OBJECTIVE Nanotechnology provides a novel strategy for the delivery of anticancer drugs. In this study, titanium dioxide coated gold nanorod (GNR/TiO2) nanostructures were used as the drug carrier for gambogic acid in order to improve its anticancer effect. METHODS Biocompatibility and cellular uptake of GNR/TiO2 nanostructures were studied in human glioblastoma U-87 MG cells. Cell viability was evaluated by ATP assay and calcein AM staining. LysoSensor Green DND-189 and Hoechst 33342 were used to analyze the intracellular location of GNR/TiO2 nanostructures. The in vitro anti-cancer effect of gambogic acid loaded nanoparticles was compared with free drug. RESULTS The results showed that GNR/TiO2 nanostructures are biocompatible, and they are localized at the intracel?lular acidic compartments of endosomes and lysosomes. The intracellular drug content delivered via GNR/TiO2 nanostructures was 6 fold higher than the free form, thus dramatically enhancing the anticancer effect of gambogic acid. Furthermore, m

来源：中国药理学与毒理学杂志 2017 年 31卷 10期