文摘
Silica nanowires (NWs) were used to introduce the Shiga toxin type 1 A subunit (StxA1) into cultured bovine and human epithelial cells. Weextended technology developed in our laboratories that employs fibronectin (Fn) to induce integrin-mediated uptake of NWs by coating NWswith StxA1 and Fn. The bonding strengths of Fn and StxA1 to the surface of NWs were measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Thistechnique demonstrated complex interactions between Fn, StxA1, and the NWs. Neutral red cytotoxicity assays and field emission scanningelectron microscopy confirmed that the NW-StxA1-Fn complexes were effectively internalized and caused cell death. This indicates that NWscan carry StxA1 and potentially other toxic or therapeutic agents into eukaryotic cells. Ongoing studies include improved functionalizing ofNWs aimed at increasing internalization efficiency and substituting ligands for specific cell targeting.