A comparative assessment of α-lipoic acid N-phenylamides as non-steroidal androgen receptor antagonists both on and off gold nanoparticles

► α-Lipoic acid derived N-phenylamides, 4a-e, were synthesized. ► 4a-e were evaluated for their anti-proliferative effect on the LNCaP prostate cancer cell line. ► 4a, b, d and e showed significant reductions in cell growth at concentrations of 5-20 μM. ► Compounds validated as an excellent platform for prostate cancer nanomedical applications.