Glycocalyx Components Detune the Cellular Uptake of Gold Nanoparticles in a Size- and Charge-Dependent Manner
Beatrix Péter, Nicolett Kanyó, Kinga Dóra Kovács, Viktor Kovács, Inna Székács, B. Pécz, Kinga Molnár, Hideyuki Nakanishi, István Lagzi, Róbert Horváth
Abstract
= 5.5 nm) NPs were also used in control experiments. Real-time biosensor data confirmed the cellular uptake of the functionalized NPs, which was visually proved by transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the enzymatic digestion facilitated the entry of the positively charged S- and M-sized NPs, being more pronounced for the M-sized. Other enzymes digesting different components of the glycocalyx were also employed, and the results were compared. Glycosaminoglycan digesting heparinase III treatment also increased, while glycoprotein and glycolipid modifying neuraminidase decreased the NP uptake by HeLa cells. This suggests that the sialic acid residues increase, while heparan sulfate decreases the uptake of positively charged NPs. Our results raise the hypothesis that cellular uptake of 2-4 nm positively charged NPs is facilitated by glycoprotein and glycolipid components of the glycocalyx but inhibited by PGs.