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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
Microglia as a Surrogate Biosensor to Determine Nanoparticle Neurotoxicity
Published on: October 25, 2016
Mesoporous silica particles are phagocytosed by microglia and induce a mild inflammatory response in vitro
Júlia Sala-Jarque1, Elisa García-Lara1, Paula Carreras-Domínguez1
1Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
Abstract:
Aim: Mesoporous silica particles (MSPs) are broadly used drug delivery carriers. In this study, the authors analyzed the responses to MSPs of astrocytes and microglia, the two main cellular players in neuroinflammation. Materials & methods: Primary murine cortical mixed glial cultures were treated with rhodamine B-labeled MSPs. Results: MSPs are avidly internalized by microglial cells and remain inside the cells for at least 14 days. Despite this, MSPs do not affect glial cell viability or morphology, basal metabolic activity or oxidative stress. MSPs also do not affect mRNA levels of key proinflammatory genes; however, in combination with lipopolysaccharide, they significantly increase extracellular IL-1β levels. Conclusion: These results suggest that MSPs could be novel tools for specific drug delivery to microglial cells.
Insights
Mesoporous silica particles (MSPs) are readily taken up by microglia, a key cell in neuroinflammation, without causing harm. This suggests MSPs may be useful for targeted drug delivery to these cells.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Mesoporous silica particles (MSPs) are widely utilized as drug delivery carriers.
- Neuroinflammation involves key cellular players like astrocytes and microglia.
- Understanding cellular responses to nanomaterials is crucial for safe and effective therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction and effects of MSPs on astrocytes and microglia.
- To evaluate the potential of MSPs as targeted drug delivery vehicles for microglial cells.
Main Methods:
- Primary murine cortical mixed glial cultures were established.
- Rhodamine B-labeled MSPs were used to treat the glial cultures.
- Cell viability, morphology, metabolic activity, oxidative stress, and gene expression were assessed.
- Pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1β) were measured.
Main Results:
- MSPs were extensively internalized by microglial cells and persisted for at least 14 days.
- No adverse effects of MSPs were observed on glial cell viability, morphology, metabolic activity, or oxidative stress.
- MSPs did not alter the mRNA levels of key pro-inflammatory genes.
- Co-administration of MSPs with lipopolysaccharide significantly elevated extracellular IL-1β levels.
Conclusions:
- MSPs demonstrate excellent biocompatibility with glial cells.
- MSPs show potential as effective carriers for targeted drug delivery specifically to microglial cells.
- Further research may explore MSPs for modulating neuroinflammatory responses.
