Publication
Impact of particle size and surface modification on gold nanoparticle penetration into human placental microtissues
Journal Paper/Review - Apr 27, 2017
Muoth Carina, Wick Peter, Jochum Wolfram, Wichser Adrian, Grieder Kathrin, Diener Liliane, Moya Sergio, Astruc Didier, Ruiz Jaime, Karst Uwe, Großgarten Mandy, Buerki-Thurnherr Tina
Units
PubMed
Doi
Citation
Type
Journal
Publication Date
Issn Electronic
Pages
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.