Neuron cells uptake of polymeric microcapsules and subsequent intracellular release

Macromol Biosci. 2011 Jun 14;11(6):848-54. doi: 10.1002/mabi.201000494. Epub 2011 Apr 19.

Abstract

Neuron cells uptake of biodegradable and synthetic polymeric microcapsules functionalized with aggregates of gold nanoparticles incorporated into their shells is demonstrated in situ. In addition to traditionally used optical microscopy, electron microscopy is used both for higher-resolution imaging and for confirming the uptake by focused ion beam cross-sectioning of specific cells in situ. Subsequently, physical methods of release are compared to chemical methods wherein laser-induced intracellular release of dextran molecules into the cytosol of hippocampal neuron cells is studied in comparison to biodegradation. Implications of this work for neuroscience, bio-medicine and single cell studies are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemical synthesis
  • Biocompatible Materials / metabolism*
  • Biological Transport
  • Calcium Carbonate / chemistry
  • Capsules* / chemical synthesis
  • Capsules* / metabolism
  • Capsules* / radiation effects
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Dextrans / analysis
  • Dextrans / metabolism*
  • Drug Compounding / methods
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate / analogs & derivatives*
  • Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate / analysis
  • Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate / metabolism
  • Gold / chemistry
  • Hippocampus / cytology
  • Lasers
  • Light
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Molecular Imaging / methods*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Neurons / pathology*
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis
  • Polymers / metabolism*
  • Rats
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry
  • Surface Properties / radiation effects

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Capsules
  • Dextrans
  • Polymers
  • fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran
  • Gold
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Calcium Carbonate
  • Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate