Interaction, uptake, and processing of LbL-coated microcarriers by PMNs

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Microcarriers and hollow capsules are explored for intracellular drug delivery.
• Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are key players in inflammatory processes.
• Targeted delivery of anti-inflammatory substances (AIS) to PMNs could mitigate tissue damage in chronic inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate functionalized calcium carbonate (CaCO3) microcarriers as a drug delivery system for AIS targeted at PMNs.
• To evaluate the interaction and uptake of CaCO3 microcarriers by PMNs.
• To assess the release kinetics of AIS from CaCO3 microcarriers under simulated phagosomal conditions.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of protamine sulfate and dextran sulfate multilayer-coated CaCO3 microcarriers (5 μm ± 1 μm).
• Investigation of time-dependent interaction and uptake of CaCO3 and SiO2 microcarriers with PMNs (2–24 h).
• Simulation of phagosomal conditions by exposing CaCO3 microcarriers to PMN cell supernatant.

Main Results:

• Sufficient carrier/cell interaction and uptake observed for CaCO3 microcarriers with PMNs between 2 and 24 hours.
• Partial decomposition of CaCO3 microcarrier multilayers (3–5 layers) occurred within 24 hours in cell supernatant.
• Gradual release of AIS from CaCO3 microcarriers was demonstrated within the PMN lifespan.

Conclusions:

• Functionalized CaCO3 microcarriers demonstrate potential as an effective drug delivery system for AIS targeted at PMNs.
• The gradual release of AIS from decomposing microcarriers within PMNs suggests therapeutic applications.
• This approach may offer new therapeutic strategies for managing chronic inflammatory conditions.