RESUMO
Endothelial cells play a critical role in many physiological processes; therefore, there is increasing evidence that the future of many treatments for pathologies depends on the development of endothelium-targeting systems. Thus, we have incorporated the natural polysaccharide xanthan gum (XG) into sorbitan monooleate nanoparticles to provide them with a hydrophilic and negatively charged surface shell with stabilising properties and an inherent ability to target endothelial cells. Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein plasmid (pEGFP) was incorporated into the nanosystem, and the protection ability and stability of this system was confirmed. Nanoparticle cytotoxicity and transfection capacity were successfully tested in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) before confirming their biocompatibility in vivo. Finally, biodistribution studies after pEGFP-XG nanoparticle systemic administration to mice evidenced GFP expression in the vascular endothelium of lung, liver and kidney, thus confirming the potential of xanthan gum-functionalised span nanoparticles for gene targeting to endothelial cells.