A Fundamental Study of Nanoparticle–Protein Mutual Interactions: Role of Nanoparticle Morphology and Size

The lack of fundamental knowledge on the effects of nanoparticulate morphology on nanoparticle (NP)–protein interactions greatly limits our understanding of the behavior of NPs in biological systems. Correlation between physico-chemical properties of nanomaterials (e.g., particle size, shape, nano-roughness/porosity, surface energy, crystallinity, surface charge, structure of adsorption sites, hydrophobicity) and their interactions with different biomolecules they may come in contact during natural and man-made processes will allow for better modeling, predicting, and designing capabilities of nanomaterials.

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This project is the first phase of a fundamental systematic study of the effects of nanomorphological properties of NPs and micron-size nanopatterned particles on NP-protein and NP-cell interactions. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms that govern the adsorption processes in competitive biological environments will help to find ways to control NPs performance as additives in cosmetics and house hold products, drug delivery, bioimaging, medical device coatings, bio-sensors, biochip development, biofouling protection, and nanotoxicology amongt others.

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A unique feature of this research is the molecular-level spectroscopic as well as nanoscale local characterization of the adsorption process. These include forces between the NP and protein, the adsorption mode of the protein, evolution of the NP morphology, aggregation state, and size upon interacting with the protein. This objective will be achieved by adapting existing characterization and measurement tools, especially spectroscopic techniques such as Raman and FTIR Spectroscopy in conjunction with extensive quantum chemistry modeling and by developing new methodologies.