To view the supplementary data that accompany this paper please visit the journal website at: www.tandfonline.com/doi/suppl/10.2217/nnm-2023-0355Aim: Despite some successful examples of therapeutic nanoparticles reaching clinical stages, there is still a significant need for novel formulations in order to improve the selectivity and efficacy of cancer treatment. Methods: The authors developed two novel dendrimerâ gold (Au) complex-based nanoparticles using twodifferent synthesis routes: complexation method (formulation A) and precipitation method (formulation B). Using a biomimetic cancer-on-a-chip model, the authors evaluated the possible cytotoxicity and internalization by colorectal cancer cells of dendrimerâ Au complex-based nanoparticles. Results: The results showed promising capabilities of these nanoparticles for selectively targeting cancer cells and delivering drugs, particularly for the formulation A nanoparticles. Conclusion: This work highlights the potential of dendrimerâ Au complex-based nanoparticles as a new strategy to improve the targeting of anticancer drugs.This work is financially supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 952603 (http://sgabu.eu/). This article reflects only the author’s view. The Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains. For the experimental part of the study, we acknowledge BIONECA project – Biomaterials and advanced physical techniques for regenerative cardiology and neurology (CA16122) – and the FEDER funded project 2IQBIONEURO (0624 2IQBIONEURO 6 E). M Carvalho acknowledges her postdoctoral contract TERM RES Hub – Scientific infrastructure for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Ref Norte-01-0145-FEDER-02219015. D Caballero acknowledges the financial support from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the program CEEC Individual 2017 (CEECIND/00352/2017), and the project 2MATCH (PTDC/BTM-ORG/28070/2017) funded by the Programa Operacional Regional do Norte supported by European Regional Development Funds (ERDF). This work was partially supported by IET A. F. Harvey Engineering Research Award 2018 (ENG The Cancer). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed
