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Published on: July 26, 2017
Bioengineered Nanoparticles Loaded-Hydrogels to Target TNF Alpha in Inflammatory Diseases
Isabel Matos Oliveira1,2, Diogo Castro Fernandes1,2, Fátima Raquel Maia1,2
113B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics of University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Avepark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal.
Novel drug delivery systems show promise for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. These advanced therapies effectively capture inflammatory markers, offering potential for personalized medicine with reduced side effects.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Immunology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an incurable autoimmune disease causing chronic mobility impairment.
- Early intervention is crucial to prevent permanent joint damage in RA patients.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to target inflammatory pathways effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate novel drug delivery systems for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) treatment.
- To investigate the efficacy of encapsulated nanoparticles functionalized with anti-TNF α antibodies.
- To assess the anti-inflammatory potential of these systems in vitro under static and dynamic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of chondroitin sulfate-modified poly(amidoamine) dendrimer nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with anti-TNF α antibody.
- Encapsulation of NPs within Tyramine-Gellan Gum and Tyramine-Gellan Gum/Silk Fibroin hydrogels.
- In vitro testing using a pro-inflammatory THP-1 cell model under static and dynamic (bioreactor) conditions.
Main Results:
- Successful NP-antibody functionalization and demonstrated TNF-α capture capacity.
- Sustained NP release over 21 days and significant anti-inflammatory activity in static models.
- Dynamic studies in a bioreactor showed no cytotoxicity and a significant reduction of TNF-α over 14 days.
Conclusions:
- The developed hydrogel-based drug delivery systems show significant potential for RA treatment.
- These novel therapies offer a promising approach for personalized medicine with improved therapeutic outcomes.
- The systems effectively reduce inflammation and TNF-α levels with minimal cytotoxicity.
