Nanoparticle administration method in cell culture alters particle-cell interaction

As a highly interdisciplinary field, working with nanoparticles in a biomedical context requires a robust understanding of soft matter physics, colloidal behaviors, nano-characterization methods, biology, and bio-nano interactions. When reporting results, it can be easy to overlook simple, seemingly trivial experimental details. In this context, we set out to understand how in vitro technique, specifically the way we administer particles in 2D culture, can influence experimental outcomes. Gold nanoparticles coated with poly(vinylpyrrolidone) were added to J774A.1 mouse monocyte/macrophage cultures as either a concentrated bolus, a bolus then mixed via aspiration, or pre-mixed in cell culture media. Particle-cell interaction was monitored via inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy and we found that particles administered in a concentrated dose interacted more with cells compared to the pre-mixed administration method. Spectroscopy studies reveal that the initial formation of the protein corona upon introduction to cell culture media may be responsible for the differences in particle-cell interaction. Modeling of particle deposition using the in vitro sedimentation, diffusion and dosimetry model helped to clarify what particle phenomena may be occurring at the cellular interface. We found that particle administration method in vitro has an effect on particle-cell interactions (i.e. cellular adsorption and uptake). Initial introduction of particles in to complex biological media has a lasting effect on the formation of the protein corona, which in turn mediates particle-cell interaction. It is of note that a minor detail, the way in which we administer particles in cell culture, can have a significant effect on what we observe regarding particle interactions in vitro.