The Interplay of Monolayer Structure and Serum Protein Interactions on the Cellular Uptake of Gold Nanoparticles

Abstract

A critical factor for controlling serum albumin binding is surface hydrophobicity, which in turn decreases the cellular uptake of gold nanoparticles. Hydrophobic nanoparticles bind albumin more tightly, inhibiting particle uptake, with a direct correlation observed between uptake and surface hydrophobicity.