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Small Cellular Particles from European Spruce Needle Homogenate
Marko Jeran1, Anna Romolo1,2, Vesna Spasovski1,3
1University of Ljubljana, Laboratory of Clinical Biophysics, Faculty of Health Sciences, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|March 11, 2023
Summary
Spruce needles contain small cellular particles (SCPs) that may be useful for cell communication and drug delivery. These natural vesicles were isolated and characterized, showing potential for future applications.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Small cellular particles (SCPs) are increasingly recognized for their role in intercellular communication.
- Plant-derived vesicles are a promising avenue for novel biomaterials and drug delivery systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize small cellular particles (SCPs) from spruce needle homogenate.
- To evaluate the potential of spruce-derived SCPs for delivery applications.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of SCPs via differential ultracentrifugation.
- Characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo TEM), interferometric light microscopy (ILM), and flow cytometry (FCM).
- Analysis of total phenolic content (TPC) and terpene content via UV-vis spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Main Results:
- Spruce needle homogenate yielded SCPs with an average hydrodynamic diameter of 161 ± 133 nm.
- The number density of SCPs was significantly higher than larger cell-sized particles (CSPs) and meso-sized particles (MSPs).
- Total phenolic content decreased with aging, while volatile terpenoids were found in a low-speed pellet.
Conclusions:
- Spruce needle homogenate is a viable source of vesicles.
- These naturally derived vesicles warrant further investigation for potential use in delivery systems.
- The characterization provides a foundation for exploring spruce SCPs in biotechnology and nanotechnology.
