Reduced cytotoxicity of insulin-immobilized CdS quantum dots using PEG as a spacer.

Cytotoxicity is a severe problem for cadmium sulfide nanoparticles (CSNPs) in biological systems. In this study, mercaptoacetic acid-coated CSNPs, typical semiconductor Q-dots, were synthesized in aqueous medium by the arrested precipitation method. Then, amino-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG) was conjugated to the surface of CSNPs (PCSNPs) in order to introduce amino groups to the surface.

Immobilization of lactobionic acid on the surface of cadmium sulfide nanoparticles and their interaction with hepatocytes.

In the current study, beta-galactose-carrying lactobionic acid (LA) was conjugated on the surface of mercaptoacetic acid-coated cadmium sulfide nanoparticles (CSNPs) to ensure specific recognition of liver cells (hepatocytes) and to enhance biocompatibility. Maltotrionic acid-coated CSNPs (MCSNPs) were also prepared for use as a control. The results showed that LA-immobilized CSNPs (LCSNPs) were selectively and rapidly internalized into hepatocytes and emitted more intense fluorescence images as well as demonstrated increased biocompatible behavior in vitro than those of CSNPs and MCSNPs.

Surface modification of magnetite nanoparticles using lactobionic acid and their interaction with hepatocytes.

In the current study, superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles were surface-modified with lactobionic acid (LA) to improve their intracellular uptake and ability to target hepatocytes. Maltotrionic acid (MA)-modified nanoparticles were also synthesized as a control. Cell culture experiment showed that LA-modified nanoparticles were internalized into hepatocytes and atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) measurement indicated that the uptake amount of LA-modified magnetite into hepatocytes was higher than that of unmodified and MA-modified nanoparticles.