A hyperspectral and toxicological analysis of protein corona impact on silver nanoparticle properties, intracellular modifications, and macrophage activation.
The inevitable adsorption of biomolecules on nanomaterials results in the formation of a protein corona (PC), which modifies the nanoparticle (NP)-cell interface resulting in modified uptake, activity, clearance, and toxicity. While the physicochemical properties of the NP govern the composition of PC, the formation of PC in turn alters the characteristics of the NP by imparting a new unique "biological" identity. To assess how the PC influences AgNP properties, intracellular modifications, and cellular responses, we utilized a combination of hyperspectral and toxicological analyses. AgNPs were coated with a complex PC (multiple proteins, eg, 10% fetal bovine serum) or a simple PC (single protein, eg, bovine serum albumin [BSA]) and evaluated by hyperspectral and dynamic light scattering for modifications in AgNP properties. Mouse macrophages were exposed to AgNPs with PCs and examined for differences in uptake, cytotoxicity, and cell activation. Hyperspectral imaging revealed intracellular modifications to AgNPs that were found to spectrally match alterations in AgNPs following incubation in lysosomal fluid. Addition of the PC influenced AgNP uptake and cytotoxicity; however, hydrodynamic size and surface charge did not contribute to these responses. Assessments of all endpoints demonstrated differences between complex and BSA PC, suggesting that these responses are not purely driven by the primary protein component of the complex PC (ie, BSA). Alterations in cellular-NP uptake/interactions may be driven through cell surface receptor recognition of protein constituents that make up the PC rather than the physicochemical differences in AgNPs.
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
Jonathan H
JH
Shannahan
Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, USA ; Clemson Nanomaterials Center and COMSET, Clemson University, Anderson, SC, USA.
Ramakrishna
R
Podila
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
Jared M
JM
Brown
D000327:Adsorption; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D003603:Cytotoxins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity; D042541:Intracellular Space / Q000187:drug effects*; D008262:Macrophage Activation / Q000187:drug effects*; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D051379:Mice; D000066970:Protein Corona / Q000737:chemistry*; D000067996:RAW 264.7 Cells; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine / Q000737:chemistry; D012834:Silver / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000633:toxicity*; D013057:Spectrum Analysis
D003603:Cytotoxins; D000066970:Protein Corona; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine; D012834:Silver
biocorona; darkfield microscopy; hyperspectral imaging; nanomaterials