Deciphering the cellular destiny of silica nanoparticles in human cells by X-ray nanotomography

• Grant number: 23/00103-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: March 01, 2023
• End date: February 28, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biophysics - Cellular Biophysics
• Principal Investigator: Mateus Borba Cardoso
• Grantee: Isabella Scarpa
• Host Institution: Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM). Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (Brasil). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/12071-6 - Tailoring colloids through supramolecular interactions: from fundamentals to applications, AP.TEM

Abstract

Protein corona is characterized by modulating the chemical surface of nanomaterials, from adsorbed proteins. This protein coating affects the action and efficiency of nanomaterials applied in nanomedicine. In view of this, it is necessary to understand how this coating affects the interaction and internalization of nanoparticles in human cells. In this work, silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) were chosen for their many advantages and applications in biomedicine. Thus, this work aims to study the cellular fate of SiO2NPs covered by protein corona in the stages of the cell cycle through nanometric scale imaging. Priority will be used on X-ray nano-tomography techniques that will allow a more complete study and vision of the processes of internalization and localization of nanoparticles in human cells in both 2-D and 3-D. The results obtained here aim to expand knowledge of their internalization in cells and, therefore, help develop nanoparticles with potential uses in medical treatments. (AU)