Functionalized gold nanoparticles for the binding, stabilization, and delivery of therapeutic DNA, RNA, and other biological macromolecules

Abstract

Nanotechnology has virtually exploded in the last few years with seemingly limitless opportunity across all segments of our society. If gene and RNA therapy are to ever realize their full potential, there is a great need for nanomaterials that can bind, stabilize, and deliver these macromolecular nucleic acids into human cells and tissues. Many researchers have turned to gold nanomaterials, as gold is thought to be relatively well tolerated in humans and provides an inert material upon which nucleic acids can attach. Here, we review the various strategies for associating macromolecular nucleic acids to the surface of gold nanoparticles (GNPs), the characterization chemistries involved, and the potential advantages of GNPs in terms of stabilization and delivery.

A comparative study on the antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties of curcumin conjugated gold nanospheres and free curcumin

“…Among these, nano formulations of gold (Au) have been studied extensively as they are biologically non-reactive, supporting themselves as good candidates for in vivo analysis (Lewinski et al, 2008), with low cytotoxicity and tunable surface conformations due to localized surface plasmon resonance property (LSPR) (Jain 2009). Au nanoparticles possess easily controllable surface chemistry possessing versatility in adding surface functional groups (Delong et al, 2010) and ease in controlling particle shapes and sizes (Kim et al, 2009).…”

Gold nanoparticles in cancer therapy

“…Firstly, AuNPs are considered to be relatively biologically non-reactive and therefore suitable for in vivo applications compared to the very toxic cadmium and silver NPs [6] although various groups (as explained in the later sections) are challenging this view. Other advantageous qualities include the strong optical properties of AuNPs due to localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) [7] , easily controllable surface www.nature.com/aps Lim ZZJ et al Acta Pharmacologica Sinica npg chemistry which enables versatility in adding surface functional groups [8] , and lastly, the ease in control over particle size and shape during synthesis [9] . AuNPs may be considered to be fully multifunctional, with the possibility of combining different desired functionalities in one molecular-sized package.…”

Synthesis of a drug delivery vehicle for cancer treatment utilizing DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles.

“…They can also cover a broad spectrum of sizes, geometries (including spheres, rods, and plates), and compositions, each of which has unique characteristics. For biological applications GNPs are useful for their small size, biocompatibility, and ability to be conjugated easily with other molecules (Delong 2010). …”

“…Conjugation of GNPs with various macromolecules has been studied for the ability to provide stability as well as drug delivery options to create versatile platforms for biological applications (Delong 2010). One such biomolecule that has become popular for this application in recent years is oligonucleotides.…”

“…DNA-functionalization of GNPs, intercalation of dox into hairpin DNA, and creation of therapeutic DNA aptamers alone have been accomplished. Research has been broad with applications ranging from creating higher order supramolecular structures, selective binding of aptamers to cells or other DNA, or use as diagnostic marker for biosensing (Song 2010, Delong 2010. Each has shown some success as a tool for cancer therapy but not without limitations.…”