The selective growth inhibition of oral cancer by iron core-gold shell nanoparticles through mitochondria-mediated autophagy

Nanoparticles with an iron core and gold shell (denoted “Fe@AuÓ”) have been reported to limit cancer-cell proliferation and therefore have been proposed as a potential anti-cancer agent. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. In this study, we used flow cytometry, confocal fluorescence microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy to analyse the morphological and functional alterations of mitochondria in cancerous cells and healthy cells when treated with Fe@Au. It was found that Fe@Au caused an irreversible membrane-potential loss in the mitochondria of cancer cells, but only a transitory decrease in membrane potential in healthy control cells. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed; however, additions of common ROS scavengers were unable to protect cancerous cells from the Fe@Au-induced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, iron elements, before oxidation, triggered mitochondria-mediated autophagy was shown to be the key factor responsible for the differential cytotoxicity observed between cancerous and healthy cells.