Publication

Impact of particle size and surface modification on gold nanoparticle penetration into human placental microtissues

Journal Paper/Review - Apr 27, 2017

Units
PubMed
Doi

Citation
Muoth C, Wick P, Jochum W, Wichser A, Grieder K, Diener L, Moya S, Astruc D, Ruiz J, Karst U, Großgarten M, Buerki-Thurnherr T. Impact of particle size and surface modification on gold nanoparticle penetration into human placental microtissues. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2017; 12:1119-1133.
Type
Journal Paper/Review (English)
Journal
Nanomedicine (Lond) 2017; 12
Publication Date
Apr 27, 2017
Issn Electronic
1748-6963
Pages
1119-1133
Brief description/objective

AIM
Nanoparticle-based drug carriers hold great promise for the development of targeted therapies in pregnancy with reduced off-target effects. Here, we performed a mechanistic in vitro study on placental localization and penetration of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in dependence of particle size and surface modification.

MATERIALS & METHODS
AuNP uptake and penetration in human placental coculture microtissues was assessed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.

RESULTS
Higher uptake and deeper penetration was observed for smaller (3-4 nm) or sodium carboxylate-modified AuNPs than for larger (13-14 nm) or PEGylate AuNPs, which barely passed the trophoblast barrier layer.

CONCLUSION
It is possible to steer placental uptake and penetration of AuNPs by tailoring their properties, which is a prerequisite for the development of targeted therapies in pregnancy.