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Shape-Dependent Biodistribution of Biocompatible Silk Microcapsules.
Sisi Cao1, Rui Tang2, Gail Sudlow2
1Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Institute of Materials Science and Engineering , Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis , Missouri 63130 , United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|January 15, 2019
Summary
Biconcave microcapsules, mimicking red blood cells, show enhanced lung accumulation compared to spherical ones. This shape-dependent biodistribution offers potential for targeted drug delivery to the lungs.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Microcapsules are advanced drug carriers with tunable properties.
- Microcapsule shape significantly influences in vivo vascular transport and biodistribution.
- Silk fibroin offers biocompatible and biodegradable properties for microcapsule fabrication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of microcapsule shape on in vivo biodistribution.
- To rationally design microcapsules for optimized drug targeting efficiency.
- To evaluate silk fibroin-based biconcave discoidal and spherical microcapsules.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of silk fibroin microcapsules with biconcave discoidal and spherical shapes (1.8 μm diameter, 20 nm wall thickness).
- Assessment of cytocompatibility and cellular uptake in cancer cells.
- In vivo biodistribution studies in mice following intravenous administration.
Main Results:
- Both microcapsule shapes demonstrated excellent cytocompatibility and cellular internalization.
- Microcapsules were primarily retained in the liver and kidney, with most undergoing renal clearance.
- Biconcave microcapsules exhibited significantly higher and stable accumulation in the lungs compared to spherical microcapsules.
Conclusions:
- Microcapsule shape is a critical factor for achieving targeted biodistribution.
- Biconcave, red blood cell-mimicking silk microcapsules show preferential lung accumulation.
- These microcapsules present a promising platform for developing targeted lung disease therapies.
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