IMT Institutional Repository: No conditions. Results ordered -Date Deposited. 2024-03-28T15:49:35ZEPrintshttp://eprints.imtlucca.it/images/logowhite.pnghttp://eprints.imtlucca.it/2017-01-16T08:16:29Z2017-01-16T08:16:29Zhttp://eprints.imtlucca.it/id/eprint/3627This item is in the repository with the URL: http://eprints.imtlucca.it/id/eprint/36272017-01-16T08:16:29ZMolecularly Imprinted Biodegradable NanoparticlesBiodegradable polymer nanoparticles are promising carriers for targeted drug delivery in nanomedicine applications. Molecu- lar imprinting is a potential strategy to target polymer nanoparticles through binding of endogenous ligands that may promote recognition and active transport into specific cells and tissues. However, the lock-and-key mechanism of molecular imprinting requires relatively rigid cross-linked structures, unlike those of many biodegradable polymers. To date, no fully biodegradable molecularly imprinted particles have been reported in the literature. This paper reports the synthesis of a novel molecularly- imprinted nanocarrier, based on poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and acrylic acid, that combines biodegradability and molec- ular recognition properties. A novel three-arm biodegradable cross-linker was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of glycolide and lactide initiated by glycerol. The resulting macromer was functionalized by introduction of end-functions through reaction with acryloyl chloride. Macromer and acrylic acid were used for the synthesis of narrowly-dispersed nanoparticles by radical polymerization in diluted conditions in the presence of biotin as template molecule. The binding capacity of the imprinted nanoparticles towards biotin and biotinylated bovine serum albumin was twentyfold that of non-imprinted nanoparti- cles. Degradation rates and functional performances were assessed in in vitro tests and cell cultures, demonstrating effective biotin-mediated cell internalization.Mariacristina Gagliardimariacristina.gagliardi@imtlucca.itAlice BerteroAngelo Bifone2016-03-21T09:38:57Z2016-03-21T09:38:57Zhttp://eprints.imtlucca.it/id/eprint/3251This item is in the repository with the URL: http://eprints.imtlucca.it/id/eprint/32512016-03-21T09:38:57ZSurface functionalisation regulates polyamidoamine dendrimer toxicity on blood–brain barrier cells and the modulation of key inflammatory receptors on microgliaAbstractDendrimers are branched polymers with spherical morphology. Their tuneable chemistry and surface modification make them valuable nanomaterials for biomedical applications. In view of possible dendrimer uses as brain-aimed nanocarriers, the authors studied amine- and lipid-functionalised (G4) polyamidoamine (PAMAM) biocompatibility with cell population forming the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Both amine-PAMAM and lipid-PAMAM dendrimers were able to enter endothelial and primary neural cells. However, only amine-PAMAM damaged cell membranes in a dose-dependent manner. Transmission electron microscopy evidenced the ability of dendrimers to precipitate salts and serum components present in culture medium that slightly increased toxicity of the amine-PAMAM. Amine- and lipid-PAMAM were both able to cross the BBB and differently induced CD11b and CCR2 overexpression on primary CX3CR1-GFP murine microglia in vitro. These data emphasise the role of dendrimer surface functionalisation in toxicity and neural immune cell activation, raising concerns about possible neuroinflammatory reactions.Alice BerteroAdriano BoniMauro GemmiMariacristina Gagliardimariacristina.gagliardi@imtlucca.itAngelo BifoneGiuseppe Bardi2016-03-21T09:32:14Z2016-03-21T09:32:14Zhttp://eprints.imtlucca.it/id/eprint/3249This item is in the repository with the URL: http://eprints.imtlucca.it/id/eprint/32492016-03-21T09:32:14ZBiomedical Nanoparticles: Overview of Their Surface Immune-CompatibilityDiagnostic- and therapeutic release-aimed nanoparticles require the highest degree of biocompatibility. Some physical and chemical characteristics of such nanomaterials are often at odds with this requirement. For instance, metals with specific features used as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging need particular coatings to improve their blood solubility and increase their biocompatibility. Other examples come from the development of nanocarriers exploiting the different characteristics of two or more materials, i.e., the ability to encapsulate a certain drug by one core-material and the targeting capability of a different coating surface. Furthermore, all these “human-non-self” modifications necessitate proofs of compatibility with the immune system to avoid inflammatory reactions and resultant adverse effects for the patient. In the present review we discuss the molecular interactions and responses of the immune system to the principal nanoparticle surface modifications used in nanomedicine.Olimpia GamucciAlice BerteroMariacristina Gagliardimariacristina.gagliardi@imtlucca.itGiuseppe Bardi2016-03-21T09:02:41Z2016-03-21T09:19:23Zhttp://eprints.imtlucca.it/id/eprint/3243This item is in the repository with the URL: http://eprints.imtlucca.it/id/eprint/32432016-03-21T09:02:41ZA poly(ether-ester) copolymer for the preparation of nanocarriers with improved degradation and drug delivery kineticsAbstract This paper reports the synthesis and the physicochemical, functional and biological characterisations of nanocarriers made of a novel di-block biodegradable poly(ether-ester) copolymer. This material presents tunable, fast biodegradation rates, but its products are less acidic than those of other biosorbable polymers like PLGA, thus presenting a better biocompatibility profile and the possibility to carry pH-sensitive payloads. A method for the production of monodisperse and spherical nanoparticles is proposed; drug delivery kinetics and blood protein adsorption were measured to evaluate the functional properties of these nanoparticles as drug carriers. The copolymer was labelled with a fluorescent dye for internalisation tests, and rhodamine B was used as a model cargo to study transport and release inside cultured cells. Biological tests demonstrated good cytocompatibility, significant cell internalisation and the possibility to vehiculate non-cell penetrating moieties into endothelial cells. Taken together, these results support the potential use of this nanoparticulate system for systemic administration of drugs.Mariacristina Gagliardimariacristina.gagliardi@imtlucca.itAlice BerteroGiuseppe BardiAngelo Bifone