Improving gold nanorod delivery to the central nervous system by conjugation to the shuttle Angiopep-2

Velasco-Aguirre, Carolina; Morales-Zavala, Francisco; Salas-Huenuleo, Edison; Gallardo-Toledo, Eduardo; Andonie, Oscar; Munoz, Luis; Rojas, Ximena; Acosta, Gerardo; Sanchez-Navarro, Macarena; Giralt, Ernest; Araya, Eyleen; Albericio, Fernando; Javier Kogan, Marcelo

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.

Más información

Título según WOS: Improving gold nanorod delivery to the central nervous system by conjugation to the shuttle Angiopep-2
Título de la Revista: NANOMEDICINE
Volumen: 12
Número: 20
Editorial: Future Medicine Ltd.
Fecha de publicación: 2017
Página de inicio: 2503
Página final: 2517
DOI:

10.2217/nnm-20170181

Notas: ISI