Functionalized gold nanoshells (AuNSs) are frequently cited as potential carriers for the targeted delivery of drugs to cancer cells.  Prior research by our team has produced several multidentate adsorbate structures that provide a means of both stabilizing and modifying these AuNSs.  In the present study, click chemistry was used in conjunction with a short-chain dithiol surfactant to attach functional groups and/or model drugs on these surfaces.  Upon binding to gold, azide groups on the end of the surfactant are covalently bound to a succinimide-terminated linker via an azide- alkyne [3+2] cycloaddition reaction.  Cysteine-based peptides are then attached to the succinimide-terminated surfactant, followed by loading with small interfering RNA (siRNA); consequently, the oligonucleotides temporarily bind to these surfaces by electrostatic interaction and can subsequently be released upon exposure to thermal energy generated upon exposure of the gold nanoshells to near-infrared (NIR) light. Keywords:  Gold Nanoshells, Bidentate Adsorbates, Click Chemistry, Small Interfering RNA (siRNA)

Gene silencing with functionalized gold nanoshells using click chemistry

247th National Meeting (2014)

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