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Targeted Plasma Membrane Delivery of a Hydrophobic Cargo Encapsulated in a Liquid Crystal Nanoparticle Carrier
Published on: February 8, 2017
Intracellular delivery of bioactive molecules using light-addressable nanocapsules
Kimberly A D Gregersen1, Zachary B Hill, Jennifer C Gadd
1Chemistry Department, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
ACS Nano
|December 2, 2010
Summary
This study presents a novel method for intracellular delivery of impermeable molecules using laser-triggered lipid nanocapsules. This technique enables precise release of therapeutic agents, like IP(3) and AGT fusion proteins, for targeted cellular manipulation.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Nanotechnology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Intracellular delivery of impermeable molecules remains a challenge.
- Targeted release of signaling molecules and proteins is crucial for cellular research and therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a method for intracellular delivery and release of impermeable molecules using dye-sensitized lipid nanocapsules.
- To investigate the dose-dependent effects of intracellularly released molecules on cellular responses.
Main Methods:
- Encapsulation of impermeable molecules within dye-sensitized lipid nanocapsules.
- Laser-induced release (645 nm, nanosecond pulse) of encapsulated molecules into the cytoplasm via endocytosis.
- Demonstration with inositol trisphosphate (IP(3)) in CHO-M1 cells and O(6)-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) fusion protein in Ba/F3 cells.
Main Results:
- Intracellular release of IP(3) modulated calcium responses in CHO-M1 cells, shifting from sustained increase to transient spike with <50 molecules/nanocapsule.
- Delivery of approximately 8 molecules of AGT fusion protein induced apoptosis in Ba/F3 cells by inhibiting BCR-ABL.
Conclusions:
- Dye-sensitized lipid nanocapsules offer a precise method for intracellular delivery and triggered release of various molecules.
- This technology allows for controlled manipulation of cellular pathways, with potential applications in drug delivery and molecular biology research.

