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A master's thesis from Aalborg University
Book cover


Multivalent nanoparticle interactions of membranes to design targeting systems for cells

Term

4. term

Publication year

2018

Submitted on

Pages

117

Abstract

The understanding of how nanoparticles (NPs) specifically bind to receptors in cell membranes is still lacking. In particular, a focus on decorating NPs with specifically binding ligand for target receptors have largely ignored the influence of nonspecific colloidal interactions on targeting affinity. Thus, model systems were established in order to set a basis for interpretation of the effect on the avidity of NPs. Silica NPs were coated with lipid bilayers by liposome fusion, using different composition liposomes that would modulate the interaction potential of the particles. A controlled density of biotin functional groups in the lipid membrane served as a model for specific interactions with avidin proteins. The quality of the coating was estimated by dynamic light scattering and zeta potential. An optimal coating procedure was developed. In addition, supported lipid bilayers and poly(ethylene glycol) surface coatings were self-assembled on silica sensor surfaces with different coverages of avidin proteins to mimic the cell membrane and used to investigate the specific and non-specific interactions with coated silica NPs via Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation monitoring.