GPMVs in variable physiological conditions: could they be used for therapy delivery?

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Cell-based carriers offer biocompatible and low-toxicity alternatives to artificial systems for cargo delivery.
• Giant plasma membrane vesicles (GPMVs), derived from cell membranes, closely mimic cellular structures, making them promising candidates for drug delivery.
• Evaluating GPMVs' biophysical properties is crucial for assessing their robustness and delivery capabilities under physiological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the biophysical properties of GPMVs.
• To test GPMVs' robustness under varying physiological conditions.
• To determine GPMVs' ability to translocate cargo into cells.

Main Methods:

• GPMVs were formed from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).
• GPMVs were subjected to osmotic challenges and exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
• Cargo loading and cellular uptake were assessed using fluorescently labeled substances (LPS, calcein, dextran).

Main Results:

• GPMVs demonstrated resilience to osmotic challenges, unlike giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), though shape changes were irreversible.
• Exposure to LPS induced irreversible membrane budding in GPMVs.
• GPMVs successfully loaded and delivered fluorescent cargo into HUVEC cells, indicated by sustained fluorescence signals.

Conclusions:

• GPMVs exhibit distinct, irreversible biophysical behaviors compared to artificial vesicles like GUVs.
• GPMVs can be loaded with various substances and effectively deliver them into cells.
• GPMVs hold potential as viable cargo and therapy delivery systems due to their cellular origin and delivery capabilities.