Fig. 1

Characterisation of RALA-AuNP complexes. Nanoparticle complexes were prepared at a variety of different w:w ratios from 5 µg RALA: 1 µg AuNP to 30 µg RALA:1 µg AuNP. A Hydrodynamic particle size and zeta potential were measured using a Malvern Zetasizer Nano-Zs instrument and DLS software. Mean RALA-AuNP (25:1) hydrodynamic size was 108 nm (± 0.48 nm). B Polydispersity index (PDI) was obtained during size measurements. C UV-spectrometry used to confirm complexation via alterations in the peak surface plasmon resonance spectra for RALA-AuNP and constituent components. D UV–vis assessment of citrate-AuNP and RALA-AuNP stability in serum containing medium. E DLS assessment of citrate-AuNP and RALA-AuNP formulation stability in physiological salt conditions. F Percentage of complexed RALA to citrate-AuNP (encapsulation efficiency) across a variety of w:w ratios between from 5 µg RALA:1 µg AuNP to 30 µg RALA: µg AuNP. G Highly homogenous citrate-AuNPs with core diameter of 15.49 nm (± 2.6 nm). H. TEM image of RALA-AuNP complex at a 25 µg RALA:1 µg AuNP ratio