Ehrenberg M., McGrath J.L.
University of Rochester, US
Keywords: microrheology, nanoparticle, surface chemistry, uptake
People are exposed to nanoparticles in from varying sources and in many ways. The goal of our research is to simplify this diverse problem by establishing a systematic understanding of the properties of particles that determine the course of cellular interactions. We characterize the motions of particles within cells for two surface chemistries and find that the main determinants of their behavior are (1) protein binding to the particle surface and (2) manner of introduction as it determines the subcellular location; free in cytoplasm or contained in vesicles. In uptake studies, particles with opposite surface charge show similar binding of proteins from the extracellular environment and similar kinetics. Taken together, this suggests that protein binding regardless of surface chemistry is the major factor determining particle-cell interactions.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 707 - 710
Industry sector: Medical & Biotech
Topic: Biomaterials
ISBN: 1-4200-6183-6