Although bactericidal effects of Ag(I) and silver NPs are both correlated to displacement of Cu from metalloproteins, the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on Cu metalloproteins has been surprisingly overlooked.  Using azurin as a model system, we use electronic and mass spectroscopy to monitor Cu exchange upon interaction with Ag(I) and AgNPs of various sizes.  Preliminary results demonstrate that small AgNPs (<40 nm) result in greater displacement of Cu(II) in azurin than Ag(I)(aq).  And, reduced, Cu(I) azurin is more labile than Cu(II), whether reacting with Ag(I)(aq) or with AgNPs.  Additional structural studies on Ag(I) azurin species provide insight into metal displacement effects upon azurin structure and reduction potential.  Insights into the AgNP-metalloprotein interactions is valuable to development of dynamic models of the biological interface of AgNPs and to advance applications of AgNPs that require controlled biological activity and cellular targeting.

Structure and function of Cu azurin upon interaction with Ag(I) and silver nanoparticles

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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