Abstract

Drugs are widely used as therapeutic agents; however, they may present some limitations. To overcome some of the therapeutic disadvantages of drugs, the use of beta-cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (beta CDNS) constitutes a promising strategy. beta CDNS are matrices that contain multiple hydrophobic cavities, increasing the loading capacity, association, and stability of the included drugs. On the other hand, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are also used as therapeutic and diagnostic agents due to their unique properties and high chemical reactivity. In this work, we developed a new nanomaterial based on beta CDNS and two therapeutic agents, drugs and AuNPs. First, the drugs phenylethylamine (PhEA) and 2-amino-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-thiazole (AT) were loaded on beta CDNS. Later, the beta CDNS-drug supramolecular complexes were functionalized with AuNPs, forming the beta CDNS-PhEA-AuNP and beta CDNS-AT-AuNP systems. The success of the formation of beta CDNS and the loading of PhEA, AT, and AuNPs was demonstrated using different characterization techniques. The loading capacities of PhEA and AT in beta CDNS were 90% and 150%, respectively, which is eight times higher than that with native beta CD. The functional groups SH and NH2 of the drugs remained exposed and allowed the stabilization of the AuNPs, 85% of which were immobilized. These unique systems can be versatile materials with an efficient loading capacity for potential applications in the transport of therapeutic agents.