Uptake of Long Protein-Polyelectrolyte Nanotubes by Dendritic Cells

Abstract

Anisotropic nanostructures, such as nanotubes, incorporating bioactive molecules present interesting features for application as drug delivery carriers. Here, we present the synthesis of layer-by-layer (LbL) nanotubes including protein (ovalbumin) layers and go from simple to more complex synergetic combinations of synthetic and natural polyelectrolytes, leading to structures with tunable properties. The rigidity in organic and aqueous media, the stability in buffer solution and the uptake of different LbL tubes by dendritic cells (DCs) are analyzed to contrast size and chemistry. The most rigid studied systems appear as the best candidates to be internalized by cells, regardless of the chemistry of their outermost layers. The successful transport of long protein-loaded robust rigid nanotubes to the cytoplasm of DCs paves the way for their use as new cargo for the delivery of large amounts of antigen to such cells.

Enzyme-assisted mineralization of calcium phosphate: exploring confinement for the design of highly crystalline nano-objects

“…Moreover, it is a versatile technique which may be applied to almost all substrates independently of their shape, chemical composition and physical properties, including nanoporous materials. 16 Bioactive nanotubes/nanowires have been obtained by some of us [17][18][19] and other groups. [20][21][22] They were successfully used for different purposes, such as the control of preosteoblast adhesion.…”

Nanofibrillar Patches of Commensal Skin Bacteria

“…Here, we explore an alternative route, based on the coassembly of soft nanotubes and bacteria into hybrid patches. The selected nanotube production methodology is LbL assembly in the nanopores of a track-etched membrane, followed by membrane dissolution and nanotube recovery in aqueous suspension. − Nanofibrillar mats can be obtained by the simple sedimentation of LbL nanotubes on a filter . Templated LbL assembly is especially interesting in the aim to incorporate a wide range of sensitive components in nanotubes, including enzymes and other biomacromolecules which do not always survive the harsher conditions of alternative techniques (e.g., electrospinning).…”

Protein Microtube Motors with a Pt Nanoparticle Interior and Avidin Exterior for Self-Propelled Transportation, Separation, and Stirring

“…Cylindrical hollow structures in micrometer-scale “microtubes” can perform different tasks in three separate structural parts: the inner surface, tube wall, and outer surface. Wet-template-assisted synthesis using alternate layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly in a track-etched polycarbonate (PC) membrane is a useful procedure to create smart microtubes comprising soft materials. − Aqueous solutions of biologically active macromolecules such as DNAs, polypeptides, − polysaccharides, , and proteins ,,− are filtered through the PC membrane and are deposited onto the pore walls. Subsequently, dissolution of the template yields uniform hollow cylinders.…”

“…An important benefit of this strategy is that one can easily design the innermost layer by changing the final filtration material. Various tubules having versatile functions in the one-dimensional (1-D) pore space have been synthesized, such as molecular cargos, ,,, virus traps, , E. coli remover, and nanosize reactors. , Self-propelled microtube motors have attracted scientific interest during the past decade. − Many metal-based capillaries containing an internal wall of Pt (or Ag) thin film have been fabricated by rolling-up processing with photolithography ,− or templating synthesis with electrochemical deposition. ,− A disproportionation reaction of H 2 O 2 (H 2 O 2 → H 2 O + 1 / 2 O 2 ) takes place on the Pt surface with subsequent continuous ejection of O 2 bubbles from the terminal opening. As a result, the tube gains thrust in the direction opposite to the bubble discharge.…”

“…An important benefit of this strategy is that one can easily design the innermost layer by changing the final filtration material. Various tubules having versatile functions in the onedimensional (1-D) pore space have been synthesized, such as molecular cargos, 4,5,7,8 virus traps, 9,10 E. coli remover, 11 and nanosize reactors. 3,12 Self-propelled microtube motors have attracted scientific interest during the past decade.…”