We report an approach for simple, reproducible and high-yield synthesis of branched GNPs directed by
deoxycholate bile acid supramolecular aggregates in Au
solution. A growth process involving stepwise trapping of the GNP seeds and Au
ions in the
deoxycholate bile acid solution yields multiple-branched GNPs. Upon NIR
laser irradiation strong NIR absorption for branched GNPs induced photothermal-heating to destroy
tumor cells. Subsequently, these branched GNPs were biofunctionalized with cRGD cell penetrating-targeting
peptides for photothermal
cancer treatment applications. Branched GNPs conjugated with cRGD
peptides enhanced internalization of the branched GNPs in BxPC3 human pancreatic
adenocarcinoma cells and effectively ablated BxPC3 cells when irradiated with a NIR
laser (808 nm). Their potential use as photothermal transducing agents was demonstrated in in vivo settings using a
pancreatic cancer xenograft model. The
tumors were effectively ablated with cRGD-branched GNPs injection and
laser exposure without any observation of
tumor recurrence. This firstly reported method for
deoxycholate bile acid directed synthesis of branched GNPs opens new possibilities for the production of strong NIR absorbing nanostructures for selective nano-photothermolysis of
cancer cells and the further design of novel materials with customized spectral and structural properties for broader applications.