Study of the interaction between proteins and functionalized silica nanoparticles

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to study the protein corona formation over silica nanoparticles (NP-SiO2) functionalized with different groups using model proteins (human and bovine serum albumin; human and bovine lysozyme; ³-globulins). The impact of the surface properties on the protein-nanoparticle interactions will be the main focus over the whole project. The nanoparticles will be fully characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Elemental Analysis. The interaction between sílica nanoparticles and the above mentioned proteins will be addressed by DLS, Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) and free-bound protein ratio determination after separation. It should be noted that this proposal is connected to a FAPESP project coordinated by the proponent advisor (FAPESP 22322-2/2014), and also to a FAPESP postdoctoral fellowship granted to Dr. Agustin Picco (FAPESP 21910-8/2014) who works under the supervision of the same proponent advisor. The granting of this proposal will positively contribute to the academic formation of the student Larissa Fernanda Ferreira. Moreover, this project is expected to produce relevant research results in the growing field of protein-nanoparticle interactions. This research aims at the continuation of the project of Scientific Initiation (FAPESP 23966-3/2015). (AU)