Investigating the role of plasma proteins in the cellular uptake of metallic nanoparticles
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Kimberly D. Stewart (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Norman Chiu
Abstract: In recent years applications of nanotechnology have increased at an unprecedented rate. Nanotechnology, which is defined as the engineering of matter on an atomic and molecular scale, has proven beneficial in a number of scientific fields. In particular, nanotechnology has been credited with the use of nanoparticles for drug delivery and has been found to generally reduce the toxicity and side effects of drugs 1. Nanoparticles are typically defined as being less than 100 nanometers in size and are of great medical importance due to their unique characteristics. Each nanoparticle maintains a surface to mass ratio that is much larger than other particles. This allows other compounds, such as drugs, probes and proteins to bind to its surface. The nanoparticle is then able to carry the adsorbed substance throughout the body. Though it is certain that interaction occurs between nanoparticles and plasma proteins within the body, the extent to which they interact remains a matter of debate 1,2. In this particular study the aim is to examine the role of plasma proteins in the cellular uptake of metallic nanoparticles. It is proposed that cellular uptake is predominantly driven by the presence of plasma protein; as such, increased uptake or adsorption is expected in the presence of a nanoparticle-plasma protein complex. Examination of plasma proteins and their effects on the cellular uptake of nanoparticles will, in turn, advance the use and applications of nanomaterials.
Investigating the role of plasma proteins in the cellular uptake of metallic nanoparticles
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Created on 5/1/2013
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Language: English
- Date: 2013
- Keywords
- Plasma Proteins, Metallic Nanoparticles, Nanotechnology
- Subjects
- Nanoparticles $x Therapeutic use
- Nanomedicine
- Drug delivery systems $x Research
- Blood proteins $x Therapeutic use