Microalgae Peptide-Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles as a Versatile Material for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Microalgae peptides have many medical and industrial applications due to their functional properties. However, the rapid degradation of peptides not naturally present in biological samples represents a challenge. A strategy to increase microalgae peptide stability in biological samples is to use carriers to protect the active peptide and regulate its release. This study explores the use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as carriers of the Chlorella microalgae peptide (VECYGPNRPQF). The potential of these peptide biomolecules as stabilizing agents to improve the colloidal stability of AuNPs in physiological environments is also discussed. Spectroscopic (UV-VIS, DLS) and Microscopic (TEM) analyses confirmed that the employed modification method produced spherical AuNPs by an average 15 nm diameter. Successful peptide capping of AuNPs was confirmed with TEM images and FTIR spectroscopy. The stability of the microalgae peptide increased when immobilized into the AuNPs surface, as confirmed by the observed thermal shifts in DSC and high zeta-potential values in the colloidal solution. By optimizing the synthesis of AuNPs and tracking the conferred chemical properties as AuNPs were modified with the peptide via various alternative methods, the synthesis of an effective peptide-based coating system for AuNPs and drug carriers was achieved. The microalgae peptide AuNPs showed lower ecotoxicity and better viability than the regular AuNPs.

Enzyme‐Photodynamic Adaptive Bionic Periosteum for Bone Revitalization

“…[ 11 ] The absorption maximum of GNR occurred at 785 nm, and the GNR@MSN‐NH 2 exhibited a red‐shift to 800 nm attributed to a local increase in the refractive index and scattering of the silica shell, as evident in the UV‐vis absorption spectra (Figure 1G). [ 12 ] After modification with PEG, the maximum absorption of BFP@GNR@MSN‐PEG‐SH shifted to 810 nm. The appearance of peaks at 280 nm for GMP was attributed to the absorption of QK peptide sequences, demonstrating that QK was successfully grafted onto the surface of BFP@GNR@MSN‐PEG‐SH.…”

Nanoparticles from Microalgae and Their Biomedical Applications

“…Microalgae are also a source of valuable compounds which can be further stabilized on the NPs’ surface. The study by Torrez-Diaz et al proposed a method to stabilize Chlorella freshwater microalgae peptide (VECYGPNRPQF) on the Au NPs surface [ 96 ]. The NPs of Au were obtained through the chemical method of citrate reduction, and then peptide solution was added to the flask.…”

Heavy Metals Removal by Using Chlorella Vulgaris Microalgae/ Zinc Oxide Nanocomposite for Wastewater Treatment in Menyet El-Nasr, Egypt

“…Analyses were performed in water (viscosity: 0.8872 Cp, refractive index: 1.33). The size measurements were averaged from at least three repeated measurements (10) .…”