Platelet membrane-coated nanoparticles: Bioengineering principles, quality control, and translational opportunities

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Platelet membranes (PMs) are utilized as bioinspired coatings for nanoparticles (NPs) to improve immune evasion, circulation time, and disease targeting.
• PM-coated nanoparticles (PM-NPs) leverage platelet surface markers for active targeting to tumors or thrombi, surpassing conventional passive targeting methods.
• PM-NPs show promise for treating oncology, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the bioengineering principles for fabricating PM-NPs.
• To discuss quality control (QC) and reproducibility considerations for PM-NP development.
• To highlight regulatory frameworks and translational opportunities for PM-NPs.

Main Methods:

• Exploration of platelet sourcing, membrane isolation, and coating strategies for PM-NP fabrication.
• Assessment of critical formulation variables: nanoparticle size, surface charge, and functional protein preservation.
• Review of regulatory guidelines (e.g., MISEV, FDA/EMA) for standardization.

Main Results:

• PM-NPs exhibit enhanced targeting capabilities due to exposed platelet surface markers.
• Standardized QC and regulatory frameworks are crucial for reproducible PM-NP production.
• Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles present a complementary therapeutic approach with similar markers and improved stability.

Conclusions:

• Robust engineering and standardized QC are essential for advancing PM-NPs toward clinical applications.
• PM-NPs represent a promising platform for next-generation nanomedicines.
• Standardization efforts will facilitate the regulatory acceptance and clinical translation of PM-NP technologies.