Work

Collagen Cross-Linking with Au Nanoparticles

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: Tiopronin (N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)glycine)-protected gold nanoparticles (TPAu) were cross-linked to collagen via EDC (1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide) coupling. On average, each TPAu forms eight amide bonds with collagen lysine moieties. The resulting gels were studied with environmental SEM, TEM, micro-DSC, and TNBS assay. The porous structure of collagen was significantly altered by cross-linking, resulting in the reduction of the pore size from ca. 140 to <1 microm depending on the concentration of nanoparticles. The collagenase biodegradation assay showed improved stability of cross-linked material. The cell viability assay, CellTiter96, indicates that the gold nanoparticles are not toxic at the concentrations used in gel synthesis. This new material has potential for the delivery of small molecule drugs as well as Au nanoparticles for photothermal therapies, imaging, and cell targeting.

Source: Biomacromolecules

DOI: 10.1021/bm800793z

Authors: Luciano Castaneda, Judith Valle, Nina Yang, Suzanne Pluskat, Katarzyna Slowinska

Institutions: California State University System, California State University, Long Beach

Language: English

Topic: Collagen: Extraction and Characterization

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: Howard Hughes Medical Institute, National Institute of General Medical Sciences