Biomimetic Keratin Gold Nanoparticle-Mediated <i>In Vitro</i> Photothermal Therapy on Glioblastoma Multiforme

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> To realize and characterize a new generation of keratin-coated gold nanoparticles (Ker-AuNPs) as highly efficient photosensitive nanosized therapeutics for plasmonic photothermal (PPT) therapy. <b>Materials & methods:</b> The chemical, physical, morphological and photothermal properties of Ker-AuNPs are investigated using dynamic light scattering, ζ-potential, UV-Visible, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution thermography. <i>In vitro</i> experiments are performed on a human glioblastoma cell line (i.e., U87-MG), using viability assays, transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, cytometric analyses and PPT experiments. <b>Results:</b> Experiments confirm the excellent biocompatibility of Ker-AuNPs, their efficient cellular uptake and localized photothermal heating capabilities. <b>Conclusion:</b> The reported structural and functional properties pointed out these Ker-AuNPs as a promising new tool in the field of biocompatible photothermal agents for PPT treatments against cancer-related diseases.