AS1411 aptamer-targeted gold nanoclusters effect on the enhancement of radiation therapy efficacy in breast tumor-bearing mice

Aim: Herein, the AS1411 aptamer-targeted ultrasmall gold nanoclusters (GNCs) were assessed at different aspects as a radiosensitizer. Materials & methods: AS1411 aptamer-conjugated gold nanoclusters (Apt–GNCs) efficacy was evaluated at cancer cells targeting, radiosensitizing effect, tumor targeting, and biocompatibility in breast tumor-bearing mice. Results: Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy exhibited more cellular uptake for Apt–GNCs in comparison with GNCs. In addition, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry results demonstrated its effective tumor targeting as the tumors’ gold content for GNCs and Apt–GNCs were 8.53 and 15.33 μg/g, respectively. Apt–GNCs significantly enhanced radiotherapy efficacy as mean tumors’ volume decreased about 39% and 9 days increase in the mice survival was observed. Both GNCs and Apt–GNCs were biocompatible. Conclusion: The Apt–GNCs is a novel and efficient radiosensitizer.