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Internalized chitosan nanoparticles persist for long time in cultured cells
M Malatesta1, S Grecchi, E Chiesa
1University of Verona. manuela.malatesta@univr.it.
European Journal of Histochemistry : EJH
|March 31, 2015
Summary
Chitosan-based nanoparticles (chiNPs) persist within cells for up to two weeks, distributing to the cytoplasm and nucleus. These nanoparticles are safely transferred to daughter cells during cell division.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Chitosan-based nanoparticles (chiNPs) show promise for sustained intracellular delivery.
- Limited data exists on the long-term intracellular fate and permanence of chiNPs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term intracellular permanence and fate of FITC-labelled chiNPs in HeLa cells.
- To assess the subcellular distribution and potential effects of chiNPs over 14 days.
Main Methods:
- Utilized multicolor-fluorescence confocal microscopy to track FITC-labelled chiNPs.
- Employed diaminobenzidine photo-oxidation with transmission electron microscopy for ultrastructural analysis.
- Monitored HeLa cells for up to 14 days post-chiNP administration.
Main Results:
- Internalized chiNPs were observed within HeLa cells for up to 14 days.
- chiNPs were found in both the cytoplasm and nucleus.
- chiNPs were successfully transferred across multiple cell division cycles.
- No significant increase in cell mortality or structural damage was observed.
Conclusions:
- chiNPs exhibit remarkable long-term intracellular stability and distribution.
- chiNPs can be inherited by daughter cells through mitosis, indicating potential for sustained therapeutic effects.
- The observed biocompatibility suggests chiNPs are safe for prolonged intracellular applications.
