Enhanced Intracellular Translocation of Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized with TAT Peptide into Cancer Cell Lines

Abstract

Background: Reduced toxicity and ease of modification make gold nanoparticles (GNPs) suitable for targeted delivery and bioimaging via conjugating cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). This study aimed to assess the enhanced penetration of gold nanoparticles into cells via using TAT peptide as a cell-penetrating peptide. Methods: Gold nanoparticles and TAT-conjugated gold nanoparticles (TAT-C-GNP) were characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential method, and transmission electron microscopy. The cytotoxicity effects of nanoparticles on HeLa, and A431 cell lines were studied. Uptake of TAT-conjugated gold nanoparticles was tested in cells, using dark field microscopy. Findings: Gold nanoparticles and TAT-conjugated gold nanoparticles had little to no effect on cell viability. Upon exposure to gold nanoparticles, TAT-conjugated gold nanoparticles displayed higher uptake than gold nanoparticles in A431 cell line; whereas none of the nanoparticles showed penetration in HeLa cell. Conclusion: Thus, TAT-conjugated gold nanoparticles have enhanced cellular internalization and are suitable for various biomedical applications as nanoconjugates.

Keywords

• Gold nanoparticle
• Cell penetration peptide
• Cellular uptake
• Cytotoxicity