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Efficient TGF-β1 Delivery to Articular Chondrocytes In Vitro Using Agro-Based Liposomes
Émilie Velot1, Kamil Elkhoury2, Cyril Kahn2
1IMoPA (Molecular Engineering and Articular Physiopathology), CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research), Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France.
Abstract:
The low efficiency in transfecting rat- and human-derived chondrocytes have been hampering developments in the field of cartilage biology. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 has shown positive effects on chondrocytes, but its applications remain limited due to its short half-life, low stability and poor penetration into cartilage. Naturally derived liposomes have been shown to be promising delivery nanosystems due to their similarities with biological membranes. Here, we used agro-based rapeseed liposomes, which contains a high level of mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids, to efficiently deliver encapsulated TGF-β1 to rat chondrocytes. Results showed that TGF-β1 encapsulated in nano-sized rapeseed liposomes were safe for chondrocytes and did not induce any alterations of their phenotype. Furthermore, the controlled release of TGF-β1 from liposomes produced an improved response in chondrocytes, even at low doses. Altogether, these outcomes demonstrate that agro-based nanoliposomes are promising drug carriers.
Insights
Agro-based nanoliposomes effectively deliver transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 to chondrocytes, improving cartilage biology research. These novel drug carriers show safety and enhanced cellular response, overcoming previous delivery limitations.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Low transfection efficiency in chondrocytes hinders cartilage biology research.
- Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 shows therapeutic potential but faces delivery challenges like short half-life and poor cartilage penetration.
- Naturally derived liposomes offer biocompatibility and are promising nanocarriers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate agro-based nanoliposomes for efficient TGF-β1 delivery to rat chondrocytes.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of TGF-β1-loaded nanoliposomes in chondrocytes.
- To explore the potential of nanoliposomes as drug carriers in cartilage tissue engineering.
Main Methods:
- Utilized agro-based rapeseed liposomes, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, for encapsulating TGF-β1.
- Investigated the delivery of encapsulated TGF-β1 to rat chondrocytes.
- Assessed chondrocyte phenotype and response to controlled TGF-β1 release from nanoliposomes.
Main Results:
- Rapeseed nanoliposomes safely delivered TGF-β1 to chondrocytes without altering their phenotype.
- Controlled release of TGF-β1 from nanoliposomes resulted in an improved chondrocyte response, even at low concentrations.
- Nano-sized rapeseed liposomes demonstrated efficient TGF-β1 encapsulation and delivery.
Conclusions:
- Agro-based nanoliposomes are safe and effective carriers for TGF-β1 delivery to chondrocytes.
- Nanoliposomes overcome limitations of TGF-β1 delivery, offering enhanced therapeutic potential for cartilage biology.
- Rapeseed-derived nanoliposomes represent a promising advancement in drug delivery systems for cartilage regeneration.

