Magnetic layer-by-layer coated particles for efficient MRI of dendritic cells and mesenchymal stem cells.

Aim: Cell detection by MRI requires high doses of contrast agent for generating image contrast. Therefore, there is a constant need to develop improved systems that further increase sensitivity, and which could be used in clinical settings. In this study, we devised layer-by-layer particles and tested their potential for cell labeling.

Tailoring layer-by-layer capsules for biomedical applications.

Polymeric capsules have attracted great interest as versatile carrier systems in the area of medicine and pharmaceutics. These capsules are made by stepwise layer-by-layer adsorption of polymers onto a template core, which can be removed to produce hollow capsules. The cavity of these capsules can host various cargo molecules while the capsules' wall can be functionalized towards desired properties by embedding specific moieties into the multilayers.

Polyelectrolyte LbL microcapsules versus PLGA microparticles for immunization with a protein antigen.

The transition from organism-based traditional vaccines to the use of safer subunit vaccines has implemented the use of adjuvants to enhance immunogenicity. This study compares the potential of two types of polymeric microparticles as delivery systems for the model antigen ovalbumin. The delivery systems encompassed polyelectrolyte microcapsules, assembled via Layer-by-Layer technology, and PLGA microparticles fabricated by spray-drying.

mRNA-Lipoplex loaded microbubble contrast agents for ultrasound-assisted transfection of dendritic cells.

In cancer immunotherapy the immune system should be triggered to specifically recognize and eliminate tumor cells in the patient's body. This could be achieved by loading dendritic cells (DCs) with tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). This can be achieved by transfecting DCs with messenger RNA encoding a tumor-associated antigen.

Particulate vaccines: on the quest for optimal delivery and immune response.

Subunit vaccines offer a safer alternative to traditional organism-based vaccines, but their immunogenicity is impaired. This hurdle might be overcome by the use of micro- and nanodelivery systems carrying the antigen(s). This review discusses the rationale for the use of particulate vaccines and provides an overview of antigen-delivery vehicles currently under investigation.

Lyophilization of protein-loaded polyelectrolyte microcapsules.

Purpose: To evaluate if lyophilization can be used to obtain a dry formulation of polyelectrolyte microcapsules, which have emerged as a new class of microparticles for the encapsulation and delivery of biomacromolecules.

Methods: Microcapsules composed of dextran sulfate and poly-L-arginine were obtained by coating CaCO(3) microparticles by means of the layer-by-layer technique. Microcapsules were lyophilized using different stabilizers; intactness was checked by CLSM and SEM.

Encapsulation performance of layer-by-layer microcapsules for proteins.

This study reports on the encapsulation efficiency of proteins in dextran sulfate/poly-L-arginine-based microcapsules, fabricated via layer-by-layer assembly (LbL). For this purpose, radiolabeled proteins are entrapped in CaCO(3) microparticles, followed by LbL coating of the CaCO(3) cores and subsequent dissolving of the CaCO(3) using EDTA. To allow to improve protein encapsulation in LbL microcapsules, we studied all steps in the preparation of the microcapsules where loss of protein load might occur.