Enhanced anti-cancer effect of gambogic acid by gold nanorod-based delivery

OBJECTIVE Nanotechnology provides a novel strategy for the delivery of anticancer drugs.In this study,titanium dioxide coated gold nanorod（GNR/TiO;） nanostructures were used as the drug carrier for gambogic acid in order to improve its anticancer effect.METHODS Biocompatibility and cellular uptake of GNR/TiO;nanostructures were studied in human glioblastoma U-87 MG cells.Cell viability was evaluated by ATP assay and calcein AM staining.Lyso Sensor Green DND-189 and Hoechst 33342 were used to analyze the intracellular location of GNR/TiO;nanostructures.The in vitro anti-cancer effect of gambogic acid loaded nanoparticles was compared with free drug.RESULTS The results showed that GNR/TiO;nanostructures are biocompatible,and they are localized at the intracellular acidic compartments of endosomes and lysosomes.The intracellular drug content delivered via GNR/TiO;nanostructures was 6 fold higher than the free form,thus dramatically enhancing the anticancer effect of gambogic acid.Furthermore,mild photothermal therapy also showed synergistic effect with the drug.CONCLUSION Our study suggested that GNR/TiO;nanostructures can be considered as a promising anticancer drug carrier.