Mixed-Monolayer Gold Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapeutics Undergraduate Researcher

This paper describes the development of an efficient transfection vehicle for nucleic acids using surface-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with a mixed-monolayer of biological molecules—a hybrid approach that combines two previously investigated models. The objective is to improve upon previously described nanoparticles used to introduce nucleic acids to cells—oligonucleotide-functionalized AuNPs and liposomal nanoparticles—and tailor the new structures in such a way that they will be more biologically compatible in the context of cellular and subcellular therapeutic delivery. Using several quantitative methods, the goal of creating mixed-monolayer AuNPs with covalently coupled surface oligonucleotides was confirmed. Initial research demonstrates that these unique conjugates interact with human cancer cells. Furthermore, these conjugates may be explored as a robust nanoparticle platform for controlled covalent attachment of biological molecules (e.g., DNA and proteins) to the mixed-lipid monolayer adsorbed to the nanoparticle surface.