Peptides and metallic nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Abstract

In this review, we describe the contribution of peptides to the biomedical applications of metallic nanoparticles. We also discuss strategies for the preparation of peptide-nanoparticle conjugates and the synthesis of the peptides and metallic nanoparticles. An overview of the techniques used for the characterization of the conjugates is also provided. Mainly for biomedical purposes, metallic nanoparticles conjugated to peptides have been prepared from Au and iron oxide (magnetic nanoparticles). Peptides with the capacity to penetrate the plasma membrane are used to deliver nanoparticles to the cell. In addition, peptides that recognize specific cell receptors are used for targeting nanoparticles. The potential application of peptide-nanoparticle conjugates in cancer and Alzheimer's disease therapy is discussed. Several peptide-nanoparticle conjugates show biocompatibility and present a low degree of cytotoxicity. Furthermore, several peptide-metallic nanoparticle conjugates are used for in vitro diagnosis.

Effect of surface coating on the biodistribution profile of gold nanoparticles in the rat

“…Peptides as surface capping agents of AuNPs are advantageous as they can increase stability, biocompatibility and solubility in water [18]. However, knowledge on how these peptides interact and pack on a NP surface and how their anchorage affects molecular recognition of the biological target and the stability of the NPs is still scarce [19]. Studies on PEG-coated AuNPs biodistribution have shown that these NPs exhibit longer blood circulation times both in mice [13,14,20,21] and in rats [22] compared to their uncoated counterparts.…”

Peptides and proteins used to enhance gold nanoparticle delivery to the brain: preclinical approaches

“…Metal nanoparticles, notably gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), have unique features that could contribute to the development of new strategies for the so-called theranostics (therapy and diagnostics in a single procedure). [1][2][3] Because of their optical and electric properties, different forms of AuNPs, such as gold nanospheres (GNSs), gold nanorods (GNRs), silica/gold nanoshells, and hollow GNSs, have been studied for biomedical applications including imaging, biosensing, photothermal and microwave therapy, and the delivery of either genes or antitumor drugs for cancer diagnosis and therapy. 1,4 This review is focused on the improvement of the delivery of AuNPs to the brain for potential uses in the preclinical treatment and diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) disorders instead of the application of AuNPs to drug delivery.…”

“…125 An important aspect to consider is that the structure of the peptide anchored to the nanoparticle should not be changed after it is attached to the surface of the nanoparticles when the delivery strategy involves the recognition of a receptor, as discussed in previous works. 3,110,115,126 Using different techniques is relevant to determine the structure of the ligand on the AuNP surface and the number of peptides per nanoparticle, which is relevant for the interaction with the target. Various techniques have been employed for such purposes such as circular dichroism -which provides information about the secondary structure of the peptide, 127 nuclear magnetic resonance -which provides information related to the structure of the molecules, 128 infrared spectroscopy -which is used in the presence of functional groups 129 on the surface, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.…”

Preparation of Au and Au–Pt nanoparticles within PMMA matrix using UV and X-ray irradiation

“…Interest in metal particles-polymer systems is also accelerating due to their various technological applications [13][14][15]. In this regard, Faupel et al prepared Ni, Cu, Ag, and Au nanoparticles on polymers (polyimide, polystyrene, Teflon, PMDA-ODA) with different compositions [16][17][18][19].…”