PVA and BSA stabilized silver nanoparticles based surface-enhanced plasmon resonance probes for protein detection

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Nanoparticles offer unique optical properties for biosensing applications.
• Stabilizing nanoparticles is crucial for their in-vivo application and stability.
• Understanding nanoparticle biodistribution and toxicity is essential for safe biomedical use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate silver nanoparticles coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a potential biosensor.
• To investigate the biointeractions, biodistribution, and toxicity of BSA-coated silver nanoparticles in a mouse model.
• To assess the capability of these nanoparticles to detect antibody binding for biosensing applications.

Main Methods:

• Silver nanoparticles were synthesized and coated with BSA and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a control.
• Surface plasmon resonance was measured to characterize nanoparticle properties.
• In-vivo studies using a mouse model were conducted to assess biodistribution and toxicity.
• Changes in light absorption were monitored to detect antibody recognition.

Main Results:

• BSA coating shifted the plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles from 420 nm to 443 nm.
• No significant behavioral changes or toxicity were observed in the mouse model.
• Nanoparticles were detected in all tested tissues, including the brain.
• Antibody recognition was successfully monitored via changes in light absorption.

Conclusions:

• BSA-coated silver nanoparticles demonstrate potential as effective biosensors.
• These nanoparticles exhibit favorable safety profiles and biodistribution, reaching the brain.
• The developed biosensing system can provide insights into cellular mechanisms and organ function, including the blood-brain barrier (BBB).