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Author ORCID Identifier

N/A

AccessType

Open Access Dissertation

Document Type

dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Program

Chemistry

Year Degree Awarded

2016

Month Degree Awarded

September

First Advisor

Vincent M. Rotello

Subject Categories

Biology and Biomimetic Materials | Materials Chemistry | Other Chemistry

Abstract

Monolayer functionalized ultra-small gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) provide a versatile platform for applications in cell research. Through rational design of surface ligands, the chemistry of AuNPs are precisely regulated at atomic level. In this dissertation, applications of AuNPs in cell modulation are discussed. The topics are split into two categories. In the first category, functionalized AuNPs are harnessed to generate a robust monolayer on cell culture surface for cell modulation. The proliferation and behavior of different types of cancer cells and normal cells are modulated by tuning the surface ligands of AuNPs. Fate decision of mesenchymal stem cells are also modulated using the same strategy. In the second category, AuNPs are assembled to nanoparticle stabilized capsules (NPSCs) for the delivery of a variety of proteins to cytosol of cells. Using this method, phenotype of cells are rapidly switched without genomic disturbance. In addition, subcellular localization of proteins are also controlled by the combination of subcellular localization signals and NPSC delivery platform. The first non-peptide synthetic nuclear localization signal based on boronate is discovered using NPSC delivery platform as well.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7275/8542389.0

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