Understanding biophysicochemical interactions at the nano-bio interface.
Authors
Nel-AE; Madler-L; Velegol-D; Xia-T; Hoek-EMV; Somasundaran-P; Klaessig-F; Castranova-V; Thompson-M
Source
Nat Mater 2009 Jul; 8(7):543-557
Abstract
Rapid growth in nanotechnology is increasing the likelihood of engineered nanomaterials coming into contact with humans and the environment. Nanoparticles interacting with proteins, membranes, cells, DNA and organelles establish a series of nanoparticle/biological interfaces that depend on colloidal forces as well as dynamic biophysicochemical interactions. These interactions lead to the formation of protein coronas, particle wrapping, intracellular uptake and biocatalytic processes that could have biocompatible or bioadverse outcomes. For their part, the biomolecules may induce phase transformations, free energy releases, restructuring and dissolution at the nanomaterial surface. Probing these various interfaces allows the development of predictive relationships between structure and activity that are determined by nanomaterial properties such as size, shape, surface chemistry, roughness and surface coatings. This knowledge is important from the perspective of safe use of nano materials.
Keywords
Biochemical-analysis; Biochemical-indicators; Biodynamics; Biological-effects; Biological-monitoring; Biomedical-engineering; Cell-biology; Cell-function; Cell-morphology; Cell-transformation; Cellular-function; Cellular-reactions; Exposure-methods; Microbiology; Microscopic-analysis; Microscopy; Particle-aerodynamics; Particulate-dust; Particulates; Nanotechnology
Contact
Andre E. Nel, Division of NanoMedicine, David Geffen School of Medicine and California NanoSystems Institute at UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095
Document Type
Journal Article
Email Address
anel@mednet.ucla.edu
Priority Area
Manufacturing
Source Name
Nature Materials