Nanoparticle colloidal stability in cell culture media and impact on cellular interactions

Abstract

Nanomaterials are finding increasing use for biomedical applications such as imaging, diagnostics, and drug delivery. While it is well understood that nanoparticle (NP) physico-chemical properties can dictate biological responses and interactions, it has been difficult to outline a unifying framework to directly link NP properties to expected in vitro and in vivo outcomes. When introduced to complex biological media containing electrolytes, proteins, lipids, etc., nanoparticles (NPs) are subjected to a range of forces which determine their behavior in this environment. One aspect of NP behavior in biological systems that is often understated or overlooked is aggregation. NP aggregation will significantly alter in vitro behavior (dosimetry, NP uptake, cytotoxicity), as well as in vivo fate (pharmacokinetics, toxicity, biodistribution). Thus, understanding the factors driving NP colloidal stability and aggregation is paramount. Furthermore, studying biological interactions with NPs at the nanoscale level requires an interdisciplinary effort with a robust understanding of multiple characterization techniques. This review examines the factors that determine NP colloidal stability, the various efforts to stabilize NP in biological media, the methods to characterize NP colloidal stability in situ, and provides a discussion regarding NP interactions with cells.

Combined Effects of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles and Chemotherapeutic Agents on Prostate Cancer Cells In Vitro

“…In this study, aggregation of Fe 3 O 4 NPs was observed in culture media, and induced ROS production in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, this is an interesting, leading that complex of MNPs, a chemotherapeutic agent and FBS may effect on interactions such as cellular uptake via alternative endocytosis pathways [26]. However, there remains a problem to be solved by further studies.…”

Plasmonic nanoparticles and their characterization in physiological fluids

“…In this review, we have presented different methods that are nowadays used for the detection and quantification of plasmonic NPs in physiological fluids. In order to understand NP behavior in physiological environments, it is not enough to only supply robust and universal characterization methods but also to be aware of their limitations, and apply, whenever possible, more than one technique [41].…”

“…This additionally highlights the necessity of taking into account sedimentation and diffusion, which can vary wildly for aggregates. In a recent review, we have described the current state-of-the art, the theory behind it, current bottlenecks in this field [41].…”

“…Depending on cell type, a specific medium is used to culture cells in vitro. We refer the reader to specialized reviews [41] that describe the composition between the most common cell culture media. medium can be described as a buffered solution containing proteins such as serum albumin, globulins, other biomolecules such as vitamins and amino acids, and ionic salts.…”

Taylor Dispersion of Inorganic Nanoparticles and Comparison to Dynamic Light Scattering and Transmission Electron Microscopy

“…For this purpose, several analytical methods such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), NP tracking analysis (NTA), UV-Vis spectroscopy, field-flow fractionation, analytical ultracentrifugation, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have been utilized to characterize NP sizes and size distributions [4][5][6][7][8]. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and a combination of techniques is typically recommended to adequately characterize NPs [4]. For example, TEM provides information about NP core sizes, but cannot evaluate NP hydrodynamic diameters.…”