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Preparation and Characterization of Nanoliposomes for the Entrapment of Bioactive Hydrophilic Globular Proteins
Published on: August 31, 2019
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Enhanced protein internalization and efficient endosomal escape using polyampholyte-modified liposomes and freeze
Sana Ahmed1, Satoshi Fujita, Kazuaki Matsumura
1School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi, Ishikawa 923-1292, Japan. mkazuaki@jaist.ac.jp.
Nanoscale
|July 22, 2016
Summary
This study introduces a novel freeze concentration method for efficient protein delivery into cells using polyampholyte-modified liposomes. This strategy enhances cytoplasmic protein uptake and facilitates endosomal escape with low toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Efficient cytoplasmic delivery of proteins is crucial for various therapeutic applications.
- Current methods for protein internalization often face challenges with efficiency and mechanism clarity.
- Freeze concentration offers a potential method for enhanced cellular uptake.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize polyampholyte-modified liposomes for freeze concentration-mediated protein delivery.
- To elucidate the mechanism of protein internalization facilitated by these modified liposomes.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of this novel delivery strategy.
Main Methods:
- Liposomes were modified with hydrophobic polyampholytes.
- Protein-loaded complexes were characterized for size, encapsulation efficiency, and cytotoxicity.
- Freeze concentration was applied to cells incubated with protein-liposome complexes.
- Flow cytometry, microscopic analysis, and inhibition studies were used to assess internalization and mechanism.
Main Results:
- Freeze concentration significantly enhanced the adsorption and internalization of protein-loaded polyampholyte-modified liposomes.
- The internalization mechanism differed between unmodified and polyampholyte-modified liposomes.
- Polyampholyte-modified liposomes demonstrated efficient endosomal escape, leading to enhanced cytoplasmic protein delivery.
- The delivery system exhibited low toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Freeze concentration-mediated delivery using polyampholyte-modified liposomes is an effective strategy for efficient cytoplasmic protein delivery.
- This approach facilitates endosomal escape and offers a promising, low-toxicity method for in vitro applications.
- The strategy holds potential for cancer treatment and gene therapy.

