Characterization And Biodistribution Of Trans Resveratrol-Peg-Folic Acid-Gold Nanoparticle Conjugates

Purpose: To evaluate the characteristics and biodistribution of trans resveratrol-PEG-folic acid-gold nanoparticle conjugates (rsv-PEG-FA-AuNP).Methods: Gold nanoparticles were produced by citric reduction followed by conjugation of PEG-folic acid and resveratrol. Characterization of rsv-PEG-FA-AuNP conjugates including their particle size, zeta potential, and by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was carried out. Biodistribution study of rsv-PEG-FA-AuNP was carried out using female Sprague Dawley rats. Biodistribution data were obtained from high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis.Results: The mean particle size and zeta potential of rsv-PEG-FA-AuNP were 249.03 +/- 10.31 and -36.33 +/- 3.12 mV, respectively. TEM images showed rsv-PEG-FA-AuNP conjugates formed spherical shape. Rsv-PEG-FA-AuNP conjugates found in plasma, kidney (1.90 +/- 0.20 mu g/g), spleen (2.65 +/- 1.18 mu g/g), liver (1.74 +/- 0.03 mu g/g), and lung (1.82 +/- 0.12 mu g/g), after 90 minutes intravenous administration (i.v.) in female Sprague Dawley rats. No free resveratrol was found in plasma, kidney, or spleen after i.v administration in female dawdle Sprague Dawley rats.Conclusion: Resveratrol-PEG-FA-AuNP conjugates appear to be a potential chemotherapy delivery system for active targeting purposes because of its longer systemic circulation and its accumulation in the kidney.