An in-vitro study of the effects of microwave-induced hyperthermia on the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of resveratrol gold nanoparticles in prostate and pancreatic cancer cells

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Cancer has become the second leading cause of death in the United States over the past decade. While conventional methods of treatment such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy are proven effective, novel methods are developed for a more effective approach must be taken. The development of nanomedicine has contributed greatly to the treatment of cancer, promising a more effective method of treatment with minimized side-effects. Nano-sized particles are excellent candidates for carrying chemotherapeutic drugs to the site of a tumor and can be engineered for a more targeted delivery. Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in the skin of red grapes and red wine has often been known as a phytochemical with antiproliferative properties against cancerous cells. In this study, resveratrol was conjugated onto gold nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were tested for their uptake and cytotoxicity against prostate and pancreatic cancer cells. The results show that resveratrol gold nanoparticles alone do not exhibit much cytotoxicity against these cancer cell lines; however, they are ingested by the cells. These nanoparticles can be further manipulated to exhibit cytotoxicity. Hyperthermia refers to a series of applications of heat to enhance the effect of chemo- and radio-therapy in the treatment of cancer. Alone, it is not used for the treatment of cancer, but is coupled with other methods of treatment to enhance their effect. In this study, microwave radiation was used to induce moderate hyperthermia in both cancer cell lines to evaluate the cytotoxicity of resveratrol gold nanoparticles, and to assess an increase in their uptake by both cell lines. Results show that hyperthermia coupled with the treatment of resveratrol gold nanoparticles increase their cytotoxicity, and their uptake by the cells.