Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized with Angiogenin for Wound Care Application

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Angiogenesis is crucial for wound healing but requires precise regulation.
• Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) possess anti-angiogenic properties.
• Angiogenin (ANG) is a key protein involved in angiogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a hybrid theranostic nano-formulation combining AuNPs and ANG variants.
• To investigate the interaction between AuNPs and different ANG forms (recombinant, wild-type, S28CANG mutant).
• To evaluate the potential of these nano-formulations in modulating angiogenesis for wound care.

Main Methods:

• Surface functionalization of AuNPs with three ANG variants (rANG, wtANG, S28CANG).
• Characterization of the AuNP-ANG biointerface using DLS, UV-Vis, CD, AFM, and confocal microscopy.
• Biophysical studies with supported lipid bilayers using QCM-D.
• In vitro cellular assays on HUVECs to assess nanotoxicity, cell migration, and tubulogenesis, with and without copper.

Main Results:

• Different adsorption modes (physisorption/chemisorption) of ANG on AuNPs were identified based on ANG sequence.
• The hybrid nano-formulations exhibited varying effects on HUVEC behavior.
• The Au-S28CANG nano-assembly, with covalent grafting, demonstrated significant potential for angiogenesis modulation.

Conclusions:

• Hybrid protein-gold nano-assemblies offer a promising platform for therapeutic applications in wound healing.
• The S28CANG mutant, covalently attached to AuNPs, shows specific potential for targeted angiogenesis modulation.
• This work advances the development of theranostic nano-formulations for regenerative medicine.