Raman microspectroscopy of nanodiamond-induced structural changes in albumin

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Nanodiamonds (NDs) show potential for theranostic applications due to low toxicity and high biocompatibility.
• Future clinical use of NDs necessitates understanding their interactions with biological systems, particularly blood components.
• Albumin is a major protein in blood plasma, crucial for maintaining osmotic pressure and transporting various substances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interaction between carboxylated nanodiamonds (cNDs) and albumin, a primary blood plasma protein.
• To assess the impact of cNDs on albumin's structure and potential functional activity.

Main Methods:

• In vitro incubation of 100-nm carboxylated nanodiamonds (cNDs) with an aqueous albumin solution for 2 hours.
• Drying of the incubated samples.
• Analysis of the dried samples using Raman microspectroscopy to detect structural changes.

Main Results:

• Raman microspectroscopy data revealed significant conformational changes in albumin after incubation with cNDs.
• These observed changes suggest a direct interaction between cNDs and albumin molecules.
• The spectroscopic evidence points to alterations in albumin's protein structure.

Conclusions:

• Carboxylated nanodiamonds induce significant conformational changes in albumin.
• These structural alterations may lead to a decrease in albumin's functional activity.
• The potential impact on albumin function must be considered for in vivo nanodiamond applications.