Gold nanoparticles were coated with a short peptide to promote intracellular delivery of membraneimpermeable proteins. Through microscopy and enzyme assays, we demonstrated the particles were able to transport functional enzymes into a variety of cell lines. Significantly, the transported proteins were able to escape from endosomes. Moreover, these particles showed no apparent cytotoxicity.
Involuntary association: Anionic beta-galactosidase enzymes associate with positively charged Au nanoparticles to produce reduced-charge conjugates, which assemble at oil-water interfaces to result in stable microcapsules (see picture). The microcapsules were formed quickly and showed high enzymatic activity, which makes them promising materials for biotechnology applications.
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