In-vivo time course of organ uptake and blood-brain-barrier permeation of poly(L-lactide) and poly(perfluorodecyl acrylate) nanoparticles with different surface properties in unharmed and brain-traumatized rats

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has a dramatic impact on mortality and quality of life and the development of effective treatment strategies is of great socio-economic relevance. A growing interest exists in using polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) as carriers across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for potentially effective drugs in TBI. However, the effect of NP material and type of surfactant on their distribution within organs, the amount of the administrated dose that reaches the brain parenchyma in areas with intact and opened BBB after trauma, and a possible elicited inflammatory response are still to be clarified.

Methods

The organ distribution, BBB permeation and eventual inflammatory activation of polysorbate-80 (Tw80) and sodiumdodecylsulfate (SDS) stabilized poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(perfluorodecyl acrylate) (PFDL) nanoparticles were evaluated in rats after intravenous administration. The NP uptake into the brain was assessed under intact conditions and after controlled cortical impact (CCI).

Results

A significantly higher NP uptake at 4 and 24 h after injection was observed in the liver and spleen, followed by the brain and kidney, with minimal concentrations in the lungs and heart for all NPs. A significant increase of NP uptake at 4 and 24 h after CCI was observed within the traumatized hemisphere, especially in the perilesional area, but NPs were still found in areas away from the injury site and the contralateral hemisphere. NPs were internalized in brain capillary endothelial cells, neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. Immunohistochemical staining against GFAP, Iba1, TNFα, and IL1β demonstrated no glial activation or neuroinflammatory changes.

Conclusions

Tw80 and SDS coated biodegradable PLLA and non-biodegradable PFDL NPs reach the brain parenchyma with and without compromised BBB by TBI, even though a high amount of NPs are retained in the liver and spleen. No inflammatory reaction is elicited by these NPs within 24 h after injection. Thus, these NPs could be considered as potentially effective carriers or markers of newly developed drugs with low or even no BBB permeation.

Formulation of Next-Generation Multicompartment Microcapsules by Reversible Electrostatic Attraction

The combination of several active substances into one carrier is often limited due to solubility, stability and phase-separation issues. These issues have been addressed by an innovative capsule design, in which nanocapsules are assembled on the microcapsule surface by electrostatic forces to form a pH-responsive hierarchical capsule@capsule system. Here, melamine-formaldehyde (MF) microcapsules with a negative surface charge were synthesized and coated with a novel MF-polyethyleneimine (PEI) copolymer to achieve a positive charge of ζ=+28 mV. This novel coating procedure allows the electrostatic assembly of negatively charged poly-l-lactide (PLLA, ζ=-19 mV) and poly-(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA, ζ=-56 mV) nanocapsules on the microcapsule surface. Assembly studies at pH 7 gave a partial surface coverage of PLLA nanocapsules and full surface coverage for PLGA nanocapsules. The pH-responsive adsorption and desorption of nanocapsules was shown at pH 7 and pH 3.

Magnetic Imaging of Encapsulated Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles by Data Fusion of Magnetic Force Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy Signals for Correction of Topographic Crosstalk

Encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles are of increasing interest for biomedical applications. However, up to now, it is still not possible to characterize their localized magnetic properties within the capsules. Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM) has proved to be a suitable technique to image magnetic nanoparticles at ambient conditions revealing information about the spatial distribution and the magnetic properties of the nanoparticles simultaneously. However, MFM measurements on magnetic nanoparticles lead to falsifications of the magnetic MFM signal due to the topographic crosstalk. The origin of the topographic crosstalk in MFM has been proven to be capacitive coupling effects due to distance change between the substrate and tip measuring above the nanoparticle. In this paper, we present data fusion of the topography measurements of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and the phase image of MFM measurements in combination with the theory of capacitive coupling in order to eliminate the topographic crosstalk in the phase image. This method offers a novel approach for the magnetic visualization of encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles.

Continuous-Flow Production of Perfluorocarbon-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles: From the Bench to Clinic

Perfluorocarbon-loaded nanoparticles are powerful theranostic agents, which are used in the therapy of cancer and stroke and as imaging agents for ultrasound and 19F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Scaling up the production of perfluorocarbon-loaded nanoparticles is essential for clinical translation. However, it represents a major challenge as perfluorocarbons are hydrophobic and lipophobic. We developed a method for continuous-flow production of perfluorocarbon-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles using a modular microfluidic system, with sufficient yields for clinical use. We combined two slit interdigital micromixers with a sonication flow cell to achieve efficient mixing of three phases: liquid perfluorocarbon, PLGA in organic solvent, and aqueous surfactant solution. The production rate was at least 30 times higher than with the conventional formulation. The characteristics of nanoparticles can be adjusted by changing the flow rates and type of solvent, resulting in a high PFC loading of 20-60 wt % and radii below 200 nm. The nanoparticles are nontoxic, suitable for 19F MRI and ultrasound imaging, and can dissolve oxygen. In vivo 19F MRI with perfluoro-15-crown-5 ether-loaded nanoparticles showed similar biodistribution as nanoparticles made with the conventional method and a fast clearance from the organs. Overall, we developed a continuous, modular method for scaled-up production of perfluorocarbon-loaded nanoparticles that can be potentially adapted for the production of other multiphase systems. Thus, it will facilitate the clinical translation of theranostic agents in the future.

Carboxyl- and amino-functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles differentially affect the polarization profile of M1 and M2 macrophage subsets

Macrophages are key regulators of innate and adaptive immune responses. Exposure to microenvironmental stimuli determines their polarization into proinflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. M1 exhibit high expression of proinflammatory TNF-α and IL-1β, and M2 promote tissue repair, but likewise support tumor growth and cause immune suppression by expressing IL-10. Thus, the M1/M2 balance critically determines tissue homeostasis. By using carboxyl- (PS-COOH) and amino-functionalized (PS-NH2) polystyrene nanoparticles, the effects of surface decoration on the polarization of human macrophages were investigated. The nanoparticles did not compromise macrophage viability nor did they affect the expression of the M1 markers CD86, NOS2, TNF-α, and IL-1β. By contrast, in M2, both nanoparticles impaired expression of scavenger receptor CD163 and CD200R, and the release of IL-10. PS-NH2 also inhibited phagocytosis of Escherichia coli by both, M1 and M2. PS-COOH did not impair phagocytosis by M2, but increased protein mass in M1 and M2, TGF-β1 release by M1, and ATP levels in M2. Thus, nanoparticles skew the M2 macrophage polarization without affecting M1 markers. Given the critical role of the M1 and M2 polarization for the immunological balance in patients with cancer or chronic inflammation, functionalized nanoparticles might serve as tools for reprogramming the M1/M2 polarization.

How morphology influences relaxivity - comparative study of superparamagnetic iron oxide-polymer hybrid nanostructures

Superparamagnetic iron oxides (SPIOs) are widely used in MRI as T2 contrast agents, and interest is still growing. Here, the T2 relaxivity of three different SPIO-polymer hybrid morphologies, i.e. homogeneously distributed iron oxide within a polymer matrix, Janus-like nanoparticles and polymer nanocapsules containing iron oxides, is studied. Making use of calculations based on theory for agglomerated systems, the obtained T2 values could be predicted for all different morphologies, except for nanocapsules. Nanocapsules, in contrast to full spheres, allow for water exchange between encapsulated water and bulk water, and thus have two contributions to relaxivity. One originates from the capsules acting as a weakly magnetized cluster and the other stems from the individual SPIOs inside the capsule. Therefore, the relaxivities were also computed using an empirical equation found in the literature, which considers water exchange, resulting in a better T2 forecast for the nanocapsules. The presented study is the first example of a comparison between measured and calculated relaxivities of nanocapsules.

Nanoprobing the acidification process during intracellular uptake and trafficking

Many nanoparticular drug delivery approaches rely on a detailed knowledge of the acidification process during intracellular trafficking of endocytosed nanoparticles (NPs). Therefore we produced a nanoparticular pH sensor composed of the fluorescent pH-sensitive dual wavelength dye carboxy seminaphthorhodafluor-1 (carboxy SNARF-1) coupled to the surface of amino-functionalized polystyrene NPs (SNARF-1-NP). By applying a calibration fit function to confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images, local pH values were determined. The acidification and ripening process of endo/lysosomal compartments containing nanoparticles was followed over time and was found to progress up to 6h to reach an equilibrium pH distribution (maximum pH5.2 [±0.2]). The SNARF-1-NP localization in endo/lysosomal compartments was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and quantitative co-localization analysis with fluorescent endolysosomal marker Rab-proteins by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The herein described nanoparticular pH-sensor is a versatile tool to monitor dynamic pH processes inside the endolysosomal compartments.

FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR

In this interesting article, the authors elegantly designed a nanoparticular pH sensor with fluorescence probe with the capability to measure intracellular and intravesicular pH changes. The application of this method would enable the further understanding of nanoparticle uptake and intracellular physiology.

Protein corona of nanoparticles: distinct proteins regulate the cellular uptake

Understanding nanoparticle-protein interactions is a crucial issue in the development of targeted nanomaterial delivery. Besides unraveling the composition of the nanoparticle's protein coronas, distinct proteins thereof could control nanoparticle uptake into specific cell types. Here we differentially analyzed the protein corona composition on four polymeric differently functionalized nanoparticles by label-free quantitative mass spectrometry. Next, we correlated the relative abundance of identified proteins in the corona with enhanced or decreased cellular uptake of nanoparticles into human cancer and bone marrow stem cells to identify key candidates. Finally, we verified these candidate proteins by artificially decorating nanoparticles with individual proteins showing that nanoparticles precoated with the apolipoproteins ApoA4 or ApoC3 significantly decreased the cellular uptake, whereas precoating with ApoH increased the cellular uptake.

Tailoring the stealth properties of biocompatible polysaccharide nanocontainers

Fundamental development of a biocompatible and degradable nanocarrier platform based on hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is reported. HES is a derivative of starch and possesses both high biocompatibility and improved stability against enzymatic degradation; it is used to prepare nanocapsules via the polyaddition reaction at the interface of water nanodroplets dispersed in an organic miniemulsion. The synthesized hollow nanocapsules can be loaded with hydrophilic guests in its aqueous core, tuned in size, chemically functionalized in various pathways, and show high shelf life stability. The surface of the HES nanocapsules is further functionalized with poly(ethylene glycol) via different chemistries, which substantially enhanced blood half-life time. Importantly, methods for precise and reliable quantification of the degree of functionalization are also introduced, which enable the precise control of the chemistry on the capsules' surface. The stealth properties of these capsules is studied both in-vitro and in-vivo. The functionalized nanocapsules serve as a modular platform for specific cell targeting, as they show no unspecific up-taken by different cell types and show very long circulating time in blood (up to 72 h).

Polymer-inorganic coatings containing nanosized sorbents selective to radionuclides. 2. Latex/tin oxide composites for cobalt fixation

Colloidal tin oxide with an average particle size of 3.5 nm, which was ex-situ synthesized by the sol-gel method, has been attached to the surface of amino-functionalized poly(acrylate-co-silane) latex particles with a diameter of 100 nm to yield a composite with selective sorption properties toward Co(2+) ions. Electrokinetic properties and the colloidal stability of the synthesized latex/SnO2 composites have been evaluated in dependence on SnO2 content and pH; the sorption capacity and distribution coefficients of composites for Co(2+) ions were in accordance with the SnO2 content and its sorption performance as an individual compound. Composite coatings obtained by casting latex/SnO2 dispersions on quartz sand spiked with (57)Co radionuclide have efficiently eliminated radionuclides migration from the surface when the SnO2 volume fraction in the film was 3.5-4.7%. Furthermore, at these SnO2 loadings, the composite coatings retained the coherent structure of the original latex coating with SnO2 particles homogeneously distributed over the film thickness. The presence of competing Ca(2+) ions in the leaching media at a concentration of above 0.01 mol/L results in a decrease of the distribution coefficients of the latex/SnO2 composite and significantly higher (57)Co leaching. The value of the distribution coefficient of the sorption material to be used in latex composite coatings to prevent migration of radionuclides shall be close to 10(6) mL/g.

Functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles as a platform for studying bio-nano interactions

Nanoparticles of various shapes, sizes, and materials carrying different surface modifications have numerous technological and biomedical applications. Yet, the mechanisms by which nanoparticles interact with biological structures as well as their biological impact and hazards remain poorly investigated. Due to their large surface to volume ratio, nanoparticles usually exhibit properties that differ from those of bulk materials. Particularly, the surface chemistry of the nanoparticles is crucial for their durability and solubility in biological media as well as for their biocompatibility and biodistribution. Polystyrene does not degrade in the cellular environment and exhibits no short-term cytotoxicity. Because polystyrene nanoparticles can be easily synthesized in a wide range of sizes with distinct surface functionalizations, they are perfectly suited as model particles to study the effects of the particle surface characteristics on various biological parameters. Therefore, we have exploited polystyrene nanoparticles as a convenient platform to study bio-nano interactions. This review summarizes studies on positively and negatively charged polystyrene nanoparticles and compares them with clinically used superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.

Polymer-inorganic coatings containing nanosized sorbents selective to radionuclides. 1. Latex/cobalt hexacyanoferrate(II) composites for cesium fixation

Here we present a new approach to improve fixation of radionuclides on contaminated surfaces and eliminate their migration after nuclear accidents. The approach consists in fabrication of latex composite coatings, which combine properties of polymeric dust-suppressors preventing radionuclides migration with aerosols and selective inorganic sorbents blocking radionuclides leaching under contact with ground waters and atmospheric precipitates. Latex/cobalt hexacyanoferrate(II) (CoHCF) composites selective to cesium radionuclides were synthesized via "in situ" growth of CoHCF crystal on the surface of carboxylic or amino latexes using surface functional groups as ion-exchange centers for binding precursor ions Co(2+) and [Fe(CN)6](4-). Casting such composite dispersions with variable content of CoHCF on (137)Cs-contaminated sand has yielded protective coatings, which reduced cesium leaching to 0.4% compared to 70% leaching through original latex coatings. (137)Cs migration from the sand surface was efficiently minimized when the volume fraction of CoHCF in the composite film was as low as 0.46-1.7%.

Tailor-made nanocontainers for combined magnetic-field-induced release and MRI

The synthesis of a novel nanocapsule-based carrier system is described, possessing a triggered release in remote-controlled fashion upon application of an external magnetic field in combination with the possibility to use the capsules as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Therefore, polymeric nanocontainers containing a high amount of superparamagnetic MnFe2 O4 nanoparticles and a thermo-degradable shell are fabricated via a miniemulsion route. The process allows the facile encapsulation of hydrophilic compounds, as demonstrated for a model dye. Release of the encapsulated dye is achieved upon application of an external alternating magnetic field. While the magnetic nanoparticles here act as heat generators to stimulate the decomposition of the shell and subsequently a release of the payload, they additionally enable the use of the nanocapsules as imaging agents for MRI. Due to the encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles, the nanocapsules possess high r2 relaxivity values of 96-120 Hz mmol(-1) , which makes them suitable for MRI. In toxicity experiments, the nanocapsules show no cell toxicity up to fairly high concentrations (600 µg mL(-1) ). Due to their dual-functionality, the nanocapsules possess high potential as nanocarriers with combined magnetic-field-induced release capability and as contrast agents for MRI.

Amino-functionalized nanoparticles as inhibitors of mTOR and inducers of cell cycle arrest in leukemia cells

Activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been implicated in anticancer drug resistance, type 2 diabetes, and aging. Here, we show that surface functionalization of polystyrene nanoparticles with amino groups (PS-NH2), but not with carboxyl groups (PS-COOH), induces G2 cell-cycle arrest and inhibition of proliferation in three leukemia cell lines. Besides, PS-NH2 inhibit angiogenesis and proliferation of leukemia cells xenografted onto the chick chorioallantoic membrane. At the molecular level, PS-NH2 inhibit, whereas PS-COOH activate mTOR signaling in leukemia cells. Consistently, PS-NH2 block activation of the mTOR downstream targets, Akt and p70 ribosomal S6 kinase 1, and induce overexpression of the cell-cycle regulator p21(Cip1/Waf1) and degradation of cyclin B1. After addition, both types of particles rapidly induce autophagy in leukemia cells. Yet, only in PS-NH2-treated cells, acidic vesicular organelles show elevated pH and impaired processing of procathepsin B. Moreover, solely in PS-NH2-treated cells, autophagy is followed by permeabilization of acidic vesicular organelles and induction of apoptosis. By contrast, primary macrophages, which do not exhibit activated mTOR signaling, proved relatively resistant to PS-NH2-induced toxicity. These data indicate that functionalized nanoparticles can be used to control activation of mTOR signaling pathways, and to influence proliferation and viability of malignant cells.

Rapid formation of plasma protein corona critically affects nanoparticle pathophysiology

In biological fluids, proteins bind to the surface of nanoparticles to form a coating known as the protein corona, which can critically affect the interaction of the nanoparticles with living systems. As physiological systems are highly dynamic, it is important to obtain a time-resolved knowledge of protein-corona formation, development and biological relevancy. Here we show that label-free snapshot proteomics can be used to obtain quantitative time-resolved profiles of human plasma coronas formed on silica and polystyrene nanoparticles of various size and surface functionalization. Complex time- and nanoparticle-specific coronas, which comprise almost 300 different proteins, were found to form rapidly (<0.5 minutes) and, over time, to change significantly in terms of the amount of bound protein, but not in composition. Rapid corona formation is found to affect haemolysis, thrombocyte activation, nanoparticle uptake and endothelial cell death at an early exposure time.

Complex encounters: nanoparticles in whole blood and their uptake into different types of white blood cells

Aim: A whole blood assay for evaluating the uptake of nanoparticles into white blood cells in order to close the gap between basic studies in cell culture and pharmacokinetic studies in animals was developed. Materials & methods: After drawing peripheral blood into standard blood collection vials with different anticoagulants, amino- and carboxy-functionalized polymeric styrene nanoparticles were added and uptake was evaluated by flow cytometry. Results: By counterstaining surface markers of leukocytes (e.g., monocytes, neutrophil granulocytes, B or T lymphocytes), investigations of different cell types can be conducted in a single run by flow cytometry. The authors demonstrated that anticoagulation should be done with heparin, and not EDTA, in order to prevent hampering of uptake mechanisms. Conclusion: By using heparinized whole blood, the authors demonstrated differences and usefulness of this assay for screening cellular uptake as it should occur in the bloodstream. Nevertheless, animal studies are warranted for final assessment of the nanoparticles.

Original submitted 11 November 2011; Revised submitted 1 July 2012; Published online 31 August 2012

Suppressing unspecific cell uptake for targeted delivery using hydroxyethyl starch nanocapsules

Synthesizing nanocarriers with stealth properties and delivering a "payload" to the particular organ remains a big challenge but is the prime prerequisite for any in vivo application. As a nontoxic alternative to the modification by poly(ethylene glycol) PEG, we describe the synthesis of cross-linked hydroxyethyl starch (HES, M(w) 200,000 g/mol) nanocapsules with a size range of 170-300 nm, which do not show nonspecific uptake into cells. The specific uptake was shown by coupling a folic acid conjugate as a model targeting agent onto the surface of the nanocapsules, because folic acid has a high affinity to a variety of human carcinoma cell lines which overexpress the folate receptor on the cell surface. The covalent binding of the folic acid conjugate onto HES capsules was confirmed by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. The coupling efficiency was determined using fluorescence spectroscopy. The specific cellular uptake of the HES nanocapsules after folic acid coupling into the folate-receptor presenting cells was studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and flow cytometry.

Criteria impacting the cellular uptake of nanoparticles: a study emphasizing polymer type and surfactant effects

A detailed understanding of the particle-cell interaction is essential and of immense interest in order to create a "specific carrier" for each particular application. In this paper, the effect of the surfactant type (non-ionic vs ionic) and polymer nature on the cellular uptake of fluorescent polystyrene and poly(L-lactide) nanoparticles was studied on HeLa cells. Nanoparticles in a size range from 100 to 160 nm were synthesized by the miniemulsion process. The particles were detected in cells by confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. It was found that the influence of the surface charge is greater than that of the polymer type itself. In fact, particles stabilized with cationic surfactant were incorporated in a large number irrespective of polymer type. Cellular pathways at ultrastructural level were studied by transmission electron microscopy in more detail to shed light on the particle-cell interaction based on the material properties. The criteria governing the cellular uptake of nanoparticles based on the polymer and surfactant types are finally established.

DNA amplification via polymerase chain reaction inside miniemulsion droplets with subsequent poly(n-butylcyanoacrylate) shell formation and delivery of polymeric capsules into mammalian cells

There is a growing interest in the development of stable nanocapsules that could deliver the bioactive compounds within the living organism, and to release them without causing any toxic effects. Here the miniemulsion droplets were first used as "nanoreactors" for the amplification of single-molecule dsDNA template (476 and 790 base pairs) through PCR. Afterwards, each droplet was surrounded with a biodegradable PBCA shell by interfacial anionic polymerization, enabling therefore to deliver the PCR products into the cells. The size of the initial miniemulsion droplets and the final polymeric capsules was in the range of 250 and 320 nm, mainly depending on the type of the continuous phase and presence of dsDNA template molecules. The formation of PCR products was resolved with gel electrophoresis and detected with fluorescence spectroscopy in the presence of DNA specific dye (SYBRGreen). TEM studies were performed to prove the formation of the polymeric shell. The shell thickness was measured to be within 5-15 nm and the average molecular weight of the formed PBCA polymer was around 75000 g · mol(-1) . For the cell uptake experiments, the obtained nanocapsules were transferred from the organic phase into aqueous medium containing a water-soluble surfactant. The effect of the surfactant type (anionic, cationic or non-ionic) on the HeLa cell viability and nanocapsule uptake behavior was studied by CLSM and FACS. Confocal analysis demonstrated that nanocapsules stabilized with cationic (CTMA-Cl) and non-ionic (Lutensol AT50) surfactants show almost the same uptake, whereas capsules redispersed in anionic (SDS) surfactant possess a 30% higher uptake. The release of the encapsulated material within the cell was studied on the example of Cy5-labeled oligonucleotides showing the colocalization with mitochondria of MSCs cells.

Specific effects of surface carboxyl groups on anionic polystyrene particles in their interactions with mesenchymal stem cells

Nanoparticle uptake by living cells is governed by chemical interactions between functional groups on the nanoparticle as well as the receptors on cell surfaces. Here we have investigated the uptake of anionic polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles of ∼100 nm diameter by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) using spinning-disk confocal optical microscopy combined with a quantitative analysis of the fluorescence images. Two types of anionic PS nanoparticles with essentially identical sizes and ζ-potentials were employed in this study, carboxyl-functionalized nanoparticles (CPS) and plain PS nanoparticles, both coated with anionic detergent for stabilization. CPS nanoparticles were observed to internalize more rapidly and accumulate to a much higher level than plain PS nanoparticles. The relative importance of different uptake mechanisms for the two types of nanoparticles was investigated by using specific inhibitors. CPS nanoparticles were internalized mainly via the clathrin-mediated mechanism, whereas plain PS nanoparticles mainly utilized the macropinocytosis pathway. The pronounced difference in the internalization behavior of CPS and plain PS nanoparticles points to a specific interaction of the carboxyl group with receptors on the cell surface.

Labeling of mesenchymal stromal cells with iron oxide-poly(L-lactide) nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging: uptake, persistence, effects on cellular function and magnetic resonance imaging properties

Background aims. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are the focus of research in regenerative medicine aiming at the regulatory approval of these cells for specific indications. To cope with the regulatory requirements for somatic cell therapy, novel approaches that do not interfere with the natural behavior of the cells are necessary. In this context in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of labeled MSC could be an appropriate tool. Cell labeling for MRI with a variety of different iron oxide preparations is frequently published. However, most publications lack a comprehensive assessment of the noninterference of the contrast agent with the functionality of the labeled MSC, which is a prerequisite for the validity of cell-tracking via MRI. Methods.We studied the effects of iron oxide-poly(L-lactide) nanoparticles in MSC with flow cytom-etry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), Prussian blue staining, CyQuant® proliferation testing, colony-forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) assays, flow chamber adhesion testing, immuno-logic tests and differentiation tests. Furthermore iron-labeled MSC were studied by MRI in agarose phantoms and Wistar rats. Results. It could be demonstrated that MSC show rapid uptake of nanoparticles and long-lasting intracellular persistence in the endosomal compartment. Labeling of the MSC with these particles has no influence on viability, differentiation, clonogenicity, proliferation, adhesion, phenotype and immunosuppressive properties. They show excellent MRI properties in agarose phantoms and after subcutaneous implantation in rats over several weeks. Conclusions. These particles qualify for studying MSC homing and trafficking via MRI.

Differential uptake of functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles by human macrophages and a monocytic cell line

Tumor cell lines are often used as models for the study of nanoparticle-cell interactions. Here we demonstrate that carboxy (PS-COOH) and amino functionalized (PS-NH2) polystyrene nanoparticles of ∼100 nm in diameter are internalized by human macrophages, by undifferentiated and by PMA-differentiated monocytic THP-1 cells via diverse mechanisms. The uptake mechanisms also differed for all cell types and particles when analyzed either in buffer or in medium containing human serum. Macrophages internalized ∼4 times more PS-COOH than THP-1 cells, when analyzed in serum-containing medium. By contrast, in either medium, THP-1 cells internalized PS-NH2 more rapidly than macrophages. Using pharmacological and antisense in vitro knockdown approaches, we showed that, in the presence of serum, the specific interaction between the CD64 receptor and the particles determines the macrophage uptake of particles by phagocytosis, whereas particle internalization in THP-1 cells occurred via dynamin II-dependent endocytosis. PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells differed in their uptake mechanism from macrophages and undifferentiated THP-1 cells by internalizing the particles via macropinocytosis. In line with our in vitro data, more intravenously applied PS-COOH particles accumulated in the liver, where macrophages of the reticuloendothelial system reside. By contrast, PS-NH2 particles were preferentially targeted to tumor xenografts grown on the chorioallantoic membrane of fertilized chicken eggs. Our data show that the amount of internalized nanoparticles, the uptake kinetics, and its mechanism may differ considerably between primary cells and a related tumor cell line, whether differentiated or not, and that particle uptake by these cells is critically dependent on particle opsonization by serum proteins.

Nanostructured coatings by adhesion of phosphonated polystyrene particles onto titanium surface for implant material applications

Titanium that is covered with a native oxide layer is widely used as an implant material; however, it is only passively incorporated in the human bone. To increase the implant-bone interaction, one can graft multifunctional phosphonic compounds onto the implant material. Phosphonate groups show excellent adhesion properties onto metal oxide surfaces such as titanium dioxide, and therefore, they can be used as anchor groups. Here, we present an alternative coating material composed of phosphonate surface-functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles synthesized via free radical copolymerization in a direct (oil-in-water) miniemulsion process. Two types of functional monomers, namely, vinylphosphonic acid (VPA) and vinylbenzyl phosphonic acid (VBPA), were employed in the copolymerization reaction. Using VBPA as a comonomer leads to particles with a higher density of surface phosphonate groups in comparison to those obtained with VPA. VBPA-functionalized particles were used for the coating formation on the titanium surface. The particles monolayer was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) employing titanium and silicium tip with the native OH groups. Force versus distance curves proves the strong adhesion between the phosphonated particles and the titanium (or silicium) surfaces in contrast to the nonfunctionalized polystyrene particles. Finally, as a proof of concept, the particles adhered to the surface were further used to nucleate hydroxyapatite, which has high potential for bioimplants.