Macrophages as carriers of boron carbide nanoparticles dedicated to boron neutron capture therapy

The use of cells as carriers for the delivery of nanoparticles is a promising approach in anticancer therapy, mainly due to their natural properties, such as biocompatibility and non-immunogenicity. Cellular carriers prevent the rapid degradation of nanoparticles, improve their distribution, reduce cytotoxicity and ensure selective delivery to the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, we propose the use of bone marrow-derived macrophages as boron carbide (B₄C) nanoparticle carriers for boron delivery to the tumor microenvironment in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT).

In our studies, bone marrow-derived macrophages showed a great ability to interact with boron carbide. The sensitivity of macrophages to B₄C preparations varied depending on their polarization state (M0, M1, and M2). M1 macrophages were the most sensitive to the tested nanoparticles, while M2 macrophages were the least sensitive.

Of the two boron carbide preparations tested, the one containing smaller nanoparticles (B₄C 1) turned out to be more attractive. B₄C 1 caused less inhibition of cell viability, less induction of apoptosis, and little changes in the cell cycle than B₄C 2 preparation containing larger nanoparticles. Additionally, B₄C 1 did not induce high secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and was engulfed by macrophages to a similar extent as B₄C 2.

Therefore, M2 macrophages loaded with B₄C 1 nanoparticles are the most promising cellular carriers for our further studies and future application in boron neutron capture therapy.

The dataset contains all results obtained for bone marrow-derived macrophages that were published in an associated publication.

Each folder contains Description.txt file explaining the details.

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