Synthesis of Gold Glyconanoparticles and Biological Evaluation of Recombinant Gp120 Interactions

As part of our continuing efforts to study the molecular events involved in HIV recognition of mucosal membrane cells, we are studying the interactions of the HIV-associated glycoprotein gp120, with the cellular receptor GalCer. In this work, we report investigations of multivalent interactions of Au glyconanoparticles containing galactosyl and glucosyl headgroups with recombinant gp120. These particles were prepared from disulfides containing C-glycosides linked to triethylene glycol via an amide bond using a modification of the Brust method.1 Results from transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and UV−vis absorption spectroscopy data are consistent with an average particle diameter of 2 nm. Elemental analyses indicate that the average composition of the particles is 1.6:1 Au:carbohydrate. A biotin−NeutrAvidin adhesion assay was used to evaluate the relative ability of carbohydrate disulfides and Au glyconanopraticles to displace rgp120 from plate-bound GalCer. The data indicate that d...