Optimization of a two-step desolvation method for preparing gelatin nanoparticles and cell uptake studies in 143B osteosarcoma cancer cells.
OBJECTIVE
To establish a matrix of parameters to synthesize nanoparticles of different sizes and to investigate the cellular uptake of these nanoparticles by osteosarcoma cancer cells in order to investigate their potential as therapeutic drugdelivery carriers.


METHODS
Gelatin A and B were used to synthesize nanoparticles by a two-step desolvation process. Different parameters were investigated, including temperature, pH, concentration of glutaraldehyde, type of desolvating agent and nature of gelatin. For cell uptake studies, Texas Red labeled nanoparticles were incubated with 143B osteosarcoma cells and then evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).


RESULTS
The systematic investigation of the synthesis parameters showed that it is possible to prepare gelatin-based nanoparticles with different particle sizes and a narrow size distribution. Temperature and nature of the gelatin were the most important synthesis factors. Bioimaging using CLSM showed uptake of the nanoparticles by 143B osteosarcoma cancer cells.


CONCLUSIONS
Osteosarcoma cancer cells take up gelatin nanoparticles. This might improve the clinical effectiveness of anti-cancer treatments if nanoparticles are used as a drug delivery system and has important implications for future cancer treatment strategies.
Azarmi
Shirzad
S
Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton , Alberta, Canada.
Huang
Yuan
Y
Chen
Hua
H
McQuarrie
Steve
S
Abrams
Douglas
D
Roa
Wilson
W
Finlay
Warren H
WH
Miller
Gerald G
GG
Löbenberg
Raimar
R
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004337:Drug Carriers; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005780:Gelatin / Q000737:chemistry*; D005976:Glutaral / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D049329:Nanostructures; D012516:Osteosarcoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010316:Particle Size; D013696:Temperature; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004337:Drug Carriers; D005780:Gelatin; D005976:Glutaral