AuNP Pyrazolo[3,4‑d]pyrimidine Nanosystem in Combination with Radiotherapy against Glioblastoma

Gold-nanoparticle (AuNP)-conjugated drugs represent a promising and innovative antitumor therapeutic approach. In our study, we describe the design, the synthesis, the preparation, and the characterization of AuNPs conjugated with the pyrazolo­[3,4-d]­pyrimidine derivative SI306, a c-Src inhibitor. AuNPs–SI306 showed a good loading efficacy (65%), optimal stability in polar media and in human plasma, and a suitable morphological profile: a ζ-potential of −43.9 mV, a nanoparticle diameter of 48.6 nm, and a 0.441 PDI value. The antitumoral activity of AuNPs–SI306 was evaluated in vitro in the glioblastoma model, by the low-density growth assay, and also in combination with radiotherapy (RT). Results demonstrated that AuNPs had a basal radiosensitization ability and that AuNPs–SI306, when used in combination with RT, were more effective in inhibiting tumor cell growth with respect to AuNPs and free SI306.