Gold nanoparticle effect on dose and DNA damage enhancement in the vicinity of gold nanoparticles

This study uses Monte Carlo simulations to examine the dose enhancement effect of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in radiation therapy and its effects on DNA damage. Using the GATE- 9.0 and Geant4-DNA packages, Monte Carlo simulations were used to simulate a mathematical phantom and determine the energy deposition in the vicinity of AuNP. The simulations were conducted for various photon beam energies (50, 100, 250, and 6000 keV) with and without the presence of different-size AuNPs (10, 30, 50 and 100 nm). The dose enhancement factor (DER) was evaluated using Geant4-DNA to examine the effects AuNP sizes and photon beam energies on DNA damage. A multi-scale Monte Carlo simulation was conducted to evaluate enhanced DNA damage owing to nanoparticles in the proximity of cancer cells. The Monte Carlo simulations indicated that AuNPs boost the dose delivery, resulting in enhanced energy deposition and subsequent DNA damage. The DER analysis revealed a significant increase in the dose deposition within DNA, leading to single or double-strand breaks. Geant4-DNA simulations revealed information on the dosage enhancement factor for various AuNP sizes and photon beam intensities, enabling a deeper comprehension of the underlying mechanics. The outcomes of this study emphasize the potential of AuNPs as effective radiosensitizers in radiation therapy and contribute to the growing body of research on the use of nanotechnology in enhancing cancer treatment outcomes. Further investigations and experimental validations are necessary to optimize the usage of AuNPs for improved radiation therapy. •The study employs Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the dose enhancement effect of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in radiation therapy.•Simulations reveal increased dose delivery and DNA damage in the presence of AuNPs.•By examining various AuNP sizes and photon beam energies, the dose enhancement factor (DER) highlights a significant rise in DNA dose deposition and potential double-strand breaks.•A multi-scale Monte Carlo simulation approach further elucidates the mechanisms behind enhanced DNA damage caused by nanoparticles within the tumor.