Characterization and biodistribution of trans resveratrol-PEG-folic acid-gold nanoparticle conjugates

Purpose: To evaluate the characteristics and biodistribution of trans resveratrol-PEG-folic acid-gold nanoparticle conjugates (rsv-PEG-FA-AuNP). Methods: Gold nanoparticles were produced by citric reduction followed by conjugation of PEG-folic acid and resveratrol. Characterization of rsv-PEG-FA-AuNP conjugates including their particle size, zeta potential, and by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was carried out. Biodistribution study of rsv-PEG-FA-AuNP was carried out using female Sprague Dawley rats. Biodistribution data were obtained from high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Results: The mean particle size and zeta potential of rsv-PEG-FA-AuNP were 249.03 ± 10.31 and - 36.33 ± 3.12 mV, respectively. TEM images showed rsv-PEG-FA-AuNP conjugates formed spherical shape. Rsv-PEG-FA-AuNP conjugates found in plasma, kidney (1.90 ± 0.20 μg/g), spleen (2.65 ± 1.18 μg/g), liver (1.74 ± 0.03 μg/g), and lung (1.82 ± 0.12 μg/g), after 90 minutes intravenous administration (i.v.) in female Sprague Dawley rats. No free resveratrol was found in plasma, kidney, or spleen after i.v administration in female dawdle Sprague Dawley rats. Conclusion: Resveratrol-PEG-FA-AuNP conjugates appear to be a potential chemotherapy delivery system for active targeting purposes because of its longer systemic circulation and its accumulation in the kidney.

Gold Nanoparticle Effects on the Hounsfield Unit of Computed Tomography in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Systematic Review

Background: The present study has attempted to gather all the original and relevant data on the application of gold nanoparticles aimed at the improvement of computed tomography image quality and Hounsfield unit in hepatocellular carcinoma. We performed a systematic review on the studies indexed in PubMed from January 2000 to January 2020. Afterwards, the study design and quality were evaluated. Results: An increase in the nanoparticles concentration and incubation time was associated with improved image quality and the Hounsfield Unit of computed tomography. Conclusion: This study highlights the considerable diagnostic role of gold nanoparticle as novel contrast agents in the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma.