Influence of PEG-coated Bismuth Oxide Nanoparticles on ROS Generation by Electron Beam Radiotherapy

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been proven to enhance radiotherapy doses as radiosensitizers. The introduction of coating materials such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) to NPs could impact the NPs’ biocompatibility and their effectiveness as radiosensitizers. Optimization of surface coating is a crucial element to ensure the successful application of NPs as a radiosensitizer in radiotherapy. This study aims to investigate the influence of bismuth oxide NPs (BiONPs) coated with PEG on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation on HeLa cervical cancer cell line. Different PEG concentrations (0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 mM) were used in the synthesis of the NPs. The treated cells were irradiated with 6 and 12 MeV electron beams with a delivered dose of 3 Gy. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was measured immediately after and 3 hours after irradiation. The intracellular ROS generation was found to be slightly influenced by electron beam energy and independent of the PEG concentrations. Linear increments of ROS percentages over the 3 hours of incubation time were observed. Finally, the PEG coating might not substantially affect the ROS generated and thus emphasizing the functionalized BiONPs application as the radiosensitizer for electron beam therapy.