Cellular interaction of a layer-by-layer based drug delivery system depending on material properties and cell types

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cell Biology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Drug delivery systems (DDS) are vital for therapeutic transport but their physicochemical properties influence cellular interactions.
• Cellular uptake and intracellular processing of DDS are affected by material, size, shape, charge, and stiffness.
• In vitro studies often overlook the specific interactions between DDS and different cell types.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of modified layer-by-layer (LbL) microcarriers on cellular uptake and viability.
• To analyze the impact of surface charge, stiffness, and microcarrier/cell ratio on DDS-cell interactions.
• To compare DDS interactions with professional and non-professional phagocytic cells.

Main Methods:

• Design of LbL microcarriers with variations in surface charge and stiffness.
• Evaluation of cellular uptake and viability assays.
• Comparative analysis of DDS interaction with neutrophil granulocytes, macrophages, and epithelial cells.

Main Results:

• Even minor modifications in LbL microcarriers (e.g., surface charge, solid vs. hollow core) significantly altered cellular interaction and viability.
• Different cell types exhibited distinct responses to the same DDS.
• Surface charge and stiffness were identified as critical parameters influencing DDS-cell dynamics.

Conclusions:

• DDS properties must be carefully tailored to the specific target cell type for efficient agent transport.
• Understanding DDS-cell interactions is essential for optimizing therapeutic efficacy.
• The choice of DDS characteristics directly influences the success of drug delivery strategies.