In Vitro Behaviour and Effects on Cells Induced by Functionalized Nanogold and Nanosilver Particles II. In Vitro Comparative Studies for Nanogold Conjugated with Glutathion in RPE D407 Cell Line and Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

Abstract

We aimed to demonstrate that the functionalization of nanocolloids of Au in vitro, induce the formation of conjugated forms (with glutathion) which can affect the cellular activity, as tested on Saccharomyces cerevisiae and RPE cells. The cell line relevant for macular degeneration, type RPE (line D407) proved to be more sensitive to nanogold and conjugated forms. By microscopy we demonstrated the cell capacity to form a monolayer, as a prove of their proliferation and viability, as well in the presence of free AuC, glutathione, but also in the presence of conjugated forms AuC-glutathion. AuC-glutathion conjugate, at pH 5.6 (optimum for cell growth) is stable and can have effect on cellular activity, with impact on proliferation and viability. Obviously, the interaction of AuC and AuC-glutation conjugate with cell components may have effects on cell proliferation and rapid metabolization in presence of appropriate enzymes. (e.g. Glutation peroxidase). Alternative and complementary studies are needed to show the localization of AuC and AuC-glutathion conjugate at cellular level, by microscopy and spectroscopy. It is possible that, inside cell, AuC to conjugate other biomolecules, with a higher stability and affinity, comparing to glutathion.