The gene transfection efficiency of a folate–PEI600–cyclodextrin nanopolymer

HGFK1 Enhances the Anti-Tumor Effects of Angiogenesis Inhibitors via Inhibition of CD90+ CSCs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The combination of anti-angiogenesis agents with immune-checkpoint inhibitors is a promising treatment for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, therapeutic resistance caused by cancer stem cells present in tumor microenvironments remains to be overcome. In this study, we report for the first time that the Kringle 1 domain of human hepatocyte growth-factor α chain (HGFK1), a previously described anti-angiogenesis peptide, repressed the sub-population of CD90+ cancer stem cells (CSCs) and promoted their differentiation and chemotherapy sensitivity mainly through downregulation of pre-Met protein expression and inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin and Notch pathways. Furthermore, we showed that the i.p. injection of PH1 (a tumor-targeted and biodegradable co-polymer), medicated plasmids encoding Endostatin (pEndo), HGFK1 genes (pEndo), and a combination of 50% pEndo + 50% pHGFK1 all significantly suppressed tumor growth and prolonged the survival of the HCC-bearing mice. Importantly, the combined treatment produced a potent synergistic effect, with 25% of the mice showing the complete clearance of the tumor via a reduction in the microvessel density (MVD) and the number of CD90+ CSCs in the tumor tissues. These results suggest for the first time that HGFK1 inhibits the CSCs of HCC. Furthermore, the combination of two broad-spectrum anti-angiogenic factors, Endo and HGFK1, is the optimal strategy for the development of effective anti-HCC drugs.

Poly(ethylenimine)-Cyclodextrin-Based Cationic Polymer Mediated HIF-1α Gene Delivery for Hindlimb Ischemia Treatment

Hindlimb ischemia is a common disease worldwide featured by the sudden decrease in limb perfusion, which usually causes a potential threat to limb viability and even amputation or death. Revascularization has been defined as the gold-standard therapy for hindlimb ischemia. Considering that vascular injury recovery requires cellular adaptation to the hypoxia, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α (HIF-1α) is a potential gene for tissue restoration and angiogenesis. In this manuscript, effective gene delivery vector PEI-β-CD (PC) was reported for the first application in the hindlimb ischemia treatment to deliver HIF-1α plasmid in vitro and in vivo. Our in vitro finding demonstrated that PC/HIF-1α-pDNA could be successfully entered into the cells and mediated efficient gene transfection with good biocompatibility. More importantly, under hypoxic conditions, PC/HIF-1α-pDNA could up-regulate the HUEVC cell viability. In addition, the mRNA levels of VEGF, Ang-1, and PDGF were upregulated, and transcriptome results also demonstrated that the cell-related function of response to hypoxia was enhanced. The therapeutic effect of PC/HIF-1α-pDNA was further estimated in a murine acute hindlimb ischemia model, which demonstrated that intramuscular injection of PC/HIF-1α-pDNA resulted in significantly increased blood perfusion and alleviation in tissue damage, such as tissue fibrosis and inflammation. The results provide a rationale that HIF-1α-mediated gene therapy might be a practical strategy for the treatment of limb ischemia.

Tailoring the performance of composite PEI nanofiltration membranes via incorporating activated cyclodextrins

Cyclodextrins (CDs) with unique cavity structures have been used as materials for nanofiltration membrane fabrications. In the present work, the activated CD (O-CD), oxidated by NaIO4, and polyethyleneimine (PEI) were co-deposited on a hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile support, post-treated by glycerol protection and heating treatment, to prepare nanofiltration membranes with low molecular weight cut-off (MWCO). As the cavities in CD present and the aldehyde groups introduced after oxidation, the O-CDs were expected to crosslink the PEI layer and provide extra permeating channels. The filtration experiments showed that the incorporation of O-CDs improved the permeances of the O-CD-PEI/HPAN nanofiltration membranes. The performance can be tailored by the control of the loading or the oxidation degree of the O-CD. At optimal conditions, the permeance increment was nearly double (from 9.2 to 21.1 Lm-2·h-1·bar-1). While the selectivity was without significant sacrifice, the rejection of PEG 200 remained around 90%. Meanwhile, the membrane stability was demonstrated by pro-longed filtratiing a PEG 200 aqueous solution. The constant permeance and rejection confirmed the O-CD-PEI/HPAN membranes were stable. The incorporation of activated CD in PEI offers a facile strategy to promote the permeance of PEI-based membranes.

Novel fusion protein PK5-RL-Gal-3C inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma via anti-angiogenesis and cytotoxicity

BACKGROUND

Galectin-3 (Gal-3), the only chimeric β-galactosides-binding lectin, consists of Gal-3N (N-terminal regulatory peptide) and Gal-3C (C-terminal carbohydrate-recognition domain). Interestingly, Gal-3C could specifically inhibit endogenous full-length Gal-3 to exhibit anti-tumor activity. Here, we aimed to further improve the anti-tumor activity of Gal-3C via developing novel fusion proteins.

METHODS

PK5 (the fifth kringle domain of plasminogen) was introduced to the N-terminus of Gal-3C via rigid linker (RL) to generate novel fusion protein PK5-RL-Gal-3C. Then, we investigated the anti-tumor activity of PK5-RL-Gal-3C in vivo and in vitro by using several experiments, and figured out their molecular mechanisms in anti-angiogenesis and cytotoxicity to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

RESULTS

Our results show that PK5-RL-Gal-3C can inhibit HCC both in vivo and in vitro without obvious toxicity, and also significantly prolong the survival time of tumor-bearing mice. Mechanically, we find that PK5-RL-Gal-3C inhibits angiogenesis and show cytotoxicity to HCC. In detail, HUVEC-related and matrigel plug assays indicate that PK5-RL-Gal-3C plays an important role in inhibiting angiogenesis by regulating HIF1α/VEGF and Ang-2 both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, PK5-RL-Gal-3C induces cell cycle arrest at G1 phase and apoptosis with inhibition of Cyclin D1, Cyclin D3, CDK4, and Bcl-2, but activation of p27, p21, caspase-3, -8 and -9.

CONCLUSION

Novel fusion protein PK5-RL-Gal-3C is potent therapeutic agent by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis in HCC and potential antagonist of Gal-3, which provides new strategy for exploring novel antagonist of Gal-3 and promotes their application in clinical treatment.

Combination of Peglated-H1/HGFK1 Nanoparticles and TAE in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Transarterial embolization (TAE) constitutes the gold standard for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. The effect of combination of TAE and peglated-H1/HGFK1 nanoparticles was explored on hepatocellular carcinoma. MTT and Annexin V-FITC were used to determine the cell viability and apoptosis of HepG2, ml-1, LO2, and VX2 cells after the treatment of HGFK1. Next, the orthotopic rabbit was selected to establish the in situ models of VX2 hepatocellular carcinoma. Nanoparticles were synthesized with peglated-PH1 and used to deliver HGFK1 overexpressing plasmids. MRI was performed to monitor tumor volume after being treated with TAE. The protein expression levels of CD31, CD90, and Ki67 were determined by immunohistochemistry. H&E and TUNEL staining were used to determine the necrosis and apoptosis in vivo. HGFK1 significantly inhibited the proliferation and increased the apoptosis of HepG2 and ml-1 cells (P < 0.05). MRI on 14 days after modeling suggested that the tumor showed ring enhancement. MRI on 7 days and 14 days after interventional therapy showed that tumor volume was significantly inhibited after the treatment with TAE and HGFK1 (P < 0.05). The immunohistochemical results 7 days after interventional therapy indicated that the expressions of CD31, CD90, and Ki67 were significantly lower after treatment with TAE and HGFK1 (P < 0.05). TAE and HGFK1 all extended the survival period of rabbits (P < 0.05). PH1/HGFK1 nanoparticle is an innovative and effective embolic agent, which could limit angiogenesis post-TAE treatment. The combination of TAE with PH1/HGFK1 is a promising strategy and might alter the way that surgeons manage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Colloidal Polyelectrolyte Complexes from Hyaluronic Acid: Preparation and Biomedical Applications

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring polysaccharide which has been extensively exploited in biomedical fields owing to its outstanding biocompatibility. Self-assembly of HA and polycations through electrostatic interactions can generate colloidal polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs), which can offer a wide range of applications while being relatively simple to prepare with rapid and "green" processes. The advantages of colloidal HA-based PECs stem from the combined benefits of nanomedicine, green chemistry, and the inherent properties of HA, namely high biocompatibility, biodegradability, and biological targeting capability. Accordingly, colloidal PECs from HA have received increasing attention in the recent years as high-performance materials for biomedical applications. Considering their potential, this review is aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of colloidal PECs from HA in complex with polycations, from the most fundamental aspects of the preparation process to their various biomedical applications, notably as nanocarriers for delivering small molecule drugs, nucleic acids, peptides, proteins, and bioimaging agents or the construction of multifunctional platforms.

Stimulus-responsive drug/gene delivery system based on polyethylenimine cyclodextrin nanoparticles for potential cancer therapy

Combination therapy through simultaneous delivery of anti-cancer drugs and genes with nano-assembled structure has been proved to be a simple and effective approach for treating breast cancer. In this study, redox-sensitive folate-appended-polyethylenimine-β-cyclodextrin (roFPC) host-guest supramolecular nanoparticles (HGSNPs) were developed as a targeted co-delivery system of doxorubicin (Dox) and Human telomerase reverse transcriptase-small interfering RNA) hTERT siRNA) for potential cancer therapy. The nanotherapeutic system was prepared by loading adamantane-conjugated doxorubicin (Ad-Dox) into roFPC through the supramolecular assembly, followed by electrostatically-driven self-assembly between hTERT siRNA and roFPC/Ad-Dox. The roFPC' host-guest structures allow pH-dependent intracellular drug release in a sustained manner, as well as simultaneous and effective gene transfection. This co-delivery vector displayed combined anti-tumor properties of the Dox-enhanced gene transfection, good water-solubility, and biocompatibility, possesses considerably enhanced hemocompatibility, and especially targets folate receptor-positive cells only at low N/P levels to prompt effective cell apoptosis for cancer treatment.

Co-immunizing with HMGB1 enhances anti-tumor immunity of B7H3 vaccine in renal carcinoma

Metastatic renal carcinoma is a kind of tumor with high degree of malignancy, but there are no effective treatment methods and strategies at present. In this study, we designed a folate-grafted PEI600-CyD (H1) nanoparticle-mediated DNA vaccine containing an adjuvant of high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) and a tumor-specific antigen of B7H3 (CD276) for renal carcinoma therapy. Mice bearing subcutaneous human B7H3 (hB7H3)-Renca tumor were immunized with H1-pHMGB1/pB7H3, H1-pB7H3, H1-pHMGB1, or Mock vaccine. Compared to other control groups, the growth of the tumor was significantly inhibited in H1-pHMGB1/pB7H3 vaccine group. The increased proportion and mature of CD11c⁺ DCs were observed in the spleen of H1-pHMGB1/pB7H3 treated mice. Likewise, HMGB1 promoted B7H3 vaccine to induce tumor-specific CD8⁺ T cell proliferation and CTL responses. Beyond that, H1-pHMGB1/pB7H3 vaccine strengthened the induction of functional CD8⁺ T cells. With the depletion of CD8⁺ T cells, the anti-tumor effect of H1-pHMGB1/pB7H3 also disappeared, indicating that CD8⁺ T cells are the key factor of the anti-tumor activity of the vaccine. So, to sum up, H1-pHMGB1/pB7H3 vaccine could achieve the desired anti-tumor effect by enhancing the response of tumor-specific functional CD8⁺ T cell responses. H1 nanoparticle-based vaccines may have great potential and prospect in the treatment of primary solid tumors.

Cyclodextrins in drug delivery: applications in gene and combination therapy

Gene therapy is a powerful tool against genetic disorders and cancer, targeting the source of the disease rather than just treating the symptoms. While much of the initial success of gene delivery relied on viral vectors, non-viral vectors are emerging as promising gene delivery systems for efficacious treatment with decreased toxicity concerns. However, the delivery of genetic material is still challenging, and there is a need for vectors with enhanced targeting, reduced toxicity, and controlled release. In this article, we highlight current work in gene therapy which utilizes the cyclic oligosaccharide molecule cyclodextrin (CD). With a number of unique abilities, such as hosting small molecule drugs, acting as a linker or modular component, reducing immunogenicity, and disrupting membranes, CD is a valuable constituent in many delivery systems. These carriers also demonstrate great promise in combination therapies, due to the ease of assembling macromolecular structures and wide variety of chemical derivatives, which allow for customizable delivery systems and co-delivery of therapeutics. The use of combination and personalized therapies can result in improved patient health-modular systems, such as those which incorporate CD, are more conducive to these therapy types. Graphical abstract.

History of cyclodextrin-based polymers in food and pharmacy: a review

Cyclodextrins are glucose macrocycles whose inclusional capabilities towards non-polar solutes can be modulated with the help of other macrostructures. The incorporation of cyclodextrin moieties into larger structures produces five types of new materials: crosslinked networks, functionalized chains, amphiphilic cyclodextrins, polyrotaxanes and nanocomposites. This review presents crosslinking and grafting to prepare covalently-attached cyclodextrins, and applications in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, from an historical point of view. In food science, applications include debittering of juices, retention of aromas and release of preservatives from packaging. In biomedical science, cyclodextrin polymers are applied classically to drug release, and more recently to gene delivery and regenerative medicine. The remarkable points are: 1) epichlorohydrin and diisocyanates have been extensively used as crosslinkers since the 1960s, but during the last two decades more complex cyclodextrin polymeric structures have been designed. 2) The evolution of cyclodextrin polymers matches that of macromolecular materials with regard to complexity, functionality and capabilities. 3) The use of cyclodextrin polymers as sorbents in the food sector came first, but smart packaging is now an active challenge. Cyclodextrins have also been recently used to design treatments against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Versatile Types of Cyclodextrin-Based Nucleic Acid Delivery Systems

Nowadays, nucleic acid therapy has become a promising way for the treatment of various malignant diseases. Cyclodextrin (CD)-based nucleic acid delivery systems have attracted widespread attention due to the favorable chemical structures and excellent biological properties of CD. Recently, a variety of CD-based nucleic acid delivery systems has been designed according to the different functions of CD for flexible gene therapies. In this review, the construction strategies and biomedical applications of CD-based nucleic acid delivery systems are mainly focused on. The review begins with an introduction to the synthesis and properties of simple CD-grafted polycations. Thereafter, CD-related supramolecular assemblies based on different guest components are discussed in detail. Finally, different CD-based organic/inorganic nanohybrids and their relevant functions are demonstrated. It is hoped that this brief review will motivate the delicate design of CD-based nucleic acid delivery systems for potential clinical applications.

Improving radio-chemotherapy efficacy of prostate cancer by co-deliverying docetaxel and dbait with biodegradable nanoparticles

Combining DNA damage repair inhibitors and chemotherapeutic agents is an emerging strategy in cancer treatment. In this study, we engineered the polycation nanoparticle (NP), which co-encapsulated DNA damage repair inhibitor Dbait and chemotherapeutic drug Docetaxel (Dtxl), using H1 nanopolymer (folate--polyethylenimine600-cyclodextrin), and the size of H1/Dbait/Dtxl was about 117 nm. We demonstrated that H1/Dbait/Dtxl enhanced the efficiency of radio-chemotherapy in prostate cancer cells by CCK-8 assay and colony-forming assay. Importantly, the improvement of radio-chemotherapy of H1/Dbait/Dtxl in prostate cancer was also validated in vivo, and the NP did not have a high toxicity profile. The results of immunohistochemistry and western blot supported that the improved therapeutic efficacy was through inhibiting DNA damage repair signalling pathway. Our study supports further investigations using NP to co-deliver DNA damage repair inhibitors and chemotherapeutics to improve the therapeutic efficacy of cancer.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A New Generation of Therapeutic Agents as Vehicles in Gene Therapy

In recent years, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a new tool for therapeutic gene delivery in clinics have attracted much attention. Their advantages cover longer lifespan, better isolation, and higher transfection efficiency and proliferation rate. MSCs are the preferred approach for cell-based therapies because of their in vitro self-renewal capacity, migrating especially to tumor tissues, as well as anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Therefore, they have considerable efficiency in genetic engineering for future clinical applications in cancer gene therapy and other diseases. For improving therapeutic efficiency, targeted therapy of cancers can be achieved through the sustained release of therapeutic agents and functional gene expression induction to the intended tissues. The development of a new vector in gene therapy can improve the durability of a transgene expression. Also, the safety of the vector, if administered systemically, may resolve several problems, such as durability of expression and the host immune response. Currently, MSCs are prominent candidates as cell vehicles for both preclinical and clinical trials due to the secretion of therapeutic agents in several cancers. In the present study, we discuss the status of gene therapy in both viral and non-viral vectors along with their limitations. Throughout this study, the use of several nano-carriers for gene therapy is also investigated. Finally, we critically discuss the promising advantages of MSCs in targeted gene delivery, tumor inhibition and their utilization as the gene carriers in clinical situations.

A zipped-up tunable metal coordinated cationic polymer for nanomedicine

Incorporating metal elements into polymers is a feasible means to fabricate new materials with multiple functionalities. In this work, a metal coordinated cationic polymer (MCCP) was developed. Ferric ions were incorporated into the polyethyleneimine-β-cyclodextrin (PC) polymer chain via coordination to produce a zipped-up polymer with a micro-ordered and macro-disordered topological structure. By varying the metal concentration, a tunable superstructure could be formed on the nano-templates via the "zipping" effect. In addition, the physicochemical properties of the assembly of MCCPs and nucleic acids were tailored by tuning the composition of the metal ions and polymers. The loading efficiency of Rhodamine-B by MCCPs was enhanced. The in vitro and in vivo results showed that the hybrid materials could be adjusted to deliver nucleic acids or small molecules with good performance and acquired the capacity of generating reactive oxygen species in tumor cells. Thus, the tunable and multifunctional MCCP system has great potential in nanomedicine and biomaterial science.

Ligand targeting and peptide functionalized polymers as non-viral carriers for gene therapy

Ligand targeting and peptide functionalized polymers serve as gene carriers for efficient gene delivery.

Peglated-H1/pHGFK1 nanoparticles enhance anti-tumor effects of sorafenib by inhibition of drug-induced autophagy and stemness in renal cell carcinoma

Background

Tumor targeting small molecular inhibitors are the most popular treatments for many malignant diseases, including cancer. However, the lower clinical response and drug resistance still limit their clinical efficacies. HGFK1, the first kringle domain of hepatocyte growth factor, has been defined as a potent anti-angiogenic factor. Here, we aimed to develop and identify novel nanoparticles—PH1/pHGFK1 as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Methods

We produced a novel cationic polymer—PH1 and investigated the anti-tumor activity of PH1/pHGFK1 nanoparticle alone and its combination therapy with sorafenib in RCC cell line xenografted mice model. Then, we figured out its molecular mechanisms in human RCC cell lines in vitro.

Results

We firstly demonstrated that intravenous injection of PH1/pHGFK1 nanoparticles significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged the survival time of tumor-bearing mice, as well as synergistically enhanced anti-tumor activities of sorafenib. Furthermore, we elucidated that recombinant HGFK1 improved sorafenib-induced cell apoptosis and arrested cell cycle. In addition, HGFK1 could also decrease sorafenib-induced autophagy and stemness via blockading NF-κB signaling pathway in RCC both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

HGFK1 could inhibit tumor growth, synergistically enhance anti-tumor activities of sorafenib and reverse its drug resistance evolution in RCC. Our results provide rational basis for clinical application of sorafenib and HGFK1 combination therapy in RCC patients.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1348-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Folate-Decorated Amphiphilic Cyclodextrins as Cell-Targeted Nanophototherapeutics

Nowadays, active targeting of nanotherapeutics is a challenging issue. Here, we propose a rational design of a ternary nanoassembly (SAP) composed of nonionic amphiphilic β-cyclodextrins (amphiphilic CD) incorporating pheophorbide (Pheo) as a phototherapeutic and an adamantanyl-folic acid conjugate (Ada-FA) to target tumor cells overexpressing α-folate receptor (FR-α(+)). Dynamic light scattering and ζ-potential pointed out the presence of nanoassemblies bearing a negative surface charge (ζ = -51 mV). Morphology of SAP was investigated by atomic force microscopy and microphotoluminescence, indicating the presence of highly emissive near-spherical assemblies of about 280 nm in size. Complementary spectroscopic techniques such as ROESY-NMR, UV/vis and steady-state fluorescence revealed that the folic acid protrudes out of amphiphilic CD rims, prone for recognition with FR-α. Pheo was strongly loaded in the nanoassembly mostly in monomeric form, thus generating singlet oxygen (¹O₂) and consequentely showing phototherapeutic action. SAP remained stable until 2 weeks in aqueous solutions. Stability studies in biologically relevant media pointed out the ability of SAP to interact with serum proteins by means of the oligoethylenglycole fringe, without destabilization. Release experiments demonstrated the sustained release of Pheo from SAP in environments mimiking physiological conditions (∼20% within 1 week), plausibly suggesting low Pheo leaking and high integrity of the assembly within 24 h, time spent on average to reach the target sites. Cellular uptake of SAP was confirmed by confocal microscopy, pointing out that SAP was internalized into the tumoral cells expressing FR-α more efficiently than SP. SAP showed improved phototoxicity in human breast MCF-7 cancer cells FR-α(+) (IC₅₀ = 270 nM) with respect to human prostate carcinoma PC3 cells (IC₅₀ = 700 nM) that express a low level of that receptor (FR-α(-)). Finally, an improved phototoxicity in FR-α(+) MCF-7 cells (IC₅₀ = 270 nM) was assessed after treatment with SAP vs SP (IC₅₀ = 600 nM) which was designed without Ada-FA as a targeting unit.

Combining DNA Vaccine and AIM2 in H1 Nanoparticles Exert Anti-Renal Carcinoma Effects via Enhancing Tumor-Specific Multi-functional CD8+ T-cell Responses

Renal carcinoma presents a rapid progression in patients with high metastasis with no effective therapeutic strategy. In this study, we designed a folate-grafted PEI600-CyD (H1) nanoparticle-mediated DNA vaccine containing an adjuvant of absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) and a tumor-specific antigen of carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) for renal carcinoma therapy. Mice bearing subcutaneous human CAIX (hCAIX)-Renca tumor were intramuscularly immunized with H1-pAIM2/pCAIX, H1-pCAIX, H1-pAIM2, or Mock vaccine, respectively. The tumor growth of hCAIX-Renca was significantly inhibited in H1-pAIM2/pCAIX vaccine group compared with the control group. The vaccine activated CAIX-specific CD8⁺ T-cell proliferation and CTL responses, and enhanced the induction of multi-functional CD8⁺ T cells (expressing TNF-α, IL-2, and IFN-γ). CD8⁺ T-cell depletion resulted in the loss of anti-tumor activity of H1-pAIM2/pCAIX vaccine, suggesting that the efficacy of the vaccine was dependent on CD8⁺ T-cell responses. Lung metastasis of renal carcinoma was also suppressed by H1-pAIM2/pCAIX vaccine treatment accompanied with the increased percentages of CAIX-specific multi-functional CD8⁺ T cells in the spleen, tumor, and bronchoalveolar lavage as compared with H1-pCAIX vaccine. Similarly, the vaccine enhanced CAIX-specific CD8⁺ T-cell proliferation and CTL responses. Therefore, these results indicated that H1-pAIM2/pCAIX vaccine exhibits the therapeutic efficacy of anti-renal carcinoma by enhancing tumor-specific multi-functional CD8⁺ T-cell responses. This vaccine strategy could be a potential and promising approach for the therapy of primary solid or metastasis tumors.

Polyethyleneimine-Coated Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles for Targeted Tumor PET/MR Imaging

A Mn₃O₄ nanoparticle (NP)-based dual-modality probe has been developed for tumor positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The dual-modality imaging probe was constructed by modifying multifunctional polyethyleneimine (PEI)-coated Mn₃O₄ NPs with folic acid (FA), followed with the radiolabeling with ⁶⁴Cu. The formed imaging probe was utilized for PET/MR imaging of human cervical cancer mouse xenografts, which overexpress folate receptor (FR). The PEI-coated Mn₃O₄ NPs were synthesized using a solvothermal approach via decomposition of acetylacetone manganese. Multifunctional groups, including fluorescein isothiocyanate (FI), PEGylated FA, and NOTA chelator, were then sequentially loaded onto the surface of the amine groups of the Mn₃O₄ NPs. The remaining PEI amines were neutralized by the acetylation reaction. The resulting NOTA-FA-FI-PEG-PEI-Ac-Mn₃O₄ NPs were fully characterized and evaluated in vitro and successfully radiolabeled with ⁶⁴Cu for tumor PET/MR imaging in small animals. In vivo blocking experiments were performed to determine the FR binding specificity of NPs. PET imaging results demonstrated that ⁶⁴Cu-labeled Mn₃O₄ NPs display good tracer uptake in the FR-expressing HeLa tumors (tumor-to-muscle (T/M) ratio: 5.35 ± 0.31 at 18 h postinjection (pi)) and substantially reduced tracer uptake in the FR-blocked HeLa tumors (T/M ratio: 2.78 ± 0.68 at 18 h pi). The ex vivo data, including PET imaging and biodistribution, further confirmed the tumor binding specificity of the ⁶⁴Cu-labeled Mn₃O₄ NPs. Moreover, the FR-targeted Mn₃O₄ NPs exhibited efficient T₁-weighted MR imaging (MRI), leading to the precise tumor MRI at 18 h pi. PET/MR imaging with the ⁶⁴Cu-NOTA-FA-FI-PEG-PEI-Ac-Mn₃O₄ NPs may offer a new quantitative approach to precisely measure the FR in tumors. The strategy of incorporating PEI nanotechnology into the construction of new biomaterials may be applied for the construction of novel nanoplatforms for cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Multifunctional Dendrimer-Entrapped Gold Nanoparticles Conjugated with Doxorubicin for pH-Responsive Drug Delivery and Targeted Computed Tomography Imaging

Novel theranostic nanocarriers exhibit a desirable potential to treat diseases based on their ability to achieve targeted therapy while allowing for real-time imaging of the disease site. Development of such theranostic platforms is still quite challenging. Herein, we present the construction of multifunctional dendrimer-based theranostic nanosystem to achieve cancer cell chemotherapy and computed tomography (CT) imaging with targeting specificity. Doxorubicin (DOX), a model anticancer drug, was first covalently linked onto the partially acetylated poly(amidoamine) dendrimers of generation 5 (G5) prefunctionalized with folic acid (FA) through acid-sensitive cis-aconityl linkage to form G5·NHAc-FA-DOX conjugates, which were then entrapped with gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) to create dendrimer-entrapped Au NPs (Au DENPs). We demonstrate that the prepared DOX-Au DENPs possess an Au core size of 2.8 nm, have 9.0 DOX moieties conjugated onto each dendrimer, and are colloid stable under different conditions. The formed DOX-Au DENPs exhibit a pH-responsive release profile of DOX because of the cis-aconityl linkage, having a faster DOX release rate under a slightly acidic pH condition than under a physiological pH. Importantly, because of the coexistence of targeting ligand FA and Au core NPs as a CT imaging agent, the multifunctional DOX-loaded Au DENPs afford specific chemotherapy and CT imaging of FA receptor-overexpressing cancer cells. The constructed DOX-conjugated Au DENPs hold a promising potential to be utilized for simultaneous chemotherapy and CT imaging of various types of cancer cells.

A novel galactose-PEG-conjugated biodegradable copolymer is an efficient gene delivery vector for immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma

Successful immunogene therapy depends not only on the therapeutic gene but also on the gene delivery vector. In this study, we synthesized a novel copolymer consisting of low-molecular-weight polyethylenimine (PEI) cross-linked by myo-inositol (INO) and conjugated with a galactose-grafted PEG chain, named LA-PegPI. We characterized the chemical structure and molecular weight of the copolymer and particle properties of LA-PegPI/pDNA. Furthermore, we showed that LA-PegPI/pDNA polyplexes possessed excellent stability in physiological salt solution, low cytotoxicity, and high transfection efficiency in the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR)-positive liver cells in vitro. Importantly, we also showed that through intraperitoneal injection of LA-PegPI/pDNA nanoparticles, the reporter gene was forcefully expressed in the liver hepatocytes of mice. Finally, we documented that intraperitoneal injection of LA-PegPI/pIL15 nanoparticles effectively suppressed tumor growth and prolonged survival time of tumor-bearing mice via activation of CD8⁺ T cells and NK cells and upregulation of the cytokines IFN-γ, TNF, and IL12 in an orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model. Interestingly, LA-PegPI/pluc nanoparticles could effectively stimulate the proliferation of NK cells and inhibit tumor growth in this model. In summary, LA-PegPI is a useful gene vector for immunogene therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma, and its potential for clinical application warrants further study.

H1/pAIM2 nanoparticles exert anti-tumour effects that is associated with the inflammasome activation in renal carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a high metastasis tumour with less effective treatment available currently. Absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) as a tumour suppressor might be used as a potential therapeutic target for RCC treatment. Here, we found that AIM2 expression was significantly decreased in RCC patient specimens and renal carcinoma cell lines (786‐O and OSRC‐2). To establish a safe and effective AIM2 gene delivery system, we formed the nanoparticles consisting of a folate grafted PEI600‐CyD (H1) nanoparticle‐mediated AIM2 gene (H1/pAIM2) as an effective delivery agent. Delivery of H1/pAIM2 in renal carcinoma cells could remarkably increase the expression of AIM2, and subsequently decrease cell proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as enhance cell apoptosis. In order to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of AIM2 in vivo, H1/pAIM2 nanoparticles were injected intratumorally into 786‐O‐xenograft mice. Administration of H1/pAIM2 nanoparticles could inhibit the tumour growth as evidenced by reduced tumour volume and weight. Furthermore, Blockade of inflammasome activation triggered by H1/pAIM2 nanoparticles using inflammasome inhibitor YVAD‐CMK abrogated the anti‐tumoral activities of H1/AIM2. These results indicated the therapeutic effect of H1/pAIM2 nanoparticles was mainly attributable to its capability to enhance the inflammasome activation. H1/AIM2 nanoparticles might act as an efficient therapeutic approach for RCC treatment.

H1/pHGFK1 nanoparticles exert anti-tumoural and radiosensitising effects by inhibition of MET in glioblastoma

Background:

The therapeutic resistance to ionising radiation (IR) and anti-angiogenesis mainly impair the prognosis of patients with glioblastoma. The primary and secondary MET aberrant activation is one crucial factor for these resistances. The kringle 1 domain of hepatocyte growth factor (HGFK1), an angiogenic inhibitor, contains a high-affinity binding domain of MET; however, its effects on glioblastoma remain elusive.

Methods:

We formed the nanoparticles consisting of a folate receptor-targeted nanoparticle-mediated HGFK1 gene (H1/pHGFK1) and studied its anti-tumoural and radiosensitive activities in both subcutaneous and orthotopic human glioma cell-xenografted mouse models. We then elucidated its molecular mechanisms in human glioblastoma cell lines in vitro.

Results:

We demonstrated for the first time that peritumoural injection of H1/pHGFK1 nanoparticles significantly inhibited tumour growth and prolonged survival in tumour-bearing mice, as well as enhanced the anti-tumoural efficacies of IR in vivo by reducing Ki-67 expression, enhancing TUNEL staining-indicated apoptotic indexes, reducing microvascular intensity and reversing IR-induced MET overexpression in tumour tissues. Furthermore, we showed that HGFK1 suppressed the proliferation and induced cell apoptosis and enhanced sensitivity to IR in glioblastoma cell lines, mainly by suppressing the activities of MET receptor, down-regulating ATM-Chk2 axis but up-regulating Chk1.

Conclusions:

H1/pHGFK1 exerts anti-tumoural and radiosensitive activities mainly through the inhibition and reversal of IR-induced MET and ATM–Chk2 axis activities in glioblastoma. H1/pHGFK1 nanoparticles are a potential radiosensitiser and angiogenic inhibitor for glioblastoma treatment.

Engineering intranasal mRNA vaccines to enhance lymph node trafficking and immune responses

Intranasal mRNA vaccination provides immediate immune protection against pandemic diseases. Recent studies have shown that diverse forms of polyethyleneimine (PEI) have potent mucosal adjuvant activity, which could significantly facilitate the delivery of intranasal mRNA vaccines. Nevertheless, optimizing the chemical structure of PEI to maximize its adjuvanticity and decrease its toxicity remains a challenge. Here we show that the chemical structure of PEI strongly influences how well nanocomplexes of PEI and mRNA migrate to the lymph nodes and elicit immune responses. Conjugating cyclodextrin (CD) with PEI600 or PEI2k yielded CP (CD-PEI) polymers with different CD/PEI ratios. We analyzed the delivery efficacy of CP600, CP2k, and PEI25k as intranasal mRNA vaccine carriers by evaluating the lymph nodes migration and immune responses. Among these polymers, CP2k/mRNA showed significantly higher in vitro transfection efficiency, stronger abilities to migrate to lymph nodes and stimulate dendritic cells maturation in vivo, which further led to potent humoral and cellular immune responses, and showed lower local and systemic toxicity than PEI25k/mRNA. These results demonstrate the potential of CD-PEI2k/mRNA nanocomplex as a self-adjuvanting vaccine delivery vehicle that traffics to lymph nodes with high efficiency.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

As we face outbreaks of pandemic diseases such as Zika virus, intranasal mRNA vaccination provides instant massive protection against highly variant viruses. Various polymer-based delivery systems have been successfully applied in intranasal vaccine delivery. However, the influence of molecular structure of the polymeric carriers on the lymph node trafficking and dendritic cell maturation is seldom studied for intranasal vaccination. Therefore, engineering polymer-based vaccine delivery system and elucidating the relationship between molecular structure and the intranasal delivery efficiency are essential for maximizing the immune responses. We hereby construct self-adjuvanting polymer-based intranasal mRNA vaccines to enhance lymph node trafficking and further improve immune responses.

Responsive Nanocarriers as an Emerging Platform for Cascaded Delivery of Nucleic Acids to Cancer

Cascades of systemic and intracellular obstacles, including low stability in blood, little tumor accumulation, weak tumor penetration, poor cellular uptake, inefficient endosomal escape and deficient disassembly in the cytoplasm, must be overcome in order to deliver nucleic acid drugs for cancer therapy. Nanocarriers that are sensitive to a variety of physiological stimuli, such as pH, redox status, and cell enzymes, are substantially changing the landscape of nucleic acid drug delivery by helping to overcome cascaded systemic and intracellular barriers. This review discusses nucleic acid-based therapeutics, systemic and intracellular barriers to efficient nucleic acid delivery, and nanocarriers responsive to extracellular and intracellular biological stimuli to overcome individual barriers. In particular, responsive nanocarriers for the cascaded delivery of nucleic acids in vivo are highlighted. Developing novel cascaded nanocarriers that transform their physicochemical properties in response to various stimuli in a timely and spatially controlled manner for nucleic acid drug delivery holds great potential for translating the promise of nucleic acid drugs and achieving clinically successful cancer therapy.

Enhanced expression of Vastatin inhibits angiogenesis and prolongs survival in murine orthotopic glioblastoma model

Background

Antiangiogenic therapies are considered promising for the treatment of glioblastoma (GB). The non-collagenous C-terminal globular NC1 domain of type VIII collagen a1 chain, Vastatin, is an endogenous antiangiogenic polypeptide. Sustained enhanced expression of Vastatin was shown to inhibit tumour growth and metastasis in murine hepatocellular carcinoma models. In this study, we further explored the efficacy of Vastatin in the treatment of GB xenografts.

Method

Treatment of Vastatin was carried out using a nanopolymer gene vector PEI600-CyD-Folate (H1). Antiangiogenic effect of Vastatin was tested in vitro by using co-culture system and conditioned medium. An orthotopic GB murine model was established to examine the in vivo therapeutic effect of Vastatin alone treatment and its combination with temozolomide.

Results

Vastatin gene transfection mediated by H1 could target tumour cells specifically and suppress the proliferation of microvessel endothelial cells (MECs) through a paracrine inhibition manner. Enhancing Vastatin expression by intracerebral injection of H1-Vastatin significantly prolonged animal survival from 48 to 75 days in GB murine model, which was comparable to the effect of Endostatin, the most studied endogenous antiangiogenic polypeptide. The diminished presence of CD34 positive cells in the GB xenografts suggested that Vastatin induced significant antiangiogenesis. Moreover, a synergistic effect in extending survival was detected when H1-Vastatin was administered with temozolomide (TMZ) in GB chemoresistant murine models.

Conclusion

Our results suggest, for the first time, that Vastatin is an antiangiogenic polypeptide with significant potential therapeutic benefit for GB. H1-Vastatin gene therapy may have important implications in re-sensitizing recurrent GB to standard chemotherapeutic agents.

Folate-targeted nanoparticle delivery of androgen receptor shRNA enhances the sensitivity of hormone-independent prostate cancer to radiotherapy

Androgen receptor (AR) plays a crucial role in the development and progression of prostate cancer (PCa). PCa patients typically receive androgen deprivation therapy; nonetheless, these patients eventually develop castration and radiation resistance. We hypothesized that we could further improve radiotherapeutic efficacy of hormone-independent PCa (HIPC) by silencing AR. In this study, nanoparticle (NP) AR-shRNA was formulated using folate-targeted H1 nanopolymer. We demonstrated that NP AR-shRNA enhances PCa radiosensitivity as indicated by the inhibition of cell growth, increased apoptosis, and increased cell cycle arrest in AR-dependent HIPC in vitro. The radiosensitizing effect of NP AR-shRNA could be validated in vivo, as NP AR-shRNA significantly suppressed tumor growth and prolonged the survival of HIPC tumor-bearing mice. Analysis at the molecular level revealed that NP AR-shRNA inhibits DNA damage repair signaling pathways. Our study supports further investigation of NP AR-shRNA for the improvement of radiotherapy efficacy in HIPC.

Low Molecular Weight Branched PEI Binding to Linear DNA

Polyethylenimine (PEI) is one of the most versatile non-viral vectors used in gene therapy, especially for delivering plasmid DNA to human cells. However, a good understanding of PEI binding to DNA, the fundamental basis for the functioning of PEI as a vector, has been missing in the literature. In this study, PEI (branched, 600 Da) binding to DNA was examined by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and a complementary set of analysis tools. We demonstrated that a separation between the binding heat and the condensation heat is needed and that the excluded site model should be used for PEI binding stage in the ITC analysis. The equilibrium constant for PEI binding to DNA was determined to be 2.5×10⁵ M^-1 from the ITC analysis, and as 2.3×10⁵ M^-1 from the QCM analysis. Additionally, we suggested that the 600 Da branched PEI binds to the major groove of DNA and the rearrangement of PEI on DNA may be difficult to occur because of the small dissociation rate. The binding analysis presented here can be employed to improve our understanding of the functioning of PEI and PEI-like non-viral vectors.

Nanoparticle formulation of small DNA molecules, Dbait, improves the sensitivity of hormone-independent prostate cancer to radiotherapy

Intensification of radiotherapy has been shown to improve prostate cancer (PCa) outcomes. We hypothesized that we could further improve radiotherapy efficacy through the use DNA repair inhibitors. In this study, we evaluated the use of a new class of DNA damage repair inhibitor, nanoparticle (NP) Dbait, in radiosensitization of PCa. NP Dbait was formulated using H1 nanopolymer (folate-polyethylenimine600-cyclodextrin). We demonstrated that NP Dbait was a potent radiosensitizer in vitro by colony forming assay using PCa cell lines. The result was validated in vivo using mouse xenograft models of PCa and we showed that NP Dbait significantly suppressed tumor growth and prolonged survival. Western blot, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry showed that NP Dbait inhibited DNA damage repair signaling pathways by mimicking DNA double-strand breaks. Our study supports further investigations of NP Dbait in improving the therapeutic efficacy of cancer radiotherapy.

Bio-inspired polymer envelopes around adenoviral vectors to reduce immunogenicity and improve in vivo kinetics

Adenoviral vectors have attracted substantial interest for systemic tumor gene therapy, but further work is needed to reduce their immunogenicity and alter their biodistribution before they can be used in the clinic. Here we describe a bio-inspired, cleavable PEGylated β-cyclodextrin-polyethyleneimine conjugate (CDPCP) that spontaneously coats adenovirus in solution. This cleavable PEG coating reduces the innate and adaptive immunogenicity of adenovirus particles, as well as improves their biodistribution away from the liver and into the tumor. Insertion of a matrix metalloproteinase substrate sequence into the conjugate allows PEG cleavage at the tumor site, simultaneously reducing liver biodistribution and increasing transgene expression in tumors, thereby avoiding the "PEG dilemma". Cationic β-cyclodextrin-PEI not only provides electrostatic attraction to promote envelope attachment to the viral capsid, but it also improves vector internalization and transduction after PEG cleavage. These results suggest that CDPCP may help expand the use of adenoviral vectors in cancer gene therapy.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The synthesized β-cyclodextrin-PEI-MMP-cleavable-PEG polymer (CDPCP), held great potential for gene therapy when applied for adenovirus coating. The β-cyclodextrin-PEI provided a powerful electrostatic attraction to attach the whole polymer onto the viral capsid, while the MMPs-cleavable PEG reduced innate and adaptive immunogenicity and improved the biodistribution of adenovirus vectors due to the tumor-specific enzyme triggered PEG cleavage. More importantly, an ingenious cooperation between the two components could solve the PEG dilemma. The CDPCP/Ad complexes exhibited a comprehensive and valued profile to be a candidate vector for future tumor gene therapy, we believe the current investigation on this kind of biomaterial may be of particular interest to the readership of Acta biomaterialia.

Dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles modified with β-cyclodextrin for enhanced gene delivery applications

Dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles modified with β-cyclodextrin can be synthesized and used as a non-viral vector for enhanced gene delivery applications.

Hybrid of gold nanostar and indocyanine green for targeted imaging-guided diagnosis and phototherapy using low-density laser irradiation

A general strategy was used to design APP–ICG with the following functions: target ability, synergistic therapy, near-infrared and thermal imaging.

Radionuclide (131)I-labeled multifunctional dendrimers for targeted SPECT imaging and radiotherapy of tumors

We report the synthesis, characterization, and utilization of radioactive (131)I-labeled multifunctional dendrimers for targeted single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging and radiotherapy of tumors. In this study, amine-terminated poly(amidoamine) dendrimers of generation 5 (G5·NH2) were sequentially modified with 3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid-OSu (HPAO) and folic acid (FA) linked with polyethylene glycol (PEG), followed by acetylation modification of the dendrimer remaining surface amines and labeling of radioactive iodine-131 ((131)I). The generated multifunctional (131)I-G5·NHAc-HPAO-PEG-FA dendrimers were characterized via different methods. We show that prior to (131)I labeling, the G5·NHAc-HPAO-PEG-FA dendrimers conjugated with approximately 9.4 HPAO moieties per dendrimer are noncytotoxic at a concentration up to 20 μM and are able to target cancer cells overexpressing FA receptors (FAR), thanks to the modified FA ligands. In the presence of a phenol group, radioactive (131)I is able to be efficiently labeled onto the dendrimer platform with good stability and high radiochemical purity, and render the platform with an ability for targeted SPECT imaging and radiotherapy of an FAR-overexpressing xenografted tumor model in vivo. The designed strategy to use the facile dendrimer nanotechnology may be extended to develop various radioactive theranostic nanoplatforms for targeted SPECT imaging and radiotherapy of different types of cancer.

Cyclodextrin-based targeting strategies for tumor treatment

The efficacy and applicability of anticancer drugs are greatly restricted by severe systemic toxicities and drug resistance. Targeting drug delivery strategies have been developed to prevent the shortcomings of chemotherapy. Among various approaches to specifically target drug-loaded carrier systems to the required pathological sites, ligand-attached cyclodextrin-based targeting complexes are a promising drug delivery system, which is achieved mainly through specific molecular interactions between the drugs and cell surface receptors. The principal targeting tactics include conjugation of cyclodextrin with targeting moieties or encapsulation drugs in cyclodextrins. The cyclodextrin-based supramolecules, polymers, or nanoparticles bearing bioactive substances such as folate, estrogens, carbohydrates, peptides, etc. have been reviewed.

Polymeric complex micelles with double drug-loading strategies for folate-mediated paclitaxel delivery

Drug loading is a key procedure in the preparation of drug-loaded nano-carriers. In this study, the paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded polymeric complex micelles (FA-P123-PTX/PTX micelles) with double drug-loading strategies were designed and prepared to improve the drug loading percentage of carriers and its anti-tumor efficiency. PTX was simultaneously conjugated to pluronic P123 (P123) polymer and encapsulated inside the P123 complex micelle. Folate (FA) was linked to the surface of micelles for the active target delivery of micelles to tumor cells. The FA-P123-PTX/PTX micelles showed spherical shaped with high drug loading of 18.08±0.64%. The results of cellular uptake studies suggested that FA could promote the internalization of micelles into the FR positive cells. FA-P123-PTX/PTX micelles showed significant higher anti-tumor activity against FR positive tumor cells compared to Taxol(®) (p<0.05). Moreover, the FA-P123-PTX/PTX micelles exhibited higher anti-tumor efficacy in B16 bearing mice with better safety property compared with Taxol(®). These results suggested that FA-P123-PTX/PTX micelles with double drug-loading strategies showed great potential for targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs.

Reversal of multidrug resistance in MCF-7/Adr cells by codelivery of doxorubicin and BCL2 siRNA using a folic acid-conjugated polyethylenimine hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin nanocarrier

Systemic administration of chemotherapy for cancer often faces drug resistance, limiting its applications in cancer therapy. In this study, we developed a simple multifunctional nanocarrier based on polyethylenimine (PEI) to codeliver doxorubicin (DOX) and BCL2 small interfering RNA (siRNA) for overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR) and enhancing apoptosis in MCF-7/Adr cancer cells by combining chemotherapy and RNA interference (RNAi) therapy. The low-molecular-weight branch PEI was used to conjugate hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) and folic acid (FA), forming the codelivery nanocarrier (FA-HP-β-CD-PEI) to encapsulate DOX with the cavity HP-β-CD and bind siRNA with the positive charge of PEI for tumor-targeting codelivering drugs. The drug-loaded nanocomplexes (FA-HP-β-CD-PEI/DOX/siRNA) showed uniform size distribution, high cellular uptake, and significant gene suppression of BCL2, displaying the potential of overcoming MDR for enhancing the effect of anticancer drugs. Furthermore, the nanocomplexes achieved significant cell apoptosis through a mechanism of downregulating the antiapoptotic protein BCL2, resulted in improving therapeutic efficacy of the coadministered DOX by tumor targeting and RNA interference. Our study indicated that combined RNAi therapy and chemotherapy using our functional codelivery nanocarrier could overcome MDR and enhance apoptosis in MDR cancer cells for a potential application in treating MDR cancers.

Polycations with excellent gene transfection ability based on PVP-g-PDMAEMA with random coil and micelle structures as non-viral gene vectors

PVP-g-PDMAEMA formed random coils in water and PVP-g-PDMAEMA-b-PMMA self-assembled into spherical core–shell micelles. Both displayed excellent pDNA compacting abilities at an extremely low N/P ratio, with PVP-g-PDMAEMA-b-PMMA also showing excellent gear transfection efficiency.

Encapsulation of doxorubicin within multifunctional gadolinium-loaded dendrimer nanocomplexes for targeted theranostics of cancer cells

Multifunctional gadolinium-loaded dendrimer nanocomplexes can be used to encapsulate doxorubicin for targeted magnetic resonance imaging and chemotherapy of cancer cells.

Hyaluronic acid–PEI–cyclodextrin polyplexes: implications for in vitro and in vivo transfection efficiency and toxicity

The present study reveals novel HA–PEI–CyD polyplexes as non-viral vectors for gene delivery.

Cationic star copolymers based on β-cyclodextrins for efficient gene delivery to mouse embryonic stem cell colonies

A cationic star copolymer with a β-cyclodextrin core was developed for nonviral gene transfer to mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs).

Cell transfection with a β-cyclodextrin-PEI-propane-1,2,3-triol nanopolymer

Successful gene therapy necessitates safe and efficient gene transfer. This article describes the use of a cationic polymer, which was synthesized by cross-linking low molecular weight branched poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) with both β-cyclodextrin and propane-1,2,3-triol, for efficient and safe non-viral gene delivery. Experimentation demonstrated that the polymer had a pH buffering capacity and DNA condensing ability comparable to those of PEI 25 kDa. In B16-F0 cells, the polymer increased the transfection efficiency of naked DNA by 700-fold and yielded better transfection efficiencies than Fugene HD (threefold higher) and PEI 25 kDa (fivefold higher). The high transfection efficiency of the polymer was not affected by the presence of serum during transfection. In addition to B16-F0 cells, the polymer enabled efficient transfection of HepG2 and U87 cells with low cytotoxicity. Our results indicated that our polymer is a safe and efficient transfection reagent that warrants further development for in vitro, in vivo and clinical applications.