OBJECTIVE Nanotechnology provides a novel strategy for the delivery of anticancer drugs.METHODS Titanium dioxide coated gold nanostructures(Au/TiO2)was used as the drug carrier for the natural anticancer drug gambogic acid in order to improve its anticancer effect.Biocompatibility and cellular uptake of Au/TiO2 was studied in human glio⁃blastoma U-87 MG cells.Cell viability was evaluated by ATP assay and calcein AM staining.LysoSensor Green DND-189 and Hoechst 33342 were used to analyze the intracellular location of Au/TiO2.The anticancer effect of gambogic acid loaded nanoparticles was compared with free drug.RESULTS Au/TiO2 was biocompatible,and they were localized at the intracellular acidic compartments of endosomes and lysosomes.The intracellular drug content delivered via Au/TiO2 was 6-fold higher than the free form,thus dramatically enhancing the anticancer effect of gambogic acid.Furthermore,mild photothermal therapy also showed synergistic effect with the drug.CONCLUSION Au/TiO2 is a promising anticancer drug carrier.
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