Cell Membrane Coating Technology: A Promising Strategy for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Cell membrane coating technology is an approach to the biomimetic replication of cell membrane properties, and is an active area of ongoing research readily applicable to nanoscale biomedicine. Nanoparticles (NPs) coated with cell membranes offer an opportunity to unite natural cell membrane properties with those of the artificial inner core material. The coated NPs not only increase their biocompatibility but also achieve effective and extended circulation in vivo, allowing for the execution of targeted functions. Although cell membrane-coated NPs offer clear advantages, much work remains before they can be applied in clinical practice. In this review, we first provide a comprehensive overview of the theory of cell membrane coating technology, followed by a summary of the existing preparation and characterization techniques. Next, we focus on the functions and applications of various cell membrane types. In addition, we collate model drugs used in cell membrane coating technology, and review the patent applications related to this technology from the past 10 years. Finally, we survey future challenges and trends pertaining to this technology in an effort to provide a comprehensive overview of the future development of cell membrane coating technology.

Neuroinflammation Treatment via Targeted Delivery of Nanoparticles

“…The recent advancements in the development of cell-coated nanoparticles capable of sustained drug-release in response to the microenvironment is steadily progressing toward more sophisticated therapeutic strategies and can lead to unique advantages for CNS drug delivery. There is a growing number of patents related to cell membrane coating technologies, which reflects the potential for clinical use (Liu et al, 2019). Although this technology has primarily been explored for cancer therapeutic applications, use in CNS pathologies will likely soon follow.…”

A Review on Nano-Based Drug Delivery System for Cancer Chemoimmunotherapy

“…The proteins on the cell membranes derived from different cells still retain bioactive, thus giving them the ability to immune escape, prolonged blood circulation time and tumor targeting [155,156]. Currently, cell membranes of biomimetic NPs mainly include erythrocyte, leukocytes, platelets, neutrophils, macrophages, T lymphocytes, stem cells and tumor cells [157][158][159]. Different cell membranes make biomimetic NPs have different functions in cancer therapy.…”

Biomimetic Nanocarriers for Cancer Target Therapy

“…For this reason, more recently, an innovative approach involving cell membrane-coated (CMC) NPs has emerged, owing to their self-recognized property, immune elusion and long-time circulation in vivo. In particular, membranes deriving from red blood cells (RBC), platelets, leukocytes, cancer and stem cells are used to mask NPs in order to elude immune clearance [17,18]. Specifically, cell membranes devoid of cytoplasm and organelles denoted as "cell ghosts" [19] can express precise markers for suitable NP distribution, being structurally and functional like their source cells from which they derive.…”

“…They also allow a direct coating of NPs avoiding additional chemical modifications. The resulting cell-ghost-coated NPs, thus, display a biologically intact bilayer membrane, while mimicking the surfaces of the source cells, with the potential to increase the biocompatibility of the nanocarriers, and achieving efficient and prolonged circulation in vivo, as well as performance of targeted purposes [17].…”