The prolongation of the survival times of mice implanted with TLX5 cells by treatment with methotrexate encapsulated in erythrocytes

Red blood cells and polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules: natural carriers versus polymer-based drug delivery vehicles

INTRODUCTION

Red blood cells (RBCs) and lipid-based carriers on the one hand and polymeric capsules on the other hand represent two of the most widely used carriers in drug delivery. Each class of these carriers has its own set of properties, specificity and advantages. Thorough comparative studies of such systems are reported here for the first time.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, RBCs are described in comparison with synthetic polymeric drug delivery vehicles using polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules as an example. Lipid-based composition of the shell in the former case is particularly attractive due to their inherent biocompatibility and flexibility of the carriers. On the other hand, synthetic approaches to fabrication of polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules permit manipulation of the permeability of their shell as well as tuning their composition, mechanical properties, release methods and targeting.

EXPERT OPINION

In conclusion, properties of RBCs and polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules are reported here highlighting similarities and differences in their preparation and applications. In addition, their advantages and disadvantages are discussed.

Nanoplasmonics for dual-molecule release through nanopores in the membrane of red blood cells

A nanoplasmonics-based opto-nanoporation method of creating nanopores upon laser illumination is applied for inducing diffusion and triggered release of small and large molecules from red blood cells (RBCs). The method is implemented using absorbing gold nanoparticle (Au-NP) aggregates on the membrane of loaded RBCs, which, upon near-IR laser light absorption, induce release of encapsulated molecules from selected cells. The binding of Au-NPs to RBCs is characterized by Raman spectroscopy. The process of release is driven by heating localized at nanoparticles, which impacts the permeability of the membrane by affecting the lipid bilayer and/or trans-membrane proteins. Localized heating and temperature rise around Au-NP aggregates is simulated and discussed. Research reported in this work is relevant for generating nanopores for biomolecule trafficking through polymeric and lipid membranes as well as cell membranes, while dual- and multi-molecule release is relevant for theragnostics and a wide range of therapies.