Galactose-Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles Targeting Membrane Transporters for the Glutathione Delivery to Brain Cancer Cells

Glutathione (GSH), a tripeptide essential for maintaining redox balance in the human body, plays a critical role in protecting cells from oxidative stress. A deficiency in GSH is linked to increased oxidative damage and the progression of various disorders, including cancer and neurological diseases. Herein, gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) coated with GSH and further functionalized with galactose moieties are developed to selectively target glucose transporters (GLUT), which is overexpressed on the surface of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and could be exploited for the selective recognition and internalization of the Au@GSH-Gal NPs, that could then exert an antioxidant effect. As a proof of concept, brain cancer cells are treated with Au@GSH-Gal NPs, evidencing their increased internalization and a significant reduction of H2O2-induced oxidative stress.