Targeted cancer cell inhibition using multifunctional dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles

Generation 5-poly(amidoamine) dendrimers pre-modified with folic acid and methotrexate (G5-FA-MTX) were used as templates for the synthesis of dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles (Au DENPs). The synthesized [(Au0)50-G5-FA-MTX] DENPs were able to target and specifically inhibit the growth of cancer cells overexpressing high affinity folic acid receptors.