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Published on: March 13, 2016
Self-Assembled Colloidal Gel Using Cell Membrane-Coated Nanosponges as Building Blocks
Yue Zhang1, Weiwei Gao1, Yijie Chen1
1Department of Nanoengineering, ‡Moores Cancer Center, §Department of Pediatrics, ∥Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, ⊥Department of Bioengineering, and #Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego , La Jolla, California 92093, United States.
This study developed an injectable colloidal gel using cell membrane-coated nanoparticles for drug delivery. The self-assembling gel enhances therapeutic retention and shows antibacterial efficacy against bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Colloidal gels with oppositely charged nanoparticles are used in drug delivery and tissue engineering.
- Cell membrane-coated nanoparticles offer a biomimetic approach for novel therapeutics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a self-assembling colloidal gel using cell membrane-coated nanoparticles.
- To evaluate the gel's properties and therapeutic potential for drug delivery and infection treatment.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of red blood cell membrane-coated nanosponges.
- Formulation of a colloidal gel via self-assembly with cationic nanoparticles.
- Rheological testing for injectability and in vivo evaluation in a mouse infection model.
Main Results:
- A spontaneously formed, shear-thinning nanosponge colloidal gel was successfully developed without chemical cross-linking.
- The gel formulation demonstrated prolonged retention in mouse tissue and preserved toxin neutralization.
- Significant antibacterial efficacy was observed in a mouse model of Streptococcus infection, reducing skin lesions.
Conclusions:
- The developed nanosponge colloidal gel is a promising injectable formulation for therapeutic applications.
- This system offers potential for antivirulence treatment of local bacterial infections.
- Self-assembly of cell membrane-coated nanoparticles provides a novel route for advanced biomaterials.
