Core-shell nanotherapeutics with leukocyte membrane camouflage for biomedical applications

Abstract

Core-shell nanoparticles have grown in popularity in the past few years due to their versatile features and multiple biomedical applications as drug delivery systems. In order to improve bioavailability and reduce adverse effects, the biomimetic concept has been integrated into core-shell architectural designs. In this regard, the ‘camouflage’ shell comprised of various cellular membranes renders these nanoparticles a multifunctional platform that combines the merits of native cellular membranes with the advantages of biomaterials. Since leukocytes have a specific tropism for inflammatory or tumour sites and can infiltrate into these lesions, the marriage of leukocyte cell membrane shell with functional nanoparticle core is expected to achieve long time circulation, targeted delivery and improved ability of overcoming certain physiological barriers. In this review, we focus mainly on the recent development of nanoparticles cloaked with the leukocyte membrane and their applications in different biomedical fields of interest, including cancer therapy, inflammatory regulation and immune modulation. Additionally, current challenges and future prospects of leukocyte membrane coated core-shell nanoparticles are also briefly discussed.

Keywords:

• Core-shell nanoparticles
• leukocytes
• membrane coating
• biomimicry
• cancer therapy
• inflammation

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the support from the PhD initial funding of USST.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).