Extracellular biosynthesis of monodispersed gold nanoparticles, their characterization, cytotoxicity assay, biodistribution and conjugation with the anticancer drug doxorubicin

Abstract

Nanomaterials can be synthesized by chemical, physical and the more recent biological routes. Biological routes have many advantages as these are eco-friendly, cheap, non-toxic, do not flocculate, and are well dispersed in water. Gold nanoparticles have shown significant promise as drug carriers, and have been used in the past for targeted drug delivery applications. In this report, we for the first time, have produced monodispersed gold nanoparticles through a green-synthesis approach employing thermophilic fungus Humicola spp. Out of several microorganisms screened, Humicola spp. was found to reduce the precursor solution (HAuCl4) at just 50°C, and lead to the formation of gold nanoparticles of 18-24 nm size with good dispersity, uniform spherical morphology and high stability. These nanoparticles were completely characterized by different standard techniques. Their biocompatibility, cytotoxicity and radiolabeling studies were carried out. Lastly, these nanoparticles were also conjugated with the anticancer drug Doxorubicin, for targeted drug delivery to liver (hepatic) cancer. © 2013 Syed A, et al.