Cataractous Eye Protein Isolate Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles Prevent Their Ethanol-Induced Aggregation

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomaterials Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) exhibit valuable optical, electrical, and catalytic properties for diverse applications.
• AuNP aggregation compromises their functionality, stability, and biocompatibility.
• Developing effective stabilizers is crucial for harnessing AuNP potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cataractous eye protein isolate (CEPI) as a novel stabilizing agent for AuNPs.
• To evaluate the ability of CEPI to prevent AuNP aggregation and enhance stability.
• To explore the potential of CEPI as a biocompatible stabilizer for AuNPs.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of AuNPs stabilized with CEPI.
• UV-Vis spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS) to assess aggregation and size.
• Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and fluorescence quenching to confirm CEPI-AuNP interaction.
• Evaluation of stability under various conditions, including ethanol-induced aggregation.

Main Results:

• CEPI successfully stabilized AuNPs, preventing aggregation in various conditions.
• Spectroscopic analyses confirmed strong binding between CEPI and AuNPs.
• CEPI binding induced shifts in localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and altered CEPI's secondary structure.
• Stabilized AuNP conjugates demonstrated enhanced structural integrity and stability.

Conclusions:

• CEPI is an effective and biocompatible stabilizer for AuNPs.
• This study highlights the potential of utilizing waste biomaterials like CEPI for nanotechnology applications.
• CEPI-stabilized AuNPs show promise for biomedical and therapeutic uses.