Size dependency of gold nanoparticles interacting with model membranes

Abstract

The rapid development of nanotechnology has led to an increase in the number and variety of engineered nanomaterials in the environment. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are an example of a commonly studied nanomaterial whose highly tailorable properties have generated significant interest through a wide range of research fields. In the present work, we characterise the AuNP-lipid membrane interaction by coupling qualitative data with quantitative measurements of the enthalpy change of interaction. We investigate the interactions between citrate-stabilised AuNPs ranging from 5 to 60 nm in diameter and large unilamellar vesicles acting as a model membrane system. Our results reveal the existence of two critical AuNP diameters which determine their fate when in contact with a lipid membrane. The results provide new insights into the size dependent interaction between AuNPs and lipid bilayers which is of direct relevance to nanotoxicology and to the design of NP vectors.

Cholesterol Levels Affect the Performance of AuNPs-Decorated Thermo-Sensitive Liposomes as Nanocarriers for Controlled Doxorubicin Delivery

“…FE-SEM images confirmed the almost spherical shapes in the nanometer scale of both L1 and L2 series, which was also confirmed by TEM analysis for L2 series, in agreement with previous works [ 19 , 59 ]. When comparing AuNPs-functionalized and non-functionalized L, some deformations in the surface membranes of L could be observed, which can be explained considering the different elastic interactions that interplay between the AuNPs and lipid membrane.…”

“…When comparing AuNPs-functionalized and non-functionalized L, some deformations in the surface membranes of L could be observed, which can be explained considering the different elastic interactions that interplay between the AuNPs and lipid membrane. It has been proposed that a cooperative absorption onto the outer surface of the liposomal membrane as well as wrapping events occurred with small AuNPs [ 59 ].…”

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“…For example, hydrophobic or cationic NPs with diameters smaller than 5 nm can be successfully embedded within the membrane bilayer. On the other hand, anionic NPs of the same size or larger NPs can only interact with the outer surface of the membrane [ 45 ]. NPs interacting with membranes may induce lateral tension that results in pore formation, either transient or permanent; the pores are actually stabilized by NPs.…”

Nanomedicine & Nanotoxicology Future Could Be Reshaped Post-COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Even with spherical NPs such as gold NPs (AuNPs), we continue to learn about what drives their interaction with lipid membranes. Contini et al have recently described, using a model liposomal membrane, the existence of size thresholds at 10 and 50 nm that can determine different fates of citrate coated AuNPs interaction with membranes (Contini et al, 2020). While technology was initially limited in exploring the cellular membrane, there are now versatile approaches to track membrane proteins and control their movement such that described by Li et al which uses fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles (FMNPs) (Li et al, 2020).…”