Fabrication of gold nanoparticle for potential application in multiple myeloma

The importance of nanotechnology in human health care is unquestionable. There is a growing interest to apply nanotechnology in cancer therapy, as an example. In this report, we have fabricated gold nanoparticle (AuNP), the delivery vehicle of interest, with an anti-cancer drug (Velcade) and a targeting agent (folic acid) for potential therapeutic application in multiple myeloma. Physico-chemical characterization of the nanoconjugates were carried out by UV-Visble spectroscopy exploiting the surface plasmon resonance band of AuNP, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and studying release of radio-labeled tritiated folic acid (³FA) in a scintillation counter. The evidence of the attachment of velcade to AuNP was confirmed UV-Vis spectroscopy and studying the release of ³FA from gold-velcade-FA conjugates (Au-Vel-FA). Furthermore, the stability of Au-Vel-FA tested in PBS (phosphate buffer saline) by monitoring the release of ³FA suggested significant stability of the nanoconjugate. Functional activity of the nanoconjugate was tested by studying the apoptosis of different multiple myeloma cell lines by annexin/PI method. Apoptosis data suggested that Velcade retained its functional activity in Au-Vel-FA. In future, this strategy may be potentially utilized as an alternative approach for the treatment of multiple myeloma.