Multicomponent organic nanoparticles for fluorescence studies in biological systems

Tom McDonald, Philip Martin, Joseph Patterson, Darren Smith, Marco Giardiello, Marco Marcello, Violaine See, Rachel O'Reilly, Andrew Owen, Steven Rannard

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    57 Citations (Scopus)
    26 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    The formation of dual-component organic nanoparticles by a modified emulsion-templated freeze-drying approach leads to aqueous nanosuspensions showing fluorescence (Förster) resonance energy transfer (FRET) from within a distribution of single nanoparticles. The combination of both FRET dyes within dual-component nanoparticles (<200 nm) allows the spatial and physical monitoring of the particles, as the FRET signal is lost on dissolution and breakdown of the nanoparticles. The monitoring of accumulation by Caco-2 cells and macrophages shows very limited internalization within the non-phagocytic cells. Conservation of FRET within the macrophages confirms extensive whole-particle internalization. The cellular permeability through Caco-2 monolayers is also assessed and movement of intact dual-component particles is observed, suggesting a mechanism for enhanced pharmacokinetics in vivo.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)2469-2478
    JournalAdvanced Functional Materials
    Volume22
    Issue number12
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 20 Jun 2012

    Keywords

    • nanosuspensions
    • cellular uptake
    • fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Multicomponent organic nanoparticles for fluorescence studies in biological systems'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this