CCRG-07. GOLD NANOPARTICLES DEMONSTRATE FAVORABLE EFFECTS ON THE BEHAVIOR OF MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS, THEREBY AUGMENTING THEIR OVERALL BIOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE

Abstract Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been extensively studied for their interaction with cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and their potential to influence various cellular behaviors such as proliferation and differentiation. In this research, AuNP solutions at concentrations ranging from 1.25 to 10 ppm were prepared to investigate their biocompatibility. The presence of AuNPs was confirmed using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, while Dynamic Light Scattering assay characterized their size and scanning electron microscopy revealed their shape. MSCs were treated with different concentrations of AuNPs to assess biocompatibility. The results indicated that 1.25 and 2.5 ppm concentrations of AuNPs significantly enhanced MSC proliferation, reduced reactive oxygen species generation, and attenuated platelet/monocyte activation. Furthermore, the presence of filopodia and lamellipodia suggested improved adhesion ability of MSCs when incubated with 1.25 and 2.5 ppm AuNPs. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2/9) was also upregulated under these concentrations, indicating enhanced cell migration ability. Lower levels of apoptosis were observed in MSCs treated with 1.25 and 2.5 ppm AuNPs compared to higher concentrations, as assessed by Annexin-V/PI double staining and Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS). Western blotting analysis showed increased expression of anti-apoptotic proteins Cyclin-D1 and Bcl-2. Additionally, real-time PCR analysis demonstrated reduced expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-8) in MSCs treated with 1.25 and 2.5 ppm AuNPs. Animal model tests revealed that these concentrations of AuNPs exhibited better biocompatibility, including anti-inflammatory effects and endothelialization. Overall, 1.25 and 2.5 ppm AuNP solutions were shown to enhance the biological functions of MSCs, suggesting their potential as biocompatible nanomedicine for regenerative research.