Fabrication of Biomimetic Hybrid Liposomes via Microfluidic Technology: Homotypic Targeting and Antitumor Efficacy Studies in Glioma Cells

Int J Nanomedicine. 2024 Dec 8:19:13217-13233. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S489872. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Introduction: The treatment of glioblastoma is hindered by the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and rapid drug clearance by the immune system. To address these challenges, we propose a novel drug delivery system using liposomes modified with cell membrane fragments. These modified liposomes can evade the immune system, cross the BBB, and accumulate in tumor tissue through homotypic targeting, thereby delivering drugs like paclitaxel and carboplatin more effectively.

Methods: In this work, the hybrid liposomes were synthesized using microfluidics and integrating 3D printing to produce the microfluidic devices. In vitro, we explored the homotypic targeting capability, BBB passing ability, and therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel and carboplatin.

Results: The production of hybrid liposomes by microfluidics has been key to creating high-quality biomimetic nanoparticles, and the integration of 3D printing has simplified the production of microfluidic devices, making the process more efficient and economical. In vitro experiments have shown that these drug-loaded biomimetic hybrid liposomes are able to reach the homotypic target, cross the BBB, and maintain the efficacy of paclitaxel and carboplatin.

Conclusions: The development of biomimetic hybrid liposomes represents a promising approach for the treatment of glioblastoma. By combining the advantages of liposomal drug delivery with the stealth properties and targeting capabilities of cell membrane fragments, these nanoparticles can potentially overcome the challenges associated with traditional therapies.

Keywords: bioinspired materials; biomimetic nanoparticles; drug delivery system; emerging technology; glioblastoma cells; microfluidics.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Biomimetic Materials* / chemistry
  • Biomimetic Materials* / pharmacokinetics
  • Biomimetic Materials* / pharmacology
  • Biomimetics / methods
  • Blood-Brain Barrier* / drug effects
  • Blood-Brain Barrier* / metabolism
  • Brain Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Carboplatin* / administration & dosage
  • Carboplatin* / chemistry
  • Carboplatin* / pharmacokinetics
  • Carboplatin* / pharmacology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Glioblastoma / drug therapy
  • Glioma / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Lab-On-A-Chip Devices
  • Liposomes* / chemistry
  • Microfluidics / methods
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Paclitaxel* / administration & dosage
  • Paclitaxel* / chemistry
  • Paclitaxel* / pharmacokinetics
  • Paclitaxel* / pharmacology
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional

Substances

  • Liposomes
  • Paclitaxel
  • Carboplatin
  • Antineoplastic Agents

Grants and funding

This work was supported by “European Research Council (ERC) STARTING GRANT” University of Bari, project code: 2023-UNBACLE-0243725, title: “Microfluidic development of biomimetic lipid nanoparticles for homologous-targeting and enhanced therapy against glioma”, and the Ministry of Health, Italy, under grant: RC 2022–2024: Ottimizzazione di trattamenti farmacologici mediante creazione di nanodelivery system per il rilascio selettivo di farmaci nei siti tumorali e analisi di metaboliti cellulari (metabolomica) e di farmaci e loro metaboliti nei fluidi biologici.