Interaction of Janus Particles with Membranes and Cells from the Human Blood Compartment

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Originally, the joint project PARCEL has been designed to investigate interactions of nanoparticles with model membranes and living cells of the blood compartment. A main feature of PARCEL is its holistic approach covering particle adhesion, cell entry and biochemical consequences with the aim to gain a comprehensive insight into the causes of cytotoxicity. Research activities were focused on the interactions of metal and semiconductor nanoparticles with cells and model membranes. Suitable models to study initial nanoparticles-contact with native and artificial biomembranes were established. Distinct effects on cell viability depending on the respective nanoparticle design were quantified by novel motility assays established in the course of PARCEL-I. In the long term, we expect to identify recipes based on tailored surface functionalization and particle morphology/chemistry to either avoid nonintended particle uptake by human cells or reduce its cytotoxicity, while largely maintaining its original functionality.The joint proposal PARCEL-II focuses on the interactions of anisotropic Janus particles with cells of the blood compartment. Janus particles are composed of at least two physically or chemically different surfaces and are frequently used as building blocks for self-organized materials. They will be produced from Au, semiconductors (e.g. CdS), and metal oxides (e.g. MnO, Fe3O4) whereby chemical composition, size, shape, surface chemistry and most importantly, anisotropy of the particles can be varied. Depending on the chemical anisotropy, Janus particles can form superamphiphiles or giant dipoles producing particles with unpredictable properties. These properties pose a considerable threat to living organisms due to their substantial membrane activity and have so far not been addressed in any respect.Hence, PARCEL-II addresses adhesion, wrapping and vesiculation of Janus-particles in contact with biomembranes and cells. Uptake efficiency and fate of the particles inside the cell as well as the accompanying biochemical consequences will be elucidated. The impact of nanoparticles on cellular functions will be assessed by viability and motility assays employing biochemical assays, impedance spectroscopy, acoustic resonators and scanning probe techniques as established in PARCEL-I.From our studies we expect a comprehensive insight into the implication of chemical, physical and geometrical anisotropy for the biological activity and nanocytotoxicity of nanoparticles.