Biocompatibility of surface-modified gold nanoparticles towards red blood cells and haemoglobin

Studies related to corona formation have been carried out largely for proteins and nanomaterials, however specific studies about the synthesis of nano-systems with bio-benign surface designing and their biological effect on red blood cells (RBCs) lysis is still inadequate. Therefore, it is prime requisite to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) which are free from harmful stabilizers to mitigate their biological nano-toxicology. In present work, we evaluate the absolute task, starting from the synthesis of surface designed AuNPs to in vitro physiochemical study of their concentration gradient effect on RBCs toxicity and thermal and structural stability of haemoglobin (Hb). Five-fold and multiple folds twinned AuNPs of different shapes, sizes and zeta-potential are prepared using two novel tryptophan based ionic liquids possessing tryptophan (Trp) group as reducing agent. From the results, it can be determined that both AuNPs are having negative charge fabrication with face centred cubic lattice. Subsequently, the hemolysis percentage results reveal the exceedingly biocompatible nature of AuNPs providing less than 3% hemolysis of cholinium tryptophan-based AuNPs ([CHO][Trp]AuNPs). Moreover, the secondary structure of Hb remains unaltered with no significant change in its thermal stability was observed even for higher concentration of AuNPs.