Acylsulfonamide-Functionalized Zwitterionic Gold Nanoparticles for Enhanced Cellular Uptake at Tumor pH

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2015 May 26;54(22):6567-70. doi: 10.1002/anie.201411615. Epub 2015 Apr 14.

Abstract

A nanoparticle design featuring pH-responsive alkoxyphenyl acylsulfonamide ligands is reported herein. As a result of ligand structure, this nanoparticle is neutral at pH 7.4, becoming positively charged at tumor pH (<6.5). The particle uptake and cytotoxicity increase over this pH range. This pH-controlled uptake and toxicity makes this particle a promising tool for tumor selective therapy.

Keywords: antitumor agents; cellular uptake; gold; nanoparticles; zwitterionic ligands.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Gold / chemistry*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Ions / chemistry
  • Ligands
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / toxicity
  • Sulfonamides / chemistry*

Substances

  • Ions
  • Ligands
  • Sulfonamides
  • Gold