Apolipoprotein E peptide-modified colloidal carriers: the design determines the mechanism of uptake in vascular endothelial cells.

Supramolecular structures, particularly micelles and liposomes equipped with uptake-mediating address compounds, have attracted much attention as pharmaceutical formulations. Their development requires an understanding of the mechanism by which the carrier systems interact with and translocate into the target cells. We developed an apolipoprotein E-derived peptide, called A2, that efficiently translocates across cell membranes.

Well-defined, multifunctional nanostructures of a paramagnetic lipid and a lipopeptide for macrophage imaging.

In the field of nanomedicine there is a great demand for technologies that allow the creation of self-assembled structures of which the size and morphology can be accurately controlled. In the current study, we report a nanoparticle platform that is composed of a paramagnetic lipid and a fluorescently labeled lipopeptide. By judiciously controlling the ratio of the aforementioned amphiphilic molecules, a variety of well-defined nanosized supramolecular structures with different sizes and morphologies could be created.

Incorporation of an apoE-derived lipopeptide in high-density lipoprotein MRI contrast agents for enhanced imaging of macrophages in atherosclerosis.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is becoming a pivotal diagnostic method to identify and characterize vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. We previously reported a reconstituted high-density lipoprotein (rHDL) nanoparticle platform enriched with Gd-based amphiphiles as a plaque-specific MR imaging contrast agent. Further modification can be accomplished by inserting targeting moieties into this platform to potentially allow for improved intraplaque macrophage uptake.

Insight into the role of HSPG in the cellular uptake of apolipoprotein E-derived peptide micelles and liposomes.

Liposomes and micellar carriers equipped with targeting and cellular uptake mediating peptides have attracted attention for numerous applications. The optimization of the carrier requires an understanding of how their properties influence target cell recognition and uptake. We developed a dipalmitoylated apolipoprotein E-derived peptide, named P2A2 as promising vector to mediate cellular uptake of potential micellar and liposomal carriers.

Affinity interactions between phenylboronic acid-carrying self-assembled monolayers and flavin adenine dinucleotide or horseradish peroxidase.

A method is provided for the recognition of glycated molecules based on their binding affinities to boronate-carrying monolayers. The affinity interaction of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) with phenylboronic acid monolayers on gold was investigated by using voltammetric and microgravimetric methods. Conjugates of 3-aminophenylboronic acid and 3,3'-dithiodipropionic acid di(N-hydroxysuccinimide ester) or 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid were prepared and self-assembled on gold surfaces to generate monolayers.