Influence of gold nanoparticle architecture on in vitro bioimaging and cellular uptake

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are favorable nanostructures for several biological applications due to their easy synthesis and biocompatible properties. Commonly studied GNP shapes are nanosphere (AuNS), nanorod (AuNR), and nanocage (AuNC). In addition to distinct geometries and structural symmetries, these shapes have different photophysical properties detected by surface plasmon resonances. Therefore, choosing the best shaped GNP for a specific purpose is crucial to the success of the application. In this study, all three shapes of GNP were investigated for their potency to interact with cell surface receptors. Anti-HER2 antibody was conjugated to the surface of nanoparticles. MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma and hMSC human mesenchymal cell lines were treated with GNPs and analyzed for cellular uptake and bioimaging efficiencies using the UV-vis spectroscopy and dark-field microscopy.