Targeted Glioblastoma Treatment via Synthesis and Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles With De Novo–Engineered Transferrin-Like Peptides: Protocol for a Novel Method

BackgroundGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with limited treatment options due to the blood-brain barrier’s (BBB’s) impedance and inherent resistance to chemotherapy. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with transferrin-like peptides show promis...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Augusto Müller Fiedler, Michelle Medeiros, Haidi Dalinda Fiedler
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: JMIR Publications 2023-08-01
Series:JMIR Research Protocols
Online Access:https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e49417
_version_ 1797744945060118528
author Augusto Müller Fiedler
Michelle Medeiros
Haidi Dalinda Fiedler
author_facet Augusto Müller Fiedler
Michelle Medeiros
Haidi Dalinda Fiedler
author_sort Augusto Müller Fiedler
collection DOAJ
description BackgroundGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with limited treatment options due to the blood-brain barrier’s (BBB’s) impedance and inherent resistance to chemotherapy. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with transferrin-like peptides show promise in overcoming these challenges, enhancing drug delivery to the brain, and reducing chemotherapy resistance. ObjectiveThe primary goal of this study is to establish a detailed protocol for synthesizing and stabilizing AuNPs, functionalizing them with de novo–engineered transferrin-like peptides, and conjugating them with the chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide. This strategy aims to improve drug delivery across the BBB and circumvent chemotherapy resistance. The secondary objective includes an assessment of the safety and potential for in vivo use of the synthesized nanoparticle complex. MethodsThe proposal involves multiple steps with rigorous quality control of AuNP synthesis, stabilization with surfactants, and polyethylene glycol coating. The engineered transferrin-like peptides will be synthesized and attached to the AuNPs’ surface, followed by the attachment of temozolomide and O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase inhibitors. The resulting complex will undergo in vitro testing to assess BBB penetration, efficacy against GBM cells, and potential toxicity. ResultsInitial preliminary experiments and simulations suggest successful synthesis and stabilization of AuNPs and effective attachment of transferrin-like peptides. We propose peptide attachment verification using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance. Additionally, we will conduct pH stability tests to ensure our functionalized AuNPs retain their properties in acidic brain tumor microenvironments. ConclusionsThe proposed functionalization of AuNPs with de novo–engineered transferrin-like peptides represents a novel approach to GBM treatment. Our strategy opens new avenues for drug delivery across the BBB and chemotherapy resistance reduction. While we primarily focus on in vitro studies and computational modeling at this stage, successful completion will lead to further development, including in vivo studies and nanoparticle design optimization. This proposal anticipates inspiring future research and funding in neuro-oncology, presenting a potentially innovative and effective treatment option for GBM. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR1-10.2196/49417
first_indexed 2024-03-12T15:16:26Z
format Article
id doaj.art-e08f7fa345c24827b4f110cae216f6ed
institution Directory Open Access Journal
issn 1929-0748
language English
last_indexed 2024-03-12T15:16:26Z
publishDate 2023-08-01
publisher JMIR Publications
record_format Article
series JMIR Research Protocols
spelling doaj.art-e08f7fa345c24827b4f110cae216f6ed2023-08-11T12:48:24ZengJMIR PublicationsJMIR Research Protocols1929-07482023-08-0112e4941710.2196/49417Targeted Glioblastoma Treatment via Synthesis and Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles With De Novo–Engineered Transferrin-Like Peptides: Protocol for a Novel MethodAugusto Müller Fiedlerhttps://orcid.org/0009-0000-0319-8487Michelle Medeiroshttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-6093-9445Haidi Dalinda Fiedlerhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-3830-9989 BackgroundGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with limited treatment options due to the blood-brain barrier’s (BBB’s) impedance and inherent resistance to chemotherapy. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with transferrin-like peptides show promise in overcoming these challenges, enhancing drug delivery to the brain, and reducing chemotherapy resistance. ObjectiveThe primary goal of this study is to establish a detailed protocol for synthesizing and stabilizing AuNPs, functionalizing them with de novo–engineered transferrin-like peptides, and conjugating them with the chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide. This strategy aims to improve drug delivery across the BBB and circumvent chemotherapy resistance. The secondary objective includes an assessment of the safety and potential for in vivo use of the synthesized nanoparticle complex. MethodsThe proposal involves multiple steps with rigorous quality control of AuNP synthesis, stabilization with surfactants, and polyethylene glycol coating. The engineered transferrin-like peptides will be synthesized and attached to the AuNPs’ surface, followed by the attachment of temozolomide and O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase inhibitors. The resulting complex will undergo in vitro testing to assess BBB penetration, efficacy against GBM cells, and potential toxicity. ResultsInitial preliminary experiments and simulations suggest successful synthesis and stabilization of AuNPs and effective attachment of transferrin-like peptides. We propose peptide attachment verification using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance. Additionally, we will conduct pH stability tests to ensure our functionalized AuNPs retain their properties in acidic brain tumor microenvironments. ConclusionsThe proposed functionalization of AuNPs with de novo–engineered transferrin-like peptides represents a novel approach to GBM treatment. Our strategy opens new avenues for drug delivery across the BBB and chemotherapy resistance reduction. While we primarily focus on in vitro studies and computational modeling at this stage, successful completion will lead to further development, including in vivo studies and nanoparticle design optimization. This proposal anticipates inspiring future research and funding in neuro-oncology, presenting a potentially innovative and effective treatment option for GBM. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR1-10.2196/49417https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e49417
spellingShingle Augusto Müller Fiedler
Michelle Medeiros
Haidi Dalinda Fiedler
Targeted Glioblastoma Treatment via Synthesis and Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles With De Novo–Engineered Transferrin-Like Peptides: Protocol for a Novel Method
JMIR Research Protocols
title Targeted Glioblastoma Treatment via Synthesis and Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles With De Novo–Engineered Transferrin-Like Peptides: Protocol for a Novel Method
title_full Targeted Glioblastoma Treatment via Synthesis and Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles With De Novo–Engineered Transferrin-Like Peptides: Protocol for a Novel Method
title_fullStr Targeted Glioblastoma Treatment via Synthesis and Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles With De Novo–Engineered Transferrin-Like Peptides: Protocol for a Novel Method
title_full_unstemmed Targeted Glioblastoma Treatment via Synthesis and Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles With De Novo–Engineered Transferrin-Like Peptides: Protocol for a Novel Method
title_short Targeted Glioblastoma Treatment via Synthesis and Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles With De Novo–Engineered Transferrin-Like Peptides: Protocol for a Novel Method
title_sort targeted glioblastoma treatment via synthesis and functionalization of gold nanoparticles with de novo engineered transferrin like peptides protocol for a novel method
url https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e49417
work_keys_str_mv AT augustomullerfiedler targetedglioblastomatreatmentviasynthesisandfunctionalizationofgoldnanoparticleswithdenovoengineeredtransferrinlikepeptidesprotocolforanovelmethod
AT michellemedeiros targetedglioblastomatreatmentviasynthesisandfunctionalizationofgoldnanoparticleswithdenovoengineeredtransferrinlikepeptidesprotocolforanovelmethod
AT haididalindafiedler targetedglioblastomatreatmentviasynthesisandfunctionalizationofgoldnanoparticleswithdenovoengineeredtransferrinlikepeptidesprotocolforanovelmethod