Biocompatible crosslinked β-cyclodextrin nanoparticles as multifunctional carriers for cellular delivery.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems offer potential solutions to conventional therapy limitations.
• Biocompatible nanocarriers with controlled release are crucial for effective theranostic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel, biocompatible, and multifunctional nanoparticles for theranostic applications.
• To evaluate the cell uptake kinetics, cargo loading, and release behavior of the synthesized nanoparticles.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of nanoparticles via covalent crosslinking of beta-cyclodextrin (CD) precursors with organic linkers.
• Characterization of nanoparticle size, stability, dispersibility, and pore system.
• Covalent labeling with dyes for in vitro tracking, cell uptake studies with HeLa cells, and cargo loading/release experiments.

Main Results:

• Obtained small (∼150 nm), thermally stable, water-dispersible nanoparticles with accessible pores.
• Demonstrated rapid, sugar-mediated cell uptake within 30 minutes in HeLa cells.
• Showcased pH-responsive cargo release and successful in vitro applications including nuclei staining and doxorubicin-mediated cell killing.

Conclusions:

• The novel crosslinked organic nanoparticles represent a promising platform for developing controllable and highly biocompatible theranostic systems.
• The demonstrated features of rapid uptake and responsive release pave the way for advanced drug delivery and diagnostic applications.