1
|
Alves A, Silva AM, Nunes C, Cravo S, Reis S, Pinto M, Sousa E, Rodrigues F, Ferreira D, Costa PC, Correia-da-Silva M. The Synthesis and Characterization of a Delivery System Based on Polymersomes and a Xanthone with Inhibitory Activity in Glioblastoma. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:132. [PMID: 38255746 PMCID: PMC10820267 DOI: 10.3390/life14010132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and deadly primary malignant brain tumor. Current therapies are insufficient, and survival for individuals diagnosed with GBM is limited to a few months. New GBM treatments are urgent. Polymeric nanoparticles (PNs) can increase the circulation time of a drug in the brain capillaries. Polymersomes (PMs) are PNs that have been described as having attractive characteristics, mainly due to their stability, prolonged circulation period, biodegradability, their ability to sustain the release of drugs, and the possibility of surface functionalization. In this work, a poly(ethylene glycol)-ε-caprolactone (PEG-PCL) copolymer was synthesized and PMs were prepared and loaded with an hydrolytic instable compound, previously synthesized by our research team, the 3,6-bis(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-glucopyranosyl)xanthone (XGAc), with promising cytotoxicity on glioblastoma cells (U-373 MG) but also on healthy cerebral endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3). The prepared PMs were spherical particles with uniform morphology and similar sizes (mean diameter of 200 nm) and were stable in aqueous suspension. The encapsulation of XGAc in PMs (80% encapsulation efficacy) protected the healthy endothelial cells from the cytotoxic effects of this compound, while maintaining cytotoxicity for the glioblastoma cell line U-373 MG. Our studies also showed that the prepared PMs can efficiently release XGAc at intratumoral pHs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Alves
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, MedTech-Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Margarida Silva
- REQUIMTE/LAQV—Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, ISEP, Polytechnique of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Claúdia Nunes
- REQUIMTE/LAQV—Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Cravo
- Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal dos Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Salette Reis
- REQUIMTE/LAQV—Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Madalena Pinto
- Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal dos Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Emília Sousa
- Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal dos Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Francisca Rodrigues
- REQUIMTE/LAQV—Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, ISEP, Polytechnique of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Domingos Ferreira
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, MedTech-Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulo C. Costa
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, MedTech-Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Correia-da-Silva
- Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal dos Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gao Y, Gao C, Fan Y, Sun H, Du J. Physically and Chemically Compartmentalized Polymersomes for Programmed Delivery and Biological Applications. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:5511-5538. [PMID: 37933444 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Multicompartment polymersomes (MCPs) refer to polymersomes that not only contain one single compartment, either in the membrane or in the internal cavity, but also mimic the compartmentalized structure of living cells, attracting much attention in programmed delivery and biological applications. The investigation of MCPs may promote the application of soft nanomaterials in biomedicine. This Review seeks to highlight the recent advances of the design principles, synthetic strategies, and biomedical applications of MCPs. The compartmentalization types including chemical, physical, and hybrid compartmentalization are discussed. Subsequently, the design and controlled synthesis of MCPs by the self-assembly of amphiphilic polymers, double emulsification, coprecipitation, microfluidics and particle assembly, etc. are summarized. Furthermore, the diverse applications of MCPs in programmed delivery of various cargoes and biological applications including cancer therapy, antimicrobials, and regulation of blood glucose levels are highlighted. Finally, future perspectives of MCPs from the aspects of controlled synthesis and applications are proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaning Gao
- State Key Laboratory of High-Efficiency Coal Utilization and Green Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
| | - Chenchen Gao
- State Key Laboratory of High-Efficiency Coal Utilization and Green Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
| | - Yirong Fan
- State Key Laboratory of High-Efficiency Coal Utilization and Green Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
| | - Hui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of High-Efficiency Coal Utilization and Green Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
| | - Jianzhong Du
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Huang J, Zhu Y, Xiao H, Liu J, Li S, Zheng Q, Tang J, Meng X. Formation of a traditional Chinese medicine self-assembly nanostrategy and its application in cancer: a promising treatment. Chin Med 2023; 18:66. [PMID: 37280646 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00764-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for centuries to prevent and treat a variety of illnesses, and its popularity is increasing worldwide. However, the clinical applications of natural active components in TCM are hindered by the poor solubility and low bioavailability of these compounds. To address these issues, Chinese medicine self-assembly nanostrategy (CSAN) is being developed. Many active components of TCM possess self-assembly properties, allowing them to form nanoparticles (NPs) through various noncovalent forces. Self-assembled NPs (SANs) are also present in TCM decoctions, and they are closely linked to the therapeutic effects of these remedies. SAN is gaining popularity in the nano research field due to its simplicity, eco-friendliness, and enhanced biodegradability and biocompatibility compared to traditional nano preparation methods. The self-assembly of active ingredients from TCM that exhibit antitumour effects or are combined with other antitumour drugs has generated considerable interest in the field of cancer therapeutics. This paper provides a review of the principles and forms of CSAN, as well as an overview of recent reports on TCM that can be used for self-assembly. Additionally, the application of CSAN in various cancer diseases is summarized, and finally, a concluding summary and thoughts are proposed. We strongly believe that CSAN has the potential to offer fresh strategies and perspectives for the modernization of TCM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ju Huang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hang Xiao
- Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingwen Liu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Songtao Li
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiao Zheng
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianyuan Tang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiangrui Meng
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
An L, Jia Y, Li J, Xiao C. Reduction-responsive dextran-based Pt(IV) nano-prodrug showed a synergistic effect with doxorubicin for effective melanoma treatment. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 233:123277. [PMID: 36706874 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer with high metastasis potential, has posed a great threat to human health. Accordingly, early efficient blocking of melanoma progression is vital in antitumor treatment. Herein, a reduction-responsive dextran-based Pt(IV) nano-prodrug (PDPN) was synthesized and used for doxorubicin (DOX) delivery to combat melanoma synergistically. First, PDPN was prepared by one-pot chemical coupling of carboxylated methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG), dextran (Dex), and the crosslinking agent cisPt (IV)-COOH. PDPN had a spherical structure (Rh = 34 ± 11.3 nm). Then, DOX was encapsulated into the PDPN core to form DOX-loaded PDPN (PDPN-DOX). The obtained PDPN-DOX displayed reduction-responsive release of DOX and Pt, thus showing a synergistic anticancer effect in B16F10 cells (combination index, 0.46). Furthermore, in vivo experiments demonstrated that PDPN-DOX was effective for the synergistic treatment of subcutaneous melanoma. Collectively, the as-prepared PDPN could serve as a promising and versatile nano-prodrug carrier for the co-delivery of chemotherapeutics in tumor combination therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin An
- Department of Dermatology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuxi Jia
- Department of Dermatology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinran Li
- Department of Dermatology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Chunsheng Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China; Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Redox-Responsive Polymersomes as Smart Doxorubicin Delivery Systems. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081724. [PMID: 36015350 PMCID: PMC9412847 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive polymersomes have emerged as smart drug delivery systems for programmed release of highly cytotoxic anticancer agents such as doxorubicin hydrochloride (Dox·HCl). Recently, a biodegradable redox-responsive triblock copolymer (mPEG–PDH–mPEG) was synthesized with a central hydrophobic block containing disulfide linkages and two hydrophilic segments of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether. Taking advantage of the self-assembly of this amphiphilic copolymer in aqueous solution, in the present investigation we introduce a solvent-exchange method that simultaneously achieves polymersome formation and drug loading in phosphate buffer saline (10 mM, pH 7.4). Blank and drug-loaded polymersomes (5 and 10 wt.% feeding ratios) were prepared and characterized for morphology, particle size, surface charge, encapsulation efficiency and drug release behavior. Spherical vesicles of uniform size (120–190 nm) and negative zeta potentials were obtained. Dox·HCl was encapsulated into polymersomes with a remarkably high efficiency (up to 98 wt.%). In vitro drug release studies demonstrated a prolonged and diffusion-driven release at physiological conditions (~34% after 48 h). Cleavage of the disulfide bonds in the presence of 50 mM glutathione (GSH) enhanced drug release (~77%) due to the contribution of the erosion mechanism. Therefore, the designed polymersomes are promising candidates for selective drug release in the reductive environment of cancer cells.
Collapse
|
6
|
Hybrid PEGylated chitosan/PLGA nanoparticles designed as pH-responsive vehicles to promote intracellular drug delivery and cancer chemotherapy. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 210:565-578. [PMID: 35513093 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.04.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
To achieve effective intracellular anticancer drug release for boosted antitumor efficacy, the acidity-responsive nanovehicles for doxorubicin (DOX) delivery were fabricated by tailor-made co-assembly of amphiphilic PEGylated chitosan20k and hydrophobic poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) segments at pH 8.5. The attained DOX-loaded PEGylated chitosan20k/PLGA nanoparticles (DOX-PC20kPNs) were characterized to have a spherical shape composed of drug-encapsulated chitosan20k/PLGA-constituted solid core surrounded by hydrophilic PEG shells. Compared to non-pH-sensitive DOX-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (DOX-PNs), the DOX-PC20kPNs displayed outstanding colloidal stability under serum-containing condition and tended to swell in weak acidic milieu upon increased protonation of chitosan20k within hybrid cores, thus accelerating drug release. The in vitro cellular uptake and cytotoxicity studies revealed that the DOX-PC20kPNs after being endocytosed by prostate TRAMP-C1 cancer cells rapidly liberated drug, thus promoting drug accumulation in nuclei to enhance anticancer potency. Moreover, the hydrated PEG shells of DOX-PC20kPNs remarkably reduced their uptake by macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells. Importantly, in vivo animal findings showed that the DOX-PC20kPNs exhibited the capability of inhibiting TRAMP-C1 tumor growth superior to free hydrophobic DOX molecules and DOX-PNs, demonstrating the great potential in cancer chemotherapy.
Collapse
|
7
|
Dually Responsive Poly(N-vinylcaprolactam)-b-poly(dimethylsiloxane)-b-poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) Polymersomes for Controlled Delivery. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27113485. [PMID: 35684423 PMCID: PMC9182360 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27113485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Limited tissue selectivity and targeting of anticancer therapeutics in systemic administration can produce harmful side effects in the body. Various polymer nano-vehicles have been developed to encapsulate therapeutics and prevent premature drug release. Dually responsive polymeric vesicles (polymersomes) assembled from temperature-/pH-sensitive block copolymers are particularly interesting for the delivery of encapsulated therapeutics to targeted tumors and inflamed tissues. We have previously demonstrated that temperature-responsive poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PVCL)-b-poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-b-PVCL polymersomes exhibit high loading efficiency of anticancer therapeutics in physiological conditions. However, the in-vivo toxicity of these polymersomes as biocompatible materials has not yet been explored. Nevertheless, developing an advanced therapeutic nanocarrier must provide the knowledge of possible risks from the material’s toxicity to support its future clinical research in humans. Herein, we studied pH-induced degradation of PVCL10-b-PDMS65-b-PVCL10 vesicles in-situ and their dually (pH- and temperature-) responsive release of the anticancer drug, doxorubicin, using NMR, DLS, TEM, and absorbance spectroscopy. The toxic potential of the polymersomes was evaluated in-vivo by intravenous injection (40 mg kg−1 single dose) of PVCL10-PDMS65-PVCL10 vesicles to mice. The sub-acute toxicity study (14 days) included gravimetric, histological, and hematological analyses and provided evidence for good biocompatibility and non-toxicity of the biomaterial. These results show the potential of these vesicles to be used in clinical research.
Collapse
|
8
|
D'Angelo NA, Noronha MA, Câmara MCC, Kurnik IS, Feng C, Araujo VHS, Santos JHPM, Feitosa V, Molino JVD, Rangel-Yagui CO, Chorilli M, Ho EA, Lopes AM. Doxorubicin nanoformulations on therapy against cancer: An overview from the last 10 years. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 133:112623. [PMID: 35525766 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.112623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is a natural antibiotic with antineoplastic activity. It has been used for over 40 years and remains one of the most used drugs in chemotherapy for a variety of cancers. However, cardiotoxicity limits its use for long periods. To overcome this limitation, encapsulation in smart drug delivery systems (DDS) brings advantages in comparison with free drug administration (i.e., conventional anticancer drug therapy). In this review, we present the most relevant nanostructures used for DOX encapsulation over the last 10 years, such as liposomes, micelles and polymeric vesicles (i.e., polymersomes), micro/nanoemulsions, different types of polymeric nanoparticles and hydrogel nanoparticles, as well as novel approaches for DOX encapsulation. The studies highlighted here show these nanoformulations achieved higher solubility, improved tumor cytotoxicity, prolonged DOX release, as well as reduced side effects, among other interesting advantages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natália A D'Angelo
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Mariana A Noronha
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Mayra C C Câmara
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Isabelle S Kurnik
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Chuying Feng
- Laboratory for Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 10 Victoria St S, Kitchener, Ontario N2G1C5, Canada
| | - Victor H S Araujo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - João H P M Santos
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil; Micromanufacturing Laboratory, Center for Bionanomanufacturing, Institute for Technological Research (IPT), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Valker Feitosa
- Micromanufacturing Laboratory, Center for Bionanomanufacturing, Institute for Technological Research (IPT), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Carlota O Rangel-Yagui
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marlus Chorilli
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Emmanuel A Ho
- Laboratory for Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 10 Victoria St S, Kitchener, Ontario N2G1C5, Canada
| | - André M Lopes
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nanomedicine in Pancreatic Cancer: Current Status and Future Opportunities for Overcoming Therapy Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246175. [PMID: 34944794 PMCID: PMC8699181 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite access to a vast arsenal of anticancer agents, many fail to realise their full therapeutic potential in clinical practice. One key determinant of this is the evolution of multifaceted resistance mechanisms within the tumour that may either pre-exist or develop during the course of therapy. This is particularly evident in pancreatic cancer, where limited responses to treatment underlie dismal survival rates, highlighting the urgent need for new therapeutic approaches. Here, we discuss the major features of pancreatic tumours that contribute to therapy resistance, and how they may be alleviated through exploitation of the mounting and exciting promise of nanomedicines; a unique collection of nanoscale platforms with tunable and multifunctional capabilities that have already elicited a widespread impact on cancer management. Abstract The development of drug resistance remains one of the greatest clinical oncology challenges that can radically dampen the prospect of achieving complete and durable tumour control. Efforts to mitigate drug resistance are therefore of utmost importance, and nanotechnology is rapidly emerging for its potential to overcome such issues. Studies have showcased the ability of nanomedicines to bypass drug efflux pumps, counteract immune suppression, serve as radioenhancers, correct metabolic disturbances and elicit numerous other effects that collectively alleviate various mechanisms of tumour resistance. Much of this progress can be attributed to the remarkable benefits that nanoparticles offer as drug delivery vehicles, such as improvements in pharmacokinetics, protection against degradation and spatiotemporally controlled release kinetics. These attributes provide scope for precision targeting of drugs to tumours that can enhance sensitivity to treatment and have formed the basis for the successful clinical translation of multiple nanoformulations to date. In this review, we focus on the longstanding reputation of pancreatic cancer as one of the most difficult-to-treat malignancies where resistance plays a dominant role in therapy failure. We outline the mechanisms that contribute to the treatment-refractory nature of these tumours, and how they may be effectively addressed by harnessing the unique capabilities of nanomedicines. Moreover, we include a brief perspective on the likely future direction of nanotechnology in pancreatic cancer, discussing how efforts to develop multidrug formulations will guide the field further towards a therapeutic solution for these highly intractable tumours.
Collapse
|
10
|
Su Z, Dong S, Zhao SC, Liu K, Tan Y, Jiang X, Assaraf YG, Qin B, Chen ZS, Zou C. Novel nanomedicines to overcome cancer multidrug resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2021; 58:100777. [PMID: 34481195 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2021.100777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy remains a powerful tool to eliminate malignant cells. However, the efficacy of chemotherapy is compromised by the frequent emergence of intrinsic and acquired multidrug resistance (MDR). These chemoresistance modalities are based on a multiplicity of molecular mechanisms of drug resistance, including : 1) Impaired drug uptake into cancer cells; 2) Increased expression of ATP-binding cassette efflux transporters; 3) Loss of function of pro-apoptotic factors; 4) Enhanced DNA repair capacity; 5) Qualitative or quantitative alterations of specific cellular targets; 6) Alterations that allow cancer cells to tolerate adverse or stressful conditions; 7) Increased biotransformation or metabolism of anticancer drugs to less active or completely inactive metabolites; and 8) Intracellular and intercellular drug sequestration in well-defined organelles away from the cellular target. Hence, one of the major aims of cancer research is to develop novel strategies to overcome cancer drug resistance. Over the last decades, nanomedicine, which focuses on targeted delivery of therapeutic drugs into tumor tissues using nano-sized formulations, has emerged as a promising tool for cancer treatment. Therefore, nanomedicine has been introduced as a reliable approach to improve treatment efficacy and minimize detrimental adverse effects as well as overcome cancer drug resistance. With rationally designed strategies including passively targeted delivery, actively targeted delivery, delivery of multidrug combinations, as well as multimodal combination therapy, nanomedicine paves the way towards efficacious cancer treatment and hold great promise in overcoming cancer drug resistance. Herein, we review the recent progress of nanomaterials used in medicine, including liposomal nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles and hybrid nanoparticles, to surmount cancer multidrug resistance. Finally, the future perspectives of the application of nanomedicine to reverse cancer drug resistance will be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenwei Su
- Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518001, Guangdong, PR China; Shenzhen Public Service Platform on Tumor Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis, Shenzhen, 518001, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Shaowei Dong
- Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518001, Guangdong, PR China; Shenzhen Public Service Platform on Tumor Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis, Shenzhen, 518001, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Shan-Chao Zhao
- Department of Urology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University; Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Kaisheng Liu
- Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518001, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yao Tan
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, No. 2048, Huaqiang South Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518032, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Rd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yehuda G Assaraf
- The Fred Wyszkowski Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Bo Qin
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, No. 2048, Huaqiang South Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518032, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute for Biotechnology, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, 11439, New York, USA.
| | - Chang Zou
- Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518001, Guangdong, PR China; Shenzhen Public Service Platform on Tumor Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis, Shenzhen, 518001, Guangdong, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Song M, Liu C, Chen S, Zhang W. Nanocarrier-Based Drug Delivery for Melanoma Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041873. [PMID: 33668591 PMCID: PMC7918190 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma, as a tumor cell derived from melanocyte transformation, has the characteristics of malignant proliferation, high metastasis, rapid recurrence, and a low survival rate. Traditional therapy has many shortcomings, including drug side effects and poor patient compliance, and so on. Therefore, the development of an effective treatment is necessary. Currently, nanotechnologies are a promising oncology treatment strategy because of their ability to effectively deliver drugs and other bioactive molecules to targeted tissues with low toxicity, thereby improving the clinical efficacy of cancer therapy. In this review, the application of nanotechnology in the treatment of melanoma is reviewed and discussed. First, the pathogenesis and molecular targets of melanoma are elucidated, and the current clinical treatment strategies and deficiencies of melanoma are then introduced. Following this, we discuss the main features of developing efficient nanosystems and introduce the latest reports in the literature on nanoparticles for the treatment of melanoma. Subsequently, we review and discuss the application of nanoparticles in chemotherapeutic agents, immunotherapy, mRNA vaccines, and photothermal therapy, as well as the potential of nanotechnology in the early diagnosis of melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Siyu Chen
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (W.Z.); Tel.: +86-(25)-8618-5645 (W.Z.)
| | - Wenxiang Zhang
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (W.Z.); Tel.: +86-(25)-8618-5645 (W.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Aibani N, Khan TN, Callan B. Liposome mimicking polymersomes; A comparative study of the merits of polymersomes in terms of formulation and stability. Int J Pharm X 2020; 2:100040. [PMID: 31956860 PMCID: PMC6956745 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpx.2019.100040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The past few decades have seen a significant rise in research into alternative polymer based nanosized unilamellar drug delivery systems, termed polymersomes. The reported benefits of polymersomes over the more traditional liposomes include increased stability, higher encapsulation efficacies, better adaptability and reduced water permeation due to an increased bilayer thickness. Together, these advantages render them suitable for a plethora of therapies. The work presented in this manuscript creates and compares four such drug delivery systems, two based on the traditional liposome and two prepared from amphiphilic polymers. From there we assess these systems in terms of size, stability, encapsulation efficiency, drug release, cellular toxicity and cellular uptake. We can confirm from this comprehensive investigation that the multi-functional synthetic polymersomes are undoubtedly a future contender in this expanding field of nanomedicines. Their ability to encapsulate a cocktail of different compounds, high stability as well as their ease of adaptability will ensure that they feature prominently in the future of advanced drug delivery systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bridgeen Callan
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, Cromore Road, Coleraine BT521SA, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jiang X, Fan X, Zhang R, Xu W, Wu H, Zhao F, Xiao H, Zhang C, Zhao C, Wu G. In situ tumor-triggered subcellular precise delivery of multi-drugs for enhanced chemo-photothermal-starvation combination antitumor therapy. Theranostics 2020; 10:12158-12173. [PMID: 33204335 PMCID: PMC7667678 DOI: 10.7150/thno.52000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Drug combination therapy for cancer treatment exerts a more potent antitumor effect. The targeted delivery and release of multiple drugs in a patient's body thus presents a more effective treatment approach, warranting further research. Methods: Two antitumor drugs (ICG: indocyanine green and THP: pirarubicin) were successfully screened to sequentially trigger self-assembling peptides (P60) to produce bacteria-sized particles (500-1000 nm, P60-ICG-THP). First, after mixing equal amount of P60 and ICG, trace amount of water (the mass ratio between P60 and water: 100:1) was used to trigger their assembly into P60-ICG. Subsequently, the assembly of P60-ICG and THP was further triggered by ultrasound treatment to produce P60-ICG-THP. Results: P60-ICG-THP constituted a cluster of several nanoparticles (50-100 nm) and possessed a negative charge. Owing to its size and charge characteristics, P60-ICG-THP could remain outside the cell membrane, avoiding the phagocytic clearance of blood and normal tissue cells in vivo. However, after localizing in the tumor, the size and charge switches of P60-ICG-THP, rapidly triggered by the low pH of the tumor microenvironment, caused P60-ICG-THP to segregate into two parts: (i) positively charged nanoparticles with a size of approximately 50 nm, and (ii) negatively charged particles of an uneven size. The former, mainly carrying THP (chemotherapeutic agent), could immediately cross the cell membrane and deliver pirarubicin into the nucleus of tumor cells. The latter, carrying ICG (used for photothermal therapy), could also enter the cell via the endocytosis pathway or accumulate in tumor blood vessels to selectively block the supply of nutrients and oxygen (cancer starvation). Both these particles could avoid the rapid excretion of ICG in the liver and were conducive to accumulation in the tumor tissue for photothermal therapy. Conclusion: Our drug delivery system not only achieves the precise subcellular delivery of two anticancer drugs due to their size and charge switches in the tumor site, but also provides a new strategy to combine chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, and cancer starvation therapy for the development of a highly efficient antitumor therapeutic regimen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinglu Jiang
- Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaobo Fan
- Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Xu
- Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Hailu Wu
- Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengfeng Zhao
- Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Xiao
- Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenggui Zhao
- Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoqiu Wu
- Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sharma A, Jha NK, Dahiya K, Singh VK, Chaurasiya K, Jha AN, Jha SK, Mishra PC, Dholpuria S, Astya R, Nand P, Kumar A, Ruokolainen J, Kesari KK. Nanoparticulate RNA delivery systems in cancer. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2020; 3:e1271. [PMID: 32729987 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug delivery system is a common practice in cancer treatment. RNA interference-mediated post-transcriptional gene silencing holds promise as an approach to knockdown in the expression of target genes responsible for cancer cell growth and metastasis. RNA interference (RNAi) can be achieved by delivering small interfering RNA (siRNA) and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to target cells. Since neither interfering RNAs can be delivered in naked form due to poor stability, an efficient delivery system is required that protects, guides, and delivers the siRNA and shRNA to target cells as part of cancer therapy (chemotherapy). RECENT FINDINGS In this review, a discussion is presented about the different types of drug delivery system used to deliver siRNA and shRNA, together with an overview of the potential benefits associated with this sophisticated biomolecular therapy. Improved understanding of the different approaches used in nanoparticle (NP) fabrication, along with an enhanced appreciation of the biochemical properties of siRNA/shRNA, will assist in developing improved drug delivery strategies in basic and clinical research. CONCLUSION These novel delivery techniques are able to solve the problems that form an inevitable part of delivering genes in more efficient manner and as part of more effective treatment protocols. The present review concludes that the nanoparticulate RNA delivery system has great possibility for cancer treatment along with several other proposed methods. Several NPs or nanocarriers are already in use, but the methods proposed here could fulfill the missing gap in cancer research. It is the future technology, which unravels the mystery of resolving genomic diseases that is, especially genomic instability and its signaling cascades.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Sharma
- Department of Life Science, School of Basic Science & Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Kajal Dahiya
- Department of Life Science, School of Basic Science & Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Vivek Kumar Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Kundan Chaurasiya
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Aditya Narayan Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Prabhu Chandra Mishra
- Department of Regenerative Medicine & Cellular Therapy, StemMax Research & Therapeutics Pvt Ltd., New Delhi, India
| | - Sunny Dholpuria
- Department of Life Science, School of Basic Science & Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Rani Astya
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Parma Nand
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Zoology, Ram Krishna College, Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Darbhanga, India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Synthetic polymers, biopolymers, and their nanocomposites are being studied, and some of them are already used in different medical areas. Among the synthetic ones that can be mentioned are polyolefins, fluorinated polymers, polyesters, silicones, and others. Biopolymers such as polysaccharides (chitosan, hyaluronic acid, starch, cellulose, alginates) and proteins (silk, fibroin) have also become widely used and investigated for applications in medicine. Besides synthetic polymers and biopolymers, their nanocomposites, which are hybrids formed by a macromolecular matrix and a nanofiller (mineral or organic), have attracted great attention in the last decades in medicine and in other fields due to their outstanding properties. This review covers studies done recently using the polymers, biopolymers, nanocomposites, polymer micelles, nanomicelles, polymer hydrogels, nanogels, polymersomes, and liposomes used in medicine as drugs or drug carriers for cancer therapy and underlines their responses to internal and external stimuli able to make them more active and efficient. They are able to replace conventional cancer drug carriers, with better results.
Collapse
|