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Development of lipid nanoparticles and liposomes reference materials (II): cytotoxic profiles
Krishnapriya Syama1, Zygmunt J Jakubek1, Sam Chen2
1Metrology Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0R6, Canada.
Scientific Reports
|October 27, 2022
Summary
Six lipid-based formulations, including liposomes and siRNA loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNP-siRNA), were evaluated for toxicity. These non-toxic formulations show promise as versatile drug carriers for various cell types.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Lipid-based nanocarriers are crucial for drug delivery, as demonstrated by mRNA vaccines.
- Establishing certified reference materials (CRMs) for liposomes and LNP-siRNA requires thorough toxicity evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the toxicity of six lipid-based formulations with varying surface charges (anionic, neutral, cationic).
- To determine the suitability of these formulations as potential drug carriers by evaluating their safety profile.
Main Methods:
- Cytotoxicity was assessed using proliferation assays in both adherent and non-adherent cell lines.
- Multiple cell lines (HL60, A549) were used, including 3D culture models.
- Systematic evaluation involved multiple vials and repeated test runs at various concentrations and treatment durations.
Main Results:
- Liposomes and LNP-siRNAs exhibited no toxicity in HL60 and A549 cells up to 128 and 16 µg/mL, respectively.
- Extended treatment (96h) with low concentrations of LNP-siRNAs did not impact cell viability.
- Cationic LNP-siRNA treatment maintained high cell viability (80%) in 3D cultures of A549 and HL60 cells after 48h.
Conclusions:
- Anionic, cationic, and neutral lipid formulations demonstrated a lack of toxicity across tested cell lines and conditions.
- These non-toxic lipid-based nanocarriers are suitable for further exploration as advanced drug delivery systems.
