Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Homogeneous Thiol-Linked NHC*-Au-Albumin and -Trastuzumab Bioconjugates.

Targeted delivery of potent cytotoxic drugs to cancer cells minimizes systemic toxicity and several side effects. NHC*-Au-Cl has already been proven to be a potent anticancer agent. In this study, we explore a strategy based on chemoselective cysteine conjugation of NHC*-Au-Cl to albumin and trastuzumab (Thiomab LC-V205C) to potentiate drug-ligand ratio, pharmacokinetics, as well as drug efficacy and safety. This strategy is a step forward towards the use of gold-based anticancer agents as targeted therapies.