Abstract
Triphenylphosphine (TPP) surface-functionalized and F-108 Pluronic-stabilized gold nanoparticles (F-108@TPP-AuNPs) have been synthesized through a one-step approach, leading to well-defined (9.6 +/- 1.6 nm) and water-soluble nanoparticles by microwave heating an aqueous solution of TPP-(AuCl)-Cl-I in the presence of a Pluronic polymer under basic conditions. TPP release was negligible under physiological conditions, but enhanced significantly at an acidic pH (5.4) mimicking that of a cancer cell. Laser irradiation (532 nm) raised the temperature of an aqueous solution of F-108@TPP-AuNPs to 51.7 degrees C within 5 min, confirming efficient light-to-heat conversion capabilities without significant photodegradation. TEM confirmed intracellular localization of F-108@TPP-AuNPs in the cytosol, endosomes and lysosomes of HeLa cells. F-108@TPP-AuNPs were well tolerated by HeLa cells and zebrafish embryos at ambient temperatures and became toxic upon heat activation, suggesting synergistic interactions between heat and cytotoxic action by TPP.