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Updated: Jan 31, 2026
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Low Molecular Weight Protein Enrichment on Mesoporous Silica Thin Films for Biomarker Discovery
Published on: April 17, 2012
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Luminescent silica mesoparticles for protein transduction
Yuri A Vorotnikov1, Tatiana N Pozmogova2, Anastasiya O Solovieva3
1Nikolaev Institute of Inorganic Chemistry SB RAS, 3 Acad. Lavrentiev Ave., 630090 Novosibirsk, Russian Federation; Scientific Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology - branch of ICG SB RAS, 2 Timakova str., 630060 Novosibirsk, Russian Federation.
Summary
Silica mesoparticles (SMPs) offer a novel, non-toxic method for cellular labeling and protein delivery. These luminescent particles efficiently internalize into cells, enabling tracking and cargo transport.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Silica nanoparticles are widely studied, but silica mesoparticles (SMPs) potential for biological applications, especially cellular delivery, remains underexplored.
- Effective intracellular delivery of proteins and cell labeling are crucial for biological research and therapeutics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of luminescent silica mesoparticles (SMPs) for cell labeling and protein transduction.
- To evaluate SMPs for delivering model proteins into larynx carcinoma cells.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized luminescent SMPs doped with octahedral molybdenum clusters via a one-pot reaction.
- Investigated SMPs' cellular uptake, luminescence, and toxicity in Hep-2 cells.
- Functionalized SMPs for protein delivery, using GFP as a model protein.
Main Results:
- SMPs were rapidly internalized into Hep-2 cells within 30 minutes, resulting in detectable cellular luminescence.
- The SMPs demonstrated no toxicity in the absence or presence of photo-irradiation.
- Functionalized SMPs efficiently delivered GFP into the cells.
Conclusions:
- Luminescent SMPs provide a cost-effective and trackable alternative for cellular internalisation of proteins.
- SMPs show promise for applications in cell labeling and protein delivery, potentially replacing agents like HIV TAT or commercial delivery systems.
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