Bacterial Membrane-coated Nanoparticle (BM-NP) Engineering Technology

Cell membrane-coated nanoparticles have recently emerged as a unique anti-virulence approach against infectious diseases. Given their high levels of immunogenic proteins and adjuvants, bacterial cell membranes represent a novel and potentially optimal source of cellular membrane material. Focused on cell-membrane coating technology services for years, Creative Biolabs has developed bacterial membrane-coated nanoparticle (BM-NP) engineering technology to provide BM-NP development services for global customers.

Fig.1 A schematic illustration of modulating antibacterial immunity via bacterial membrane-coated nanoparticles. (Gao, 2015)

Application of Bacterial Membrane Coated Nanoparticles (BM-NP)

• Case 1

Scientists coated cell membranes derived from Escherichia coli (E. coli) with gold nanoparticles (NPs). Scientists injected mice with a subcutaneous dose of the bacterial membrane NPs (BM-AuNPs), and they demonstrated that the particles were tracked to proximal draining lymph nodes. The particles effectively activated dendritic cells (DCs) as evidenced by both higher overall CD11c+DC levels and higher frequencies of a cluster of differentiation (CD)40/CD80/CD86-positivity among DCs in the lymph nodes.

When scientists further explored specific B cell-mediated immunity against the bacteria by measuring antibodies specific for E. coli, they found that mice vaccinated with the BM-AuNPs exhibited higher avidity antibody than did mice vaccinated with vesicles composed of only the outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). The interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-17 levels were higher for mice immunized using BM-AuNPs relative to those immunized with OMVs, suggesting the former are more effective for T cell activation.

• Case 2

Scientists explored the potential use of bacteria membrane-coated NPs for active targeting efforts. The researchers utilized poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs coated in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). Particles were able to actively traffic to S. aureus-infected macrophages in vitro, and to major sites of S. aureus infection in vivo in mice. Compared with uninfected controls, the EV-coated particles were more readily accumulated in organs with a higher bacterial burden (the kidney, spleen, lungs, and heart) in infected mice.

Fig.2 Timeline of the vaccination schedule. (Sanchez-Villamil, 2019)

Our BM-NP Technology

Creative Biolabs offers a range of BM-NPs services, supported by an experienced team of scientists working with the latest technology. In our company, BM-NPs can be separated into three key steps: membrane extraction, inner core nanocarrier production, and the fusion process, each of which is key to resultant NP functionalization. Generally, we offer two methods for you to make BM-NPs.

• A physical extrusion method: This method was adapted from the synthesis of synthetic liposomes, and the mechanical force provided by the extrusion is believed to disrupt the membrane structure and enable it to reform around the nanoparticulate cores.
• A sonication-based approach: Using this technique, the two components are subjected to disruptive forces provided by ultrasonic energy, resulting in the spontaneous formation of a core-shell nanostructure. Results from this method are consistent with those of particles made using physical extrusion, with the added benefit of less material loss.

Recently, we also provide a microfluidic system that combines rapid mixing with electroporation.

Creative Biolabs provides a comprehensive range of customized, high-quality services to support the BM-NP industry and related biomedical sciences research communities worldwide. Our professional team is willing to share our long-standing experience with global customers. If you want to know more information, please directly contact us.

References

1. Gao, W.; et al. Modulating Antibacterial Immunity via Bacterial Membrane-Coated Nanoparticles. Nano Letters. 2015, 15(2).
2. Sanchez-Villamil, J. I.; et al. Development of a Gold Nanoparticle Vaccine against Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7. mBio. 2019, 10(4):e01869-19.