The Role of Functionalization and Size of Gold Nanoparticles in the Response of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells to Ionizing Radiation Comparing 2D and 3D In Vitro Models

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), as an agent enhancing radiosensitivity, play a key role in the potential treatment of breast cancer (BC). Assessing and understanding the kinetics of modern drug delivery systems is a crucial element that allows the implementation of AuNPs in clinical treatment. The main objective of the study was to assess the role of the properties of gold nanoparticles in the response of BC cells to ionizing radiation by comparing 2D and 3D models. In this research, four kinds of AuNPs, different in size and PEG length, were used to sensitize cells to ionizing radiation. The in vitro viability, uptake, and reactive oxygen species generation in cells were investigated in a time- and concentration-dependent manner using 2D and 3D models. Next, after the previous incubation with AuNPs, cells were irradiated with 2 Gy. The assessment of the radiation effect in combination with AuNPs was analyzed using the clonogenic assay and γH2AX level. The study highlights the role of the PEG chain in the efficiency of AuNPs in the process of sensitizing cells to ionizing radiation. The results obtained imply that AuNPs are a promising solution for combined treatment with radiotherapy.

Assessing the gene silencing potential of AuNP-based approaches on conventional 2D cell culture versus 3D tumor spheroid

“…Together, these factors alter nanoparticle diffusion rate, mobility, distribution within the spheroid and, ultimately, uptake efficiency. Understanding these differences and the way it affects the internalization rate of particles is crucial when designing experiments and interpreting results in the context of gene silencing studies ( Musielak et al, 2023 ).…”

Methodological and Cellular Factors Affecting the Magnitude of Breast Cancer and Normal Cell Radiosensitization Using Gold Nanoparticles

“…This study was a continuation of our previous article. 9 In this work, we analyzed the effects of the same AuNPs but the new parameters were checked by applying different cell lines. The protocol of synthesis, functionalization, and characterization of AuNPs was previously described.…”

“…The protocol of synthesis, functionalization, and characterization of AuNPs was previously described. 9 Briefly, the AuNPs were synthesized obtaining the size of 10 and 30 nm, and functionalized using the RGD peptide and two PEG chains of 800 and 2000 molecular weight (MW). The 4 kinds of AuNPs have been established: RGD-PEG 800 -AuNPs 10nm , RGD-PEG 2000 -AuNPs 10nm , RGD-PEG 800 -AuNPs 30nm , and RGD-PEG 2000 -AuNPs 30nm .…”

“…Based on our previous work, 9 we used the AuNPs functionalized with the PEG chain and RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) peptide but in different, extended conditions. The protocol of synthesis and functionalization were described previously.…”

Dynamic interactions in the tumor niche: how the cross-talk between CAFs and the tumor microenvironment impacts resistance to therapy

“…Cells cultured in 3D usually show greater stiffness, leading to restricted action of drugs and inhibitors ( Feng et al, 2022 ), as presented by Imamura et al, where more compact spheroids exhibited resistance to paclitaxel and doxorubicin ( Imamura et al, 2015 ). Regarding nanoparticle (NP) usage, cells cultured in 2D and 3D also showed various reactions to NPs concentration or ROS accumulation ( Musielak et al, 2023 ). Considering all the mentioned differences, researchers must carefully choose a cell culture model since promising results obtained in 2D culture may not be replicable in 3D.…”