Plasmonic Cell-Derived Nanocomposites for Light-Controlled Cargo Release inside Living Cells

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Cell-derived nanoparticles offer biomimetic advantages for drug delivery, including immune evasion and targeting.
• Current nanomedicines often exhibit poor in vivo performance, necessitating advanced delivery systems.
• Stimulus-controlled intracellular delivery using cell-derived nanocomposites remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate a novel plasmonic cell-derived nanocomposite for controlled cargo release.
• To demonstrate the potential of near-infrared (NIR) light as a trigger for intracellular delivery.
• To investigate the feasibility of delivering functional antibodies into the cell cytosol.

Main Methods:

• Integration of gold nanorods into cell-derived nanomembranes to create plasmonic nanocomposites.
• Loading of cell non-permeant antibodies into the fabricated nanocomposites.
• NIR light stimulation to induce cargo release into the cytosol of living cells.
• Assessment of cell viability and antibody functionality post-delivery.

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of NIR-active plasmonic cell-derived nanocomposites.
• Demonstrated release of antibodies from nanocomposites into the cytosol of living cells upon NIR stimulation.
• Confirmed preservation of cell viability and antibody function after the delivery process.
• Proof-of-concept for spatiotemporal-controlled intracellular antibody delivery.

Conclusions:

• Plasmonic cell-derived nanocarriers represent a promising platform for photoactive intracellular drug delivery.
• This approach overcomes limitations of current nanomedicines by enabling controlled release within the cell.
• The developed technology paves the way for advanced nanocarriers with cell-specific functions and precise cargo delivery.