Development of Targeted Drug Delivery System for the Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 Using Aptamer-Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles.

ABSTRACT: Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted niclosamide (NIC) as a promising treatment for COVID-19. However, its clinical application is limited due to its poor water solubility, resulting in low bioavailability. Methods: To address this issue, we developed a AuNP-HA-NIC system, which combines gold nanoparticles with hyaluronic acid to enhance drug delivery. Our comprehensive characterization of the system revealed that hyaluronic acid with specific molecular weights, particularly those exposed to electron-beam irradiation between 2 and 20 kGy, produced the most stable nanoparticles for efficient drug loading and delivery. Results: Additionally, the AuNP-HA-NIC system exhibits a significant sensitivity to pH changes, which is a critical feature for targeted dr

SUBMITTER: Park J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11510760 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature