Rational design of multi-functional gold nanoparticles with controlled biomolecule adsorption: a multi-method approach for in-depth characterization

Multi-functionalized nanoparticles are of great interest in biotechnology and biomedicine, especially for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. However, at the moment the characterization of complex, multi-functional nanoparticles is still challenging and this hampers the development of advanced nanomaterials for biological applications. In this work, we have designed a model system consisting of gold nanoparticles functionalized with two differentially-terminated poly(ethylene oxide) ligands, providing both “stealth” properties and protein-binding capabilities to the nanoparticles. We use a combination of techniques (CLS, DLS, AF4, TEM, Z-potential, SDS-PAGE, and CD to: i) monitor and quantify the ratios of ligand molecules per nanoparticle; ii) determine the effect of coating density on nonspecific protein adsorption; iii) to assess the number and structure of the covalently-bound proteins. This article aims at comparing the complementary outcomes from typical and orthogonal techniques used on nanoparticle characterization by employing a versatile nanoparticle-ligands-biomolecule model system.

OJEA JIMENEZ Isaac;  CAPOMACCIO Robin Bruno;  OSORIO Ines;  MĖHN Dóra;  CECCONE Giacomo;  HUSSAIN Rohanah;  SILIGARDI Giuliano;  COLPO Pascal;  ROSSI Francois;  GILLILAND Douglas;  CALZOLAI Luigi; 

2018-07-12

ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY

JRC109517

2040-3364,   

http://pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/ArticleLanding/2018/NR/C8NR00973B#!divAbstract,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC109517,   

10.1039/c8nr00973b,