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Recombinant Acetylcholinesterase purification and its interaction with silver nanoparticle
Fateme Mirzajani1, Seyed Mohammad Motevalli2, Shaghayegh Jabbari3
1Protein Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C. Evin, Tehran, Iran; Department of Biotechnology, The Faculty of New Technologies Engineering (NTE), Shahid Beheshti University, G.C. Evin, Tehran, Iran.
Protein Expression and Purification
|May 31, 2017
Summary
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) interact with the neuro-enzyme Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), decreasing its activity and stability. This study explores the impact of AgNPs on enzyme structure and nanoparticle characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biochemistry
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) offer benefits but raise concerns regarding environmental and biological toxicity.
- AgNPs form a corona upon contact with biological tissues due to interactions with biomacromolecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of AgNPs on the neuro-enzyme Acetylcholinesterase (AChE).
- To understand how AgNP-enzyme interactions affect enzyme activity, nanoparticle properties, and enzyme structure.
Main Methods:
- X-ray powder diffraction to analyze AgNP crystallinity before and after interaction with AChE.
- Circular dichroism spectroscopy to assess changes in AChE secondary structure.
- Incubation of AgNPs with AChE at varying ratios and time points.
Main Results:
- AgNP-AChE interaction decreased enzyme activity and reduced AgNP crystallinity and stability.
- Smaller AgNPs increased in size after enzyme interaction, while larger ones decreased in size.
- AChE secondary structure declined after 30 minutes of incubation with AgNPs at 37°C.
Conclusions:
- AgNPs can negatively impact AChE function and structural integrity.
- The interaction alters both the enzyme's biological activity and the AgNPs' physical characteristics.
- Findings highlight the potential neurotoxic effects of AgNPs through enzyme inhibition.

