the sample solutions. A curve calibration by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was obtained. The second approach is based on a sandwich format. The monoclonal anti‐CA 125 antibodies immobilized on poly‐anthranilic acid modified graphite screen‐printed electrodes is used to capture the protein from the sample solution. The sandwich assay is then performed by adding secondary anti‐CA 125 antibodies labeled with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The antibody‐AuNPs captured onto immunosensor surface induced the silver deposition from a silver enhancer solution. The deposited AgNPs could be measured by anodic stripping analysis (ASV) in acid solution. A curve calibration by ASV was obtained. The experimental conditions were examined and were optimized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The performance of both immunosensors in terms of sensitivity, reproducibility and selectivity were studied.