Antibody-conjugated silica-coated gold nanoparticles in targeted therapy of cervical cancer

This study aimed to synthesize silica-coated gold (Au@SiO 2 ) nanoparticles coupled to antibodies against the scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) and investigate their potential ability of visual tracking and treatment of cervical cancer. The fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled Au@SiO 2 -SR-BI antibody was synthesized, followed by characterization determination. The expression and location of SR-BI protein in cervical cancer cells were respectively detected by western blot and immunofluorescence assays. The effects of nanoparticles on cancer cells were determined by adsorption assay and apoptosis detection, respectively. The effects of nanoparticles on tumor formation in nude mice were determined. The particle sizes of Au@SiO 2 ranged from 2-2.5 μm, and the particle size distribution was relatively uniform. MS751 showed the highest expression of SR-BI. SR-BI was located in the cytomembrane. There were more FITC-Au@SiO 2 -SR-BI nanoparticles on the surface of the cells compared to FITC-Au@SiO 2 . Significant apoptosis was observed in the FITC-Au@SiO 2 -SR-BI-treated group in both MS751 and H8 cells. Photothermal ablation of solid tumors was observed when FITC-Au@SiO 2 -SR-BI was activated using 808 nm wave. Expressions of the apoptosis-related markers including BCL2, BCLX, and p-AKT were significantly decreased, while those of caspase 3 and caspase 8 were significantly increased. The study presented a novel antibody-conjugated Au@SiO 2 nanoparticle specifically targeting molecular receptors on cancer cell membranes. Antibody-conjugated Au@SiO 2 nanoparticles may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of cervical cancer.