Chitosan functionalisation of gold nanoparticles encourages particle uptake and induces cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory conditions in phagocytic cells, as well as enhancing particle interactions with serum components

Table 1 Nanoparticle properties

Sample	Surface coating	Z-potential (mV)	Size nm	pH^a	Concentration (mg/ml)	Solvent
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)
Au_SC	SC^b	−45 ± 0.2	10 ± 1.5	7	0.032	Sodium citrate 2.2 mM
Au_CHIT-L	0.001 % Chit.	+23 ± 1.0	7 ± 3	5	0.025	Chitosan 0.001 %^c
Au_CHIT-H	0.1 % Chit.	+65 ± 1.0	7 ± 3	5	0.025	Chitosan 0.1 %

Sample ID, functionalisation, surface charge, size, pH in solvent, concentration of stock, and suspension solvent
^aThe acid or basic pH values turn to physiologically pH (around 7–8) when diluted at 1:10 (v/v) in cell culture medium
^b SC sodium citrate
^c1 % = 1 g chitosan (chit.)/100 ml of solution

ISSN: 1477-3155