Interaction of Inorganic Nanoparticles With Cell Membranes
Abstract
The discussion regarding toxic effects of nanoparticles, especially for people exposed to the particles during manufacturing, use of nanomaterials or because the particles have entered the biosphere at the end of the life cycle, show that there is very little information regarding the interaction of these particles with living systems. On the other hand, the same knowledge is necessary to develop nanosized particles for biomedical applications. In this project we tried to start of a successful cooperation combining the unique knowledge of the participating research groups in the field of colloidal and biological behaviour of nanoparticles. Questions regarding the colloidal behavior of particles in biological liquids (blood, body liquid, and media for cell cultures) as well as concerning the up-take mechanism and the behavior of the particles inside the cells are the subject of the project. During this work, we have discovered, that superparamagnetic particles specifically target to organelles show very specific protein adsorption which enables us understand better the pathway of our particles through the membrane and inside the cell. Combined with investigation regarding the protein absorption and their influence on the colloidal stability we have now the tools to investigate and perhaps to understand better the behaviour of nanoparticles in living systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 20, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA492294
Entities
People
- Heinrich Hofmann