Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is a relatively rare condition in which the liver does not produce enough antitrypsin protein.  This protein binds to enzymes that function in the respiratory tract preventing excessive cleavage of proteins which can lead to the development of COPD.  There have been no nanotechnology-driven approaches for the treatment of this condition.  Current treatment options are limited and primarily consist of IV-Ig administration of purified alpha-1-antitrypsin protein.  We have begun experiments to investigate the conjugation of this protein to the surface of gold nanoparticles in an effort to assess these composites as a novel delivery system. The nanoparticles size allows for multiple proteins to be conjugated to each gold nanoparticle resulting in a multivalent composite.  The protein attachment has been confirmed via UV-vis and surface charge measurements.  CD measurements are also being used to assess integrity of the protein post attachment and how this may affect function.        <br/>

Gold nanorod-protein composites as a potential novel therapy for alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency

255th National Meeting (2018)

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