Fig. 2

In vitro biocompatibility of bPAuNC and pPAuNC. a Photographs of pre (upper) and post (lower) irradiation with UV (350 nm) of albumin, bPAuNC, and pPAuNC. b Absorption and c fluorescence spectra of albumin, bPAuNC, and pPAuNC (125 mg albumin mL⁻¹). b Size distribution of pPAuNC by dynamic laser scattering. e MDA-MB-231 (high MT1-MMP expression) and MCF7 (low MT1-MMP expression) breast cancer cell lines incubated for 24 h with albumin, bPAuNC, and pPAuNC at various concentrations. Crystal violet proliferation assay to assess the cytotoxic effect of the albumin, bPAuNC, and pPAuNC on cell growth inhibition. f Cell viability and g microscopic phase images of cells treated with albumin, bPAuNC, or pPAuNC for 24 h incubation time. Scale bars are 50 µm