Investigation of the Interaction of Charged Nanoparticles with the Cell Membrane of Erythrocytes

Abstract

Aerosols made of highly charged nanoparticles of nonvolatile substances are of interest for the development of new highly effective methods of targeted drug delivery. However, for safe use, it is necessary to study their possible damaging effect on cell membranes. Human erythrocytes were selected as a model system. The experiments were carried out under conditions of partial dehydration of cells with exposure of a part of the surface of red blood cells to air to ensure contact of the sprayed particles with the cell membrane. It was found that while highly charged nanoaerosolic particles during direct electron spraying are capable of disrupting the structure of the lipid monolayer they do not cause damage to the cell membrane of erythrocytes. Thus, the results of this work can be used in the development of an electro-spraying method for the delivery of medicinal drugs to wound surfaces, the olfactory bulb, etc. The developed devices can also be used in studies of the interaction of nanoaerosols of various substances with the cell membrane.