Composite phospholipid-gold nanoparticles with targeted fragment for tumor imaging

Gold nanoparticles and their conjugates have significant potential in the field of diagnosis of various diseases due to their SPR, which enhances light scattering and absorption. Conjugates of gold nanoparticles with various ligands can be used for imaging biomolecules or detecting malignant neoplasms at an early stage. This study focuses on the construction of composite (or hybrid) phospholipid-gold nanoparticles using soy phosphatidylcholine and a targeted ligand (folic acid derivative) to attach specific targeting properties. According to the method of dynamic light scattering, the diameter of the obtained nanoparticles was less than 100 nm, the results of the MTT test indicated their moderate cytotoxicity. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed a significant increase in the accumulation of phospholipid-gold nanoparticles with a targeted fragment compared to those without a targeted fragment both in HeLa cells and in a tumor (in BDF mice with an injected LLC tumor). The resulting nanoparticles are suitable for specific delivery into tumor cells and visualization of various malignant neoplasms, including at early stages, due to the increased expression of the folate receptor characteristic of cells of a wide range of tumors. [Display omitted] •The composite phospholipid-gold nanoparticles (Ph-GNP) with a targeted fragment were obtained.•An increased accumulation of Ph-GNP with a targeted fragment in cells was shown on HeLa cell culture.•The obtained Ph-GNP with a targeted fragment are moderately cytotoxic.•In mice an increase in the accumulation of Ph-GNP with a targeted fragment in tumor cells was observed.