Intrapulmonary Cellular-Level Distribution of Inhaled Nanoparticles with Defined Functional Groups and Its Correlations with Protein Corona and Inflammatory Response

Concerns over the health risks associated with airborne exposure to ultrafine particles [PM0.1, or nanoparticles (NPs)] call for a comprehensive understanding in the interactions of inhaled NPs along their respiratory journey. We prepare a collection of polyethylene glycol-coated gold nanoparticles that bear defined functional groups commonly identified in atmospheric particulates (Au@PEG-X NPs, where X = OCH3, COOH, NH2, OH, or C12H25)....