Nanoparticles characterization using the CAM assay

Enzymes. 2019:46:129-160. doi: 10.1016/bs.enz.2019.09.001. Epub 2019 Oct 25.

Abstract

The current chapter highlights the use of chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of fertilized chicken egg for the characterization of nanoparticles applied in cancer nanomedicine. The CAM assay represents a promising alternative to mouse models in term of costs, ease of use, rapidity and ethical issues in particular for the screening of nanoformulations. Hence, the features of nanoparticles including blood retention, biocompatibility, active targeting or tumor accumulation, angiogenic activity, drug delivery and tumor elimination might be simply evaluated via the CAM model. In particular, in this model, embryo organs and morphology, CAM vasculature and blood cells, transplanted tumors on CAM were typically monitored and used for the evaluation of the nanomaterials. With the above advantages, the CAM assay, as highly valuable in vivo model, could be used regularly in pharmaceutical industries.

Keywords: Advanced functional nanomaterials; Anti-angiogenic effect; Cancer nanomedicine; Chicken egg model; Chorioallantoic membrane assay; Drug delivery nanosystem; Tumor accumulation.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Assay
  • Chick Embryo
  • Chorioallantoic Membrane / drug effects*
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Neoplasms*