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Self-assembly and characterization of transferrin-gold nanoconstructs and their interaction with bio-interfaces

Abstract

Transferrin (Tf) conjugated to gold nanoparticles and clusters combine the protein's site-specific receptor targeting capabilities with the optical properties imparted by the nano-sized gold. We have described two different synthesis protocols, one yielding fluorescent Tf-stabilized gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) and one yielding Tf-stabilized gold nanoparticles that exhibit localized surface plasmon resonance. We demonstrate that the synthetic route employed has a large influence both on the gold nanostructure formed, and also on the structural integrity of the protein. A slight protein unfolding allows stronger interaction with lipids, and was found to significantly perturb lipid monolayers. Interactions between the protein–gold nanostructures and three different cell types were also assessed, indicating that the enhanced membrane affinity may be attributed to intercellular membrane differences.

Category

Academic article

Client

  • Liaison Committee between the Central Norway Regional health Authority (RHA) and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) / 46056629
  • Liaison Committee between the Central Norway Regional health Authority (RHA) and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) / 46052400
  • Research Council of Norway (RCN) / 197411

Language

English

Author(s)

  • Birgitte Hjelmeland McDonagh
  • Sondre Volden
  • Sina Maria Lystvet
  • Gurvinder Singh
  • Marit-Helen G. Ese
  • Joseph A. Ryan
  • Mikael Lindgren
  • Axel Sandvig
  • Ioanna Sandvig
  • Wilhelm R Glomm

Affiliation

  • Norwegian University of Science and Technology
  • SINTEF Energy Research / Elkraftteknologi
  • Iona College
  • Umeå University
  • University of Cambridge
  • SINTEF Industry / Biotechnology and Nanomedicine

Year

2015

Published in

Nanoscale

ISSN

2040-3364

Publisher

Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)

Volume

7

Issue

17

Page(s)

8062 - 8070

View this publication at Cristin