Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a method for predicting the ways in which nanoparticles interact with biological systems, including the human body. His work could have implications for improving human and environmental safety in the handling of nanomaterials, and applications for drug delivery.
The researchers wanted to create a method for the biological characterization of nanoparticles, a screening tool that would allow other scientists to see how several of the nanoparticles might react when inside the body.
“We wanted to find a good way to determine how biologically relevant nanomaterials react with cells,” says Jim Riviere, distinguished professor of pharmacology. “When a nanomaterial enters the human body, it immediately binds to several proteins and amino acids. The molecules with which a particle attaches to determine where to go. ”
This binding process also affects the behavior of the particle within the body. According to Nancy Monteiro-Riviere, professor of dermatology and toxicology research, amino acids and proteins that coat a nanoparticle changes its shape and surface properties, which could increase or reduce the toxicity or, in medical applications, the ability of the particle to deliver drugs to target cells.
To create your tool of detection, the team used a series of chemicals to probe the surfaces of different nanoparticles, using techniques developed earlier by Xin-Rui Xia, research assistant professor of pharmacology. The nanoparticle size and surface characteristics determine the type of materials with which it is attached. Once the size and surface characteristics are known, researchers can create “fingerprints” that identify the ways in which an individual particle will interact with biological molecules. These fingerprints allow them to predict how the nanoparticles might behave once inside the body.
“This information will allow us to predict where a particular nanomaterial end in the human body and whether it will be taken by certain cells,” Riviere added. “This in turn will give us a better idea of what nanoparticles can be useful for delivering drugs and what can be dangerous to humans or the environment.”
