Nanoparticle Characterization for Systems Analysis of Biocompatibility
EMSL Project ID
38507
Abstract
The goal of this research is to develop an understanding of how the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials influence their ability to interact with cells and stimulate biological responses. The hypothesis of our research is that the properties of nanomaterials that make them attractive for commercial use may also exacerbate their biological reactivity, potentially resulting in adverse effects. To understand principals of nanomaterial biocompatibility, at least two fundamental types of information are broadly necessary. First, the biological pathways elicited by nanomaterials, and their dosimetric relationships, need to be experimentally identified in a manner uncompromised by prior expectations of modes of action. This information permits development of quantifiable response markers into needed high-throughput platforms that can measure bioactivity across multiple pathways and nanomaterial designs. These assays include studies on cell cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species assays, whole genome microarray studies, protein expression using protein microarrays, and secretome expression using LC-FTICR-MS. Nanoparticle trafficking studies involving imaging techniques such as flow cytometry and single molecule spectroscopy will also be used.. Second, a strong physicochemical focus on hypothesis-driven material design, modification, and physicochemical analysis, is needed to couple with biological pathway-based measures of activity. To be broadly relevant, such studies should focus on elucidating fundamental principals rather than material-specific outcomes. The design of materials will require extensive nanoparticle characterization work that will rely on the expertise and characterization tools provided by EMSL and EMSL staff. These techniques include X-ray photoelecron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potentiometry among other methods. The nanoparticle characterization work is critical to developing an understanding of nanoparticle biocompatibility and toxicology.
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2010-03-02
End Date
2011-03-06
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members