Lipoproteins and lipoprotein mimetics for imaging and drug delivery

Abstract

Lipoproteins are a set of natural nanoparticles whose main role is the transport of fats within the body. While much work has been done to develop synthetic nanocarriers to deliver drugs or contrast media, natural nanoparticles such as lipoproteins represent appealing alternatives. Lipoproteins are biocompatible, biodegradable, non-immunogenic and are naturally targeted to some disease sites. Lipoproteins can be modified to act as contrast agents in many ways, such as by insertion of gold cores to provide contrast for computed tomography. They can be loaded with drugs, nucleic acids, photosensitizers or boron to act as therapeutics. Attachment of ligands can re-route lipoproteins to new targets. These attributes render lipoproteins attractive and versatile delivery vehicles. In this review we will provide background on lipoproteins, then survey their roles as contrast agents, in drug and nucleic acid delivery, as well as in photodynamic therapy and boron neutron capture therapy.

Simultaneous delivery of anti-miR21 with doxorubicin prodrug by mimetic lipoprotein nanoparticles for synergistic effect against drug resistance in cancer cells

“…35 In comparison to native HDLs, the slightly larger HMNs were still appropriate substrates for the binding and recognition by HDL receptors on the basis of earlier studies. 32,48,49 In addition, the different ζ-potentials of HMNs might reflect the exposed NLS-Dox on the surface of nanoparticles, which was used to evaluate roughly the DMPG-coating efficiency of NLS-Dox and anti-miR21 complexes. According to the results (Figure 3B), the ζ-potential of HMNs gradually decreased when the amount of DMPG was increased, and the negatively charged surface of optimized HMNs indicated the absolute shielding of cationic NLS-Dox/anti-miR21 complexes.…”

“…[32][33][34][35] Furthermore, HDL plays a crucial role in the reverse cholesterol-transport process, acting as a vehicle that transports cholesterols to a variety of organs for metabolism. [36][37][38] It is worth mentioning that cholesterol is an essential element to form cell membranes.…”

Nanomedicine Meets microRNA

“…While the HDL is known for its role in cholesterol transport, it can also act as carriers for systemic delivery of drugs and imaging agents. 60 Inorganic Metal-oxide NPs such as mesoporous silica NPs, iron oxide and gold NPs, are physicochemically and biochemically stable NP platforms with high surface area, and less drug leakage. These NP platforms are extensively used in theranostics and multimodality imaging applications.…”

Systemically administered collagen-targeted gold nanoparticles bind to arterial injury following vascular interventions

“…; Thaxton et al. ). Critical to the design of nanoparticle therapeutics is the ability to integrate multiple functions into complex nanosystems, such as targeting moieties, therapeutic payloads and/or imaging modalities, while remaining biocompatible.…”