Synthesis of Gold Functionalised Nanoparticles with the Eranthis hyemalis Lectin and Preliminary Toxicological Studies on Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

The lectin found in the tubers of the Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) plant (EHL) is a Type II Ribosome Inactivating Protein (RIP). Type II RIPs have shown anti-cancer properties and have great potential as therapeutic agents. Similarly, colloidal gold nanoparticles are successfully used in biomedical applications as they can be functionalised with ligands with high affinity and specificity for target cells to create therapeutic and imaging agents. Here we present the synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles conjugated with EHL and the results of a set of initial assays to establish whether the biological effect of EHL is altered by the conjugation. Gold nanoparticles functionalised with EHL (AuNPs@EHL) were successfully synthesised by bioconjugation with citrate gold nanoparticles (AuNPs@Citrate). The conjugates were analysed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta Potential analysis, and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Results indicate that an optimal functionalisation was achieved with the addition of 100 µL of EHL (concentration 1090 ± 40 µg/mL) over 5 mL of AuNPs (concentration [Au0] = 0.8 mM). Biological assays on the effect of AuNPs@EHL were undertaken on Caenorhabditis elegans, a free-living nematode commonly used for toxicological studies, that has previously been shown to be strongly affected by EHL. Citrate gold nanoparticles did not have any obvious effect on the nematodes. For first larval stage (L1) nematodes, AuNPs@EHL showed a lower biological effect than EHL. For L4 stage, pre-adult nematodes, both EHL alone and AuNPs@EHL delayed the onset of reproduction and reduced fecundity. These assays indicate that EHL can be conjugated to gold nanoparticles and retain elements of biocidal activity.

Reproductive Toxicity of Pomegranate Peel Extract Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles: A Multigeneration Study in C. elegans

“…It has been shown earlier that nanoparticles, which are able to permeate the gonad, can be transferred to the next generation [44]. Gold nanoparticles functionalized with lectin found in the tubers of the Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) plant delayed the onset of reproduction and reduced fecundity for L4 stage, preadult C. elegans [45].…”

The Genus Eranthis: Prospects of Research on Its Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Biotechnology

“…), and orientin (67) (E. sibirica and E. stellata) [31]. In addition, in E. longistipitata, from the class of flavonols, researchers have identified isoquercitrin (55), hyperoside (56), reynoutrin (57), quercetin-3-sambubioside (59), peltatoside (60), rutin (61), juglalin (63), and trifolin (64); from flavanones, aromadendrin (65) and 6-methoxytaxifolin (71); from C-glycoside flavones, there is carlinoside (68); from the class of flavans, investigators have identified cianidanol (69) and auriculoside (70); and from chalcones, aspalathin (72), phloridzin (73), and phloretin (74) [32]. Flavonoids in the leaves of E. hyemalis are represented by the glycosides of quercetin and kaempferol, the detailed structures of which have not been determined [27].…”

“…The research has been continued by a group led by McConnell [67], who have found that EHL impedes the development and reproduction of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. By conjugating EHL with gold nanoparticles, other researchers have obtained a drug called AuNPs@EHL, which is capable of inhibiting the reproduction of C. elegans [68].…”

An integrative taxonomic approach reveals a new species of Eranthis (Ranunculaceae) in North Asia

“…However, data on the significance of these substances for the taxonomy of Eranthis is still insufficient. Only a few studies of the phytochemical characteristics of certain Eranthis species, considered as medicinal plants, have been published (Djafari et al 2018;Hao 2018;Watanabe et al 2003Watanabe et al , 2019.…”