scFv-Anti-LDL(-)-Metal-Complex Multi-Wall Functionalized-Nanocapsules as a Promising Tool for the Prevention of Atherosclerosis Progression.

Atherosclerosis can be originated from the accumulation of modified cholesterol-rich lipoproteins in the arterial wall. The electronegative LDL, LDL(-), plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis once this cholesterol-rich lipoprotein can be internalized by macrophages, contributing to the formation of foam cells, and provoking an immune-inflammatory response. Herein, we engineered a nanoformulation containing highly pure surface-functionalized nanocapsules using a single-chain fragment variable (scFv) reactive to LDL(-) as a ligand and assessed whether it can affect the LDL(-) uptake by primary macrophages and the progression of atherosclerotic lesions in mice.

A nanoformulation containing a scFv reactive to electronegative LDL inhibits atherosclerosis in LDL receptor knockout mice.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease responsible for the majority of cases of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. The electronegative low-density lipoprotein, a modified subfraction of native LDL, is pro-inflammatory and plays an important role in atherogenesis. To investigate the effects of a nanoformulation (scFv anti-LDL(-)-MCMN-Zn) containing a scFv reactive to LDL(-) on the inhibition of atherosclerosis, its toxicity was evaluated in vitro and in vivo and further it was also administered weekly to LDL receptor knockout mice.

Laronidase-functionalized multiple-wall lipid-core nanocapsules: promising formulation for a more effective treatment of mucopolysaccharidosis type I.

Purpose: Mucopolysaccharidosis I is a genetic disorder caused by alpha-L-iduronidase deficiency. Its primary treatment is enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), which has limitations such as a high cost and a need for repeated infusions over the patient's lifetime. Considering that nanotechnological approaches may enhance enzyme delivery to organs and can reduce the dosage thereby enhancing ERT efficiency and/or reducing its cost, we synthesized laronidase surface-functionalized lipid-core nanocapsules (L-MLNC).

New strategy to surface functionalization of polymeric nanoparticles: one-pot synthesis of scFv anti-LDL(-)-functionalized nanocapsules.

Purpose: In general, the surface functionalization of polymeric nanoparticles is carried out by covalently bounding ligands to the nanoparticle surface. This process can cause a lack or decrease of the ligand specificity to its target receptor, besides the need of purification steps. We proposed a ligand-metal-chitosan-lecithin complex as a new strategy to functionalize the surface of biodegradable nanoparticles.

In vivo gastroprotective effect of nanoparticles: influence of chemical composition and volume fraction.

In nanomedicine, different nanomaterials and nanoparticles have been proposed as therapeutic agents or adjuvants, as well as diagnosis devices. Considering that the principal cause of the ulcerations is the imbalance among the gastric juice secretion and the protection provided by the mucosal barrier and the neutralization of the gastric acid, as well as that nanoparticles are able to accumulate in the gastro-intestinal tissues, we proposed a 2(2) factorial design to evaluate the influence of the chemical composition and the volume fraction of the dispersed phase on the gastric protective effect against ulceration induced by ethanol. Cocoa-theospheres (CT) and lipid-core nanocapsules (LNC) (two different kinds of surfaces: lipid and polymeric, respectively) prepared at two different concentrations of soft materials: 4% and 12% (w/v) were produced by high pressure homogenization and solvent displacement methods, respectively.

Hemocompatibility of poly(ɛ-caprolactone) lipid-core nanocapsules stabilized with polysorbate 80-lecithin and uncoated or coated with chitosan.

The hemocompatibility of nanoparticles is of critical importance for their systemic administration as drug delivery systems. Formulations of lipid-core nanocapsules, stabilized with polysorbate 80-lecithin and uncoated or coated with chitosan (LNC and LNC-CS), were prepared and characterized by laser diffraction (D[4,3]: 129 and 134 nm), dynamic light scattering (119 nm and 133 nm), nanoparticle tracking (D50: 124 and 139 nm) and particle mobility (zeta potential: -15.1 mV and +9.