Doxorubicin conjugated hydrophilic AuPt bimetallic nanoparticles fabricated from Phragmites australis: Characterization and cytotoxic activity against human cancer cells

• Published in: Journal of drug delivery science and technology Vol. 57; p. 101749
• Main Authors: Oladipo, Adewale O., Iku, Solange I.I., Ntwasa, Monde, Nkambule, Thabo T.I., Mamba, Bhekie B., Msagati, Titus A.M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.06.2020
• Subjects: Bimetallic nanoparticles; Cytotoxicity; Drug delivery; Phosphatidylserine; Real-time apoptosis; Real-time apoptosis; Cytotoxicity; Drug delivery; Bimetallic nanoparticles; Phosphatidylserine
• ISSN: 1773-2247
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2020.101749

In this study, a hybrid hydrophilic bimetallic gold-platinum (AuPtNPs) was prepared via an eco-friendly method and then conjugated with doxorubicin (DOX) to investigate their mechanism of action against human cancer cell lines. The physicochemical properties of the prepared DOX-loaded AuPtNPs (DOX@AuPtNPs) were investigated using UV–vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed phytochemicals-based efficient capping and loading of DOX onto the AuPtNPs surface (83%) via a simple incubation technique. DOX release kinetics studies indicated a pH-controlled dependency response under acidic tumor condition. The in vitro anticancer evaluation showed that the DOX-loaded AuPtNPs induced a three-fold cell death to human cancer cells compared to DOX alone. Moreover, the luminescent data from a real-time, bioluminescent recombinant annexin V assay indicated that the DOX@AuPtNPs nanocarrier exhibited a time-released phosphatidylserine exposure; an apoptosis induction marker and cell-specific response against MCF-7 cells compared to A459 cells. The results suggested that the preparation method is facile, and the prepared hydrophilic AuPtNPs proved effective in DOX loading and delivery against human cancer cells therefore, demonstrating potential as an alternative cancer treatment. [Display omitted]