Precise knowledge regarding cellular uptake of nanoparticles is great importance for future biomedical applications. Four different endocytotic mechanisms, that is, phagocytosis, macropinocytosis, clathrin- and caveolin-mediated endocytosis, were investigated using a mouse macrophage (J774A.1) human alveolar epithelial type II cell line (A549). In order to deduce the involved pathway in nanoparticle uptake, selected inhibitors specific one pathways optimized concentration incubation time...

Abstract Standard transmission electron microscopy nanoparticle sample preparation generally requires the complete removal of suspending liquid. Drying often introduces artifacts, which can obscure state dispersion prior to drying and preclude automated image analysis typically used obtain number-weighted particle size distribution. Here we present a straightforward protocol for prevention onset thereby allowing preservation in-situ colloidal features nanoparticles during TEM preparation....

Cellulose nanofibers are an attractive component of a broad range nanomaterials. Their intriguing mechanical properties and low cost, as well the renewable nature cellulose make them appealing alternative to carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which may pose considerable health risk when inhaled. Little is known, however, concerning potential toxicity aerosolized nanofibers. Using 3D in vitro triple cell coculture model human epithelial airway barrier, it was observed that isolated from cotton (CCN)...

The challenge remains to reliably mimic human exposure high aspect ratio nanoparticles (HARN) via inhalation. Sophisticated, multi-cellular in vitro models are a particular advantageous solution this issue, especially when considering the need provide realistic and efficient alternatives invasive animal experimentation for HARN hazard assessment. By incorporating systematic test-bed of material characterisation techniques, specific air-liquid cell system with real-time monitoring...

Nanotechnology in its widest sense seeks to exploit the special biophysical and chemical properties of materials at nanoscale. While potential technological, diagnostic or therapeutic applications are promising there is a growing body evidence that technological features nanoparticulate material associated with biological effects formerly not attributed same larger particle scale. Therefore, studies address hazards nanoparticles on systems including human health required. Due large surface...

A major contemporary concern in developing effective liposome–nanoparticle hybrids is the present inclusion size limitation of nanoparticles between vesicle bilayers, which considered to be around 6.5 nm diameter. In this article, we experimental observations backed by theoretical considerations show that greater structures can incorporated within membranes promoting clustering before liposome formation. Cryo-transmission electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography confirm these at...

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are widely studied as reinforcing fillers for polymers. In many cases the mechanical properties of polymer/CNC nanocomposites do not match theoretical predictions, arguably on account CNC aggregation. This problem can be mitigated through addition a small amount judiciously selected polymeric dispersant that also serves binder among CNCs. We show 1–5% w/w poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) has very significant impact poly(ethylene oxide-co-epichlorohydrin)/CNC...

We examined cellular uptake mechanisms of fluorescently labeled polymer-coated gold nanoparticles (NPs) under different biological conditions by two quantitative, microscopic approaches.Uptake were evaluated using endocytotic inhibitors that tested for specificity and cytotoxicity. Cellular NPs was analyzed either laser scanning microscopy or transmission electron microscopy, quantified means stereology cells from the same experiment.Optimal inhibitor only achieved with chlorpromazine...

When considering the inhalation of high-aspect ratio nanoparticles (HARN), characterization their specific interaction with lung cells is fundamental importance to help categorize potential hazard. The aim present study was assess cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) a multicellular in vitro model epithelial airway barrier following realistic aerosol exposure. Rhodamine-labeled CNCs isolated from cotton (c-CNCs, 237 ± 118 × 29 13 nm) and tunicate (t-CNCs, 2244 1687 30 8 were found display different...

Abstract Blending different types of polymers with traces a telechelic macromolecule that is end‐functionalized excimer‐forming chromophores affords materials display highly sensitive, reversible, and strain‐dependent mechanochromic response. Confocal microscopy imaging reveals the additive forms discrete, phase‐separated inclusions in host such as poly( ε ‐caprolactone), poly‐isoprene, poly(styrene‐ b ‐butadiene‐ ‐styrene), thermoplastic polyurethanes. A comprehensive analysis shows...

In order to understand how nanoparticles (NPs <100 nm) interact with cellular systems, potentially causing adverse effects, it is important be able detect and localize them within cells. Due the small size of NPs, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) an appropriate technique use for visualizing NPs inside cells, since light fails resolve at a single particle level. However, presence other non-cellular nano-sized structures in TEM cell samples, which may resemble size, morphology density,...

To determine the potential inhalatory risk posed by carbon nanotubes (CNTs), a tier-based approach beginning with an in vitro assessment must be adopted. The purpose of this study therefore was to compare 4 commonly used systems human lung (human blood monocyte-derived macrophages [MDM] and dendritic cells [MDDC], 16HBE14o- epithelial cells, sophisticated triple cell co-culture model [TCC-C]) via biological impact different CNTs (single-walled [SWCNTs] multiwalled [MWCNTs]) over 24h. No...

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) represent one of the most promising engineered nanomaterials, with possible applications in advanced engineering and biomedical technologies. During their production, human exposure to CNTs may occur via inhalation. Therefore, aim this study was mimic inhalation multi-walled (MWCNTs) vitro as realistically possible, by producing MWCNTs aerosols an Air-Liquid Interface Cell Exposure System (ALICE), combined a 3D epithelial airway barrier model cultivated at air-liquid...

The long-term fate of biomedically relevant nanoparticles (NPs) at the single cell level after uptake is not fully understood yet. We report that lysosomal exocytosis NPs a mechanism to reduce particle load. Biopersistent such as nonporous silica and gold remain in cells for prolonged time. only reduction intracellular NP number observed via division, e.g., mitosis. Additionally, distribution division be asymmetrical, likely due inhomogeneous location NP-loaded vesicles mother cells. These...

β-Carotene (βC), a natural carotenoid, is the most important and effective vitamin A precursor, known also for its antioxidant properties. However, poor water solubility, chemical instability, low bioavailability limit effectiveness as an orally delivered functional nutrient. Nanoparticle encapsulation improves βC's bioaccessibility by enhancing stability solubility. This study compares two formulations, i.e. βC-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs liposomes before after exposure...

Abstract Sensitized triplet–triplet annihilation photon upconversion (sTTA‐UC) allows blue‐shifting non‐coherent low‐intensity light and is potentially useful in solar‐powered devices, bioimaging, 3D printing, other applications. For technologically viable solar energy harvesting systems, solid materials that capture a large fraction of the spectrum efficiently upconvert absorbed must be developed. Here, it shown broadband‐to‐blue UC possible air‐tolerant, easy‐to‐access, nanostructured...

Summary Cryo‐electron tomography allows three‐dimensional visualization of frozen‐hydrated, vitrified biological material at molecular resolution. Here, we summarize the most important sample preparation methods and technical aspects relevant for cryo‐electron tomography, as well its recent applications from isolated macromolecular complexes to entire cells tissues.

The lung represents the primary entry route for airborne particles into human body. Most studies addressed possible adverse effects using single (nano)particles, but aerosolic nanoparticles (NPs) tend to aggregate and form structures of several hundreds nm in diameter, changing physico-chemical properties interaction with cells. Our aim was investigate how aggregation might affect biodistribution; cellular uptake translocation over time aerosolized NPs at air-blood barrier interface a...