Cationic BSA Templated Au–Ag Bimetallic Nanoclusters As a Theranostic Gene Delivery Vector for HeLa Cancer Cells

Abstract

A cationic BSA nanoparticle system incorporating bimetallic Au–Ag luminescent nanoclusters (NCs) was developed for the delivery of therapeutic suicide gene in HeLa cancer cells. Combinatorial therapy is achieved with cationic BSA Au–Ag NCs composite NPs loaded with pDNA, which binds efficiently with pDNA due to its positive nature. While successful delivery of a suicide gene (CD-UPRT) into cells by pDNA loaded composite NPs initiates a therapeutic response cascade by converting prodrug 5-FC to 5-FU, Au–Ag NCs results in ROS (reactive oxygen species) triggered apoptosis mediated cell death. Further, luminescence of Au–Ag NCs serves to track the gene delivery into cells. The detailed mechanism of uptake and manner of cell death have been demonstrated to comprehend the combinatorial therapeutic efficacy of the composite system.