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Facile Preparation of Internally Self-assembled Lipid Particles Stabilized by Carbon Nanotubes
Published on: February 19, 2016
Nanoparticles from lipid-based liquid crystals: emulsifier influence on morphology and cytotoxicity
Sergio Murgia1, Angela M Falchi, Miguel Mano
1Department of Chemical Science, Cagliari University, CNBS and CSGI, ss 554, bivio Sestu, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|February 23, 2010
Summary
Monoolein nanoparticles (NPs) showed different structures and toxicities based on emulsifiers. Pluronic F127-stabilized NPs (cubosomes) were toxic, while lauroylcholine chloride-stabilized NPs (liposomes) were less cytotoxic.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biocompatibility Studies
Background:
- Nanoparticles (NPs) offer advantages in medical applications.
- Standardized protocols for evaluating NP cell biocompatibility are lacking.
- Monoolein-based NPs are synthesized using various emulsifiers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural characteristics of monoolein-based NPs.
- To evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of NPs stabilized by Pluronic F127 (PF127) and lauroylcholine chloride (LCh).
- To present protocols for assessing the impact of lipid NPs on biological systems.
Main Methods:
- Fragmentation of bulk liquid crystalline phases to form NPs.
- Stabilization of NPs using PF127 and LCh emulsifiers.
- Structural analysis using cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM).
- In vitro cytotoxicity assessment using two distinct protocols across multiple cell lines.
Main Results:
- NPs exhibited different morphologies, including cubosomes and liposomes, depending on the emulsifier used.
- PF127-stabilized NPs (cubosomes) demonstrated significant toxicity to various cell lines.
- LCh-stabilized NPs (liposomes) exhibited a considerably lower impact on cell viability.
Conclusions:
- Emulsifier choice critically influences the morphology and cytotoxicity of monoolein-based NPs.
- Lauroylcholine chloride is a promising emulsifier for developing less cytotoxic lipid nanoparticles for potential biomedical use.
- Further research into standardized biocompatibility testing for NPs is warranted.

