Dual-functionalized architecture enables stable and tumor cell-specific SiO2NPs 2 NPs in complex biological fluids

Author(s)

Ribeiro, Iris Renata Sousa ; da Silva, Raquel Frenedoso ; Domingues, Romenia Ramos ; Leme, Adriana Franco Paes ; Cardoso, Mateus Borba

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY; v. 15, p. 15-pg., 2024-10-07.

Abstract

Most commercial anticancer nanomedicines are administered intravenously. This route is fast and precise as the drug enters directly into the systemic circulation, without undergoing absorption processes. When nanoparticles come into direct contact with the blood, however, they interact with physiological components that can induce colloidal destabilization and/or changes in their original biochemical identity, compromising their ability to selectively accumulate at target sites. In this way, these systems usually lack active targeting, offering limited therapeutic effectiveness. In the literature, there is a paucity of in-depth studies in complex environments to evaluate nanoparticle stability, protein corona formation, hemolytic activity, and targeting capabilities. To address this issue, fluorescent silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) 2 NPs) are here functionalized with zwitterionic (kinetic stabilizer) and folate groups (targeting agent) to provide selective interaction with tumor cell lines in biological media. The stability of these dually functionalized SiO2NPs 2 NPs is preserved in unprocessed human plasma while yielding a decrease in the number of adsorbed proteins. Experiments in murine blood further proved that these nanoparticles are not hemolytic. Remarkably, the functionalized SiO2NPs 2 NPs are more internalized by tumor cells than their healthy counterparts. Investigations of this nature play a crucial role in garnering results with greater reliability, allowing the development of nanoparticle-based pharmaceutical drugs that exhibit heightened efficacy and reduced toxicity for medical purposes. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/21318-0 - Targeting of functionalized nanoparticles in microfluidics systems containing multiple organoids
• Grantee: Iris Renata Sousa Ribeiro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 21/12071-6 - Tailoring colloids through supramolecular interactions: from fundamentals to applications
• Grantee: Watson Loh
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/25406-5 - Organizing matter: colloids formed by association of surfactants, polymers and nanoparticles
• Grantee: Watson Loh
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/18471-6 - Targeting functionalized nanoparticles towards 2D and 3D colorectal cancer models from cell lines and patient tumor biospecimens in microfluidics systems
• Grantee: Iris Renata Sousa Ribeiro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate