Research articles
ScienceAsia 52 (2026): 1-11 |doi:
10.2306/scienceasia1513-1874.2026.059
Biomimetic lung cell membrane-coated nanoparticles for
preferential targeting of nanoparticles to the lungs
Faprathan Pikwonga,b, Jirayu Kangwanc, Pongpeera Phumc, Rapeepong Phaknonkulc,
Wattanased Jarisarapurina,b,d, Phornsawat Baipaywada,b, Sarawut Kumphunea,b,*
ABSTRACT: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a critical condition caused by rapid respiratory failure leading to an increase
in fatality rates. Current treatment interventions largely provide support, as the drug delivery is severely limited by
insufficient pulmonary localisation and systemic toxicity. Nanoparticles (NPs) have the potential for targeted delivery;
however, their clinical application is complicated by rapid clearance from the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS)
and the possibility of immunogenicity. In this study, we developed a biomimetic drug delivery system consisting of
lung cell membrane-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (LCM-MSNs). The cytotoxicity of LCM-MSNs in lung cells
and the preferential cellular uptake in cardiomyocytes, lung cells, and vascular endothelial cells were evaluated. The
immune evasion of LCM-MSNs was assessed using murine macrophages. Internalisation was determined by loading
the rhodamine B (RhB)-fluorophore within LCM-MSNs and the PKH26-labelled cell membrane on the outer surface of
LCM-MSNs, and observed by fluorescence imaging and the corrected total cell fluorescence measurements. The results
demonstrated MSNs and LCM-MSNs maintained high biocompatibility at all concentrations. Fluorescent imaging
revealed that while bare MSNs were internalised by all cell types, the LCM-MSNs demonstrated preferential uptake
in lung cells. LCM-MSNs exhibited the strongest fluorescence signals in lung cells, while low uptake was observed
in cardiomyocytes and vascular endothelial cells. Moreover, the LCM-MSNs showed less phagocytosis than MSNs. In
conclusion, this study demonstrated the development of LCM-MSNs which represent nanomedicine technologies that
improve preferential drug delivery to lung cells, potentially serving as an alternative approach for drug administration
in ALI.
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| a |
Biomedical Engineering and Innovation Research Centre, Chiang Mai University ? Mae Hia Campus,
Chiang Mai 50100 Thailand |
| b |
Biomedical Engineering Institute, Chiang Mai University ? Mae Hia Campus, Chiang Mai 50100 Thailand |
| c |
Science Classrooms in University-Affiliated School Project (SCiUS), Chiang Mai University Demonstration School,
Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand |
| d |
Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand |
* Corresponding author, E-mail: sarawut.kumphune@cmu.ac.th
Received 20 Mar 2026, Accepted 4 Jun 2026
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