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Published on: May 26, 2023
Internalization of Metal-Organic Framework Nanoparticles in Human Vascular Cells: Implications for Cardiovascular
Dana E Al-Ansari1, Nura A Mohamed1, Isra Marei2,3
1Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
Insights
Iron nanoparticles (nanoMIL-89) are taken up by pulmonary artery cells and show anti-inflammatory effects without toxicity. This nanoparticle may offer new therapeutic options for cardiovascular diseases and other incurable conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major global health burden.
- Endothelial cell dysfunction is central to CVD pathogenesis.
- Nanoparticles offer potential for novel CVD therapeutics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cellular uptake and response of nanoMIL-89 in pulmonary artery cells.
- To assess the therapeutic potential of nanoMIL-89 for cardiovascular diseases.
Main Methods:
- Microscopy imaging to track nanoMIL-89 cellular internalization.
- Molecular and cellular assays to determine cellular responses.
- Assessment of nanoMIL-89 cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity.
Main Results:
- nanoMIL-89 nanoparticles were successfully internalized by pulmonary artery endothelial and smooth muscle cells.
- Internalized nanoparticles were observed in endocytic vesicles and passed to daughter cells during mitosis.
- nanoMIL-89 demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity with no notable cytotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- nanoMIL-89 nanoparticles are effectively internalized by pulmonary artery cells and exhibit beneficial biological effects.
- nanoMIL-89 represents a promising drug delivery platform for cardiovascular diseases.
- This nanoparticle formulation could serve as a prototype for treating other diseases like diabetes and cancer.
Abstract:
Abstract: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Alteration of endothelial cells and the underlying vasculature plays a central role in the pathogenesis of various CVDs. The application of nanoscale materials such as nanoparticles in biomedicine has opened new horizons in the treatment of CVDs. We have previously shown that the iron metal-organic framework nanoparticle, Materials Institut Lavoisier-89 (nanoMIL-89) represents a viable vehicle for future drug delivery of pulmonary arterial hypertension. In this study, we have assessed the cellular uptake of nanoMIL-89 in pulmonary artery endothelial and smooth muscle cells using microscopy imaging techniques. We also tested the cellular responses to nanoMIL-89 using molecular and cellular assays. Microscopic images showed cellular internalization of nanoMIL-89, packaging into endocytic vesicles, and passing to daughter cells during mitosis. Moreover, nanoMIL-89 showed anti-inflammatory activity without any significant cytotoxicity. Our results indicate that nanoMIL-89 formulation may offer promising therapeutic opportunities and set forth a new prototype for drug delivery not only in CVDs, but also for other diseases yet incurable, such as diabetes and cancer.
