Application of rhodamine/polyethyleneimine and hyaluronic acid-functionalized gold nanoparticles for targeted imaging of breast cancer cells

Abstract

cancer is known as a disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in the body. Early diagnosis and effective surveillance of disease treatment play an essential role against cancer. Fluorescent staining-based cell imaging has become an integral part of modern strategists to provide more insight into cancer therapy. Furthermore, nanotechnology contributes to increasing its potential. Due to their unique physical and chemical characteristics, gold nanoparticles are widely used. In this study, hyaluronic acid-functionalized gold nanoparticles are applied for targeted bioimaging applications. Methods: gold nanoparticles (AuNP) were synthesized based on Turkevich protocol, functionalized with hyaluronic acid (HA) and polyethylenimine (PEI), as well as stained with rhodamine (RhB). The synthesized PEI/RhB/AuNPs-HA nanoparticle size and surface charge were determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Field emission scanning electron microscopes (FE-SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) were applied to determine surface morphology. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to characterize the chemical structure. The Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX) and Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy were examined to investigate and confirm the presence of key elements of synthesized nanoparticles. Effects of various excitation wavelengths and pH on the photoluminescence of PEI/RhB/AuNPs-HA, and stability of nanoparticles were evaluated. The toxicity of PEI / RhB / AuNPs-HA nanoparticles in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and HFFF2 fetal dermal fibroblasts was investigated. The cell uptake of nanoparticles in the above-mentioned cells was evaluated. A competitive test was performed to confirm the cell uptake of synthetic nanoparticles. Results: the results showed that the nanoparticle synthesized in the mean diameter of 125 nm with -11.8 mV zeta potential, uniformity of shape, and expected structure. EDX results and UV-VIS spectrometry confirmed the presence of vital elements in the structure of PEI / RhB / AuNPs-HA and its correct synthesis. 550 nm was determined as the optimal wavelength and the fluorescent emission was increased through increasing pH. The stability of nanoparticles was significantly high. PEI / RhB / AuNPs-HA did not show toxicity in the studied cells and its cellular uptake in MCF-7 cells was significantly higher than HFFF2. The results of the competitive test showed that the nanoparticles were adsorbed by the hyaluronic acid receptor (CD44).