Aim: Development of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and gelatin-doxorubicin conjugate (GLT-DOX)-coated gold nanoparticles (DOX-GLT/EGCG AuNPs) for fluorescence imaging and inhibition of prostate cancer cell growth.
Materials & methods: AuNPs alternatively coated with EGCG and DOX-GLT conjugates were prepared by a layer-by-layer assembly method. The physicochemical properties of the AuNPs and the effect of Laminin 67R receptor-mediated endocytosis on the anticancer efficacy of the AuNPs were examined.
Results: The AuNPs significantly inhibit the proliferation of PC-3 cancer cell and the enzyme-responsive intracellular release of DOX could be tracked by monitoring the recovery of the fluorescence signal of DOX.
Conclusion: Laminin 67R receptor-mediated delivery of DOX using the AuNPs enhanced cellular uptake of DOX and improved apoptosis of PC-3 cells.
Keywords: EGCG; Lam 67R; MMP-2; cellular uptake; doxorubicin; drug release; gelatin; gold nanoparticles; prostate cancer.