title: Transport of nanoparticles in cystic fibrosis sputum and bacterial biofilms by single-particle tracking microscopy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the surface functionalization of model nanoparticles on their mobility in bacterial biofilms and cystic fibrosis sputum.
  
  
  METHODS
  With single-particle tracking microscopy, the mobility of 0.1- and 0.2-µm fluorescent polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified, carboxylate- and N,N-dimethylethylenediamine-modified polystyrene nanospheres were evaluated in fresh cystic fibrosis sputum, as well as Burkholderia multivorans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms.
  
  
  RESULTS
  PEGylation increased the mobility of the particles in sputum and biofilms, while the charged nanospheres were strongly immobilized. However, the transport of the PEGylated nanoparticles was lower in sputum compared with biofilms. Furthermore, the particle transport showed heterogeneity in samples originating from different patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study's data suggest that for future nanocarrier design it will be essential to combine PEGylation with a targeting moiety to ensure sufficient mobility in mucus and a better accumulation of the nanoparticles in the biofilm.
authors.affiliation: Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Katrien
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Forier
authors.forename: Anne-Sophie
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Messiaen
authors.forename: Koen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Raemdonck
authors.forename: Hendrik
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Deschout
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rejman
authors.forename: Frans
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: De Baets
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nelis
authors.forename: Stefaan C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: De Smedt
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Demeester
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Coenye
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Braeckmans
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018441:Biofilms; D019117:Burkholderia / Q000502:physiology*; D019121:Burkholderia Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D002648:Child; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009038:Motion; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000502:physiology*; D013183:Sputum / Q000378:metabolism*; D013499:Surface Properties; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D011092:Polyethylene Glycols