Cyclodextrin-functionalised gold nanoparticles via streptavidin: a supramolecular approach

Abstract

Biofunctionalised nanoparticles (NPs) have received increased attention both for their potential use as drug carriers and imaging agents and for their applications in medical diagnostics. Functionalised gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) bring together their unique electronic and optical properties (including strong plasmon absorption bands and enhanced light scattering) with the specific capabilities of the functionalising biological molecule. Cyclodextrins (CDs) have been used to functionalise NPs with different approaches. CDs are able to protect from physical, chemical and enzymatic degradation drugs that are included in their cavity. In this study, we report on a new supramolecular approach for the fabrication of CD-functionalised AuNPs. Particularly, we synthesised streptavidin (SA)-coated NPs modified with biotinylated β- and γ-CD, in order to exploit the interaction with SA.

Keywords:

• cyclodextrins
• gold nanoparticles
• biotin
• streptavidin

Acknowledgements

The authors thank MIUR [2008R23Z7K, PRIN 2008F5A3AF, FIRB2010_RBAP114AMK and RBNB08HWLZ (Merit)] for the financial support. The authors also thank Ms Tiziana Campagna for her technical assistance.