Improvement of Cancer Therapy by TAT Peptide Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are potent anticancer agent that controls drug delivery to tumors. Here, we describe the identification of TAT-Cell Penetrating Peptide (TAT-CPP) conjugated AuNPs, as a novel delivery system to the cancerous regions. TAT-peptide was modified to BSA-AuNPs [Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) coated AuNPs] electrostatically. The binding efficiency of TAT-AuNPs was tested using Dynamic Light Scattering, UV–Vis spectrophotometer and Zeta potential. The nano-complex (BSA-AuNPs; with and without TAT-CPP) was applied against Rhabdomyosarcoma and Murine fibroblast (L20B) cancer lines, in vitro. Cytotoxicity effect was evaluated by MTT assay at 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/ml concentration for 24 and 48 h incubation time. Results demonstrated that TAT-(BSA-AuNPs) exhibits significant toxicity for both cancer cell lines. TAT-CPP has improved cancer cell reduction, where cytotoxicity more than 80% has been achieved. This study was conducted to achieve the simplicity and facility in cancer therapy, where the small-sized TAT-AuNPs acts as a simple therapeutic agent in the specific delivery and targeting the deep, irregular, and complicated cancer regions in the human body. Therefore, it could replace other cancer treatment techniques, even dispense the laser irradiation in the phototherml therapy.