Nanoparticle Uptake and Crossing by Human In Vitro Models of Intestinal Barriers: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Toxicology
• Biotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• The Caco-2 cell line is a widely used in vitro model for intestinal drug absorption, but lacks structural complexity.
• Limitations include the absence of diverse cell types and a mucus layer, affecting predictive accuracy.
• Advanced models are being developed to better mimic human intestinal physiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the state-of-the-art in human in vitro intestinal barrier models for nanoparticle uptake and transport.
• To focus on models relevant for oral exposure, including inorganic nanomaterials, micro/nano plastics, and fiber nanomaterials.
• To summarize the effects of these nanomaterials on the intestinal barrier.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on advanced in vitro intestinal barrier models.
• Analysis of Caco-2 based models and their enhancements.
• Evaluation of studies on nanoparticle (inorganic, plastic, fiber) translocation and effects.

Main Results:

• Advanced in vitro models, particularly Caco-2 based ones, show promise in predicting nanomaterial uptake and transport.
• These enhanced models better replicate the structural complexity of the human intestinal epithelium.
• The review details the impact of various nanomaterials on intestinal barrier integrity.

Conclusions:

• Advanced in vitro intestinal barrier models are essential for accurate assessment of oral nanomaterial exposure.
• These models improve upon traditional systems by incorporating greater physiological relevance.
• Further development and application of these models are critical for understanding nanomaterial interactions with the gut.