Abstract
In the fields of biology and medicine, nanoproducts such as nanoparticles (NPs) are specifically interesting as theranostic tools, since they offer the double capacity to locally deliver active drugs and to image exactly where the product is delivered. Among the many described possibilities, silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) represent a good choice because of their ease of synthesis, the possibility of their vast functionalization, and their good biocompatibility. However, SiNPs’ passive cell internalization by endocytosis only distributes NPs into the cell cytoplasm and is unable to target the nucleus if SiNPs are larger than a few nanometers. In this study, we demonstrate that the cell penetration of SiNPs of 28–30 nm in diameter can be strongly enhanced using a physical method, called electroporation or electropermeabilization (EP). The uptake of fluorescently labelled silica nanoparticles was improved in two different cancer cell lines, namely, HCT-116 (human colon cancer) cells and RL (B-lymphoma) cells. First, we studied cells’ capability for the regular passive uptake of SiNPs in vitro. Then, we set EP parameters in order to induce a more efficient and rapid cell loading, also comprising the nuclear compartment, while preserving the cell viability. In the final approach, we performed in vivo experiments, and evidenced that the labeling was long-lasting, as confirmed by fluorescence imaging of labeled tumors, which enabled a 30-day follow-up. This kind of SiNPs delivery, achieved by EP, could be employed to load extensive amounts of active ingredients into the cell nucleus, and concomitantly allow the monitoring of the long-term fate of nanoparticles.
Highlights
IntroductionInnovative aspects in the nanosciences have been growing
Since the twentieth century, innovative aspects in the nanosciences have been growing
Over 10 min, no signal was observed the cell, proving that silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) were not affected by the electric field and did not release any Ru complex inside the cell, and LumiLys 650 NPs were only adsorbed to the outer membrane of the cell, proving (Figure 7B)
Summary
Innovative aspects in the nanosciences have been growing. NPs (SiNPs) represent a nanomaterial of choice, because of their ease of synthesis [6]; their possibility of being covalently functionalized with fluorescent moieties; their biocompatibility (as evidenced in murine models) [7]; their biodistribution [8]; and their biodegradability in vivo, as tissues degrade silica to orthosilicic acid [9], which is eliminated from the body. The application of a calibrated electric field to on cells (in vitro) or tissues (in vivo) allows the free access of several types of molecules into the cytoplasm or nucleus of cells. They observed that the uptake intensities of fluorescent-doped NPs depended upon their sizes and the external electric voltages applied Their studies suggest that nanoparticle entry pathways may be different depending on NPs’ composition, size, and fate in the cell.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
