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Multicompartment Microreactors Prevent Excitotoxic Dysfunctions In Rat Primary Cortical Neurons.
Adam Armada-Moreira1,2,3, Joana E Coelho2, Luísa V Lopes2
1Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, Edifício Egas Moniz, Lisboa, 1649-028, Portugal.
Advanced Biosystems
|September 2, 2020
Summary
Platinum nanoparticle microreactors protect neurons from excitotoxicity by degrading harmful hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. These advanced microreactors enhance neuronal survival and function in complex cellular environments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Excitotoxicity, driven by excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate, involves reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ammonia (NH4+) toxicity.
- Platinum nanoparticle (Pt-NP)-based microreactors offer a therapeutic strategy against excitotoxicity, previously protecting neuroblasts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the compatibility and efficacy of Pt-NP microreactors with rat primary cortical neurons.
- To develop and characterize more complex microreactors incorporating enzymes for enhanced therapeutic potential.
- To assess the neuroprotective effects and functional recovery of neurons exposed to excitotoxic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Investigated Pt-NP microreactor interaction with primary cortical neurons.
- Assessed cell survival and neuronal activity under exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and NH4+.
- Assembled and characterized advanced microreactors with enzyme-loaded liposomes (glutamate dehydrogenase, glutathione reductase) alongside Pt-NP.
- Utilized extracellular electrophysiological recordings to evaluate neuronal functionality.
Main Results:
- Pt-NP microreactors demonstrated compatibility with cortical neurons, showing significant membrane interaction.
- Microreactors improved neuronal survival and activity when challenged with H2O2 or NH4+.
- Enhanced microreactors with enzymes showed comparable or superior cell viability compared to Pt-NP alone.
- Electrophysiological recordings confirmed that microreactors rescued neuronal function impaired by H2O2 or NH4+.
Conclusions:
- Pt-NP-based microreactors are effective in protecting cortical neurons from excitotoxicity induced by H2O2 and NH4+.
- Advanced microreactor designs offer enhanced neuroprotection and functional recovery.
- These microreactors show significant potential for biomedical applications in complex neuronal environments.
