# Protocol for mitochondria lipid encapsulation using a dual-tube system for mitochondria transfer therapy

**Authors:** Gen Hamanaka, Dong Bin Back, Ester Licastro, Shin Ishikane, Takafumi Nakano, Kazuhide Hayakawa

PMC · DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2025.104174 · 2025-10-30

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a protocol for modifying mitochondria with a lipid coat to improve ATP restoration in cells under oxidative stress, potentially aiding CNS disorders.

## Contribution

A novel dual-tube system for lipid encapsulation of mitochondria to enhance their therapeutic potential in neuroprotection.

## Key findings

- A protocol is described for isolating mitochondria and encapsulating them with a lipid coat using a dual-tube system.
- The method aims to enhance intracellular ATP production under oxidative stress conditions.
- Detailed procedures are provided for handling lipid-coated mitochondria and performing relevant assays.

## Abstract

Mitochondria transplantation therapy is emerging as a novel therapeutic approach to promote neuroprotection in central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Here, we present a protocol for mitochondrial surface modification that enhances the restoration of intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels under conditions of oxidative stress. We describe steps for isolating mitochondria, preparing the dual-tube system, and encapsulation with lipid coat. We then detail procedures for performing assays and analyses.

For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Nakano et al.1

•Preparation steps for the mixture of mitochondria and lipids•Instructions for dual-tube-mediated coating•Handling guidance for lipid-coated mitochondria•Procedures to enhance intracellular ATP production under oxidative stress

Preparation steps for the mixture of mitochondria and lipids

Instructions for dual-tube-mediated coating

Handling guidance for lipid-coated mitochondria

Procedures to enhance intracellular ATP production under oxidative stress

Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Mitochondria transplantation therapy is emerging as a novel therapeutic approach to promote neuroprotection in central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Here, we present a protocol for mitochondrial surface modification that enhances the restoration of intracellular ATP levels under conditions of oxidative stress. We describe steps for isolating mitochondria, preparing the dual-tube system, and encapsulation with lipid coat. We then detail procedures for performing assays and analyses.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** central nervous system (CNS) disorders (MESH:D002493)
- **Chemicals:** lipid (MESH:D008055), ATP (MESH:D000255)

## Figures

6 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12615739/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12615739