[Bacterial outer membrane vesicles as nano carriers to study immunological activities]

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Immunology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMV) are promising nanocarriers.
• Pluronic F127 is a biocompatible polymer often used in drug delivery.
• Combining OMV with polymers can enhance nanocarrier properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a novel nano-carrier by integrating OMV with Pluronic F127 (OMV-F127).
• To evaluate the immunological activity and cytokine-inducing potential of the OMV-F127 nano-carrier.

Main Methods:

• OMV were isolated from attenuated Salmonella using centrifugal ultrafiltration or ultrasonication.
• OMV-F127 nano-carriers were fabricated via mechanical extrusion.
• Characterization involved BCA, SDS-PAGE, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS).
• Immunological activity was assessed by measuring IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ secretion from mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells stimulated with OMV-F127 using ELISA kits.

Main Results:

• Isolated OMV contained significant protein content (2.7-2.8 mg/mL) and marker proteins like OmpF/C.
• FM and TEM confirmed a spherical morphology for both F127 and OMV-F127.
• Particle size analysis showed OMV at 72±2 nm, F127 at 90±3 nm, and OMV-F127 at 92±2 nm.
• OMV-F127 treatment significantly elevated the secretion of IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in RAW264.7 cells.

Conclusions:

• A novel OMV-F127 nano-carrier was successfully prepared.
• The OMV-F127 nano-carrier exhibits potent immunomodulatory effects by stimulating cytokine production.
• This bacterial OMV-based nano-carrier holds potential for immunological applications.