Article
Nanotechnology in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization secondary to AMD: First in vitro results using laser-activated gold-nanoparticles
Search Medline for
Authors
Published: | June 29, 2009 |
---|
Outline
Text
Purpose: To establish a new treatment modality for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in age-related macular degeneration using laser-activated gold nanoparticles.
Methods: Gold nanorods were synthesized and biofunctionalized for specific targeting of neovascular endothelial cells. Primary retinal endothelial cells and retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) were incubated in vitro with gold nanorods and afterwards treated by laser irradiation of a specific wavelength thereby creating extremely focused heat shocks within a closely defined area. Particle uptake was investigated using light and electron microscopy, cell death and apoptosis were studied by Hoechst and cPARP staining. Systemic pattern distribution of gold nanoparticles following intravenous application in a mouse model was studied histologically.
Results: Light microscopy and electron microscopy demonstrated extracellular binding and intracellular uptake of coated nanoparticles. Cell necrosis could be found immediately after laser irradiation. Furthermore, an additive delayed effect could be induced, as seen in apoptosis measurements 24h after irradiation. In both cases, cell damage was limited to nanorod targeted cells. Laser treatment modalities alone showed no effect on viability of either retinal endothelial cells or pigment epithelial cells. Pharmacokinetic studies in vivo demonstrated that funcionalization with PEG was crucial to bypass filter organs and to achieve accumulation of nanoparticles in the target tissue.