Selective Targeting of Gold Nanorods at the Mitochondria of Cancer Cells: Implications for Cancer Therapy

• Published in: Nano letters 2011-02, Vol.11 (2), p.772-780
• Main Authors: Wang, Liming, Liu, Ying, Li, Wei, Jiang, Xiumei, Ji, Yinglu, Wu, Xiaochun, Xu, Ligeng, Qiu, Yang, Zhao, Kai, Wei, Taotao, Li, Yufeng, Zhao, Yuliang, Chen, Chunying
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival - drug effects; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Drug Delivery Systems - methods; Exact sciences and technology; Gold - administration & dosage; Humans; Lung Neoplasms - drug therapy; Lung Neoplasms - pathology; Materials science; Mitochondria - drug effects; Nanocrystalline materials; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Nanostructures - administration & dosage; Nanotubes; Physics; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1530-6984; 1530-6992
• DOI: 10.1021/nl103992v

We have observed that Au nanorods (NRs) have distinct effects on cell viability via killing cancer cells while posing negligible impact on normal cells and mesenchymal stem cells. Obvious differences in cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, and susceptibility of lysosome to Au NRs by different types of cells resulted in selective accumulation of Au NRs in the mitochondria of cancer cells. Their long-term retention decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased reactive oxygen species level that enhances the likelihood of cell death. These findings thus provide guidance for the design of organelle-targeted nanomaterials in tumor therapy.