Theranostic nanomaterials coated with cell membrane for Nanomedicine applications

• Grant number: 17/21869-6
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Effective date (Start): February 01, 2018
• Effective date (End): March 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biophysics
• Principal researcher: Valtencir Zucolotto
• Grantee: Paula Maria Pincela Lins
• Home Institution: Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Plasmonic nanoparticles have shown a great potential for the near infrared photothermal therapy. Gold nanorods have been outstanding, due to their optical properties, besides their stability and low toxicity in biological medium. However, the accumulation of nanomaterials in the target tissue and the circulation time are dependent on the ability of not been recognized by the immune system. Among the strategies used to overcome these barriers, the coating of nanoparticles with endogenous materials has been highlighted by its low cost and biocompatibility. Therefore, one of the goals of this project is to develop a multifunctional system using gold nanorods, coating them with the extracted cell membrane and the macrophages exosomes from RAW264.7 cells. It is known that cell membrane coating prevents phagocytosis of nanomaterials due to the presence of CD47. In addition, exosomes are used for cellular communication and can carry materials with specificity and at long distances. Despite the rapid progress of nanotechnology, there are still toxicological concerns of the interaction between biological systems and nanomaterials. Therefore, in order to promote the safe development of nanotechnology, it is essential to assess the adverse consequences of nanomaterials developed by relating the physical and chemical properties to possible toxicological effects. This project combines the development of a multifunctional nanomaterial with studies in toxicity, endocytosis and exocytosis usin three cell lines (HTC, HepaRG and RAW264.7). Initial results have shown that it is possible to synthesize nanorods in the near infrared region and extract exosomes from the proposed cell line. (AU)