Lipoproteins: When size really matters

Abstract

The field of nanoscience is extending the applications of physics, chemistry and biology into previously unapproached infinitesimal length scales. Understanding the behavior and manipulating the positions and properties of single atoms and molecules hold great potential to improve areas of science as disparate as medicine and computation, and communication and orbiting satellites. Yet, in the race to develop novel, previously unavailable nanoparticles, there is an opportunity for scientists in this field to digress and to apply their growing understanding of nanoscience and the tools of nanotechnology to one of the most pressing problems in all of human biology-diseases related to lipoproteins. Although not appreciated outside the field of lipoprotein biology, variations in the compositions, structures and properties of these nanoscale-sized, blood-borne particles are responsible for most of the variations in health, morbidity and mortality in the Western world. If the lipoproteins could be understood at the nanometer length scale with precise details of their structures and functions, scientists could understand a wide range of perplexing physiological processes and also address the dysfunctions in normal lipoprotein biology that lead to such diseases as hypercholesterolemia, heart disease, stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, if the capabilities of nanoscience to assemble and manipulate nanometer-sized particles could be recruited to studies of lipoproteins, these biological particles would provide a new dimension to therapeutic agents, and these natural particles could be designed to carry out many specialized beneficial tasks.

Adipose‐Derived Biogenic Nanoparticles for Suppression of Inflammation

“…In conclusion, BiNP characterization was successfully performed in accordance with the 2018 minimal information for studies of EV (MISEV) guidelines,30 revealing marked differences in yield, protein concentration, and protein markers between ADSC‐EVs and Lipo‐NPs. Various lipoprotein‐based BiNPs can be found in the body, including chylomicrons (200–600 nm), very low‐density lipoproteins (VLDL; 30–90 nm), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL; 21–27 nm), and high‐density lipoproteins (HDL; 7–13 nm) 35. As isolation is based on size‐dependent separation of components, it is likely that Lipo‐NPs are a mixture of both EVs and lipoproteins, as indicated by cryo‐TEM and lipoprotein markers.…”

Asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation for improved characterization of human plasma lipoproteins

“…This peak may be due to LDL that is reversibly adsorbed to the SP-AF4 membrane or more well retained intermediate density lipoproteins and very low density lipoproteins. [40] These two lipoprotein classes are not specifically investigated because the focus of this work is on the most commonly studied risk factors, HDL and LDL.…”

“…It is possible that other lipoprotein subclasses with larger sizes than LDL such as IDL or VLDL may partially co-elute at longer retention times or after the ⩒ c is turned off. [40] The void peak at ~2.5 minutes decreases significantly after protein depletion. The peak after the ⩒ c is turned off has no detectable apoA1 and contains trace levels of apoB100 (determined by Western blot).…”

Food Nanotechnologies: Purchasing a Double Edge Sword

“…With nanotechnology, a scientist can not only calculate but also manipulate matter at nanoscale for novel inventions 5 . Nature itself has beautifully well designed nanomaterials (NMs) like vital biological molecules which govern the very existence of human beings 6 . The science of nanotechnology dated to the ancient era, has now revolutionised the modern day world.…”