The Effects of Polymer Coating of Gold Nanoparticles on Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been widely used in many biological and biomedical applications. In this regard, their surface modification is of paramount importance in order to increase their cellular uptake, delivery capability, and optimize their distribution inside the body. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of AuNPs on cytotoxicity, oxidant/antioxidant parameters, and DNA damage in HepG2 cells and investigate the potential toxic effects of different surface modifications such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyethyleneimine (PEI; molecular weights of 2,000 (low molecular weight [LMW]) and 25,000 (high molecular weight [HMW]). The study groups were determined as AuNPs, PEG-coated AuNPs (AuNPs/PEG), low-molecular weight polyethyleneimine-coated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs/PEI LMW), and high-molecular weight polyethyleneimine-coated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs/PEI HMW). After incubating HepG2 cells with different concentrations of nanoparticles for 24 hours, half maximal inhibitory concentrations (the concentration that kills 50% of the cells) were determined as 166.77, 257.73, and 198.44 µg/mL for AuNPs, AuNPs/PEG, and AuNPs/PEI LMW groups, respectively. Later, inhibitory concentration 30 (IC