# Galactose‐Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles Targeting Membrane Transporters for the Glutathione Delivery to Brain Cancer Cells

## TL;DR

Gold nanoparticles coated with glutathione and galactose can target brain cancer cells to reduce oxidative stress.

## Contribution

A novel nanoparticle system that uses galactose to target glucose transporters for glutathione delivery to brain cancer cells.

## Key findings

- Au@GSH-Gal nanoparticles are internalized more effectively through GLUT transporters.
- The nanoparticles significantly reduce H2O2-induced oxidative stress in brain cancer cells.

## Abstract

Glutathione (GSH), a tripeptide essential for maintaining redox balance in the human body, plays a critical role in protecting cells from oxidative stress. A deficiency in GSH is linked to increased oxidative damage and the progression of various disorders, including cancer and neurological diseases. Herein, gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) coated with GSH and further functionalized with galactose moieties are developed to selectively target glucose transporters (GLUT), which is overexpressed on the surface of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) and could be exploited for the selective recognition and internalization of the Au@GSH‐Gal NPs, that could then exert an antioxidant effect. As a proof of concept, brain cancer cells are treated with Au@GSH‐Gal NPs, evidencing their increased internalization and a significant reduction of H2O2‐induced oxidative stress.

Glutathione‐functionalized gold nanoparticles are shown to reduce radicals in SH‐SY5Y and C6 cells. Conjugation of galactose to the outer shell improves internalization through the GLUT transporter, thus providing a smart multivalent system able to reduce oxidative stress in neuroblastoma and rat glioma cells.© 2025 WILEY‐VCH GmbH