Specific cell growth inhibition by the Apt-HAuNS-Dox, but not the HAuNS-Dox. (a) The CD30-expressing lymphoma cells, HDLM2 and Karpas 299, were exposed to the Apt-HAuNS-Dox, the HAuNS-Dox (no aptamer), the Apt-HAuNS (no DOX), the HAuNS alone, or no treatment. After culture for 48 h, viable cells under each treatment condition were counted and relative cell proliferation rates (%) were calculated using non-treatment control cultures as 100%. (b) The additional CD30-expressing lymphoma cells, KMH2 and SUDHL-1, were also treated with the Apt-HAuNS-Dox, the HAuNS-Dox or no treatment. The relative cell proliferation was examined as described above. (c) In contrast, under the same treatment conditions, the Apt-HAuNS-Dox had no inhibitory effect on Jurkat and HL-60 control cells that did not express CD30-biomarkers