Design, development and characterization of multi-functionalized gold nanoparticles for biodetection and targeted boron delivery in BNCT applications

The aim of this study is to optimize targeted boron delivery to cancer cells and its tracking down to the cellular level. To this end, we describe the design and synthesis of novel nanovectors that double as targeted boron delivery agents and fluorescent imaging probes. Gold nanoparticles were coated with multilayers of polyelectrolytes functionalized with the fluorescent dye (FITC), boronophenylalanine and folic acid. In vitro confocal fluorescence microscopy demonstrated significant uptake of the nanoparticles in cancer cells that are known to overexpress folate receptors.

► Synthesis of multi-labeled gold nanoparticles for selective boron delivery to tumor cells.
► Tumor selectivity is achieved through folic acid receptor targeting.
► Optical fluorescent microscopy allows tracking of cellular uptake of the gold nanoparticle.
► In vitro tests demonstrate selective nanoparticle up in folate receptor positive tumor cells.