One-Step Synthesis of Ribonucleases A–Ag Nanocomposites as Fluorescent Nanodrugs for in vivo Delivery

Abstract

Proteins and enzymes with potential therapeutic function have been widely used in drug delivery. Meanwhile, nanocrystals (NCs) have showed their advantage as in vivo fluorescent indicators. Combining of these two kinds of materials can result in multifunctional composites. Here, a one-step synthesis of protein–NCs nanocomposites with near infrared (NIR) fluorescence and efficient therapeutic function was developed. Ag NCs were formed using ribonucleases A (RNase A) enzyme as a stabilizer. Meanwhile, the RNase A with long chain rapped around Ag NCs and formed RNase A–Ag nanocomposites. The nanocomposites remained both the NIR fluorescence of Ag NCs and antitumor activity of RNase A. The inhibition of the growth of tumor cells by the nanocomposites was confirmed. This study developed an efficient drug delivery system through combination of the protein and nanoparticles, which had potential clinical application in the future.