Binding of cytoskeletal proteins with silver nanoparticles

We have characterized the binding of cytoskeletal proteins, namely, tubulin and actin, with silver nanoparticles using the techniques of dynamic light scattering, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, circular dichroism spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, and transmission electron microscopy. Overall, actin displayed a higher propensity than tubulin for silver nanoparticles while both proteins experienced conformational changes upon binding. Conversely, ion release from silver nanoparticles was significantly compromised upon the formation of protein biocoronas, as shown by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. The implications of cytoskeletal protein biocorona on the transformation and cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles have been discussed.