Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
08:19
Synthesis, Characterization, and Functionalization of Hybrid Au/CdS and Au/ZnS Core/Shell Nanoparticles
Published on: March 2, 2016
17.7K
Tuning cellular response to nanoparticles via surface chemistry and aggregation
Jie An Yang1, Samuel E Lohse, Catherine J Murphy
1Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S. Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|December 11, 2013
Summary
Controlling gold nanoparticle (Au NP) aggregation in cell media significantly impacts their interaction with human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells, affecting toxicity and cellular uptake. Non-aggregated Au NPs show reduced toxicity and uptake compared to aggregated forms.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Gold nanoparticle (Au NP) aggregation in cell media is a common issue affecting their biological interactions.
- Understanding and controlling Au NP aggregation is crucial for accurate assessment of their effects on cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of controlled gold nanoparticle (Au NP) aggregation on human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells.
- To determine how aggregation state influences Au NP toxicity and cellular uptake.
Main Methods:
- Controlled Au NP aggregation by sequential addition to fetal bovine serum (FBS) and buffer.
- Au NP aggregation prevention via biomolecule coating (e.g., lipids).
- Assessment of cellular toxicity and Au NP uptake in HDF cells based on aggregation state.
Main Results:
- Non-aggregated cationic Au NPs were four-fold less toxic to HDF cells than aggregated ones.
- Uptake of non-aggregated anionic citrate Au NPs was three orders of magnitude lower than aggregated ones.
- Au NP uptake disrupted F-actin fiber formation, leading to predominant actin dots.
Conclusions:
- Controlling Au NP aggregation is essential for understanding their in vitro behavior.
- Aggregation state critically modulates Au NP toxicity and cellular internalization.
- Lipid coatings can prevent aggregation, and lipids may dissociate from Au NPs within cells.
