Cytotoxicity of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) with albumin monoprotein corona in Walker 256 carssinosarcoma cells

• Grant number: 23/16256-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2024
• End date: December 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Morphology - Cytology and Cell Biology
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Bispo de Jesus
• Grantee: Giovana Helena Peres Bim
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The field of nanoparticles has gained increasing prominence and interest, driving significant advances in scientific research. This interest lies in its broad application potential, with relevant impact in areas of the environment and health. In the context of biomedical sciences, nanoparticles, particularly gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), emerge as promising candidates for applications in cancer diagnosis and treatment, due to their biocompatibility and versatility in their chemical modification. However, to unlock this potential, it is crucial to deepen the understanding of the complex effects that these AuNPs can trigger, considering variables such as composition, shape, size and surface nature. The cytotoxicity of nanoparticles is a central issue, being impacted by several factors, especially the corona, which is the layer of biomolecules that coats the nanoparticles when in contact with biological fluids. The biomolecular corona plays a crucial role in the interaction of nanoparticles with cells, being decisive in modulating cellular responses, affecting the fate of the nanoparticle to the target cells, making evident the need to understand these specific interactions in more depth to optimize application nanoparticle therapeutics. This scientific initiation project proposes a study of gold nanoparticles coated with an albumin model crown, seeking to deepen the understanding of their biological effects on cancer cells, aiming to elucidate mechanisms of endocytosis, cytotoxicity and cell death, allowing an approach without the influence of chemical drugs.