Adsorption of BSA onto sulfonated microspheres

BSA Adsorption on Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle Surfaces for Controlling Their Cellular Uptake in Skin Cells

Nanoparticles (NPs) are continuously being developed for many applications including imaging, biomedicine, and everyday products. It is difficult to avoid contact with NPs such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs, which are widely used in sunscreens. However, the safety of TiO2 NPs for skin contact and inhalation remains controversial. If NPs cannot penetrate the skin, they will be unable to circulate in the bloodstream, accumulate in the body, or cause side effects, ensuring their safety. Therefore, this study aimed to modify TiO2 NP surfaces to inhibit their uptake in skin cells. Inspired by protein corona studies, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was chosen to functionalize TiO2 NP surfaces via physical adsorption. The maximum BSA adsorption occurred at pH 5.0. The physicochemical properties (size, ζ-potential, morphology, ultraviolet (UV) absorption efficiency, and sun protection factor (SPF)) of TiO2-BSA NPs were comparable to those of TiO2 NPs, indicating that these properties did not affect cellular uptake. In the safety evaluation, TiO2 NPs and TiO2-BSA NPs exhibited high biocompatibility with skin cells and no phototoxicity after UVA and UVB irradiation. In the efficacy evaluation, both NPs possessed the same photoprotection abilities, reducing membrane damage and DNA breakage after UVA irradiation. Compared with TiO2 NPs, TiO2-BSA NPs showed substantially reduced skin penetration in Franz diffusion cells (91%) and human immortalized keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells (89%). A qualitative cellular uptake study using transmission electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed that TiO2 NPs were more abundant than TiO2-BSA NPs inside the HaCaT cells. These findings indicate that TiO2 surface functionalization with BSA inhibits cellular uptake in skin cells while maintaining safety and UV protection efficacy, which might be extended to other NP-based sunscreens.

A Drug Molecule-Modified Graphene Field-Effect Transistor Nanosensor for Rapid, Label-Free, and Ultrasensitive Detection of Estrogen Receptor α Protein

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is an important biomarker in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Sensitive and accurate detection of ERα protein expression is crucial in guiding selection of an appropriate therapeutic strategy to improve the effectiveness and prognosis of breast cancer treatment. Herein, we report a liquid-gated graphene field-effect transistor (FET) biosensor that enables rapid, sensitive, and label-free detection of the ERα protein by employing a novel drug molecule as a capture probe. The drug molecule was synthesized and subsequently immobilized onto the sensing surface of the fabricated graphene FET, which was able to distinguish the ERα-positive from the ERα-negative protein. The developed sensor not only demonstrated a low detection limit (LOD: 2.62 fM) but also achieved a fast response to ERα protein samples within 30 min. Moreover, depending on the relationship between the change of dirac point and the ERα protein concentrations, the dissociation constant (Kd) was estimated to be 7.35 ± 0.06 pM, indicating that the drug probe-modified graphene FET had a good affinity with ERα protein. The nanosensor was able to analyze ERα proteins from 36 cell samples lysates. These results show that the graphene FET sensor was able to differentiate between ERα-positive and ERα-negative cells, indicating a promising biosensor for the ultrasensitive and rapid detection of ERα protein without antibody labeling.

Enhanced Adsorption of Bromoform onto Microplastic Polyethylene Terephthalate Exposed to Ozonation and Chlorination

This paper selected microplastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET), commonly found in water/wastewater plant effluent, to investigate the changes of PET oxidized under ozonation (designated as ozonized PET), followed by sodium hypochlorite oxidation (designated as ozonized-chlorinated PET) and studied their influence on the adsorption of the disinfection by-product bromoform (TBM). Fragmentation and cracks appeared on the oxidized PET surface. As the oxidation degree increased, the contact angle decreased from 137° to 128.90° and 128.50°, suggesting hydrophilicity was enhanced. FTIR and XPS analyses suggested that carbonyl groups increased on the surface of ozonized PET and ozonized-chlorinated PET, while the formation of intermolecular halogen bonds was possible when PET experienced dual oxidation. These physiochemical changes enhanced the adsorption of TBM. The adsorption capacity of TBM followed the order of ozonized-chlorinated PET (2.64 × 10−6 μg/μg) > ozonized PET (2.58 × 10−6 μg/μg) > pristine PET (2.43 × 10−6 μg/μg). The impact of raw water characteristics on the adsorption of TBM onto PETs, such as the pH, and the coexistence of inorganic ions and macromolecules (humic acid, surfactant, and bovine serum albumin) were studied. A different predominant adsorption mechanism between TBM and pristine PET or oxidized PETs was proposed.

Analyzation of the binding mechanism and the isoelectric point of glycated albumin with self-assembled, aptamer-conjugated films by using surface plasmon resonance

Glycated albumin(GA), a biomarker which has great potential to replace glycated hemoglobin in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, is being extensively studied by scientists, especially in preventive medicine. Aptamers, as novel probes, have attracted much attention due to their high specificity, wide storage conditions, and simple preparation. However, the interaction mechanism between GA and its aptamer is still unclear, hindering the progress of diabetic aptamer sensors into clinical testing. In this study, the interaction mechanism between GA and its aptamer was evaluated for the first time using surface plasmon resonance by changing the pH value, salt concentration and temperature. The successful preparation of the sensor chip is proved by the water contact angle, Atomic Force Microscope, and the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This study shows that the pH can greatly affect the formation of a complex from the interaction between the aptamer and GA. The interaction mechanism between GA aptamer and GA was caused by electrostatic force. Otherwise, this is the first time to detect protein isoelectric point (pI) using SPR. This study provides an important reference for researchers of aptamer sensors from the perspective of detection environment, and promotes the use of aptamer sensors to the clinic.

Polysaccharides-Based Complex Particles' Protective Role on the Stability and Bioactivity of Immobilized Curcumin

The curcumin degradation represents a significant limitation for its applications. The stability of free curcumin (FC) and immobilized curcumin in complex particles (ComPs) based on different polysaccharides was studied under the action of several factors. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy proved the FC photodegradation and its role as a metal chelator: 82% of FC and between 26% and 39.79% of curcumin within the ComPs degraded after exposure for 28 days to natural light. The degradation half-life (t_1/2) decreases for FC when the pH increases, from 6.8 h at pH = 3 to 2.1 h at pH = 9. For curcumin extracted from ComPs, t_1/2 was constant (between 10 and 13 h) and depended on the sample’s composition. The total phenol (TPC) and total flavonoids (TFC) content values increased by 16% and 13%, respectively, for FC exposed to ultraviolet light at λ = 365 nm (UVA), whereas no significant change was observed for immobilized curcumin. Antioxidant activity expressed by IC₅₀ (µmoles/mL) for FC exposed to UVA decreased by 29%, but curcumin within ComPs was not affected by the UVA. The bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption efficiency on the ComPs surface depends on the pH value and the cross-linking degree. ComPs have a protective role for the immobilized curcumin.

Synthesis, characterization and properties of tropine-based ionic liquids gels

Hydrophilic ionic liquid (IL) gels based-on tropine as a potential separation material.

Competitive Adsorption of Plasma Proteins Using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance

Proteins that get adsorbed onto the surfaces of biomaterials immediately upon their implantation mediate the interactions between the material and the environment. This process, in which proteins in a complex mixture compete for adsorption sites on the surface, is determined by the physicochemical interactions at the interface. Competitive adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA), fibronectin (Fn), and collagen type I (Col I), sequentially and from mixtures, was investigated so as to understand the performances of different surfaces used in biomedical applications. A quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation was used to monitor the adsorption of these proteins onto two materials used in functional bone replacement, a titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) and Ti6Al4V physisorbed with poly(sodium styrenesulfonate) [poly(NaSS)], and three controls, gold, poly(desaminotyrosyltyrosine ethyl ester carbonate) [poly(DTEc)], and polystyrene (PS). In experiments with individual proteins, the adsorption was the highest with Fn and Col I and the least with BSA. Also, protein adsorption was the highest on poly(NaSS) and Ti6Al4V and the least on poly(DTEc). In sequential adsorption experiments, protein exchange was observed in BSA + Fn, Fn + Col I, and BSA + Col I sequences but not in Fn + BSA and Col I + BSA because of the lower affinity of BSA to surfaces relative to Fn and Col I. Protein adsorption was the highest with Col I + Fn on hydrophobic surfaces. In experiments with protein mixtures, with BSA & Fn, Fn appears to be preferentially adsorbed; with Fn & Col I, both proteins were adsorbed, probably as multilayers; and with Col I & BSA, the total amount of protein was the highest, greater than that in sequential and individual adsorption of the two proteins, probably because of the formation of BSA and Col I complexes. Protein conformational changes induced by the adsorbing surfaces, protein-protein interactions, and affinities of proteins appear to be the important factors that govern competitive adsorption. The findings reported here will be useful in understanding the host response to surfaces used for implants.

Poly(NaSS) functionalization modulates the conformation of fibronectin and collagen type I to enhance osteoblastic cell attachment onto Ti6Al4V

Functionalization of surfaces with poly(sodium styrenesulfonate) (poly(NaSS)) has recently been found to enhance osteointegration of implantable materials. Radical polymerization of poly(NaSS) on titanium (Ti)-based substrates has been used to improve their long-term performance by preventing fibrosis and consequently implant loosening. However, the influence of the sulfonate groups on the early cell behavior and the associated molecular phenomena remains to be understood. In this work, we used quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) to elucidate the role of poly(NaSS) in enhancing osteoblastic cell attachment. This was measured by following the cell attachment using the MC3T3-E1 cell line, on fetal bovine serum (FBS) preadsorbed surfaces and on substrates adsorbed with a series of relevant proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA), fibronectin (Fn), and collagen type I (Col I). Comparison of the performance of poly(NaSS) with other clinically important substrates such as Ti alloy Ti6Al4V, gold, and poly(desamino-tyrosyl-tyrosine ethyl ester carbonate) (poly(DTEc)) indicates poly(NaSS) to be a superior substrate for MC3T3-E1 cells attachment. This attachment was found to be integrin mediated in the presence of Fn and Col I. Antibodies specific to the RGD peptide and the N- and C-terminal HB-binding domains reacted more intensively with Fn adsorbed on poly(NaSS). Fn adapts a conformation favorable to RGD mediated cell attachment when adsorbed onto poly(NaSS).

Blood protein adsorption on sulfonated chitosan and κ-carrageenan films

Many strategies have been reported to improve compatibility of biopolymers using chemical and physical modifications. One possibility is the introduction of sulfonate groups (R-SO3(-)) in the chitosan chain. Another biopolymer with similar characteristics to those of heparin is κ-carrageenan. This study proposed to investigate the application of these two polymers, based on their potential for globular protein adsorption (BSA and fibrinogen). Polymeric films of chitosan and κ-carrageenan were prepared; all films were characterized by elemental analyses, FTIR, XPS and SEM. Characterization techniques showed that the chitosan chain was modified and confirmed the existence of sulfonate groups, as well as in the κ-carrageenan chain, indicating surfaces with similar chemical properties to those of heparin. The effect of charge density was observed for each adsorption condition (BSA at pH 5.0 and 7.4). A more pronounced adsorption rate was observed at pH 5.0 than at pH 7.4 and equilibrium adsorption was achieved, in both cases, after approximately 20 min. The equilibrium data indicate a lower adsorption rate for the sulfonated chitosan film, in comparison to the other films. These results confirm the potential of modified chitosan for use in applications in which globular protein adsorption should be avoided.

Bioinert membranes prepared from amphiphilic poly(vinyl chloride)-g-poly(oxyethylene methacrylate) graft copolymers

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) membrane was hydrophilically modified by grafting with poly(oxyethylene methacrylate) (POEM) using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The successful grafting of PVC main chain by POEM was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The molecular weight and hydrophilicity of membranes increased with the amount of POEM grafting, as characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and contact angle measurement, respectively. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis revealed the microphase-separated structure of PVC-g-POEM and the domain spacing increased from 59.3 to 86.1 nm with increasing grafting degree. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for the direct visualization of the mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cell and bacteria adhesion on the membrane surface. Protein adsorption and eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell adhesion tests showed that the bioinert properties of membranes were significantly increased with POEM content.

Characterization of a polyamine microsphere and its adsorption for protein

A novel polyamine microsphere, prepared from the water-in-oil emulsion of polyethylenimine, was characterized. The investigation of scanning electron microscopy showed that the polyamine microsphere is a regular ball with a smooth surface. The diameter distribution of the microsphere is 0.37–4.29 μm. The isoelectric point of the microsphere is 10.6. The microsphere can adsorb proteins through the co-effect of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Among the proteins tested, the highest value of adsorption of microsphere, 127.8 mg·g⁻¹ microsphere, was obtained with lipase. In comparison with other proteins, the hydrophobic force is more important in promoting the adsorption of lipase. The microsphere can preferentially adsorb lipase from an even mixture of proteins. The optimum temperature and pH for the selective adsorption of lipase by the microsphere was 35 °C and pH 7.0.

Controllable synthesis and adjustable antineoplastic activity of bovine serum albumin-conjugated PbS/Ag2S core/shell nano-composites

Series of mono-dispersed bovine serum albumin (BSA)-conjugated PbS/Ag(2)S core/shell nano-composites with different Pb/Ag ratios had been successfully synthesized by an ion-exchange method under the gentle conditions using BSA-conjugated PbS nano-crystals as precursors, which were prepared by a biomimetic method. Fourier transform infrared spectra analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation demonstrated that BSA was a key factor to control the morphology and size of final products. Additionally, the real-time TEM observation, X-ray powder diffraction and atomic absorption spectroscopy analysis were applied to monitor the synthesis process. The results indicated that the shell thickness and ratio of Pb to Ag could be controlled by adjusting the ion-exchange time. Both metabolic and morphological methods revealed that the proliferation of rat pheochromocytoma (PC 12) cells could be inhibited by BSA-conjugated PbS/Ag(2)S core/shell nano-composites, and the antineoplastic activity was Pb/Ag ratio-dependent. It might be explained by a Trojan horse-type mechanism. Summarily, the present study would be helpful to find a new core/shell nano-composite with higher and controllable antineoplastic activity due to the synergistic reaction of different metal ions.

Multilayer buildup and biofouling characteristics of PSS-b-PEG containing films

Thin films exhibiting protein resistance are of interest in diverse areas, ranging from low fouling surfaces in biomedicine to marine applications. Herein, we report the preparation of low protein and cell binding multilayer thin films, formed by the alternate deposition of a block copolymer comprising polystyrene sulfonate and poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate) (PSS-b-PEG), and polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH). Film buildup was followed by quartz crystal microgravimetry (QCM), which showed linear growth and a high degree of hydration of the PSS-b-PEG/PAH films. Protein adsorption studies with bovine serum albumin using QCM demonstrated that multilayer films of PSS/PAH with a terminal layer of PSS-b-PEG were up to 5-fold more protein resistant than PSS-terminated films. Protein binding was dependent on the ionic strength at which the terminal layer of PSS-b-PEG was adsorbed, as well as the pH of the protein solution. It was also possible to control the protein resistance of the films by coadsorption of the final layer with another component (PSS), which showed an increase in protein resistance as the proportion of PSS-b-PEG in the adsorption solution was increased. In addition, protein resistance could also be controlled by the location of a single PSS-b-PEG layer within a PSS/PAH film. Finally, the buildup of PSS-b-PEG/PAH films on colloidal particles was demonstrated. PSS-b-PEG-terminated particles exhibited a 6.5-fold enhancement in cell binding resistance compared with PSS-terminated particles. The stability of PSS-b-PEG films combined with their low protein and cell binding characteristics provide opportunities for the use of the films as low fouling coatings in devices and other surfaces requiring limited interaction with biological interfaces.

pH-dependent immobilization of proteins on surfaces functionalized by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of poly(acrylic acid)- and poly(ethylene oxide)-like films

The interaction of the proteins bovine serum albumin (BSA), lysozyme (Lys), lactoferrin (Lf), and fibronectin (Fn) with surfaces of protein-resistant poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and protein-adsorbing poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) fabricated by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition has been studied with quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). We focus on several parameters which are crucial for protein adsorption, i.e., the isoelectric point (pI) of the proteins, the pH of the solution, and the charge density of the sorbent surfaces, with the zeta-potential as a measure for the latter. The measurements reveal adsorption stages characterized by different segments in the plots of the dissipation vs frequency change. PEO remains protein-repellent for BSA, Lys, and Lf at pH 4-8.5, while weak adsorption of Fn was observed. On PAA, different stages of protein adsorption processes could be distinguished under most experimental conditions. BSA, Lys, Lf, and Fn generally exhibit a rapid initial adsorption phase on PAA, often followed by slower processes. The evaluation of the adsorption kinetics also reveals different adsorption stages, whereas the number of these stages does not always correspond to the structurally different phases as revealed by the D- f plots. The results presented here, together with information obtained in previous studies by other groups on the properties of these proteins and their interaction with surfaces, allow us to develop an adsorption scenario for each of these proteins, which takes into account electrostatic protein-surface and protein-protein interaction, but also the pH-dependent properties of the proteins, such as shape and exposure of specific domains.

Streptococcus equi antigens adsorbed onto surface modified poly-epsilon-caprolactone microspheres induce humoral and cellular specific immune responses

Streptococcus equi subsp. equi is the causative agent of Strangles, which is one of the most costly and widespread infectious diseases, affecting the respiratory tract of Equidae. In this work, polyvinyl alcohol, alginate and chitosan were used in formulations of surface modified poly-epsilon-caprolactone microspheres which were evaluated after adsorption of S.equi enzymatic extract for physicochemical characteristics and in vivo immune responses in mice. After subcutaneous immunisation, the formulations induced higher lymphokines levels, in accordance with cellular and humoral immune responses, as compared to the free antigen, successfully activating the paths leading to Th1 and Th2 cells. The obtained results highlight the role of these microspheres as an adjuvant and their use to protect animals against strangles.

Mobility of model proteins in hydrogels composed of oppositely charged dextran microspheres studied by protein release and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching

In this paper, the release of proteins from a novel self-gelling hydrogel based on biodegradable dextran microspheres is investigated. The protein-loaded macroscopic gels are obtained by hydration of mixtures of oppositely charged hydroxyethyl methacrylate-derivatized dextran microspheres with a protein solution. In media of low ionic strength (100 mM Hepes pH 7.0) it was found that the release of the entrapped model proteins (lysozyme, BSA and IgG) was slower than in saline (150 mM NaCl, 100 mM Hepes pH 7.0). The reason behind this observation is that substantial adsorption of the proteins onto the microspheres' surface and/or absorption in the microspheres takes place. Confocal images showed that independent of their crosslink density the microspheres are impermeable for BSA and IgG. BSA, bearing a negative charge at neutral pH, was adsorbed onto the surface of positively charged microspheres. Lysozyme, which is positively charged at neutral pH, was able to penetrate into the negatively charged microspheres. In saline, the gels showed continuous release of the different proteins for 25 to 60 days. Importantly, lysozyme was quantitatively and with full preservation of its enzymatic activity released in about 25 days. This emphasizes the protein friendly technology to prepare the protein-loaded gels. Mathematical modeling revealed that protein release followed Fick's second law, indicating that the systems are primarily diffusion controlled. These results show that these hydrogels are very suitable as injectable matrix for diffusion-controlled delivery of pharmaceutically active proteins.