Surface functionalization affects the zeta potential, coronal stability and membranolytic activity of polymeric nanoparticles

Abstract

Nano materials are commonly functionalized to boost their physicochemical properties. However, there is little known about the impact of these modifications on cellular systems. Herein, we synthesized eight types of polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) bearing different functional groups, and investigated their effects on interactions with cellular membranes. As models for particle membrane interactions, hemolysis assays using human red blood cells and culture with A549 cells were utilized. Under protein-free conditions, the NPs showed a wide distribution of zeta potentials (ζPs) which showed a good correlation with their hemolytic potential. However, in the presence of serum or lung lining fluid, the ζPs of all NPs coalesced towards a single common negative value and showed neither hemolytic activity nor cytotoxicity to A549 cells. Lipase and protease treatment of the coronated particles did not restore their reactivity. These result simply proves that particle functionalization influences the stability of the particle corona which, if intact, prevents hemolytic activity and membrane disrupture.

Preparation, characterization, and in vitro cytotoxicity of COM and COD crystals with various sizes

“…When particles possess higher surface charge density (higher absolute value of ζ), they do not easily aggregate because of their high electrostatic repulsion and stability, and vice versa [28][29][30]. The zeta potentials of COM and COD with different sizes in cell culture medium are shown in Fig.…”

Biodegradable Polymeric Nanoparticles-Based Vaccine Adjuvants for Lymph Nodes Targeting

“…For example, positively charged chitosan-based NPs have an increased internalization rate in eight types of cells, compared to neutral and negatively charged NPs [28]. In all cases, the surface charge of polymeric NPs (cationic or anionic) can be modified by using molecules with various charges like PEG or protamine [40,41]. Although cationic NPs are advantageous to enter into the cells, negative polymeric PLA NPs are also efficiently internalized by DCs [16].…”

Haemolytic activity of soil from areas of varying podoconiosis endemicity in Ethiopia

“…This correlation, between ζP and haemolytic activity, has also been observed for asbestos minerals ([66]). Additionally, in experiments using polymeric nanoparticles with altered surface functionalities, the samples with a positive ζP were shown to have a haemolytic effect, whereas the samples with negative ζP showed no HA, explained by the fact that RBCs have a negative charge of -31.8 mV ([67]). When particles are incubated in biological fluids, a biomolecule corona (commonly proteins, lipids and carbohydrates; [68],[69],[70]) can cover the surface of the particle and alter its surface reactivity (for example by encouraging or moderating aggregation between particles, or suppressing the surface charge; [71]).…”

“…When particles are incubated in biological fluids, a biomolecule corona (commonly proteins, lipids and carbohydrates; [68],[69],[70]) can cover the surface of the particle and alter its surface reactivity (for example by encouraging or moderating aggregation between particles, or suppressing the surface charge; [71]). Cho et al ([67]) noted that the addition of a protein corona around polymeric nanoparticles altered the ζP from positive to negative and resulted in the loss of haemolytic potential. This is of interest to the study of podoconiosis as it is likely that particles within the soil enter the lymph system where they are able to react with biological structures.…”