Dendronization of gold nanoparticles decreases their effect on human alpha-1-microglobulin

Gold nanoparticles are new kinds of nanomaterials. Their large surface-to-volume ratio, stability, excellent biocompatibility, low toxicity and functionality make them very attractive for biomedical applications. Therefore we have analyzed how dendronized gold nanoparticles interact with human alpha-1-microglobulin. This is a glycoprotein of ∼30kDa present in blood plasma and some tissues of the human body. Comparing 3 nanoparticles with different dendronization, we conclude that the effect of a nanoparticle on the structure of alpha-1-microglobulin significantly decreased with second and third generations dendrons as a result of less exposure of the metal cores in the nanoparticles. These interactions indicate weak changes in the immunochemical properties of the protein, whereas the dendron coating had no effect. Thus, dendronization of gold nanoparticles helps to modify their binding properties by shielding them from interactions with plasma proteins.