Biointeraction of Erythrocyte Ghost Membranes with Gold Nanoparticles Fluorescents

Abstract

The application of new technologies for treatments against different diseases is increasingly innovative and effective. In the case of nanomedicine, the combination of nanoparticles with biological membranes consists of a “camouflage” technique, which improves biological interaction and minimizes the secondary effects caused by these remedies. In this work, gold nanoparticles synthesized by chemical reduction (Turkevich ≈13 nm) were conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate to amplify their optical properties. Fluorescent nanoparticles were deposited onto the surface of hemoglobin-free erythrocytes. Ghost erythrocytes were obtained from red blood cells by density gradient separation in a hypotonic medium and characterized with fluorescence, optical, and electron microscopy; the average size of erythrocyte ghosts was 9 µm. Results show that the functional groups of sodium citrate (COO-) and fluorophore (-N=C=S) adhere by electrostatic attraction to the surface of the hemoglobin-free erythrocyte membrane, forming the membrane–particle–fluorophore. These interactions can contribute to imaging applications, by increasing the sensitivity of measurement caused by surface plasmon resonance and fluorescence, in the context of biological membranes.

Berberine mediated fluorescent gold nanoclusters in biomimetic erythrocyte ghosts as a nanocarrier for enhanced photodynamic treatment

“…These ghost cells are essentially the remnants of red blood cells stripped of their contents, retaining residual hemoglobin that can serve as a marker for erythrocyte ghost. 25,41 The absorption spectrum in Fig. 2(b) displays key peaks of hemoglobin in oxygenated state: one around 412 nm (Soret band) and bimodal peaks around 540 and 575 nm (Q band) for erythrocyte ghosts.…”

“…When these membranes are placed in an isotonic medium, they self-seal, a phenomenon driven by the amphipathic nature of membrane phospholipids. 41 Fluorescence images in Fig. 4c demonstrate the presence of the AuNC@BBR complex within the Fig.…”

“…Erythrocyte ghosts were prepared with modications from previous reports. 40,41 Initially, whole blood was centrifuged at 1500 rcf for 5 min at room temperature (HERMLE Z 323 K, Germany), and the colorless plasma was discarded. The resultant RBC were washed thrice with a 1 : 3 ratio of 1 × PBS and then collected by centrifugation at 3400 rcf at room temperature for 1 minute.…”