Functionalization of calcium carbonate microparticles as a combined sensor and transport system for active agents in cells.
In recent years colloidal particles and capsules, layer-by-layer (LbL) coated with biocompatible polyelectrolytes, have received much attention as drug-delivery systems. In this study an LbL-assembled, biopolymer-based multilayer system was established as a combined transporter and sensor for monitoring intracellular degradation and processing. CaCO(3) cores were functionalized with fluorescein isothiocyanatelabelled poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (FITC-PAH). This pH-sensitive fluorescent dye allows identifying the location of these LbL-coated particles in cell compartments of different pH, like the endo-lysosome and cytoplasm. The labelled core was then coated with consecutive layers of protamine (PRM) and dextran sulfate (DXS). Finally, plasmid DNA (pEGFP-C1) as a reporter agent for drug release in the cytoplasm was integrated into the biocompatible and degradable PRM/DXS multilayer. The system was tested regarding its long-term stability and interaction with HEK 293T/17 cells. These multifunctional microparticles allow the simultaneous investigation of particle localization and processing within cells, and should thus provide a valuable tool for studying and improving the controlled LbL-based release of active agents into cells.
Division of Bioengineering, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 70 Nanyang Avenue, 637457 Singapore. ureibetanz@trm.uni-leipzig.de
Uta
U
Reibetanz
Min Hui Averil
MH
Chen
Shaillender
S
Mutukumaraswamy
Zi Yen
ZY
Liaw
Bernice Hui Lin
BH
Oh
Edwin
E
Donath
Björn
B
Neu
D001692:Biological Transport; D002119:Calcium Carbonate; D002451:Cell Compartmentation; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D003102:Colloids / Q000737:chemistry; D016264:Dextran Sulfate / Q000737:chemistry; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry*; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D016650:Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D057809:HEK293 Cells; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D010957:Plasmids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011479:Protamines / Q000737:chemistry
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D003102:Colloids; D004337:Drug Carriers; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D011479:Protamines; D016264:Dextran Sulfate; D002119:Calcium Carbonate; D016650:Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate