The interactions of single-wall carbon nanohorns with polar epithelium

Abstract

Single-wall carbon nanohorns (SWCNHs), which have multitudes of horn interstices, an extensive surface area, and a spherical aggregate structure, offer many advantages over other carbon nanomaterials being used as a drug nanovector. The previous studies on the interaction between SWCNHs and cells have mostly emphasized on cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking, but seldom on epithelial cells. Polar epithelium as a typical biological barrier constitutes the prime obstacle for the transport of therapeutic agents to target site. This work tried to explore the permeability of SWCNHs through polar epithelium and their abilities to modulate transcellular transport, and evaluate the potential of SWCNHs in drug delivery. Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell monolayer was used as a polar epithelial cell model, and as-grown SWCNHs, together with oxidized and fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated bovine serum albumin-labeled forms, were constructed and comprehensively investigated in vitro and in vivo. Various methods such as transmission electron microscopy and confocal imaging were used to visualize their intracellular uptake and localization, as well as to investigate the potential transcytotic process. The related mechanism was explored by specific inhibitors. Additionally, fast multispectral optoacoustic tomography imaging was used for monitoring the distribution and transport process of SWCNHs in vivo after oral administration in nude mice, as an evidence for their interaction with the intestinal epithelium. The results showed that SWCNHs had a strong bioadhesion property, and parts of them could be uptaken and transcytosed across the MDCK monolayer. Multiple mechanisms were involved in the uptake and transcytosis of SWCNHs with varying degrees. After oral administration, oxidized SWCNHs were distributed in the gastrointestinal tract and retained in the intestine for up to 36 h probably due to their surface adhesion and endocytosis into the intestinal epithelium. Overall, this comprehensive investigation demonstrated that SWCNHs can serve as a promising nanovector that can cross the barrier of polar epithelial cells and deliver drugs effectively.

The Nano–Intestine Interaction: Understanding the Location‐Oriented Effects of Engineered Nanomaterials in the Intestine

“…For example, a recent work constructed a drug vector (oxidized singlewall carbon nanohorns) that can be retained for a long time in the intes tine of mice due to their surface adhesion and endocytosis into the intestinal epithelium. [71] Besides the intrinsic properties of NMs, the utilized model is also an unnegligible factor for the assessment of nanotoxicity on IECs. For example, CuO NMs showed totally different behavior on the morphology of both differentiated and undifferentiated monolayer models of Caco2 cells (Figure 5c).…”

Single-walled carbon-nanohorns improve biocompatibility over nanotubes by triggering less protein-initiated pyroptosis and apoptosis in macrophages

“…Therefore, it is very essential to compare these two types of nanocarbons in terms of their nanosafety and principles. Currently there are few studies, such Miyawaki et al tested the acute toxicities of SNH choosing CNT as one of references 11 – 14 .…”

Cellular Responses of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells to Carbon Nanomaterials

“…In fact, several studies have reported their effectiveness [14,15]. It has also been found that oxidation treatment makes CNHs hydrophilic, reduces aggregation, and enhances biocompatibility [16]. Although there are several reports on the pharmacokinetics of the poorly biodegradable CNHs, details about only relatively large accumulation sites have been revealed due to the poor detection sensitivity of CNHs [17][18][19][20][21].…”