In Vivo distribution dynamics of Gold Nanoparticles: A quantitative analysis

Angélica  Barbezan; Wilmmer Alexander Rosero; Luis Fernando Almeida; Maria Eduarda Rigo; Fabio Fernando Silva; Maria Elisa  Rostelato

doi:10.15392/2319-0612.2024.2602

Authors

Angélica Bueno Barbezan Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares - IPEN , Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN) https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7615-9091 (unauthenticated)
Wilmmer Alexander Arcos Rosero Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares - IPEN
Luis Fernando de Almeida Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares - IPEN
Maria Eduarda Zaganin Rigo Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares - IPEN
Fabio Fernando Alves da Silva Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares - IPEN
Maria Elisa Chuery Martins Rostelato Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares - IPEN

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15392/2319-0612.2024.2602

Keywords:

Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs), Nanobrachytherapy, Gum Arabic (GA), Biodistribution

Abstract

This study evaluated the biodistribution of gum arabic-functionalized gold nanoparticles (GA-AuNPs) in Balb/C Nude mice following intravenous administration. Two activity regimens (200 µCi and 600 µCi) were analyzed at two different time points (3 and 24 hours post-injection). The results showed predominant accumulation of GA-AuNPs in the liver, spleen, and gallbladder, suggesting hepatobiliary excretion as the primary clearance route. A reduction in liver uptake after 24 hours indicates potential nanoparticle metabolism or elimination. Although this study focused on intravenous delivery, previous work from our group using BSA-coated AuNPs administered intratumorally demonstrated higher tumor retention and reduced systemic accumulation, reinforcing the importance of administration route and surface coating in defining nanoparticle biodistribution. These findings contribute to the understanding of how delivery strategy influences nanoparticle bioavailability and support the development of safer and more targeted therapeutic platforms.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biography

Angélica Bueno Barbezan, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares - IPEN, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN)

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Biomedicine from the Centro Universitário das Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas (2007), with specializations in clinical analysis, imaging, and pharmacology. Subsequently, I joined the Institute of Energy and Nuclear Research at the University of São Paulo (IPEN/USP), where I earned my Master’s degree in 2012. My Master’s project focused on comparing the labeling of phosphonates, specifically MDP, EDTMP, and Clodronate, with potential therapeutic applications for patients with bone metastases. This initial experience sparked my interest in the therapeutic applications of nuclear biomedicine, motivating me to delve deeper into research.

Furthering my commitment to research, I pursued and completed my Ph.D. at the same institution in 2017, concentrating on in vitro studies of the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in hepatic cells due to the formation of 2-Alkylcyclobutanones from the irradiation of fat-containing foods. This work provided me with a deeper understanding of the biological effects of radiation and reinforced my dedication to developing safer and more effective therapies.

Currently, I am part of a specialized team in nanobrachytherapy, focusing on the research and development of radioactive gold-198 nanoparticles for prostate cancer therapy. My work involves conducting biological tests, including both in vitro and in vivo studies, with the aim of contributing to significant advancements in cancer treatment, providing new therapeutic options that can improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

References

[1] DREADEN, E. C.; ALKILANY, A. M.; HUANG, X.; MURPHY, C. J.; EL-SAYED, M. A. The golden age: gold nanoparticles for biomedicine. Chem. Soc. Rev., v 41, n 7, p 2740-2779, 2012.

[2] JAIN, S. ; HIRST, D. G. ; O’SULLIVAN, J. M. Gold nanoparticles as novel agents for cancer therapy. Br. J. Radiol., Belfast UK, v 85, n 1010, p 101-113. 2012.

[3] PATEL, S. ; GOYAL, A. Applications of Natural Polymer Gum Arabic: A Review. Int. J. Food Prop., San Diego - USA, v 18, n 5, p 986–998, 2015.

[4] KHLEBTSOV, N. ; DYKMAN, L. Biodistribution and toxicity of engineered gold nanoparticles: a review of in vitro and in vivo studies. Chem. Soc. Rev., Russia, v 40, n3, p 1647-1671, 2011.

[5] KHLEBTSOV, N.G., DYKMAN, L.A. Biodistribution and toxicity of gold nanoparticles. Nanotechnol., Russia 6, 17–42 (2011).

[6] ROSERO, W. A. A.; BARBEZAN, A. B.; DE SOUZA, C. D.; VELLOSO, J. P. R.; NASCIMENTO, S.; CARVALHO, D. S.; BERNARDES, E. S.; ZEITUNI, C. A.; VIEIRA, D. P.; SPENCER, P. J.; RIBEIRO, M. S.; ROSTELATO, M. E. C. M.

[7] Review of advances in coating and functionalization of gold nanoparticles: From theory to biomedical application. Pharmaceutics, v. 16, n. 2, p. 255, 2024

[8] ALBANESE, A. ; TANG, P. S. ; CHAN, W. C. The effect of nanoparticle size, shape, and surface chemistry on biological systems. Annu Rev Biomed Eng, Ontario – Canada, v 14, p 1-16, 2012.

[9] SURES, K. ; BALASUBRAMANIAN, J. J. ; MANIKANDAN, J. ; ONG, C-N. ; YU, L. E. ; ONG, W-Y. Biodistribution of gold nanoparticles and gene expression changes in the liver and spleen after intravenous administration in rats. Biomaterials, Singapore, v 31, n 8, p 2034-2042, 2010.

[10] BARBEZAN, A. B. ; ROSERO, W. A. A. ; VIEIRA, D. P. ; RIGO, M. E. Z. ; SILVA, G. D. ; RODRIGUES, A. A. ; ALMEIDA, L. F. ; SILVA, F. F. A. ; RIVERA, A. G. ; SILVA, N. G. ; BERNARDES, E. S. ; ZEITUNI, C. A. ; ROSTELATO, M. E. C. M. Radioactive gold nanoparticles coated with BSA: A promising approach for prostate cancer treatment. Nanotheranostics, v 8, n 1, p 112-126, 2024.

[11] JAIN, T. K. ; REDDY, M. K. ; MORALES, M. A. ; LESLIE-PELECKY, D. L. ; LABHASETWAR, V. Biodistribution, clearance, and biocompatibility of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles in rats. Mol. Phar., Lincoln-Nebraska, v 5, n 2, p 316-327, 2008.

[12] DE SOUZA, C. D. ; BARBEZAN, A. B. ; ROSERO, W. A. A. ; NASCIMENTO, S. ; VERGAÇAS, D. ; CARVALHO, D. S. ; ZEITUNI, C. A. ; BERNARDES, E. S. ; VIEIRA, D. P. ; SPENCER, P. J. ; RIBEIRO, M. S. ; ROSTELATO, M. E. C. M. Synthesis, In Vitro Testing, and Biodistribution of Surfactant-Free Radioactive Nanoparticles for Cancer Treatment. Nanomaterials, v 12, p 187, 2022.

[13] JAKIC, K.; SELC, M.; RAZGA, F.; NEMETHOVA, V.; MAZANEOVA, P. ; HAVEL, F. ; SRAMEK, M. ; ZARSKA, M. ; PROSKA, J. ; MASANOVA, V. ; UHNAKOVA, I. ; MAKOVICKY, P. ; NOVOTOVA, M. ; VYKOUKAL, V. ; BABELOVA, A. Long-Term Accumulation, Biological Effects and Toxicity of BSA-Coated Gold Nanoparticles in the Mouse Liver, Spleen, and Kidneys. Int. J. Nanomed., Bratislava Slovakia, v 19, p. 4103-4120, 2024.

[14] SHARON, Y. ; MOTIEI, M. ; TZROR-AZANKOT, C. ; SADAN, T. ; POPOVTZER, R. ; ROSENBAUM, E. Gold nanoparticles for safe delivery of cisplatin. SPIE, Israel, v. Nanoscale Imaging, Sensing, and Actuation for Biomedical Applications XXI, n. 128580D, 2024.

[15] MOHAMED, S.A.; ELSHERBINI, A.M.; ALREFAEY, H.R.; ADELRAHMAN, K.; MOUSTAFA, A.; EGODAWATTHA, N.M.; CRAWFORD, K.E.; NESNAS, N.; SABRA, S.A. Gum Arabic: A Commodity with Versatile Formulations and Applications. Nanomat., v. 15, p. 290, 2025

[16] CIFTCI, F.; ÖZARSLAN, A.C.; KANTARCI, İ.C.; YELKENCİ, A.; TAVUKCUOGLU, O.; GHORBANPOUR, M. Advances in Drug Targeting, Drug Delivery, and Nanotechnology Applications: Therapeutic Significance in Cancer Treatment. Pharmaceutics, v. 17, p. 121, 2025.