Biomimetic anisotropic polymeric nanoparticles coated with red blood cell membranes for enhanced circulation and toxin removal
Authors: Randall A Meyer
Jonathan T Smith
Hongzhe Yu
Jordan J Green
Drew M Pardoll
Elana Ben-Akiva
Journal: Science advances (2020)
Discipline: Multidisciplinary
Keywords: nanobiomaterials; engineering; physical properties; chemical properties; bio-inspired
Affiliations: Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Oncology, Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 400 N Broadway, Smith Building 5017, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA., Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA., Departments of Oncology, Medicine, Pathology and Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.

Abstract:  The design of next-generation nanobiomaterials requires precise engineering of both physical properties of the core material and chemical properties of the material's surface to meet a biological function. A bio-inspired modular and versatile technology was developed to allow biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles to circulate through the blood for extended periods of time while also acting as a detoxification device. To mimic red blood cells, physical and chemical biomimicry are combined to enhance the biological function of nanomaterials in vitro and in vivo. The anisotropic shape and membrane coating synergize to resist cellular uptake and reduce clearance from the blood. This approach enhances the detoxification properties of nanoparticles, markedly improving survival in a mouse model of sepsis. The anisotropic membrane-coated nanoparticles have enhanced biodistribution and therapeutic efficacy. These biomimetic biodegradable nanodevices and their derivatives have promise for applications ranging from detoxification agents, to drug delivery vehicles, and to biological sensors. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 I am concerned with the authors compliance with IACUC protocols regarding retro-orbital injections. The animals were stated to have been injected and bled retro-orbitally over a 24-hour period for purposes of assessing circulation time of the nanoparticles. Retro-orbital bleeding should be done under anesthesia using only one eye and should be terminal with animals euthanized prior to waking up. The authors stated methods specifically state using both eyes, bleeding seven times per animal and state nothing about anesthesia during the complete duration of the experiment.  Coated or uncoated particles of all three shapes (n = 3 mice per group) encapsulating a near-IR hydrophobic dye were suspended at 20 mg ml in sterile PBS, and 100 ul of the nanoparticle suspension was injected intravenously via retroorbital injection into the right eye of C57BL 6J mice (The Jackson Laboratory; Bar Harbor, ME). Blood samples were then collected retroorbitally from the left eye at 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, 2 hours, 4 hours, and 24 hours following particle administration. ,