Cell Targeting (cell + targeting)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Biofunctionalized pH-Responsive Microgels for Cancer Cell Targeting: Rational Design,

ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 1 2006
M. Das
The design of a drug-delivery system based on bioconjugated, pH-responsive microgels is demonstrated. Microgels loaded with the anticancer drug Doxorubicin are introduced into the HeLa tumor cells by means of receptor- mediated endocytosis. Changes in pH within the intracellular environment induce shrinkage of microgels, triggering the drug release into the cells. The microgel described in this work shows enhanced cytotoxicity to HeLa cells (see Figure). [source]


Synthesis of Folic Acid Functionalized PLLA- b -PPEGMA Nanoparticles for Cancer Cell Targeting

MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS, Issue 8 2009
Feixiong Hu
Abstract Poly(L -lactic acid)- block -poly(poly(ethylene glycol) monomethacrylate) (PLLA- b -PPEGMA) has been prepared by the ring-opening polymerization of lactide with a double-headed initiator, 2-hydroxyethyl 2,-methyl-2,-bromopropionate (HMBP), followed by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of poly(ethylene glycol) monomethacrylate (PEGMA). PLLA- b -PPEGMA nanoparticles with encapsulated Fe3O4 are prepared by a solvent evaporation/extraction technique, and then further functionalized with folic acid, a cancer targeting ligand. Our results show that such functionalized PLLA- b -PPEGMA nanoparticles have good potential as carriers for targeted drug delivery in cancer treatment. [source]


Integrated Multifunctional Nanosystems for Medical Diagnosis and Treatment

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 21 2009
*Article first published online: 9 OCT 200, Donglu Shi
Abstract This article provides an overview on the development of integrated multifunctional nanosystems for medical diagnosis and treatment. In particular, a novel system is developed specifically for achieving simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Critical issues are addressed on the architecture and assembly of nanocomponents based on medical requirements: targeted in vivo imaging, controlled drug release, localized hyperthermia, and toxicity. Nanotube-based carriers are summarized with surface functionalized properties. Other types of nanocarriers are also included such as super paramagnetic composite nanospheres and biodegradable hydroxylapatite nanoparticles. In addition, polymeric-based nanosystems are introduced with several novel features: they can be bio-dissolved due to environmental pH and temperature fluctuations. The nanocarriers are surface tailored with key functionalities: surface antibodies for cell targeting, anti-cancer drug loading, and magnetic nanoparticles for both hyperthermia and MRI. Future requirements, aims, and trends in the development of multifunctional nanosystems, particularly with intelligent functionalities for fundamental studies, are also provided. [source]


Generic Method of Preparing Multifunctional Fluorescent Nanoparticles Using Flash NanoPrecipitation

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 5 2009
Mustafa Akbulut
Abstract There is increased demand for nanoparticles with a high fluorescence yield that have the desired excitation wavelength, surface functionalization, and particle size to act as biological probes. Here, a simple, rapid, and robust method, Flash NanoPrecipitation (FNP), to produce such fluorescent nanoparticles is described. This process involves encapsulation of a hydrophobic fluorophore with an amphiphilic biocompatible diblock copolymer in a kinetically frozen state. FNP is used to produce nanoparticles ranging from 30 to 800,nm with fluorescence emission peaks ranging from, but not limited to, 370,nm to 720,nm. Such fluorescent nanoparticles remain stable in aqueous solutions, and, in contrast to soluble dyes, show no photobleaching. Fluorophores and drugs are incorporated into a single nanoparticle, allowing for simultaneous drug delivery and biological imaging. In addition, functionalization of nanoparticle surfaces with disease-specific ligands permits precise cell targeting. These features make FNP-produced fluorescent nanoparticles highly desirable for various biological applications. [source]


Properties of cell penetrating peptides (CPPs)

IUBMB LIFE, Issue 1 2006
Alexandre Kerkis
Abstract Different approaches have been developed for the introduction of macromolecules, proteins and DNA into target cells. Viral (retroviruses, lentiviruses, etc.) and nonviral (liposomes, bioballistics etc.) vectors as well as lipid particles have been tested as DNA delivery systems. However, all of them share several undesirable effects that are difficult to overcome, such as unwanted immunoresponse and limited cell targeting. The discovery of the cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) showing properties of macromolecules carriers and enhancers of viral vectors, opened new opportunities for the delivery of biologically active cargos, including therapeutically relevant genes into various cells and tissues. This review summarizes recent data about the best characterized CPPs as well as those sharing cell-penetrating and cargo delivery properties despite differing in the primary sequence. The putative mechanisms of CPPs penetration into cells and interaction with intracellular structures such as chromosomes, cytoskeleton and centrioles are addressed. We further discuss recent developments in overcoming the lack of cells specificity, one of the main obstacles for CPPs application in gene therapy. In particular, we review a newly discovered affinity of CPPs to actively proliferating cells. IUBMB Life, 58: 7 - 13, 2006 [source]


Manufacturing antibodies in the plant cell

BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL, Issue 12 2009
Diego Orzáez Dr.
Abstract Plants have long been considered advantageous platforms for large-scale production of antibodies due to their low cost, scalability, and the low chances of pathogen contamination. Much effort has therefore been devoted to efficiently producing mAbs (from nanobodies to secretory antibodies) in plant cells. Several technical difficulties have been encountered and are being overcome. Improvements in production levels have been achieved by manipulation of gene expression and, more efficiently, of cell targeting and protein folding and assembly. Differences in mAb glycosylation patterns between animal and plant cells are being successfully addressed by the elimination and introduction of the appropriate enzyme activities in plant cells. Another relevant battlefield is the dichotomy between production capacity and speed. Classically, stably transformed plant lines have been proposed for large scale mAb production, whereas the use of transient expression systems has always provided production speed at the cost of scalability. However, recent advances in transient expression techniques have brought impressive yield improvements, turning speed and scalability into highly compatible assets. In the era of personalized medicines, the combination of yield and speed, and the advances in glyco-engineering have made the plant cell a serious contender in the field of recombinant antibody production. [source]


Enhanced antitumor efficacy of folate-linked liposomal doxorubicin with TGF-, type I receptor inhibitor

CANCER SCIENCE, Issue 10 2010
Yukimi Taniguchi
Tumor cell targeting of drug carriers is a promising strategy and uses the attachment of various ligands to enhance the therapeutic potential of chemotherapy agents. Folic acid is a high-affinity ligand for folate receptor, which is a functional tumor-specific receptor. The transforming growth factor (TGF)-, type I receptor (T,R-I) inhibitor A-83-01 was expected to enhance the accumulation of nanocarriers in tumors by changing the microvascular environment. To enhance the therapeutic effect of folate-linked liposomal doxorubicin (F-SL), we co-administrated F-SL with A-83-01. Intraperitoneally injected A-83-01-induced alterations in the cancer-associated neovasculature were examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological analysis. The targeting efficacy of single intravenous injections of F-SL combined with A-83-01 was evaluated by measurement of the biodistribution and the antitumor effect in mice bearing murine lung carcinoma M109. A-83-01 temporarily changed the tumor vasculature around 3 h post injection. A-83-01 induced 1.7-fold higher drug accumulation of F-SL in the tumor than liposome alone at 24 h post injection. Moreover F-SL co-administrated with A-83-01 showed significantly greater antitumor activity than F-SL alone. This study shows that co-administration of T,R-I inhibitor will open a new strategy for the use of FR-targeting nanocarriers for cancer treatment. (Cancer Sci 2010); 00: 000,000 [source]