Liposomes coated with chemically modified dextran interact with human endothelial cells

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Liposomes are increasingly used in clinical settings, with ongoing research focused on targeted applications in medicine and biology.
• Vascular cell interaction with liposomes is crucial for targeted drug delivery, necessitating strategies to enhance liposome-endothelial cell interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and evaluate liposomes coated with functionalized dextran (FDx) for enhanced interaction with human endothelial cells.
• To investigate the role of dextran coating in liposome uptake by vascular cells for potential drug delivery applications.

Main Methods:

• Liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and cholesterol were prepared using detergent dialysis.
• Liposomes were coated with hydrophobized dextran (Dx) or functionalized dextran (FDx) using a cholesterol anchor.
• Liposome uptake by human endothelial cells was quantified using radiolabeled lipids (3H-cholesterol, 14C-PC) and observed via fluorescence microscopy.

Main Results:

• FDx-coated liposomes exhibited preferential uptake by human endothelial cells compared to uncoated or Dx-coated liposomes.
• Calcium addition (up to 10 mM) significantly enhanced the uptake of FDx-coated liposomes by endothelial cells.
• Fluorescence microscopy confirmed intracellular localization of FDx-coated liposomes within the endocytotic pathway.

Conclusions:

• Coating liposomes with functionalized dextran promotes specific interactions with human endothelial cells.
• These functionalized dextran-coated liposomes represent a promising strategy for developing drug delivery vehicles targeting vascular cells.