Bio-identity and fate of albumin-coated SPIONs evaluated in cells and by the C. elegans model

Abstract

Unravelling meaningful relationships between the physiological impact of engineered nanoparticles and their synthetic and biological identity is of vital importance when considering nanoparticles biomedical uses and when establishing their nanotoxicological profile. This study contributes to better comprehend the inorganic nanoparticles' behavior in real biological milieus. We synthesized a controlled pre-formed BSA protein corona on SPIONs to lower unspecific cell uptake and decrease nanoparticle fouling with other proteins. Such findings may be of relevance considering clinical translation and regulatory issues of inorganic nanoparticles. Moreover, we have advanced in the validation of C. elegans as a simple animal model for assessing biological responses of engineering nanomaterials. The physiological response of BSA coated SPIONs was evaluated in vivo after their oral administration to C. elegans. Analyzing ultra-thin cross-sections of the worms by TEM with single-particle precision, we could track NP biodistribution along the digestive tract and determine unambiguously their translocation through biological barriers and cell membranes.

Fate of Polymer-Coated 15N-Urea in the Corn–Wheat Rotation System

“…According to a survey, the N use rate by winter wheat and summer corn was only 28.2% and 26.1%, respectively. This rate is, however, much lower than that of the world's average, that is, 33.5% and 37% for wheat and corn, respectively (Zhang et al, 2008;Yu et al, 2016). N fertilizer is a key factor for obtaining high yields in the corn-wheat rotation system.…”

Materials and toxicological approaches to study metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans

“…On the biomedical side, Gonzalez-Moragas et al reported lower toxicity of albumin-coated Fe 2 O 3 -NPs compared to citrate-stabilized Fe 2 O 3 -NPs, and attributed it to the reduced interaction of the former with the C. elegans cells, confirming the impact of a controlled surface coating on the bio-identity of NPs in vivo . [34, 67] …”

Toxicogenomics of iron oxide nanoparticles in the nematodeC. elegans

“…However, SPIONs also triggered a response of intestinal-related genes which might indicate that the proximity of the luminal NPs to the microvilli can influence microvilar structure and its remodeling processes. Although SPIONs did not cause intestinal cytotoxicity or structural damage at 24 hours, (Yu et al, 2016a) we do not discard that a prolonged contact with NPs could lead to irreversible damage on the intestinal barrier. (Zhao et al, 2014) Ferritin up-regulation occurred after SPION and Au-NP treatment, and similar effects were observed after C. elegans exposure to arsenic, cadmium and ethosuximide.…”

“…(Yu et al, 2016a). qPCR experiments showed that the pre-formed protein corona of the BSASPIONs mitigated the harmful effects compared to Cit-SPIONs, especially at low doses.…”

“…These findings are consistent with previous observations by electron microscopy, however further genetic and biochemical experimentation is required to confirm the internalization hypothesis. (Yu et al, 2016a) We report affectation of key signal transduction pathways (MAPK, Wnt and Ca signaling) and responsiveness of several biological cascades, including innate immune responses, metal detoxification and oxidative stress pathways. The deregulation of the defense/compensation mechanisms against NPs has the potential to disrupt key biological processes and finally result in premature death.…”