CHED 335 |
| We report the effect of particle size on protein binding in bioconjugates. Bioconjugates are hybrid materials comprised of biomolecules electrostatically or covalently attached to nanomaterials. In recent years, bioconjugates have become important for their potential targeting applications, such as specific cell imaging and non-invasive cancer treatment. Therefore, the aim of this research was to understand and manipulate protein-nanoparticle interactions by initially studying bioconjugate size dependence in a model system comprised of two sizes (10 and 15 nm in diameter) of aqueous gold nanoparticles and Immunoglobin G (IgG). IgG binding, optimal pH, and the stability of the bioconjugate complexes were assessed by electrolyte-induced flocculation assays. The amount of IgG required to achieve surface saturation of the two particle sizes was determined by analytical ultracentrifugation experiments. Finally, Western blotting was used to confirm the data obtained from ultracentrifugation. We prove that the amount of bound protein is dependent upon the size of the nanoparticles. |
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Nanotechnology
11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |