Exploring the Impact of Nanoparticle Stealth Coatings in Cancer Models: From PEGylation to Cell Membrane-Coating Nanotechnology

Abstract

Nanotechnological platforms offer advantages over conventional therapeutic and diagnostic modalities. However, the efficient biointerfacing of nanomaterials for biomedical applications remains challenging. In recent years, nanoparticles (NPs) with different coatings have been developed to reduce nonspecific interactions, prolong circulation time, and improve therapeutic outcomes. This study aims to compare various NP coatings to enhance surface engineering for more effective nanomedicines. We prepared and characterized polystyrene NPs with different coatings of poly(ethylene glycol), bovine serum albumin, chitosan, and cell membranes from a human breast cancer cell line. The coating was found to affect the colloidal stability, adhesion, and elastic modulus of NPs. Protein corona formation and cellular uptake of NPs were also investigated, and a 3D tumor model was employed to provide a more realistic representation of the tumor microenvironment. The prepared NPs were found to reduce protein adsorption, and cell-membrane-coated NPs showed significantly higher cellular uptake. The secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in human monocytes after incubation with the prepared NPs was evaluated. Overall, the study demonstrates the importance of coatings in affecting the behavior and interaction of nanosystems with biological entities. The findings provide insight into bionano interactions and are important for the effective implementation of stealth surface engineering designs.

Strategies Employed to Design Biocompatible Metal Nanoparticles for Medical Science and Biotechnology Applications

“…In this context, biocompatibility is understood as “the ability of a material to perform with an appropriate host response in a specific application” . Even though some mNP uses do not intend to cause interactions with living organisms, due to their shapes and sizes, some NPs are capable of overcoming the biological and physicochemical barriers of cellular organisms, an ability widely used in the application of drug delivery and imaging, but whose unwanted exposure can cause undesirable effects . Furthermore, NPs have a large surface area and surface-to-volume ratios, which promote substantial reactional areas …”

“…The biocompatibility of a nanomaterial is intrinsically related to its size and shape, as the surface properties and the molecules adsorbed to it. − Once in a biological system, like a living organism, there will be mechanisms that can make its application difficult, such as cell membrane barrier and defense response due to protein interactions, as well as an environment that can be adverse to its integrity, with electrolytes, surface binding substances and pH . The smaller the NPs are, the easier and higher the extent of their penetration into the cell membrane and organelles.…”

Revolution in Cancer Treatment: How Are Intelligently Designed Nanostructures Changing the Game?

“…Moreover, coatings have a substantial influence on the interaction between the nanosystem and its surroundings, ultimately impacting the delivery process of NPs in vivo. A thorough understanding of the characteristics and coating attributes, as well as their influence on the behavior of NPs, is crucial for the progress of reliable and effective nanotechnologies [2,27].…”

Cubic Zinc-Doped Iron Oxide Nanoparticles with Poly(Ethylene Glycol) or Sodium Citrate Surface Coatings for Tumor Imaging

“…Since the signal intensity is highly dependent on the accumulation amount of the MRI contrast agent, the in vivo behavior strongly affects the diagnosis efficiency . The in vivo behavior of an MRI contrast agent is mainly determined by the surface modification molecules . Sodium citrate (SC) is a convenient small molecule that can increase the stability of nanoparticles and reduce their aggregation and sedimentation .…”