Nanotechnology. 2017 Aug 18;28(33):335601. doi: 10.1088/1361-6528/aa744e. Epub 2017 May 19.

Modified denatured lysozyme effectively solubilizes fullerene c60 nanoparticles in water.

Nanotechnology

Marialuisa Siepi, Jane Politi, Principia Dardano, Angela Amoresano, Luca De Stefano, Daria Maria Monti, Eugenio Notomista

PMID: 28525394 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/aa744e

Abstract

Fullerenes, allotropic forms of carbon, have very interesting pharmacological effects and engineering applications. However, a very low solubility both in organic solvents and water hinders their use. Fullerene C60, the most studied among fullerenes, can be dissolved in water only in the form of nanoparticles of variable dimensions and limited stability. Here the effect on the production of C60 nanoparticles by a native and denatured hen egg white lysozyme, a highly basic protein, has been systematically studied. In order to obtain a denatured, yet soluble, lysozyme derivative, the four disulfides of the native protein were reduced and exposed cysteines were alkylated by 3-bromopropylamine, thus introducing eight additional positive charges. The C60 solubilizing properties of the modified denatured lysozyme proved to be superior to those of the native protein, allowing the preparation of biocompatible highly homogeneous and stable C60 nanoparticles using lower amounts of protein, as demonstrated by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy studies. This lysozyme derivative could represent an effective tool for the solubilization of other carbon allotropes.

Publication Types

• Journal Article