In vitro studies on radiosensitization effect of glucose capped gold nanoparticles in photon and ion irradiation of HeLa cells

Noble metal nanoparticles are of great interest due to their potential applications in diagnostics and therapeutics. In the present work, we synthesized glucose capped gold nanoparticle (Glu-AuNP) for internalization in the HeLa cell line (human cervix cancer cells). The capping of glucose on Au nanoparticle was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. The Glu-AuNP did not show any toxicity to the HeLa cell. The γ-radiation and carbon ion irradiation of HeLa cell with and without Glu-AuNP were performed to evaluate radiosensitization effects. The study revealed a significant reduction in radiation dose for killing the HeLa cells with internalized Glu-AuNPs as compared to the HeLa cells without Glu-AuNP. The Glu-AuNP treatment resulted in enhancement of radiation effect as evident from increase in relative biological effectiveness (RBE) values for carbon ion irradiated HeLa cells.

► Glucose capped gold nanoparticles (Glu-AuNPs) are synthesized for internalization in HeLa cells (cervical cancer cells).
► Internalization of Glu-AuNPs in HeLa cells is confirmed by cross section TEM of cells.
► Irradiation (by C ion or γ-rays) of HeLa cells with internalized Glu-AuNPs results in enhanced radiosensitization.
► There is about 30% reduction in radiation dose for 90% cell killing of HeLa cells, when internalized by Glu-AuNPs.
► The enhanced radiosensitization due to Glu-AuNPs is of interest for researchers in nanobiotechnology and radiation biology.