UV-assisted synthesis of ultra-small GO–Austar for efficient PTT therapeutic architectonic construction†
Abstract
Conventional Au nanomaterial synthesis typically necessitates the involvement of extensive surfactants and reducing agents, leading to a certain amount of chemical waste and biological toxicity. In this study, we innovatively employed ultra-small graphene oxide as a reducing agent and surfactant for the in situ generation of small Au nanoparticles under ultraviolet irradiation (UV) at ambient conditions. After ultra-small GO–Au seeds were successfully synthesized, we fabricated small star-like Au nanoparticles on the surface of GO, in which GO effectively prevented Austar from aggregation. To further use GO–Austar for cancer PTT therapy, through the modification of reduced human serum albumin–folic acid conjugate (rHSA–FA) and loading IR780, the final probe GO–Austar@rHSA–FA@IR780 was prepared. The prepared probe showed excellent biocompatibility and superb phototoxicity towards MGC-803 cells in vitro. In vivo, the final probe dramatically increased tumor temperature up to 58.6 °C after 5 minutes of irradiation by an 808 nm laser, significantly inhibiting tumor growth and nearly eradicating subcutaneous tumors in mice. This research provides a novel and simple method for the synthesis of GO–Au nanocomposites, showcasing significant potential in biological applications.