Aptamer AS۱۴۱۱-functionalized gold nanoparticle-melittin complex for targeting MCF-۷ breast cancer cell line

Objective(s): Several studies reported the apoptotic and lytic activity of melittin (Mel) in different tumor cells. In this study, a novel nano-complex was developed composed of AS۱۴۱۱aptamers, melittin and gold nanoparticle for the treatment of breast cancer cells. Materials and Methods: Gold nanoparticles (GNP) were synthesized using reduction of tetrachloroauric acid (HAuCl۴). Melittin modified with cysteine and AS۱۴۱۱aptamer conjugated to the gold nanoparticle. Gel retardation assay was used to prove the formation of GNP-Mel-AS۱۴۱۱ complex. Physicochemical properties of complex were investigated by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The cytotoxicity of Mel and GNP-Mel-AS۱۴۱۱ complex were evaluated in both MCF‐۷ (target) and L۹۲۹ (non-target) cells by the MTT assay. Results: The average size of GNP and GNP-Mel-AS۱۴۱۱ complex were ۲۰ ± ۲.۵ and ۲۷۰.۵± ۳.۲ respectively. The results of MTT assay revealed that this nanocomplex was more cytotoxic in MCF‐۷ (cell viability = ۱۹% ± ۲%) and less cytotoxic in L۹۲۹ cells (cell viability = ۷۳% ± ۱.۶%).Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the gold nanoparticle-melittin-AS۱۴۱۱ complex had a potential value in cancer cell targeted delivery of melittin. 

Keywords:

AS۱۴۱۱aptamer , Gold Nanoparticle , Melittin , Nucleolin , Targeted therapy