BF-LipoShuttle - BF-Characterization and application of modified lipoprotein particles for the transfer of fat-soluble and medically relevant substances

Lipoproteins can be used as an effective shuttle for nutritional supplements (vitamins) because the phospholipid core is very well suited to contain many hydrophobic anti-neoplastic (water-insoluble drugs) agents and hold them encapsulated until delivered. In addition, hydrophilic drugs can be incorporated into HDL after chemically binding to cholesterol for drug delivery. Based on inorganic nanoparticles, HDL-NP (nano particles) can be constructed as a drug delivery vehicle by rearranging the major components of HDL in vitro. The natural HDL receptor (Scavenger-Receptor Class B type I, SR-BI) can then selectively transport components of the HDL-NP into the cell interior. Due to the controlled dynamic metabolism, its stability in the blood plasma and a cell-type-specific interaction, lipoprotein mimetics offer excellent opportunities for the design of a promising drug shuttle. This opportunity provided by the possibility of selectively transferring compounds (phytochemicals, pharmaceuticals, vitamins, ...) through cell-type-specific interaction opens a completely new and highly efficient therapeutic approach. The aim of this project is to study the structure, components, biogenesis, remodeling and reconstitution of lipoprotein using high-resolution microscopy and chromatographic methods, with particular emphasis on their delivery efficiency and on drug loading and drug interaction parameters.