The biological response of pH-switch-based gold nanoparticle-composite polyamino acid embolic material.

ABSTRACT

With continuous advances in medical technology, non-invasive embolization has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment, offering new possibilities in cancer therapy. Fluorescent labeling can achieve visualization of therapeutic agents in vivo, providing technical support for precise treatment. This paper introduces a novel in situ non-invasive embolization composite material, Au NPs@(mPEG-PLGTs), created through the electrostatic combination of L-cysteine-modified gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and methoxy polyethylene glycol amine-poly[(L-glutamic acid)-(L-tyrosine)] (mPEG-PLGTs). Experiments were undertaken to confirm the biocompatibility, degradability, stability and performance of this tumor therapy. The research results demonstrated a reduction in tumor size as early as the fifth day after the initial injection, with a significant 90% shrinkage in tumor volume observed after a 20-day treatment cycle, successfully inhibiting tumor growth and exhibiting excellent anti-tumor effects. Utilizing near-infrared in vivo imaging, Au NPs@(mPEG-PLGTs) displayed effective fluorescence tracking within the bodies of nude BALB-c mice. This study provides a novel direction for the further development and innovation of in situ non-invasive embolization in the field, highlighting its potential for rapid, significant therapeutic effects with minimal invasiveness and enhanced safety.