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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
10:38
Synthesis of Functionalized 10-nm Polymer-coated Gold Particles for Endothelium Targeting and Drug Delivery
Published on: January 15, 2018
Oligonucleotide loading determines cellular uptake of DNA-modified gold nanoparticles
David A Giljohann1, Dwight S Seferos, Pinal C Patel
1Department of Chemistry and International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208-3113, USA.
Nano Letters
|November 14, 2007
Summary
Cellular uptake of oligonucleotide-modified nanoparticles increases with higher surface loading densities. This enhanced nanoparticle internalization is linked to increased protein adsorption on densely functionalized particle surfaces.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Oligonucleotide-modified nanoparticles are utilized in various biomedical applications.
- Understanding cellular internalization mechanisms is crucial for optimizing nanoparticle delivery and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between oligonucleotide surface density and cellular uptake of nanoparticles.
- To explore the role of protein adsorption in nanoparticle internalization.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of oligonucleotide-modified nanoparticles with varying surface densities.
- In vitro studies to quantify nanoparticle cellular uptake.
- Analysis of protein adsorption on nanoparticle surfaces.
Main Results:
- Cellular internalization of nanoparticles is directly dependent on the density of oligonucleotide loading.
- Higher oligonucleotide densities result in significantly greater nanoparticle uptake.
- Densely functionalized nanoparticles exhibit increased protein adsorption.
- Nanoparticle uptake correlates positively with the extent of protein association with the particle.
Conclusions:
- Oligonucleotide surface density is a critical factor governing nanoparticle cellular internalization.
- Protein adsorption plays a significant role in mediating nanoparticle uptake, particularly at high surface functionalization levels.
- Optimizing oligonucleotide loading density can enhance nanoparticle delivery for therapeutic applications.
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