Nanoparticle translocation through a lipid bilayer tuned by surface chemistry

Abstract

An enhanced understanding about the interactions between nanomaterials and cell membranes may have important implications for biomedical applications. In this work, coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of gold nanoparticles interacting with lipid bilayers were performed to evaluate the effect of hydrophobicity, charge density and ligand length on lipid bilayers. The simulations accomplished indicate that hydrophobic and anionic nanoparticles do not exhibit significant interactions and different charge densities may induce pore formation or nanoparticle wrapping, resembling first stages of endocytosis. The suggested interplay between charge density and ligand length has important implications when designing nanoparticles for drug and gene delivery applications. Moreover, control of charge densities may induce internalization of nanoparticles into cells through different mechanisms such as passive translocation, for nanoparticles with low charge density, or endocytosis for higher charge densities, highlighting the role of surface chemistry in nanoparticle-cell interactions.

Mesenchymal stromal cell labeling by new uncoated superparamagnetic maghemite nanoparticles in comparison with commercial Resovist – an initial in vitro study

“…The incorporation process of the SPIO nanoparticles involves adsorption to cell membrane, which is followed by active/passive transport across the cell membrane. [27][28][29] Cationic particles are taken into cells through clathrin-or caveolin-mediated endocytosis, but anionic particles enter by mediator-independent endocytosis. 30 We can assume that our anionic SAMNs enter the MSCs in the same way.…”

Effects of magnetic cobalt ferrite nanoparticles on biological and artificial lipid membranes

“…23,24 In the case of NPs, their interactions with membranes have been found to be largely controlled by the shape and size of the NPs and their surface chemistry. 13,14,[25][26][27] When suspended in biological fluids, NPs form agglomerates of different sizes that may exert biological effects different from those caused by single particles. 18,28,29 Moreover, NPs can be modified by their adsorption into biomolecules, which leads to their adhesion to the cell membrane.…”

“…11,12 Experimental, computational, and theoretical studies suggest that the NP-lipid interaction at the membrane can compromise the structure and function of both artificial and biological membranes. 1,[12][13][14][15][16] NPs and their agglomerates can be adsorbed onto the membrane and cause its structural reorganization, [13][14][15][16] leading to changes in membrane curvature, [17][18][19] particle internalization, 20 and pore and hole formation. 21,22 The interactions between lipid bilayers and solid surfaces are complex and can involve van der Waals, electrostatic, hydration, hydrophobic, or protrusion forces.…”

The effect of the protein corona on the interaction between nanoparticles and lipid bilayers

“…5 NPs can adhere to the lipid bilayer and cause changes in the lipid phase, 7 induce formation of lipid domains [8][9] or pores and extract lipids 10 inducing lipid bilayer disruption. [11][12] Physical chemical properties of NPs, 5,13 such as size, 4,11,[14][15] charge 12,16 and surface chemistry [17][18][19][20] are the main factors modulating NP-membrane interactions.…”