The main challenge for the release of therapies at the cellular level is the lack of adequate nanocarriers capable of selectively reaching different types of cells, overcoming different biological barriers (e.g., overpassing the plasma membrane, escaping from the endosomes after cellular uptake, and eventually, crossing the nuclear envelope), as well as protecting the cargo and delivering it in a controlled and localized manner. Silica nanoparticles (SNPs) and fullerenol have unique structural characteristics and their physicochemical properties can be tailored to improve their interaction with the human cells. This study aimed to synthesize, functionalize and characterize SNPs and fullerenol for the development of nanocarriers with cell-penetrating abilities. Fullerenol was synthesized from fullerene C60 in the presence of H2O2 as a hydroxylating agent and TBAH as a phase transfer catalyst, under organic/aqueous bilayer conditions. SNPs were synthesized by hydrolysis and polycondensation of TEOS in a mixture of ammonia, alcohol, and water. To evaluate composition, size, charge, and morphology, the obtained materials were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR-ATR, TGA, Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Laser Doppler Electrophoresis, and SEM. Previously we developed a new family of nanobioconjugates capable of cell penetration and endosomal escape by immobilizing the BUF-II peptide and the OmpA protein on magnetite NPs. Here, we propose to extend this approach to SNPs and fullerenol as nanostructured supports for the conjugation of these potent cell-penetrating agents, to evaluate whether the new nanostructured supports improve the translocation capacity and endosomal escape.

Synthesis, functionalization and characterization of silica nanoparticles and fullerenol: Potential platforms for cell penetration vehicles

ACS Fall 2021

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