Surface modification of gold nanoparticles with neuron-targeted exosome for enhanced blood–brain barrier penetration

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been extensively used as nanomaterials for theranostic applications due to their multifunctional characteristics in therapeutics, imaging, and surface modification. In this study, the unique functionalities of exosome-derived membranes were combined with synthetic AuNPs for targeted delivery to brain cells. Here, we report the surface modification of AuNPs with brain-targeted exosomes derived from genetically engineered mammalian cells by using the mechanical method or extrusion to create these novel nanomaterials. The unique targeting properties of the AuNPs after fabrication with the brain-targeted exosomes was demonstrated by their binding to brain cells under laminar flow conditions as well as their enhanced transport across the blood brain barrier. In a further demonstration of their ability to target brain cells, in vivo bioluminescence imaging revealed that targeted-exosome coated AuNPs accumulated in the mouse brain after intravenous injection. The surface modification of synthetic AuNPs with the brain-targeted exosome demonstrated in this work represents a highly novel and effective strategy to provide efficient brain targeting and shows promise for the future in using modified AuNPs to penetrate the brain.

Recent Advancements of Nanomedicine in Neurodegenerative Disorders Theranostics

“…Importantly, neuron‐targeted exosome with surface modified AuNPs were developed by Namdee and colleagues for enhanced BBB penetration and effective treatment for neurodegenerative diseases including PD. [ 101 ]…”

Multifunctional Polymeric Nanoplatforms for Brain Diseases Diagnosis, Therapy and Theranostics

“…The drugs stay inside or at the surface of biodegradable NPs and will be released in a tunable manner at a specific site in the body. In this way, the targeted delivery of drugs will enhance therapeutic efficiency and reduce drug toxicity and side effects [42,63]. Reduction of adverse side effects and improvements in the bioavailability of drugs with a short half-life are other potential benefits of NPs-based drug-delivery systems [64,65].…”

Engineered Extracellular Vesicles as a Reliable Tool in Cancer Nanomedicine

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