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Multidomain peptides as single-walled carbon nanotube surfactants in cell culture.

ABSTRACT: We present a series of short, multidomain peptides as biocompatible solubilizing agents of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). These peptides are organized into an ABA block motif, where the A block is composed of charged amino acids, such as glutamic acid, and the B block is composed of alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic residues. The hydrophobic amino acid residues interact with SWCNT sidewalls, while the hydrophilic residues interact primarily with water in an aqueous solution. When many peptides assemble along the length of the nanotube, it becomes effectively encapsulated within a peptide nanofiber. This noncovalent interaction between the peptide and the nanotube solubilizes SWCNTs while keeping the electronic structure of the nanotube intact, thereby preserving the optical and electrical properties that make SWCNTs promising for use in biological applications. To assess the toxicity of these peptide coatings, they were added to cultures of NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblasts and the effect on cell viability was measured. Toxicity was found to be far lower than for ionic surfactants typically used for SWCNT suspension and similar to Pluronics. The near-IR fluorescence intensity of SWCNTs in peptide suspensions was comparable to that in Pluronics. Five surfactants were tested for their effect on the proliferation of NIH 3T3 cells with and without SWCNTs. Although some differences were observed among surfactants, in no case did the presence of SWCNTs make a statistically significant difference. Based on their ability to solubilize SWCNTs, the fluorescence of the suspended tubes, their minimal impact on cell viability, and their potential for easy chemical modification, multidomain peptides have been found to have excellent potential as a biocompatible surfactant for suspension of SWCNTs.

SUBMITTER: Bakota EL

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4370280 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Multidomain peptides as single-walled carbon nanotube surfactants in cell culture.

Bakota Erica L EL Aulisa Lorenzo L Tsyboulski Dmitri A DA Weisman R Bruce RB Hartgerink Jeffrey D JD

Biomacromolecules 20090801 8

We present a series of short, multidomain peptides as biocompatible solubilizing agents of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). These peptides are organized into an ABA block motif, where the A block is composed of charged amino acids, such as glutamic acid, and the B block is composed of alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic residues. The hydrophobic amino acid residues interact with SWCNT sidewalls, while the hydrophilic residues interact primarily with water in an aqueous solution. When ...[more]

PMID: 19603785

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Project description:Carbon nanotubes were among the earliest products of nanotechnology and have many potential applications in medicine, electronics, and manufacturing. The low density, small size, and biological persistence of carbon nanotubes create challenges for exposure control and monitoring and make respiratory exposures to workers likely. We have previously shown mitotic spindle aberrations in cultured primary and immortalized human airway epithelial cells exposed to 24, 48 and 96 ?g/cm(2) single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). To investigate mitotic spindle aberrations at concentrations anticipated in exposed workers, primary and immortalized human airway epithelial cells were exposed to SWCNT for 24-72 h at doses equivalent to 20 weeks of exposure at the Permissible Exposure Limit for particulates not otherwise regulated. We have now demonstrated fragmented centrosomes, disrupted mitotic spindles and aneuploid chromosome number at those doses. The data further demonstrated multipolar mitotic spindles comprised 95% of the disrupted mitoses. The increased multipolar mitotic spindles were associated with an increased number of cells in the G2 phase of mitosis, indicating a mitotic checkpoint response. Nanotubes were observed in association with mitotic spindle microtubules, the centrosomes and condensed chromatin in cells exposed to 0.024, 0.24, 2.4 and 24 ?g/cm(2) SWCNT. Three-dimensional reconstructions showed carbon nanotubes within the centrosome structure. The lower doses did not cause cytotoxicity or reduction in colony formation after 24h; however, after three days, significant cytotoxicity was observed in the SWCNT-exposed cells. Colony formation assays showed an increased proliferation seven days after exposure. Our results show significant disruption of the mitotic spindle by SWCNT at occupationally relevant doses. The increased proliferation that was observed in carbon nanotube-exposed cells indicates a greater potential to pass the genetic damage to daughter cells. Disruption of the centrosome is common in many solid tumors including lung cancer. The resulting aneuploidy is an early event in the progression of many cancers, suggesting that it may play a role in both tumorigenesis and tumor progression. These results suggest caution should be used in the handling and processing of carbon nanotubes.

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Multidomain peptides as single-walled carbon nanotube surfactants in cell culture.

Publications

Multidomain peptides as single-walled carbon nanotube surfactants in cell culture.

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