Multifunctional Au/Silk Nanoparticles Prepared by Facile Co-Precipitation Method and Evaluation for Delivery, Imaging and Targeting in Combination Cancer Therapy

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K15388
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 28030:Nanomaterials-related
• Research Institution: Nagasaki University (2022); Tohoku University (2019-2021)
• Principal Investigator: DAO THINGOCANH 長崎大学, 工学研究科, 准教授 (10793903)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: Silk protein / Gold / Hybrid / Nanomaterials / Drug delivery / Cancer therapy / Photothermal / Biocompatibility

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The research aims to establish Au/silk nanoparticles for cancer treatment using a facile co-precipitation method. These nanoparticles showed narrow size distribution, successfully loaded both anionic and cationic anticancer drugs, and exhibited moderate drug uptake, good stability, and minimal toxicity. Irradiation with a wavelength similar to the absorption band of Au significantly increased drug release, up to double the amount with longer irradiation duration. Increasing the irradiation time or Au content in Au/silk nanoparticles resulted in nearly 90% drug release at pH 7. Combining hyperthermia and anticancer drugs induced cell apoptosis, as confirmed in vitro experiments with DOX and MitC on 4T1 breast cancer cells. Laser irradiation using Au/silk nanoparticles decreased cell viability, which was further enhanced with longer irradiation or higher Au content.

Free Research Field

Nanomaterials

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の科学的な意義は、効果的な薬物送達と制御された放出を実現する多機能薬物送達システムの達成にある。得られたAu/シルクタンパク質ナノ粒子は、がん細胞への検出、送達、治療反応のモニタリングなど、すべてを提供するオールインワンのシステムとなる。
調査によると、Au/シルクナノ粒子が薬物送達システムにおいて初めて作製され、ターゲティングされることになる。Auナノ粒子は、共役によってLSPRを調整することができる独特なプラズモニック特性を持ち、薬物の放出応答や有効性に影響を与えるフォトサーマル効果を表現することができる。