Alginate/CaCO3 Hybrid Loaded with Sorafenib Tosylate and Gold Hexagons: A Model for Efficient Dual (Chemo-Radio) Treatment of HepG2 Cells

Abstract In this work, we investigated the combinatorial cytotoxic actions of the chemotherapeutic drug (sorafenib tosylate, ST) in synergism with γ-radiation on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. The novel radiosensitizer, hexagonal gold nanoparticles, was prepared and utilized To enhance the radiobiological response of HepG2 cells. A well-designed nanoporous alginate/CaCO3 hybrid was prepared as a biocompatible/biodegradable nanocarrier for co-delivery of the hydrophobic drug and the hydrophilic radiosensitizer to the cancer cells. Incubation of HepG2 cells with the nanoprobes followed by different doses (0, 3 or 6 Gy) of γ-radiation resulted in significant reduction of the cells viability as a result of the synergistic (chemo-radiation) cytotoxic actions.