Surface-modified nanoerythrosomes for potential optical imaging diagnostics

Nanoerythrosomes (NERs), vesicle-like nanoparticles derived from red blood cells, represent a new and interesting vector for therapeutic molecules and imaging probes, mainly thanks to their high stability and excellent biocompatibility. Aiming to present a proof-of-concept of the use of NERs as diagnostic tools for in vitro/in vivo imaging purposes, we report here several functionalization routes to decorate the surfaces of NERs derived from bovine blood with two different fluorophores: 7-amino-4-methylcumarin and dibenzocyclooctinecyanine5.5. Notably, the fluorophores were cross-linked to the NERs surface with glutaraldehyde and, in the case of dibenzocyclooctinecyanine5.5, also using a click chemistry route, termed strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition. The physicochemical characterization highlighted the high stability of the NERs derivatives in physiological conditions. Furthermore, the loading efficiency of the fluorophores on the NERs surface was evaluated using both UV-Vis spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Nanoerythrosomes (NERs) are vesicle-like nanoparticles derived from red blood cells, offering high stability and excellent biocompatibility for delivering therapeutic molecules and imaging probes. Functionalization of NERs with fluorescent dyes using different methods showed promising potential for diagnostic purposes. Physicochemical characterization confirmed the stability and efficient loading of fluorophores on the NERs surface.