In vitro evaluation of microfluidic WS6-loaded Eudragit nanoparticles for improving insulin-producing cell...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Diabetes Research

Background:

• Stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAP) can differentiate into insulin-producing cells (IPCs) for diabetes therapy.
• Limited cell survival of SCAP-derived IPCs hinders their therapeutic potential.
• Developing methods to enhance IPC viability and functionality is crucial for effective diabetes treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the viability and functionality of SCAP-derived IPCs for diabetes treatment.
• To develop and characterize WS6-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) for improved SCAP cell delivery.
• To evaluate the efficacy of WS6-loaded NPs in promoting IPC proliferation, maturation, and function.

Main Methods:

• WS6 was encapsulated into Eudragit RS100 nanoparticles using microfluidics.
• Nanoparticle characterization included size, charge, PDI, morphology, stability, and drug loading.
• SCAP cells were treated with free WS6 or WS6-loaded NPs, with cellular uptake, viability, differentiation, maturation markers, apoptosis, and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) assessed.

Main Results:

• WS6-loaded NPs significantly improved SCAP cell viability and increased the percentage of healthy cells.
• NP treatment enhanced IPC maturation, evidenced by increased expression of key markers.
• Treated IPCs exhibited functional insulin secretion and improved glucose regulation in vitro.

Conclusions:

• WS6-loaded nanoparticles represent a promising strategy to overcome SCAP cell survival limitations in diabetes therapy.
• This approach enhances IPC proliferation, maturation, and function, paving the way for improved cell-based diabetes treatments.
• Further research into WS6-loaded NPs could lead to more effective regenerative therapies for diabetes.