Triptorelin Peptide Conjugated Alginate Coated Gold Nanoparticles as A New Contrast Media for Targeted Computed Tomography Imaging of Cancer Cells

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Medical Physics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

2 Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Radiology Technology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

4 Medical Physics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Abstract

Objective: Increasing research has been focused on the development of various nanocomplexes as targeted contrast
media in diagnostic modalities, mainly in computed tomography (CT) scan imaging. Herein, we report a new method
that uses Triptorelin [a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist]-targeted gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)
via alginate for early detection of cancer by molecular CT imaging.
Materials and Methods: In the experimental study, the formed multifunctional AuNPs coated with alginate conjugated
with Triptorelin peptide (Triptorelin-Alginate-AuNPs) were synthesized and characterized via different techniques,
including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and fourier transform infrared (FTIR)
spectroscopy. The MTT assay was applied to calculate the toxicity of the NPs.
Results: The results indicated that the formed Triptorelin-Alginate-AuNPs with an Au core size of ~18 nm are
noncytotoxic at 127-, 254-, 381- and 508-mM concentrations and revealed significant improvement in the attenuation
of X-rays intensity and contrast to noise ratio (CNR), compared with non-targeted cells at the highest energies (90, 120,
140 kVp). At 90 kVp, compared to non-targeted cells, targeted cells (Triptorelin-Alginate-AuNPs) enable 1.58, 1.69, 3.7
and 3.43 times greater contrast at a concentration of 127 mM, 254 mM, 381 mM, and 508 mM, respectively.
Conclusion: These results suggest that the developed Triptorelin-Alginate-AuNPs may be considered an effective
contrast agent for molecular CT imaging of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor-expressing cancer cells.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Cell Journal (Yakhteh)
Volume 25, Issue 2 - Serial Number 109
February 2023
Pages 126-134

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