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Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Specific Nanoprobe Biodistribution in Mouse Models
Christopher L D Lee1, Samia B Fashir1, Maiara L Castilho2
1Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada.
Abstract:
Nanotechnology offers a targeted approach to both imaging and treatment of cancer, the leading cause of death worldwide. Previous studies have found that nanoparticles with a wide variety of coatings initiate an immune response leading to sequestration in the liver and spleen. In an effort to find a nanoparticle platform which does not elicit an immune response, we created 43 nm and 44 nm of gold and silver nanoparticles coated with biomolecules normally produced by the body, α-lipoic acid and the epidermal growth factor (EGF), and have used mass spectroscopy to determine their biodistribution in mouse models, 24 h after tail vein injection. Relative to controls, mouse EGF (mEGF)-coated silver and gold nanoprobes are found at background levels in all organs including the liver and spleen. The lack of sequestration of mEGF-coated nanoprobes in the liver and spleen and the corresponding uptake of control nanoprobes at elevated levels in these organs suggest that the former are not recognized by the immune system. Further studies of cytokine and interleukin levels in the blood are required to confirm avoidance of an immune response.
Insights
New gold and silver nanoprobes coated with mouse epidermal growth factor (mEGF) avoid immune detection, showing reduced liver and spleen accumulation. This nanotechnology offers a promising, stealthy approach for cancer imaging and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Biomaterials Science
- Immunology
Background:
- Nanoparticles are promising for targeted cancer therapy and imaging.
- Conventional nanoparticles often trigger immune responses, leading to accumulation in the liver and spleen.
- Developing immune-evasive nanoparticles is crucial for effective nanomedicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate gold and silver nanoparticles coated with biomolecules that evade immune detection.
- To assess the biodistribution and immune response of these novel nanoprobes in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of 43 nm and 44 nm gold and silver nanoparticles.
- Coating nanoparticles with biomolecules: α-lipoic acid and mouse epidermal growth factor (mEGF).
- Biodistribution analysis using mass spectroscopy in mouse models 24 hours post-injection.
Main Results:
- mEGF-coated silver and gold nanoprobes exhibited background-level distribution across all organs, including the liver and spleen.
- Control nanoprobes showed significantly higher accumulation in the liver and spleen compared to mEGF-coated nanoprobes.
- Lack of sequestration suggests mEGF coating confers immune-evasive properties.
Conclusions:
- mEGF-coated gold and silver nanoprobes demonstrate reduced immune system recognition and sequestration.
- This biomimetic coating strategy shows potential for developing stealth nanocarriers for cancer applications.
- Further investigation into cytokine and interleukin levels is needed to confirm complete immune response avoidance.
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