Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
Incorporating Pericytes into an Endothelial Cell Bead Sprouting Assay
Published on: February 16, 2018
Synthesis and use of pHEMA microbeads with human EA.hy 926 endothelial cells
Hervé Nyangoga1, Teodora Zecheru1,2, Robert Filmon1
1INSERM, U922-LHEA, Faculté de Médecine, 49045 Angers Cedex, France.
Abstract:
Cancer has become a major problem in public health and the resulting bone metastases a worsening factor. Facing it, different strategies have been proposed and mechanisms involved in tumor angiogenesis are being studied. Enhanced permeability retention (EPR) effect is a key step in designing new anticancer drugs. We have prepared poly 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (pHEMA) microbeads to target human endothelial EA.hy 926 cells, a cell line derived from human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Microbeads were synthesized by emulsion precipitation method and carried positive or negative charges. EA.hy 926 cells were cultured in 24-well plates and microbeads were deposited on cells at various times. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction were used to characterize microbeads and their location outside and inside cells. Microbeads were uptaken by endothelial cells with a better internalization for negatively charged microbeads. 3D reconstruction of confocal optical sections clearly evidenced the uptake and internalization of microbeads by endothelial cells. pHEMA microbeads could represent potential drug carrier in tumor model of metastases.
Insights
Poly 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (pHEMA) microbeads were developed to target endothelial cells, showing promise as drug carriers for bone metastases. Negatively charged microbeads demonstrated enhanced uptake by these cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cancer Biology
- Endothelial Cell Biology
Background:
- Bone metastases represent a significant challenge in cancer public health.
- Tumor angiogenesis and the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect are critical for anticancer drug development.
- Targeting endothelial cells is a key strategy in combating tumor growth and metastasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize poly 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (pHEMA) microbeads for potential use as drug carriers.
- To investigate the targeting and uptake of pHEMA microbeads by human endothelial EA.hy 926 cells.
- To evaluate the influence of microbead charge on cellular internalization.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of pHEMA microbeads via emulsion precipitation, with varying surface charges (positive/negative).
- Culturing of EA.hy 926 endothelial cells and incubation with pHEMA microbeads.
- Characterization using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and 3D reconstruction.
Main Results:
- pHEMA microbeads were successfully synthesized and characterized.
- Endothelial cells demonstrated uptake and internalization of the microbeads.
- Negatively charged pHEMA microbeads exhibited significantly better internalization by endothelial cells.
- 3D reconstruction confirmed the intracellular localization of microbeads.
Conclusions:
- pHEMA microbeads show potential as effective drug delivery vehicles for targeting endothelial cells.
- The surface charge of microbeads influences their cellular uptake, with negative charges being more favorable.
- These findings support the development of pHEMA microbeads for therapeutic strategies against bone metastases.
More Related Videos
07:08Assessment of the Anticoagulant and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Endothelial Cells Using 3D Cell Culture and Non-anticoagulated Whole Blood
Published on: September 5, 2017
12:55A Microphysiological System to Study Leukocyte-Endothelial Cell Interaction during Inflammation
Published on: December 9, 2021