When nanocolloids are introduced into biological media, nonspecific interactions can promote adsorption of proteins around their surfaces, resulting in corona buildup. This can alter the materials behavior and ultimately their effectiveness when used for imaging or sensing applications. Understanding the corona buildup around these nanocolloids has been a challenge. We hereby investigate these interactions using two models systems: luminescent quantum dots and gold nanoparticles. We vary the nature of the hydrophilic block in the surface coating, while maintaining the same lipoic acid bidentate coordinating motif. We track changes in the mobility shift upon exposure of the nanocrystals to protein-rich media, using agarose gel electrophoresis and further complement them with light scattering measurements. We find that lipoic acid (which presents a carboxyl-terminated alkyl chain), either oxidized or reduced promote corona formation. Analysis of the gel mobility data as a function of protein concentrations yields information about the nature of the interactions. However, our data show that when a hydrophilic block made of polyethylene glycol chain or a zwitterion group is appended onto the lipoic acid, the coating drastically reduces corona build-up. Our results are supplemented with additional gel experiments using SDS-PAGE, which show that mainly soft corona forms around the lipoic acid-capped nanocrystals. These findings will be informative when designing nanocolloids with great potential for use in biological applications.<br/>

Promotion or prevention of protein corona around nanocolloids: Role of the surface coating

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.