Quercetin/Polyethyleneimine Modified Gold Nanoconjugates Inhibit Apoptosis and ROS Production Induced by Hydrogen Peroxide in DRG Sensory Neurons.

The basis of most neurological syndromes is the accumulation of free radical molecules. Quercetin is a polyphenolic bioflavonoid molecule and it has a very strong antioxidant effect by maintaining oxidative balance. There are many difficulties in the clinical use of quercetin due to its hydrophobic structure, low solubility, instability, poor oral bioavailability, and limited tissue-barrier penetration. Its synergistic use in complex with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) could overcome these problems. AuNPs have recently emerged as an attractive candidate for delivery applications of various biomolecules and drugs. The aim of this study was to synthesize two different sized gold nanoparticles (AuNP 20 and AuNP 50) modified with polyethyleneimine (PEI) and quercetin, evaluate their potential neuroprotective effects on the in vitro oxidative stress model using DRG primary sensory neurons. It was shown that the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic ability of the bioflavonoid was preserved after exposure to the designed quercetin modified AuNPs. The PEI surface coating increased the stability and biocompatibility of the AuNPs in both sizes. It also potentially enables additional surface functionalization. This study indicates that designed nanoparticles (AuNP-Q-PEI) with different sizes could be a useful potential platform for the treatment of neurodegenerative syndromes or cancer diseases. Quercetin/PEI modified and two different sized (AuNP 20 and AuNP 50) gold nanoparticles were successfully synthesized. Designed nanoplatform (AuNPs-Q-PEI) increased stability and biocompatibility. After nanomaterial exposure in the oxidative stress model of the DRG sensory neurons, the level of ROS and apoptosis was significantly reduced. [Display omitted] • Quercetin/PEI modified and two different sized (AuNP 20 and AuNP 50) gold nanoparticles were successfully synthesized. • The antioxidant property of the bioflavonoid was preserved after exposure to designed Q-coated AuNPs in the DRG neurons. • The PEI surface coating increased the stability and biocompatibility of the AuNPs in both sizes. • The designed gold nanoconjugates could be a useful potential nanoplatform for the treatment of neurodegenerative syndromes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]