Development of a flexible cell targeting system based on silica nanoparticles

Abstract

Negatively charged silica nanoparticles are suitable systems to couple various biomolecules while retaining their biological function. A molecular shell consisting of avidin was obtained by binding the molecules to negatively charged particle surfaces through electrostatic interactions. Starting with particles with hydrodynamic diameter of 260 mm, the size increased to 500 mm, while the zeta potential was altered to -8 mV under physiological conditions. Biotinylated wheat germ agglutinin can be coupled to the particle surface through avidin/biotin complex formation. The hydrodynamic diameter increases from 260 nm to 432 nm, while a zeta potential of -28 mV was found under physiological conditions.