Microfluidic fabrication of 6-methoxyethylamino numonafide-eluting magnetic microspheres

Multifunctional nanoplatforms application in the transcatheter chemoembolization against hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has the sixth-highest new incidence and fourth-highest mortality worldwide. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is one of the primary treatment strategies for unresectable HCC. However, the therapeutic effect is still unsatisfactory due to the insufficient distribution of antineoplastic drugs in tumor tissues and the worsened post-embolization tumor microenvironment (TME, e.g., hypoxia and reduced pH). Recently, using nanomaterials as a drug delivery platform for TACE therapy of HCC has been a research hotspot. With the development of nanotechnology, multifunctional nanoplatforms have been developed to embolize the tumor vasculature, creating conditions for improving the distribution and bioavailability of drugs in tumor tissues. Currently, the researchers are focusing on functionalizing nanomaterials to achieve high drug loading efficacy, thorough vascular embolization, tumor targeting, controlled sustained release of drugs, and real-time imaging in the TACE process to facilitate precise embolization and enable therapeutic procedures follow-up imaging of tumor lesions. Herein, we summarized the recent advances and applications of functionalized nanomaterials based on TACE against HCC, believing that developing these functionalized nanoplatforms may be a promising approach for improving the TACE therapeutic effect of HCC.

Preclinical Therapeutic Evaluation of Lenvatinib-Eluting Microspheres for Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the preclinical in vivo therapeutic response of Lenvatinib-eluting microspheres (LEN-EM) transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (LEN-TACE) in an hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rat model.

METHODS

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visible LEN-EM was fabricated with poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and iron oxide nanoparticles by a double-emulsion method. The morphology, LEN loading/release kinetics, and MRI contrast effect of LEN-EM were evaluated. For in vivo study, N1S1 HCC rats were treated with LEN-TACE (LEN: 2.4 mg/kg, n = 5) using LEN-EM, systemic LEN (LEN: 0.4 mg/kg, oral gavage daily for 7 days, n = 5), control (intra-arterial (IA) saline infusion, n = 5), and non-tumor control (n = 3). Tumor size changes were measured for 2 weeks. Histology, comparative LEN plasma concentration, hematologic markers, liver profile, and serum chemistry among the groups were measured.

RESULTS

LEN-EM with 33 µm in average size was prepared in an optimized emulsion process. LEN loading efficiency was 58.7%. LEN was continuously released for 500 h. LEN-TACE showed the delivered LEN-EM surrounding tumor tissue in MRI-T2* images. The LEN-TACE group demonstrated a statistically significant larger tumor volume reduction compared to the other groups at 2 weeks post-procedure. Quantification data of Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling positive cells confirmed increased cancer cell death in the LEN-TACE group compared to control groups. Additional histology, hematologic markers, and liver profiles showed minimal side effects of LEN-TACE.

CONCLUSION

LEN-TACE using IA delivery of LEN-EM demonstrated an effective therapeutic efficacy in an HCC rat animal model.

Marine Polysaccharides in Tailor- Made Drug Delivery

Abstract:

Marine sources have attracted much interest as an emerging source of biomaterials in drug delivery applications. Amongst all other marine biopolymers, polysaccharides have been the mostly investigated class of biomaterials. The low cytotoxic behavior, in combination with the newly explored health benefits of marine polysaccharides has made it one of the prime research areas in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields. In this review, we focused on all available marine polysaccharides, including their classification based on biological sources. The applications of several marine polysaccharides in recent years for tissue-specific novel drug delivery including gastrointestinal, brain tissue, transdermal, ocular, liver, and lung have also been discussed here. The abundant availability in nature, cost-effective extraction, and purification process along with a favorable biodegradable profile will encourage researchers to continue investigating marine polysaccharides for exploring newer applications in targeting specific delivery of therapeutics.

Recent advances and applications of microspheres and nanoparticles in transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a recommended treatment for patients suffering from intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As compared to the conventional TACE, drug-eluting bead TACE demonstrates several advantages in terms of survival, treatment response, and adverse effects. The selection of embolic agents is critical to the success of TACE. Many studies have been performed on the modification of the structure, size, homogeneity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability of embolic agents. Continuing efforts are focused on efficient loading of versatile chemotherapeutics, controlled sizes for sufficient occlusion, real-time detection intra- and post-procedure, and multimodality imaging-guided precise treatment. Here, we summarize recent advances and applications of microspheres and nanoparticles in TACE for HCC. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.

On-demand degradable embolic microspheres for immediate restoration of blood flow during image-guided embolization procedures

Degradable embolic agents that provide transient arterial occlusion during embolization procedures have been of interest for many years. Ideally, embolic agents are visible with standard imaging modalities and offer on-demand degradability, permitting physicians to achieve desired arterial occlusion tailored to patient and procedure indication. Subsequent arterial recanalization potentially enhances the overall safety and efficacy of embolization procedures. Here, we report on-demand degradable and MRI-visible microspheres for embolotherapy. Embolic microspheres composed of calcium alginate and USPIO nanoclusters were synthesized with an air spray atomization and coagulation reservoir equipped with a vacuum suction. An optimized distance between spray nozzle and reservoir allowed uniform size and narrow size distribution of microspheres. The fabricated alginate embolic microspheres crosslinked with Ca²⁺ demonstrated highly responsive on-demand degradation properties in vitro and in vivo. Finally, the feasibility of using the microspheres for clinical embolization and recanalization procedures was evaluated with interventional radiologists in rabbits. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) guided embolization of hepatic arteries with these embolic microspheres was successfully performed and the occlusion of artery was confirmed with DSA images and contrast enhanced MRI. T2 MRI visibility of the microspheres allowed to monitor the distribution of intra-arterial (IA) infused embolic microspheres. Subsequent on-demand image-guided recanalization procedures were also successfully performed with rapid degradation of microspheres upon intra-arterial infusion of an ion chelating agent. These instant degradable embolic microspheres will permit effective on-demand embolization/recanalization procedures offering great promise to overcome limitations of currently available permanent and biodegradable embolic agents.

Preparation and evaluation of microfluidic magnetic alginate microparticles for magnetically templated hydrogels

Our aim is to develop a hydrogel-based scaffold containing porous microchannels that mimic complex tissue microarchitecture and provide physical cues to guide cell growth for scalable, cost-effective tissue repair. These hydrogels are patterned through the novel process of magnetic templating where magnetic alginate microparticles (MAMs) are dispersed in a hydrogel precursor and aligned in a magnetic field before hydrogel crosslinking and subsequent MAM degradation, leaving behind an aligned, porous architecture. Here, a protocol for fabricating uniform MAMs using microfluidics was developed for improved reproducibility and tunability of templated microarchitecture. Through iron quantification, we find that this approach allows control over magnetic iron oxide loading of the MAMs. Using Brownian dynamics simulations and nano-computed tomography of templated hydrogels to examine MAM chain length and alignment, we find agreement between simulated and measured areal densities of MAM chains. Oscillatory rheology and stress relaxation experiments demonstrate that magnetically templated microchannels alter bulk hydrogel mechanical properties. Finally, in vitro studies where rat Schwann cells were cultured on templated hydrogels to model peripheral nerve injury repair demonstrate their propensity for providing cell guidance along the length of the channels. Our results show promise for a micro-structured biomaterial that could aid in tissue repair applications.

Synthesis of Biomaterials Utilizing Microfluidic Technology

Recently, microfluidic technologies have attracted an enormous amount of interest as potential new tools for a large range of applications including materials synthesis, chemical and biological detection, drug delivery and screening, point-of-care diagnostics, and in-the-field analysis. Their ability to handle extremely small volumes of fluids is accompanied by additional benefits, most notably, rapid and efficient mass and heat transfer. In addition, reactions performed within microfluidic systems are highly controlled, meaning that many advanced materials, with uniform and bespoke properties, can be synthesized in a direct and rapid manner. In this review, we discuss the utility of microfluidic systems in the synthesis of materials for a variety of biological applications. Such materials include microparticles or microcapsules for drug delivery, nanoscale materials for medicine or cellular assays, and micro- or nanofibers for tissue engineering.

Image-Guided Cancer Nanomedicine

Multifunctional nanoparticles with superior imaging properties and therapeutic effects have been extensively developed for the nanomedicine. However, tumor-intrinsic barriers and tumor heterogeneity have resulted in low in vivo therapeutic efficacy. The poor in vivo targeting efficiency in passive and active targeting of nanotherapeutics along with the toxicity of nanoparticles has been a major problem in nanomedicine. Recently, image-guided nanomedicine, which can deliver nanoparticles locally using non-invasive imaging and interventional oncology techniques, has been paid attention as a new opportunity of nanomedicine. This short review will discuss the existing challenges in nanomedicine and describe the prospects for future image-guided nanomedicine.

Advanced smart-photosensitizers for more effective cancer treatment

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) based upon the use of light and photosensitizers (PSs) has been used as a novel treatment approach for a variety of tumors. It, however, has several major limitations in the clinic: poor water solubility, long-term phototoxicity, low tumor targeting efficacy, and limited light penetration. With advances in nanotechnology, materials science, and clinical interventional imaging procedures, various smart-PSs have been developed for improving their cancer-therapeutic efficacy while reducing the adverse effects. Here, we briefly review state-of-the-art smart-PSs and discuss the future directions of PDT technology.

Magnetic alginate microspheres detected by MRI fabricated using microfluidic technique and release behavior of encapsulated dual drugs

Alginate microspheres loaded with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIO NPs) have been fabricated by a T-junction microfluidic device combined with an external ionic crosslinking. The obtained microspheres possess excellent visuality under magnetic resonance due to the presence of only 0.6 mg/mL SPIO NPs. The microspheres also show uniform size with narrow distribution and regular spherical shape characterized by optic microscope and environmental scanning electron microscope. Furthermore, dual drugs (5-fluorouracil and doxorubicin hydrochloride) have been loaded within the microspheres. The release behavior of dual drugs from the microspheres show typical sustained release profiles. As a novel embolic agent, such microspheres in blood vessels can be tracked by magnetic resonance scanner. Thus, the integration of embolotherapy, chemotherapy, and postoperative diagnosis can be realized.

Targeted multimodal nano-reporters for pre-procedural MRI and intra-operative image-guidance

Multimodal-imaging probes offer a novel approach, which can provide detail diagnostic information for the planning of image-guided therapies in clinical practice. Here we report targeted multimodal Nd3+-doped upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) imaging reporters, integrating both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and real-time upconversion luminescence imaging (UCL) capabilities within a single platform. Nd3+-doped UCNPs were synthesized as a core-shell structure showing a bright visible emission upon excitation at the near infrared (minimizing biological overheating and increasing tissue penetration depth) as well as providing strong MRI T2 contrast (high r2/r1 ratio). Transcatheter intra-arterial infusion of Nd3+-doped UCNPs conjugated with anti-CD44-monoclonal antibody allowed for high performance in vivo multimodal UCL and MR imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in an orthotopic rat model. The resulted in vivo multimodal imaging of Nd3+ doped core-shell UCNPs combined with transcatheter intra-arterial targeting approaches successfully discriminated liver tumors from normal hepatic tissues in rats for surgical resection applications. The demonstrated multimodal UCL and MRI imaging capabilities of our multimodal UCNPs reporters suggest strong potential for in vivo visualization of tumors and precise surgical guidance to fill the gap between pre-procedural imaging and intraoperative reality.

Nanocomposite Carriers for Transarterial Chemoembolization of Liver Cancer

The efficacy of conventional transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) approaches in liver cancer treatment is limited by the lack of effective drug carriers and/or the inability to monitor drug delivery to the targeted tumor tissues. Recent years have seen rapid advances in drug carriers for TACE. Bioabsorbable and MRI- or CT-visible microspheres that are trackable in vivo have been developed as a form of nanocomposite. Herein, we review notable progress in nanocomposite microspheres drug carriers available for TACE.

Multimodal Imaging of Nanocomposite Microspheres for Transcatheter Intra-Arterial Drug Delivery to Liver Tumors

A modern multi-functional drug carrier is critically needed to improve the efficacy of image-guided catheter-directed approaches for the treatment of hepatic malignancies. For this purpose, a nanocomposite microsphere platform was developed for selective intra-arterial transcatheter drug delivery to liver tumors. In our study, continuous microfluidic methods were used to fabricate drug-loaded multimodal MRI/CT visible microspheres that included both gold nanorods and magnetic clusters. The resulting hydrophilic, deformable, and non-aggregated microspheres were mono-disperse and roughly 25 um in size. Sustained drug release and strong MRI T₂ and CT contrast effects were achieved with the embedded magnetic nano-clusters and radiopaque gold nanorods. The microspheres were successfully infused through catheters selectively placed within the hepatic artery in rodent models and subsequent distribution in the targeted liver tissues and hepatic tumors confirmed with MRI and CT imaging. These multimodal nanocomposite drug carriers should be ideal for selective intra-arterial catheter-directed administration to liver tumors while permitting MRI/CT visualization for patient-specific confirmation of tumor-targeted delivery.

Facile preparation of multifunctional superparamagnetic PHBV microspheres containing SPIONs for biomedical applications

The promising potential of magnetic polymer microspheres in various biomedical applications has been frequently reported. However, the surface hydrophilicity of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) usually leads to poor or even failed encapsulation of SPIONs in hydrophobic polymer microspheres using the emulsion method. In this study, the stability of SPIONs in poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) solution was significantly increased after surface modification with lauric acid. As a result, magnetic PHBV microspheres with high encapsulation efficiencies (71.0-87.4%) were prepared using emulsion-solvent extraction/evaporation method. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed significant contrast for the magnetic PHBV microspheres. The toxicity of these magnetic PHBV microspheres towards human T-lymphoma suspension cells and adherent colon carcinoma HT-29 cells was investigated using flow cytometry, and they were shown to be non-toxic in a broad concentration range. A model drug, tetracycline hydrochloride, was used to demonstrate the drug delivery capability and to investigate the drug release behavior of the magnetic PHBV microspheres. The drug was successfully loaded into the microspheres using lauric acid-coated SPIONs as drug carrier, and was released from the microspheres in a diffusion controlled manner. The developed magnetic PHBV microspheres are promising candidates for biomedical applications such as targeted drug delivery and MRI.

MRI visible drug eluting magnetic microspheres for transcatheter intra-arterial delivery to liver tumors

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-visible amonafide-eluting alginate microspheres were developed for targeted arterial-infusion chemotherapy. These alginate microspheres were synthesized using a highly efficient microfluidic gelation process. The microspheres included magnetic clusters formed by USPIO nanoparticles to permit MRI and a sustained drug-release profile. The biocompatibility, MR imaging properties and amonafide release kinetics of these microspheres were investigated during in vitro studies. A xenograft rodent model was used to demonstrate the feasibility to deliver these microspheres to liver tumors using hepatic transcatheter intra-arterial infusions and potential to visualize the intra-hepatic delivery of these microspheres to both liver tumor and normal tissues with MRI immediately after infusion. This approach offer the potential for catheter-directed drug delivery to liver tumors for reduced systemic toxicity and superior therapeutic outcomes.