Optimization of uptake and transport of gold nanoparticles in two-dimensional and three-dimensional in-vitro cell models

High atomic number nanomaterials have been explored as a tool for improving cancer therapeutics. Gold nanoparticles are a system that has been introduced as they can act as effective radiation dose enhancers and anticancer drug carries. Gold nanoparticles have unique physiochemical properties that allow them to be probed in cells using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy and hyper spectral imaging. Optimization of gold nanoparticle uptake into 3D in-vitro models is essential to optimizing future cancer therapeutic applications and bridging the gap between in-vitro and in-vivo tumor environments. The uptake of functionalized gold nanoparticles into 2D monolayer and 3D spheroid cell models was tested. Functionalization of the GNPs was confirmed by use of dynamic light scattering, UV-Visible light spectroscopy, the Zeta potential, and imaged with a scanning electron microscope and hyper spectral imaging. These findings suggest that both the size and functionalization of the gold nanoparticles should be considered in future 3D in-vitro studies.