Radiation dose enhancement using Bi2S3 nanoparticles in cultured mouse PC3 prostate and B16 melanoma cells

Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have been extensively investigated as contrast and dose enhancing agents. Bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3)-NPs have recently been investigated as contrast agents in radiology. In this study the dose enhancing effects of Bi2S3-NPs on radiated mouse PC3 prostate and B16 melanoma cells were examined. Equimolar concentrations of both Au and Bi2S3-NPs displayed equal dose enhancement with B16 cells, while the latter provided higher values with PC3 cells. At, equimolar concentrations there are less Bi atoms compared to Au in their respective NPs. Both NPs at comparable concentrations (0-1 mM) elicited similar cytotoxicity in PC3 mouse prostate cells. This study demonstrates that the less expensive Bi2S3 NPs are a viable alternative to Au NPs as a dose enhancing agent in clinical applications.