Addressing brain tumors with targeted gold nanoparticles: a new gold standard for hydrophobic drug delivery?

Small. 2011 Aug 22;7(16):2301-6. doi: 10.1002/smll.201100628. Epub 2011 Jun 1.

Abstract

EGF-modified Au NP-Pc 4 conjugates showed 10-fold improved selectivity to the brain tumor compared to untargeted conjugates. The hydrophobic photodynamic therapy drug Pc 4 can be delivered efficiently into glioma brain tumors by EGF peptide-targeted Au NPs. Compared to the untargeted conjugates, EGF-Au NP-Pc 4 conjugates showed 10-fold improved selectivity to the brain tumor. This delivery system holds promise for future delivery of a wider range of hydrophobic therapeutic drugs for the treatment of hard-to-reach cancers.

Keywords: brain tumors; gold nanoparticles; nanomedicine; photodynamic therapy; targeted delivery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Brain Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / chemistry
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / pharmacokinetics*
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism
  • Glioma / drug therapy
  • Glioma / metabolism
  • Gold / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Indoles / administration & dosage
  • Indoles / chemistry
  • Isoindoles
  • Metal Nanoparticles / therapeutic use*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / ultrastructure
  • Mice
  • Nanocapsules / chemistry
  • Nanocapsules / ultrastructure
  • Nanoconjugates / therapeutic use
  • Nanoconjugates / ultrastructure
  • Photochemotherapy / methods*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / administration & dosage
  • Photosensitizing Agents / chemistry
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Indoles
  • Isoindoles
  • Nanocapsules
  • Nanoconjugates
  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Epidermal Growth Factor
  • Gold
  • ErbB Receptors
  • phthalocyanine