Improving gold nanorod delivery to the central nervous system by conjugation to the shuttle Angiopep-2. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Velasco-Aguirre, Carolina; Morales-Zavala, Francisco; Salas-Huenuleo, Edison; Gallardo-Toledo, Eduardo; Andonie, Oscar; Muñoz, Luis; Rojas, Ximena; Acosta, Gerardo; Sánchez-Navarro, Macarena; Giralt, Ernest; Araya, Eyleen; Albericio, Fernando; Kogan, Marcelo Javier
• Is Part Of: Nanomedicine. Volume 12:Number 20(2017)
• Page Start: 2503
• Page End: 2517
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: angiopep-2 -- blood–brain barrier -- drug delivery -- gold nanoparticle -- gold nanorods -- photothermal effect -- theranostics; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Medical technology -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Therapeutic use -- Periodicals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2017-0181
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-5889

Abstract

Aim: To improve the in vivo delivery of gold nanorods (GNRs) to the central nervous system of rats, these gold nanoparticles were conjugated to Angiopep-2, a shuttle peptide that can cross the blood–brain barrier.Materials & methods: GNRs were synthesized and modified using polyethylene glycol and Angiopep-2 (GNR-PEG-Angiopep-2). The physicochemical properties, in vitro cytotoxicity and ex vivo biodistribution of the conjugate were examined.Results: GNR-PEG-Angiopep-2 was stable over the following days, and the different concentrations that were tested did not affect the viability of microvascular endothelial cells. The conjugation of Angiopep-2 to GNRs enhanced the endocytosis of these particles ( in vitro ) and the accumulation in brains ( in vivo ), when compared with GNRs modified only with PEG.Conclusion: This study provides evidence that Angiopep-2 improves the delivery of GNRs to the brain parenchyma. This property is highly relevant for future applications of GNRs as platforms for photothermal and theranostic purposes.