Combined Effect of Gold Nanoparticles and Proton Beams in In Vivo Experiments with Invertebrates

An analysis is performed of the effectiveness of using spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with a size of 50 nm in combination with proton irradiation at a dose of 30 Gy (energy of 150 MeV) in order to enhance the cytotoxic effect of binary therapy. The analysis is performed with in vivo experiments using the model invertebrate animal Daphnia magna. The biodistribution of the AuNPs in the animal body is studied, and the biochemical effect of the separate and combined action of AuNPs with irradiation is analyzed. The accumulation of AuNPs in the intestine and the eggs and embryos of the next generation is detected. Analysis of the level of free radicals and malondialdehyde reveals an increase in the cytotoxic effect of irradiation with nanoparticles.