As nanotechnology is being used across a wide number of fields including textiles, cosmetics, and electronics, human exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) has also increased. In particular, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are increasingly used in consumer products and in the medical field due to their strong antimicrobial properties. Therefore, it is becoming more important to examine the effects and transformations of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the body. However, AgNPs can undergo a number of transformations in biological matrices, including dissolution to release bioactive Ag(I)(<i>aq</i>) and adsorption of biomolecules like proteins. The formation of a protein corona on AgNPs significantly alters the bioreactivity of the NPs. Preliminary studies have shown that AgNPs coated with human serum albumin (HSA) are more toxic to human liver cells (HepG2) compared to uncoated AgNPs. In order to understand the mechanism leading to this increased toxicity, several analytical and biophysical experiments were carried out. First, linear sweep stripping voltammetry (LSSV) was conducted to understand the effect of HSA on the dissolution of AgNPs and results showed that HSA increased the dissolution rate. In order to understand the relationship between AgNP dissolution, possible cell adhesion or uptake of AgNPs, and ultimately cell toxicity, the cell membrane was investigated in more detail. Using a model lipid bilayer, membrane fluidity and stability was probed using fluorescence anisotropy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Studies were conducted in the absence of AgNPs and in the presence of either uncoated or HSA-coated AgNPs. Preliminary results from these assays will be presented.

Biophysical characterization of the effect of nanoparticle protein coatings on membrane fluidity and stability

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

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