Uptake and transport of B12-conjugated nanoparticles in airway epithelium.

ABSTRACT: Non-invasive delivery of biotherapeutics, as an attractive alternative to injections, could potentially be achieved through the mucosal surfaces, utilizing nanoscale therapeutic carriers. However, nanoparticles do not readily cross the mucosal barriers, with the epithelium presenting a major barrier to their translocation. The transcytotic pathway of vitamin B12 has previously been shown to 'ferry' B12-decorated nanoparticles across intestinal epithelial (Caco-2) cells. However, such studies have not been reported for the airway epithelium. Furthermore, the presence in the airways of the cell machinery responsible for transepithelial trafficking of B12 is not widely reported. Using a combination of molecular biology and immunostaining techniques, our work demonstrates that the bronchial ce

SUBMITTER: Fowler R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3898795 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature