Selective targeting of gold nanorods at the mitochondria of cancer cells: implications for cancer therapy.

Abstract

We have observed that Au nanorods (NRs) have distinct effects on cell viability via killing cancer cells while posing negligible impact on normal cells and mesenchymal stem cells. Obvious differences in cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, and susceptibility of lysosome to Au NRs by different types of cells resulted in selective accumulation of Au NRs in the mitochondria of cancer cells. Their long-term retention decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased reactive oxygen species level that enhances the likelihood of cell death. These findings thus provide guidance for the design of organelle-targeted nanomaterials in tumor therapy.

• Authors: Liming Wang, Ying Liu, Wei Li, Xiumei Jiang, Yinglu Ji, Xiaochun Wu, Ligeng Xu, Yang Qiu, Kai Zhao, Taotao Wei, Yufeng Li, Yuliang Zhao, Chunying Chen
• Journal: Nano letters (Nano Lett) Vol. 11 Issue 2 Pg. 772-80 (Feb 09 2011) ISSN: 1530-6992 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21186824 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Gold

Topics

• Cell Line, Tumor
• Cell Survival (drug effects)
• Drug Delivery Systems (methods)
• Gold (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Lung Neoplasms (drug therapy, pathology)
• Mitochondria (drug effects)
• Nanostructures (administration & dosage)
• Treatment Outcome