Colloidal Apatite Nanoparticles: Insights on their Interaction with Cells and Artificial Lipid Membranes

Abstract

Biomimetic nanocrystalline apatites are analogous to bone mineral. They can be exploited not only for bone regeneration applications, but it is also possible to take advantage of their biomimetic features to explore novel domains of research such as in nanomedicine, if the nanoparticles are stabilized as a colloidal formulation. In this contribution, we concentrate on AEP/HMP-stabilized colloidal apatite nanoparticles (NPs) and on their interaction with different types of cells so as to get experimental evidence on their low cytotoxicity, non-proinflammatory potential, and good compatibility with Red Blood Cells. We then started to explore their interaction with an artificial free-standing phospholipid bilayer, as a simplified model for cell membranes: results indicate, for the first time, that these colloidal apatite NPs can modulate phospholipid bilayer membrane properties, and may even favor the permeation of small molecules (illustrated here with luminescent FITC), which could ultimately be exploited for nanomedicine applications in view of enhancing intracellular drug delivery.