In vivo and in vitro toxicity and anti-inflammatory properties of gold nanoparticle bioconjugates to the vascular system.

Gold nanoparticle (AuNP) bioconjugates have been used as therapeutic and diagnostic tools; however, in vivo biocompatibility and cytotoxicity continue to be two fundamental issues. The effect of AuNPs (20 nm) conjugated with antibody [immunoglobulin G (IgG)], albumin, protein A, PEG4000, and citrate (cit) were evaluated in vitro using primary human cells of the vascular system. AuNP bioconjugates did not cause lysis of human erythrocytes, apoptosis or necrosis of human leukocytes, and endothelial cells in vitro, although AuNPs had been internalized and detected in the cytoplasm.