Molecular recognition between membrane epitopes and nearly free surface silanols explains silica membranolytic activity.

ABSTRACT: Inhaled crystalline silica causes inflammatory lung diseases, but the mechanism for its unique activity compared to other oxides remains unclear, preventing the development of potential therapeutics. Here, the molecular recognition mechanism between membrane epitopes and "nearly free silanols" (NFS), a specific subgroup of surface silanols, is identified and proposed as a novel broad explanation for particle toxicity in general. Silica samples having different bulk and surface properties, specifically different amounts of NFS, are tested with a set of membrane systems of decreasing molecular complexity and different charge. The results demonstrate that NFS content is the primary determinant of membrane disruption causing red blood cell lysis and changes in lipid order in zwitterionic, but

SUBMITTER: Pavan C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10796170 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature