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Pluronic micelles as a tool for low-molecular compound vector delivery into a cell: effect of Staphylococcus aureus

A V Kabanov1, V I Slepnev, L E Kuznetsova

  • 1Russian Research Center of Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, Moscow.

Biochemistry International
|May 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Pluronic P85 micelles deliver fluorescein into cells. Conjugating Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) to micelles enhances cellular uptake via receptor-mediated endocytosis, significantly improving dye delivery efficiency.

Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Cell Biology
  • Drug Delivery

Background:

  • Pluronic P85 (poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxypropylene) block copolymer) micelles serve as versatile microcontainers.
  • Targeted intracellular delivery of molecules remains a challenge in cell biology and biotechnology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To enhance in vitro delivery of fluorescein into Jurkat and MDCK cells using targeted micelles.
  • To investigate the role of receptor-mediated endocytosis in enhancing cellular uptake of micelle-encapsulated cargo.

Main Methods:

  • Micelles of pluronic P85 were formulated to encapsulate fluorescein.
  • Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) was covalently conjugated with pluronic and incorporated into the micelles.
  • Cellular uptake efficiency was assessed in Jurkat and MDCK cells at 37°C and 4°C.

Main Results:

  • Micelles incorporating SEB showed drastically enhanced fluorescein delivery into cells.
  • The enhanced uptake was dependent on temperature, indicating a role for endocytosis.
  • No significant enhancement was observed at 4°C, where endocytosis is inhibited.

Conclusions:

  • SEB-functionalized pluronic micelles significantly improve targeted intracellular delivery of fluorescein.
  • Receptor-mediated endocytosis is the mechanism driving the enhanced cellular loading.
  • This approach offers a promising strategy for targeted delivery applications in biotechnology and cell biology.

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