Mitochondrial responses to organelle-specific drug delivering nanoparticles composed of polypeptide and peptide complexes

Aims: The mechanistic study of the drug carrier-target interactions of mitochondria-unique nanoparticles composed of polypeptide-peptide complexes (mPoP-NPs). Materials & methods: The isolated organelles were employed to address the direct effects of mPoP-NPs on dynamic structure and functional wellbeing of mitochondria. Mitochondria morphology, respiration, membrane potential, reactive oxygen species generation, were examined by confocal microscopy, flow cytometry and oxygraphy. Lonidamine-encapsulated formulation was assessed to evaluate the drug delivery capacity of the naive nanoparticles. Results: The mPoP-NPs do not alter mitochondria structure and performance upon docking to organelles, while successfully delivering drug that causes organelle dysfunction. Conclusion: The study gives insight into interactions of mPoP-NPs with mitochondria and provides substantial support for consideration of designed nanoparticles as biocompatible and efficient mitochondria-targeted platforms.