Biomimetic proteolipid vesicles for targeting inflamed tissues

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Systemic drug delivery faces biological barriers limiting pharmaceutical biodistribution.
• Micro- and nanoparticles offer improved delivery but require strategies to overcome biological barriers.
• Bioinspired carriers, using bottom-up or top-down methods, can evade immune systems and cross vessel walls.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel drug-delivery system combining bottom-up and top-down strategies.
• To create proteolipid vesicles incorporating leukocyte membrane proteins into lipid nanoparticles.
• To evaluate the targeting, delivery, and efficacy of these novel carriers in an inflammation model.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of leukocyte plasma membrane proteins into lipid nanoparticles.
• Formulation of proteolipid vesicles, termed leukosomes.
• Evaluation of leukosome physicochemical properties and liposomal versatility.
• Assessment of targeting to inflamed vasculature.
• In vivo testing of dexamethasone delivery and anti-inflammatory effects in a localized inflammation model.

Main Results:

• Leukosomes demonstrated versatility and physicochemical properties similar to liposomal formulations.
• These proteolipid vesicles preferentially targeted inflamed vasculature.
• Selective and effective delivery of dexamethasone to inflamed tissues was achieved.
• A reduction in phlogosis was observed in a localized inflammation model.

Conclusions:

• Leukosomes represent a promising bioinspired drug-delivery system.
• The method effectively combines bottom-up and top-down strategies for enhanced pharmaceutical delivery.
• Leukosomes show potential for targeted treatment of inflammatory conditions.