Emerging investigator series: characterization of silver and silver nanoparticle interactions with zinc finger peptides

Abstract

Zn finger peptides catalyze dissolution and agglomeration of silver nanomaterials. In turn, the nanomaterials disrupt native structure and metalation of the peptide. Disruption of Zn finger function constitutes a potential toxicity mechanism.

Formation of highly stable multinuclear AgnSnclusters in zinc fingers disrupts their structure and function

“…The comparison with Zn(II) induced CD spectra clearly demonstrates the fundamental alteration of the ZF conformation by Ag(I) coordination in all cases, but the far-UV features observed for CCHH and CCCH ZFs were significantly weaker, indicating a mostly random coil character of the formed Ag(I) complexes. 35 The absorption spectra of the same titrations confirmed the formation of S -Ag(I) CT bands at 240-260 nm. Their molar absorption coefficients increase with the number of Cys residues ( Fig.…”

Structures of Silver Fingers and a Pathway to Their Genotoxicity

“…Such displacement induces conformational changes and alteration or loss of function. Ag I ions have been vigorously tested for antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, or anticancer properties, [16–20] but their interactions with ZFs have been barely studied [21] . The use of elemental silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is rising rapidly, and nowadays, 30 % of NP products are declared to contain AgNPs.…”

“…Ag I ions have been vigorously tested for antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, or anticancer properties,[ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ] but their interactions with ZFs have been barely studied. [21] The use of elemental silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is rising rapidly, and nowadays, 30 % of NP products are declared to contain AgNPs. Not only medical devices or bone implants but even daily use products, including cosmetics, bedding, sportswear, protective gear (such as masks heavily used during COVID‐19 pandemics), and food containers are coated with AgNPs for their antibacterial properties.…”

Analytical Methods for Characterization of Nanomaterial Surfaces

“…For example, the interaction between AgNPs and zinc finger peptides were confirmed qualitatively by dynamic light scattering (DLS) as the particle size increased after binding. 117 DLS has also been used to measure the binding affinity between mannose-functionalized silica nanoparticles (Man-SNPs) and Con A. 118 In this case, the interactions of the multivalent Man-SNPs with the tetravalent Con A gave crosslinked agglomerates, the size of which was monitored by DLS.…”

“…Particle size analysis has been used to characterize binding interactions both quantitatively and quantitatively. For example, the interaction between AgNPs and zinc finger peptides were confirmed qualitatively by dynamic light scattering (DLS) as the particle size increased after binding . DLS has also been used to measure the binding affinity between mannose-functionalized silica nanoparticles (Man-SNPs) and Con A .…”