Stealth and Biocompatible Gold Nanoparticles Through Surface Coating with a Zwitterionic Derivative of Glutathione

Overview

Journal Langmuir

Publisher American Chemical Society

Specialty Chemistry

Date 2024 May 29

PMID 38808371

Authors

Vinicius S Guido

Paulo H Olivieri Jr

Milena L Brito

Benedito C Prezoto

Diego S T Martinez

Maria Luiza V Oliva

Alioscka A Sousa

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) hold promise in biomedicine, but challenges like aggregation, protein corona formation, and insufficient biocompatibility must be thoroughly addressed before advancing their clinical applications. Designing AuNPs with specific protein corona compositions is challenging, and strategies for corona elimination, such as coating with polyethylene glycol (PEG), have limitations. In this study, we introduce a commercially available zwitterionic derivative of glutathione, glutathione monoethyl ester (GSH), for the surface coating of colloidal AuNPs. Particles coated with GSH were investigated alongside four other AuNPs coated with various ligands, including citrate ions, tiopronin, glutathione, cysteine, and PEG. We then undertook a head-to-head comparison of these AuNPs to assess their behavior in biological fluid. GSH-coated AuNPs exhibited exceptional resistance to aggregation and protein adsorption. The particles could also be readily functionalized with biotin and interact with streptavidin receptors in human plasma. Additionally, they exhibited significant blood compatibility and noncytotoxicity. In conclusion, GSH provides a practical and easy method for the surface passivation of AuNPs, creating "stealth" particles for potential clinical applications.

Citing Articles

How Dendrimers Impact Fibrin Clot Formation, Structure, and Properties.

Mina N, Guido V, Prezoto B, Oliva M, Sousa A ACS Omega. 2025; 9(52):51306-51319.

PMID: 39758662 PMC: 11696396. DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c08120.

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