Polymer coated gold nanoparticle-protein agglomerates as nanocarriers for hydrophobic drug delivery.

Polymer coated gold nanoparticle-protein agglomerates having excellent protease and human blood serum stability are reported. These biocompatible agglomerates served as nanocarriers (NCs) for the hydrophobic anticancer drug camptothecin. The NCs were fabricated based on non-covalent interactions and meet the size criterion for extravasation through the leaky vessels of tumor vasculature. The camptothecin loaded NCs were internalized by human cervical cancer HeLa cells, thereby releasing their payloads and causing apoptotic cell death. These NCs have the potential for use in clinical applications.