Synthesis of Gelatin-Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles and Assembly of Carboxylic Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes/Au Composites for Cytosensing and Drug Uptake

Gelatin-stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs-gelatin) with hydrophilic kind biocompatible were prepared with a simple and "green" route by reducing in situ tetrachloroauric acid in gelatin. The nanoparticles showed the excellent colloidal stability. IN-vis spectra, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy revealed the formation of well-dispersed AuNPs with different sizes. By combination of the biocompatibility of AuNPs and excellent conductivity of carboxylic single-walled carbon nanotubes (c-SWNTs), a novel nanocomposite was designed for the immobilization and cytosensing of HL-60 cells at electrodes. The immobilized cells showed sensitive voltammetric response, good activity, and increased electron-transfer resistance. It can be used as a highly sensitive impedance sensor for HL-60 cells ranging from 1 x 10(4) to 1 x 10(7) cell mL(-1) with a limit of detection of 5 x 10(3) cell mL(-1). Moreover, the nanocomposite could effectively facilitate the interaction of adriamycin (ADR) with HL-60 cells and remarkably enhance the permeation and drug uptake of anticancer agents in the cancer cells, which could readily lead to the induction of the cell death of leukemia cells.