Synthesis, Characterisation and Biological Activity of Silicon Nanoparticles Functionalised by Anticancer Compounds

Behray, Mehrnaz (2016) Synthesis, Characterisation and Biological Activity of Silicon Nanoparticles Functionalised by Anticancer Compounds. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Abstract
Silicon Nanoparticles (SiNPs) are non-toxic materials particularly suitable for various biomedical applications. They exhibit unique optical properties for use in bioimaging and diagnostic applications. To exploit these aspects, this thesis explores the synthesis, characterisation and biological activity of SiNPs functionalised by anticancer compounds.
Thiourea-based compounds have been shown to represent one of the most promising classes of anticancer agents due to their strong inhibitory activity against Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), overexpression of which is observed in common types of cancer cells. Conjugation of thiourea compounds in nanosystems presents one potential approach to target such cells. In this thesis, successful synthesis of novel thiourea-functionalised SiNPs was undertaken and their physiochemical properties were investigated by photoluminescence emission and elemental analysis. In vitro cytotoxicity assay was employed to evaluate the effect of SiNPs. Confocal microscopy images demonstrate SiNP internalisation and flow cytometry data confirms receptor-mediated targeting in cancer cells.
Isothiocyanates (ITCs) can prevent the onset of carcinogenesis and act as chemopreventive compounds. ITC-functionalised SiNPs were synthesised using two different methods, initiated from two different types of SiNPs. The surface chemistry of these particles were characterised and their optical properties examined to assess both synthesis approaches. The samples produced from the precursor Br SiNPs exhibit strong photoluminescence and therefore are suitable for uptake studies. The cytotoxicity of ITC SiNPs was evaluated by MTT and their internalisation confirmed using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry assay.
Synchrotron-based FTIR microspectroscopy was used as a novel approach to investigate ITC SiNP cell internalisation. Spectral comparison between treated and control cells shows the effect of ITCs, leading to an increase both in protein level in the nuclei, and also in the chance of apoptosis, which increases phospholipid contents.
Considering the obtained results, such multifunctional nanosystems have the potential to be applied for further diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Science > School of Chemistry
Depositing User:	Users 7376 not found.
Date Deposited:	20 Jun 2016 09:56
Last Modified:	20 Jun 2016 09:56
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/59420
DOI:

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