Lipid nanoparticles biocompatibility and cellular uptake in a 3D human lung model.

Design nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) to facilitate drug delivery to tuberculosis-infected areas, exploiting macrophage mannose receptors and assess their uptake in a 3D human lung model. NLCs and mannosylated-NLCs were synthetized and characterized. Their uptake and biocompatibility were tested in a 3D human lung model. The formulations have appropriate size (170-202 nm) and morphology for lung deposition. Cell membrane integrity was maintained and no significant pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α) secretion or morphological changes were observed 24 h post nanoparticles exposure. NLCs and mannosylated NLCs were distributed in the apical side of the lung tissue, both in macrophages and in epithelial cells. NLCs are biocompatible carriers and can be used for pulmonary drug delivery.