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Biomimetic Concealing of PLGA Microspheres in a 3D Scaffold to Prevent Macrophage Uptake
Author(s) -
Minardi Silvia,
Corradetti Bruna,
Taraballi Francesca,
Sandri Monica,
Martinez Jonathan O.,
Powell Sebastian T.,
Tampieri Anna,
Weiner Bradley K.,
Tasciotti Ennio
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
small
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.785
H-Index - 236
eISSN - 1613-6829
pISSN - 1613-6810
DOI - 10.1002/smll.201503484
Subject(s) - scaffold , plga , confocal microscopy , flow cytometry , macrophage , chemistry , biophysics , confocal , microbiology and biotechnology , biomedical engineering , materials science , nanotechnology , biochemistry , nanoparticle , in vitro , biology , medicine , geometry , mathematics
Scaffolds functionalized with delivery systems for the release of growth factors is a robust strategy to enhance tissue regeneration. However, after implantation, macrophages infiltrate the scaffold, eventually initiating the degradation and clearance of the delivery systems. Herein, it is hypothesized that fully embedding the poly( d,l ‐lactide‐ co ‐glycolide acid) microspheres (MS) in a highly structured collagen‐based scaffold (concealing) can prevent their detection, preserving the integrity of the payload. Confocal laser microscopy reveals that non‐embedded MS are easily internalized; when concealed, J774 and bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDM) cannot detect them. This is further demonstrated by flow cytometry, as a tenfold decrease is found in the number of MS engulfed by the cells, suggesting that collagen can cloak the MS. This correlates with the amount of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor‐α produced by J774 and BMDM in response to the concealed MS, comparable to that found for non‐functionalized collagen scaffolds. Finally, the release kinetics of a reporter protein is preserved in the presence of macrophages, only when MS are concealed. The data provide detailed strategies for fabricating three dimensional (3D) biomimetic scaffolds able to conceal delivery systems and preserve the therapeutic molecules for release.