SPRi analysis of molecular interactions of mApoE-functionalized liposomes as drug delivery systems for brain diseases

The application of liposomes (LPs) to central nervous system disorders could represents a turning point in the therapy and quality of life of patients. Indeed, LPs have demonstrated their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and, as a consequence, to enhance the therapeutics delivery into the brain. Some approaches for BBB crossing involve the modification of LP surfaces with biologically active ligands. Among them, the Apolipoprotein E-modified peptide (mApoE) has been used for several LP-based nanovectors under investigation. In this study, we propose Surface Plasmon Resonance imaging (SPRi) for the characterization of multifunctionalized LPs for Glioblastoma treatment. LPs were functionalized with mApoE and with a metallo-protease sensitive lipopeptide to deliver and guarantee the localized release of an encapsulated drug in diseased areas. The SPRi analysis was optimized in order to evaluate the binding affinity between LPs and mApoE receptors, finding that mApoE-LPs generated SPRi signals referred to interactions between mApoE and receptors mainly present in the brain. Moreover, a significant binding between LPs and VCAM-1 (endothelial receptor) was observed, whereas LPs did not interact significantly with peripheral receptors expressed on monocytes and lymphocytes. SPRi results confirmed not only the presence of mApoE on LP surfaces, but also its binding affinity, thanks to the specific interaction with selected receptors. In conclusion, the high sensitivity and the multiplexing capability associated with the low volumes of sample required and the minimal sample preparation, make SPRi an excellent technique for the characterization of multifunctionalized nanoparticles-based formulations.