Basic Physicochemical Properties of Polyethylene Glycol Coated Gold Nanoparticles that Determine Their Interaction with Cells. Issue 18 (29th March 2016) - del Pino, Pablo
Abstract: A homologous nanoparticle library was synthesized in which gold nanoparticles were coated with polyethylene glycol, whereby the diameter of the gold cores, as well as the thickness of the shell of polyethylene glycol, was varied. Basic physicochemical parameters of this two‐dimensional nanoparticle library, such as size, ζ‐potential, hydrophilicity, elasticity, and catalytic activity, were determined. Cell uptake of selected nanoparticles with equal size yet varying thickness of the polymer shell and their effect on basic structural and functional cell parameters was determined. Data indicates that thinner, more hydrophilic coatings, combined with the partial functionalization with quaternary ammonium cations, result in a more efficient uptake, which relates to significant effects on structural and functional cell parameters. Abstract : A homologous library of gold nanoparticles coated with polyethylene glycol was synthesized, whereby the diameter of the gold cores, as well as the thickness of the shell of polyethylene glycol, was varied. Basic physicochemical parameters of this two‐dimensional nanoparticle library were determined. Cell uptake of selected nanoparticles and their effect on basic structural and functional cell parameters were determined.