Growth factor choice is critical for successful functionalization of nanoparticles

Nanoparticles can be used to help the nervous system regenerate. To do this, they need to be functionalized with molecules that have biological functions. This study looks at using nerve growth factor (NGF) and glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to functionalize nanoparticles. The study found that the way these growth factors are attached to the nanoparticles is very important. Covalently binding NGF impaired its bio-functionality, while non-covalent binding was successful. Non-covalent binding of GDNF showed initial bio-functionality but was unstable. The study highlights that it's important to check if functionalized growth factors are biologically active and stably bound using suitable biological models, as successful functionalization depends on the binding chemistry used and can be hard to predict.

• 1
  Covalent binding of NGF to PEI-NPs impaired its bio-functionality, while non-covalent binding successfully differentiated PC12 cells.
• 2
  Non-covalent binding of GDNF to PEI-NPs showed initial bio-functionality but turned out to be unstable in conjugation.
• 3
  Successful functionalization of magnetic NPs with growth factors depends on the used binding chemistry and is hardly predictable.