Innovative Microparticles Enhance Immune Cell Research

Researchers at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering have developed an innovative method for studying protein degradation in immune cells through the use of engineered microparticles. This novel approach, published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, has significant implications for understanding disease mechanisms in conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and autoimmune disorders.

Understanding Phagocytosis

Phagocytosis is a critical biological process wherein immune cells engulf and eliminate tissue debris or pathogens. According to Professor Jingjiao Guan, one of the lead authors of the study, “There is a lot we still don't know about how cells ingest and eliminate tissue debris or pathogens—the process of phagocytosis.” This lack of understanding underscores the necessity of new tools to observe these processes.

Traditionally, the study of phagocytosis has utilized plastic and silica beads coated with proteins or peptides. While effective, these methods have limitations, particularly in representing the complex structures of natural biological particles.

Innovative Microparticle Design

The research team has created engineered microparticles that replicate biological structures more accurately than previously available methods. These particles are crafted to incorporate various proteins and peptides into a well-defined layered structure, enhancing their effectiveness for mimicking real-life particles. Key features of this design include:

• Fluorescent Markers: These allow for real-time tracking of microparticle degradation.
• Responsive Polymer: The use of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) enables tracking of activity under various conditions, such as temperature changes.
• Enhanced Phagocytosis Study: These microparticles can be efficiently engulfed by immune cells, providing deeper insights into cellular degradation mechanisms.

Significance of the Research

This research is particularly relevant for the medical field, as it sheds light on the degradation of proteins within phagosomes—specialized cellular compartments responsible for breaking down engulfed materials. By tracking how proteins and peptides are processed by immune cells, scientists can uncover mechanisms that are pivotal in immune responses.

Future Directions in Research

The team plans to extend their research by investigating the degradation of the amyloid beta peptide, a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease. By utilizing their engineered microparticles in this context, they aim to gain new insights into disease progression and identify novel therapeutic targets.

“Knowing where proteins go and how much they are degraded when they undergo phagocytosis within cells is key to understanding this process,” said Guan.

Collaborative Efforts

This research highlights the interdisciplinary collaboration between the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and the FSU College of Medicine, bridging engineering with medical applications. Co-author Yi Ren, noted, “Collaborating with Dr. Guan has been an exciting opportunity to bridge engineering and medicine.”

Conclusion

Through their innovative work on engineered microparticles, the researchers are poised to significantly advance our understanding of immune system behaviors and response mechanisms. The implications of this study could contribute toward the development of improved treatment strategies for various immune and neurodegenerative disorders. As they prepare to secure funding and expand their research, the potential applications of their findings continue to grow.

References

• Fukuda, M., et al. Development of Engineered Microparticles for Investigating Enzymatic Degradation of Proteins and Peptides within Phagosomes. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2025.
• Science X. (2025). Engineered microparticles mimic biological structures to track protein degradation. Retrieved from Phys.org