Fig. 1

AEP-triggered size increase of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). A Hydrodynamic diameter of AuNPs-A&C elicited by AEP (1 mg mL⁻¹) in HEPES buffer with various pH values, for 12 h. B Diameter of AuNPs-A&C under various pH in the absence of AEP. C In pH 5.0 HEPES buffer, hydrodynamic diameter of AuNPs-A&C incubated with AEP (1 mg mL⁻¹) for 12 h. 20 μM Atorvastatin (Ato) was used to inhibit AEP. The size of AuNPs-A&C in absence of AEP was also examined. D TEM images of AuNPs-A&C particles incubated with AEP (1 mg mL⁻¹) or cleaved-caspase 3 (1 mg mL⁻¹) for 12 h. E Hydrodynamic diameter of AuNPs-A&C incubated with AEP or cleaved-caspase 3 for 12 h. For above data, n = 3 independent experiments