Development of A Multifunctional Gold Nanoplatform for Combined Chemo-Photothermal Therapy Against Oral Cancer

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> To design and fabricate a multifunctional drug-delivery nanoplatform for oral cancer therapy. <b>Materials & methods:</b> Polyethylene glycol-stabilized, PDPN antibody (PDPN Ab)- and doxorubicin (DOX)-conjugated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared and evaluated for their cytotoxicity and antitumor efficacy in both chemotherapy and photothermal therapy. <b>Results:</b> The obtained (PDPN Ab)-AuNP-DOX system presents low toxicity, a high drug loading capacity and cellular uptake efficiency. Both <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> experiments demonstrate that (PDPN Ab)-AuNP-DOX has enhanced antitumor efficacy. Treatment with (PDPN Ab)-AuNP-DOX combined with laser irradiation exhibits superior antitumor effects. <b>Conclusion:</b> This (PDPN Ab)-AuNP-DOX system may be used as a versatile drug-delivery nanoplatform for targeted and combined chemo-photothermal therapy against oral cancer.