Polymeric Microporous Nanofilms as Smart Platforms for <italic>in Vitro</italic> Assessment of Nanoparticle Translocation and Caco-2 Cell Culture

Abstract

The study of nanomaterial translocation across epithelial barriers is often hindered by the low permeability of transwell membranes to nanoparticles. To address this issue ultra-thin poly(L-lactic acid) nanofilms with zero tortuosity micropores were developed for use in nanoparticle passage tests. In this study we demonstrate that microporous polymeric nanofilms allow a significantly higher passage of silver nanoparticles in comparison with commercial membranes normally used in transwell inserts. A reliable procedure for collecting free-standing nanofilms which enables their manipulation and use in lab-on-chip systems is described. We also demonstrate the cytocompatibility of porous nanofilms and their ability to sustain the adhesion and proliferation of Caco-2 cells. Ultra-thin microporous membranes show promise as low-cost nanomaterial screening tools and may be used as matrices for the development of bioengineered systems for mimicking the intestinal epithelium.

The Nano–Intestine Interaction: Understanding the Location‐Oriented Effects of Engineered Nanomaterials in the Intestine

“…Reproduced with permission. [72] Copyright 2016, IEEE. The release of silver ion changes particle size and aggregation state and is involved in the generation of hydroxyl radical [52] Ag nanosphere ( Commonly used organic polymer NMs, such as poly(llactic acid) and poly(anhydride) NMs, often show good compatibility to the intestine.…”

“…The release of silver ion changes particle size and aggregation state and is involved in the generation of hydroxyl radical [52] Ag nanosphere ( Commonly used organic polymer NMs, such as poly(llactic acid) and poly(anhydride) NMs, often show good compatibility to the intestine. [34,72] By exploiting this property, a microporous ultrathin poly(llactic acid) nanofilm was constructed as an intelligent platform for the evaluation of NMs' translocations and toxicity (Figure 5d). [72] Combined together, to evaluate the biological effects of nano materials on IECs or other intestinal components, the proper ties of nanomaterials, such as size, shape, surface modification, released ions, and composition, should be taken into consid eration for coupling with the models.…”

“…[34,72] By exploiting this property, a microporous ultrathin poly(llactic acid) nanofilm was constructed as an intelligent platform for the evaluation of NMs' translocations and toxicity (Figure 5d). [72] Combined together, to evaluate the biological effects of nano materials on IECs or other intestinal components, the proper ties of nanomaterials, such as size, shape, surface modification, released ions, and composition, should be taken into consid eration for coupling with the models. Besides, since the type of nanomaterials used in foodrelevant products, as well as the manner incorporated into products, is vastly diverse, therefore, the design strategy to address the intestinal risks of nanoma terials must be general and practical enough to cover the wide spectrum of nanomaterials.…”

Retrieval of magnetic medical microrobots from the bloodstream

“…This technique enabled to quantify the amount of nanoparticles dispersed in the sample, thus not retrieved by the magnetic module. Samples underwent sonication, dissolution in hydrochloric acid, digestion and dilution (Agilent Technologies 7700 Series ICP-MS) [30] prior measurements. By assuming a uniform distribution of nanoparticles in the collected volume, the amount of iron (thus of nanoparticles) was derived (by comparison with a standard curve).…”

Thin polymeric films for building biohybrid microrobots

“…Some examples are poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) nanosheets used for surgical sealing operations [23], polysaccharide nanosheets easily transferable and used as nano-plasters e.g. for treating skin burns [24], PLLA films for mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and differentiation [25], nanoscaffolds for cardiac repair [26], synthetic polyelectrolyte nanofilms for muscle regeneration [27], PLLA nanomembranes for repairing fetal membranes [28], heterogeneous nanofilms for triggerable drug delivery [29] and porous nanomembranes for testing nanoparticle translocation [30]. Polymeric thin films also find a large use nowadays as antifouling materials and biosensors, as reviewed in [31].…”