Nanoparticle core stability and surface functionalization drive the mTOR signaling pathway in hepatocellular cell lines.

ABSTRACT: Specifically designed and functionalized nanoparticles hold great promise for biomedical applications. Yet, the applicability of nanoparticles is critically predetermined by their surface functionalization and biodegradability. Here we demonstrate that amino-functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NH₂), but not amino- or hydroxyl-functionalized silica particles, trigger cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma Huh7 cells. Importantly, biodegradability of nanoparticles plays a crucial role in regulation of essential cellular processes. Thus, biodegradable silica nanoparticles having the same shape, size and surface functionalization showed opposite cellular effects in comparison with similar polystyrene nanoparticles. At the molecular level, PS-NH₂ obstruct and amin

SUBMITTER: Lunova M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5700114 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature