Cell membrane-coated human hair nanoparticles for precise disease therapies

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Precision medicine aims to improve tumor and infection therapies.
• Liver cancer and diabetic foot infections (DFI) lack specific targeted drugs.
• Human hair-derived nanoparticles (HNP) show potential but have limitations in targeting and local concentration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the targeting ability and therapeutic efficacy of HNP for liver cancer and DFI treatments.
• To develop natural, biocompatible nanomedicines with improved disease site accumulation.
• To overcome the limitations of low local drug concentration and general targeting of existing HNP therapies.

Main Methods:

• Modified HNP with cell membrane encapsulations for improved targeting.
• Coated HNP with red blood cell membranes and DSPE-PEG-cRGD peptide for liver cancer therapy.
• Coated HNP with murine macrophage cell membranes (RAWM) for DFI treatment.
• Evaluated photothermal therapy (PTT) effects, in vivo circulation time, targeting efficacy, and toxicity.

Main Results:

• Cell membrane-camouflaged HNP demonstrated enhanced targeting ability at disease sites without compromising PTT effects.
• Red blood cell membrane-coated HNP significantly prolonged circulation time and improved targeting for liver cancer, showing low toxicity.
• RAWM-coated HNP exhibited enhanced adhesion to bacteria, leading to improved killing effects in DFI treatment.
• The modified HNP exhibited excellent photothermal effects, biocompatibility, and easy accessibility.

Conclusions:

• Appropriately camouflaged HNP nanomedicine offers a promising platform for treating both benign and malignant diseases.
• Cell membrane coating effectively enhances the targeting and therapeutic outcomes of HNP.
• This approach represents a significant advancement in developing natural, biocompatible nanotherapeutics for challenging diseases like liver cancer and DFI.