Abstract
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 (HG), was prepared and utilized to enhance the radiobiological response of HepG2 cells. A well-designed nanoporous alginate/calcium carbonate hybrid (ALG-CaCO3) was prepared as a biocompatible/biodegradable nanocarrier for co-delivery of the hydrophobic drug (ST) and the hydrophilic radiosensitizer (HG) to the cancer cells. Incubation of HepG2 cells with the prepared nanoprobes followed by irradiation with different doses (0, 3 or 6 Gy) of γ-radiation resulted in a significant reduction of the cells viability as a result of the synergistic (chemo-radiation) cytotoxic actions.