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Are Plant-Based Carbohydrate Nanoparticles Safe for Inhalation? Investigating Their Interactions with the Pulmonary
Laurianne Gravel-Tatta1,2, Christine DeWolf3,2, Antonella Badia1,2
1Département de Chimie, Université de Montréal, Complexe des Sciences, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|October 13, 2021
Summary
Surface charge is critical for inhaled nanoparticles. Cationic nanoparticles disrupt lung surfactant function, impacting breathing, while neutral and anionic ones do not, informing safer nanoformulation design.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary surfactant is vital for lung function, forming a barrier for inhaled nanoparticles.
- Understanding nanoparticle interactions with surfactant is crucial for safe inhalation drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how nanoparticle surface charge affects pulmonary surfactant properties.
- To evaluate the impact of nanophytoglycogen variants on model lung surfactant films.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Langmuir monolayers of model phospholipids and proteins.
- Investigated nanoparticle surface charge effects using native (quasi-neutral) and modified nanophytoglycogen.
- Assessed film properties like lateral organization, thickness, and recompressibility.
Main Results:
- Native (quasi-neutral) and anionic nanophytoglycogens showed minimal impact on surfactant film behavior.
- Cationic nanophytoglycogen significantly altered film morphology and increased breathing hysteresis.
- Electrostatic interactions between cationic nanoparticles and anionic phospholipids were identified as the cause.
Conclusions:
- Nanoparticle surface charge is a key factor in pulmonary surfactant interactions.
- Cationic nanoparticles pose a risk to lung surfactant function and breathing mechanics.
- Surface charge should be a primary selection criterion for inhaled nanoformulations.
