Anisotropic biodegradable lipid coated particles for spatially dynamic protein presentation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Lipid-coated particles are increasingly used in drug delivery, gene delivery, and imaging.
• Spherical particles dominate, but non-spherical shapes offer advantages like reduced elimination and enhanced binding.
• Existing lipid-coated particles often lack control over core geometry and surface functionality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop anisotropic, biodegradable ellipsoidal particles with lipid coatings.
• To combine control of core particle geometry with surface functionality.
• To create a novel biomaterial platform for biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of anisotropic, biodegradable ellipsoidal particles.
• Coating of ellipsoidal particles with lipids.
• Demonstration of modular protein conjugation via bioorthogonal ligation.
• Assessment of biomimetic membrane fluidity and lateral diffusivity.
• Evaluation of particle stability and resistance to phagocytosis.

Main Results:

• Successfully created lipid-coated ellipsoidal particles with controlled geometry and surface functionality.
• Demonstrated modular protein conjugation using versatile bioorthogonal ligation reactions.
• Exhibited biomimetic membrane fluidity and lateral diffusive properties similar to natural membranes.
• Showcased enhanced stability and resistance to non-specific phagocytosis by macrophages.
• Achieved enhanced targeted binding capabilities.

Conclusions:

• Lipid-coated ellipsoidal particles provide a novel and flexible platform for biomedical applications.
• These particles offer benefits of non-spherical shapes, including stability and targeted binding.
• The platform enables cellular mimicry, including shape, surface presentation, and diffusivity.
• This technology facilitates targeted cell binding while resisting non-specific uptake.
• The platform can be used to investigate particle-surface interactions and for drug delivery/cellular engineering.