First Steps To Nanomedicine: Assessing Interactions Between Polystyrene Nanoparticles And Albumin Proteins

<p>Nanoparticles (NPs) have gained traction for various biomedical applications, however, when injected in complex biological mediums such as blood, NPs accrue a protein “coat”, affording them a new identity in vivo. To ensure NPs can be used to their full potential, a basic understanding of protein-NP interactions must be  established. This research aims to answer: What are the kinetics and thermodynamics between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fluorescent polystyrene NPs (FluoSpheres, FS), and how do changes in size affect these parameters?</p> <p>Interactions between FS and BSA will be assessed using two-photon excitation fluorescence crosscorrelation spectroscopy (TPE-FCCS). This technique allows for direct, in situ measurement of fluorescently-labeled species and their interactions. Results suggest low binding ratios (~ 40 proteins and ~ 770 proteins per 100 and 200 nm sphere, respectively) and on-rates on the order of 104 M-1 s-1, which challenges the current understanding of the formation of a protein corona. </p>