Delivery and expression of pDNA embedded in collagen matrices

Gut Microbiome-Brain Alliance: A Landscape View into Mental and Gastrointestinal Health and Disorders

Gut microbiota includes a vast collection of microorganisms residing within the gastrointestinal tract. It is broadly recognized that the gut and brain are in constant bidirectional communication, of which gut microbiota and its metabolic production are a major component, and form the so-called gut microbiome-brain axis. Disturbances of microbiota homeostasis caused by imbalance in their functional composition and metabolic activities, known as dysbiosis, cause dysregulation of these pathways and trigger changes in the blood-brain barrier permeability, thereby causing pathological malfunctions, including neurological and functional gastrointestinal disorders. In turn, the brain can affect the structure and function of gut microbiota through the autonomic nervous system by regulating gut motility, intestinal transit and secretion, and gut permeability. Here, we examine data from the CAS Content Collection, the largest collection of published scientific information, and analyze the publication landscape of recent research. We review the advances in knowledge related to the human gut microbiome, its complexity and functionality, its communication with the central nervous system, and the effect of the gut microbiome-brain axis on mental and gut health. We discuss correlations between gut microbiota composition and various diseases, specifically gastrointestinal and mental disorders. We also explore gut microbiota metabolites with regard to their impact on the brain and gut function and associated diseases. Finally, we assess clinical applications of gut-microbiota-related substances and metabolites with their development pipelines. We hope this review can serve as a useful resource in understanding the current knowledge on this emerging field in an effort to further solving of the remaining challenges and fulfilling its potential.

The Progress and Promise of RNA Medicine─An Arsenal of Targeted Treatments

In the past decade, there has been a shift in research, clinical development, and commercial activity to exploit the many physiological roles of RNA for use in medicine. With the rapid success in the development of lipid-RNA nanoparticles for mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 and with several approved RNA-based drugs, RNA has catapulted to the forefront of drug research. With diverse functions beyond the role of mRNA in producing antigens or therapeutic proteins, many classes of RNA serve regulatory roles in cells and tissues. These RNAs have potential as new therapeutics, with RNA itself serving as either a drug or a target. Here, based on the CAS Content Collection, we provide a landscape view of the current state and outline trends in RNA research in medicine across time, geography, therapeutic pipelines, chemical modifications, and delivery mechanisms.

Advanced Microfluidic Technologies for Lipid Nano-Microsystems from Synthesis to Biological Application

Microfluidics is an emerging technology that can be employed as a powerful tool for designing lipid nano-microsized structures for biological applications. Those lipid structures can be used as carrying vehicles for a wide range of drugs and genetic materials. Microfluidic technology also allows the design of sustainable processes with less financial demand, while it can be scaled up using parallelization to increase production. From this perspective, this article reviews the recent advances in the synthesis of lipid-based nanostructures through microfluidics (liposomes, lipoplexes, lipid nanoparticles, core-shell nanoparticles, and biomimetic nanovesicles). Besides that, this review describes the recent microfluidic approaches to produce lipid micro-sized structures as giant unilamellar vesicles. New strategies are also described for the controlled release of the lipid payloads using microgels and droplet-based microfluidics. To address the importance of microfluidics for lipid-nanoparticle screening, an overview of how microfluidic systems can be used to mimic the cellular environment is also presented. Future trends and perspectives in designing novel nano and micro scales are also discussed herein.

Polymeric vehicles for nucleic acid delivery

Polymeric vehicles are versatile tools for therapeutic gene delivery. Many polymers-when assembled with nucleic acids into vehicles-can protect the cargo from degradation and clearance in vivo, and facilitate its transport into intracellular compartments. Design options in polymer synthesis yield a comprehensive range of molecules and resulting vehicle formulations. These properties can be manipulated to achieve stronger association with nucleic acid cargo and cells, improved endosomal escape, or sustained delivery depending on the application. Here, we describe current approaches for polymer use and related strategies for gene delivery in preclinical and clinical applications. Polymer vehicles delivering genetic material have already achieved significant therapeutic endpoints in vitro and in animal models. From our perspective, with preclincal assays that better mimic the in vivo environment, improved strategies for target specificity, and scalable techniques for polymer synthesis, the impact of this therapeutic approach will continue to expand.

Squalene/polyethylenimine based non-viral vectors: synthesis and use in systems for sustained gene release

New squalene/BPEI conjugates, acting as efficient gene carriers, were included in the 3D matrix, yielding tunable DNA release and long-term bioavailability.

Comparison of various types of collagenous scaffolds applied for embryonic nerve cell culture

The purpose of the study was to confirm whether collagen-based scaffolds using different cross-linking methods are suitable elaborate environments for embryonic nerve cell culture. Three 3D sponge-shaped porous scaffolds were composed using collagen alone, collagen with chondroitin sulphate modified by 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride, and collagen cross-linked by 2,3-dialdehyde cellulose (DAC). Embryonic nerve cells from rats were applied to the scaffolds and stained with bisbenzimide to study cell entrapment within the scaffolds. The metabolic activity of the cells cultured in the scaffolds was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The majority of cells were differentiated into neurocytes or oligodendrocytes. Collagen and collagen-chondroitin sulphate scaffolds entrapped a low number of cells. The highest cell density was found in the collagen-DAC scaffold. Moreover, in collagen-DAC scaffolds, the metabolic activity was markedly higher than in the other samples. Although all used scaffolds are suitable for the culture of embryonic nerve cells, the collagen-DAC scaffold properties are the most favorable. This scaffold entraps the highest number of cells and constitutes a favorable environment for their culture. Hence, the Col-DAC scaffold is recommended as an effective carrier for embryonic nerve cells.

Dissolving microneedles for DNA vaccination: Improving functionality via polymer characterization and RALA complexation

DNA vaccination holds the potential to treat or prevent nearly any immunogenic disease, including cancer. To date, these vaccines have demonstrated limited immunogenicity in vivo due to the absence of a suitable delivery system which can protect DNA from degradation and improve transfection efficiencies in vivo. Recently, microneedles have been described as a novel physical delivery technology to enhance DNA vaccine immunogenicity. Of these devices, dissolvable microneedles promise a safe, pain-free delivery system which may simultaneously improve DNA stability within a solid matrix and increase DNA delivery compared to solid arrays. However, to date little work has directly compared the suitability of different dissolvable matrices for formulation of DNA-loaded microneedles. Therefore, the current study examined the ability of 4 polymers to formulate mechanically robust, functional DNA loaded dissolvable microneedles. Additionally, complexation of DNA to a cationic delivery peptide, RALA, prior to incorporation into the dissolvable matrix was explored as a means to improve transfection efficacies following release from the polymer matrix. Our data demonstrates that DNA is degraded following incorporation into PVP, but not PVA matrices. The complexation of DNA to RALA prior to incorporation into polymers resulted in higher recovery from dissolvable matrices, and increased transfection efficiencies in vitro. Additionally, RALA/DNA nanoparticles released from dissolvable PVA matrices demonstrated up to 10-fold higher transfection efficiencies than the corresponding complexes released from PVP matrices, indicating that PVA is a superior polymer for this microneedle application.

Poloxamine/fibrin hybrid hydrogels for non-viral gene delivery

Hydrogels have been widely investigated for localized, sustained gene delivery because of the similarity of their physical properties to native extracellular matrix and their ability to be formed under mild conditions amenable to the incorporation of bioactive molecules. The objective of this study was to develop bioactive hydrogels composed of macromolecules capable of enhancing the efficiency of non-viral vectors. Hybrid hydrogels were prepared by simultaneous enzymatic and Michael-type addition crosslinking of reduced fibrinogen and an acrylated amphiphilic block copolymer, Tetronic T904, in the presence of dithiothreitol (DTT) and thrombin. T904/fibrin hydrogels degraded by surface erosion in the presence of plasmin and provided sustained release of polyplex vectors up to an order of magnitude longer than pure fibrin gel control. In addition, the rate of gel degradation and time-course of polyplex vector release were readily controlled by varying the T904/fibrinogen ratio in the gel composition. When added to transfected neuroblastoma (N2A) cells, both native T904 itself and hydrogel degradation products significantly increased polyplex transfection efficiency with minimal effect on cell viability. To evaluate gel-based transfection, N2A cells encapsulated in small fibrin clusters were covered by or suspended within polyplex-loaded hydrogels. Cells progressively degraded and invaded the hybrid hydrogels, exhibiting increasing gene expression over 2 weeks and then diminishing but persistent gene expression for over 1 month. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that T904/fibrin hybrid hydrogels can be promising tissue engineering scaffolds that provide local, controlled release of non-viral vectors in combination with the generation of bioactive gel degradation products that actively enhance vector efficiency. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Gene delivery from polymer scaffolds for tissue engineering

The combination of gene therapy with tissue engineering offers the potential to direct progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation into functional tissue replacements. Many approaches to engineering tissue replacements feature a polymer scaffold to create and maintain a space, support cell adhesion, and organize tissue formation. Polymer scaffolds, either natural, synthetic, or a combination of the two, have also been adapted to serve as delivery vehicles for viral and nonviral vectors, which can induce the expression of tissue inductive factors. Gene delivery is a versatile approach, capable of targeting any cellular process through localized expression of tissue inductive factors. The design and application of tissue engineering scaffolds for localized gene transfer are reviewed. Scaffolds are designed either to release the vector into the local tissue environment or maintain the vector at the polymer surface, which is regulated by the effective affinity of the vector for the polymer. Polymeric delivery can enhance gene transfer locally, promote and extend transgene expression, avoid vector distribution to distant tissues, and reduce the immune response to the vector. Scaffolds capable of controlled DNA delivery can provide a fundamental tool for directing progenitor cell function, which has applications with the engineering of numerous types of tissue. The utility of this approach will increase with the development of design parameters that correlate release and transgene expression, and with continued research into the biology of tissue formation.

A CMP-based method for tunable, cell-mediated gene delivery from collagen scaffolds

Collagen mimetic peptides (CMP)s were used to tailor release vs. retention of DNA polyplexes from collagen while preserving polyplex activity.

Role of biomaterials in prevention of in-stent restenosis

Coronary balloon angioplasty and coronary stenting are the procedures used in healing coronary artery disease. However, injury of arteries during angioplasty and stenting causes cell stimulations in tissue. Cell movement and thrombosis lead to re-narrowing of widened vessel called restenosis. Several new types of carriers and technology have been developed to suppress and/or prevent restenosis. Authors review the polymeric materials featured in drug/gene carrier systems, nanovehicles, and stent coating materials against restenosis.

Transfection of macrophages by collagen hollow spheres loaded with polyplexes: a step towards modulating inflammation

Macrophages are key orchestrators of inflammation as they secrete proteases and inflammatory cytokines. To date, therapies aimed at modulating macrophage phenotype have failed due to the short half-life of biomolecules in the body. Therefore, inhibition of inflammation by gene therapy constitutes a new hope. In the present study, we have assessed collagen hollow spheres as a reservoir system for polyplexes in order to transfect human macrophages while preserving cell viability. Polyplexes were formed by complexing G-Luc plasmid with a poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) poly(ethylene glycol) based hyperbranched polymer. Several ratios of polymer/pDNA (5:1, 8:1, 10:1w/w) complexes in two different sphere sizes (1.24 and 4.5μm) were tested. Collagen hollow spheres were loaded with polyplexes up to 80μg of pDNA per mg of microspheres. The release of polyplexes from the spheres was delayed and prolonged i.e. 20% of the initial amount released in 5days. Following incubation with polyplex-loaded microspheres, macrophages were transfected (polyplex pDNA:polymer ratio 1:10w/w). In addition, collagen hollow spheres maintained cell viability as more than 80% of cells were viable after 4days in culture. In contrast, when used alone, polyplexes were seen to be toxic, while there was no transfection detected. Taken together, these results show that collagen hollow spheres may be used as a reservoir for controlled gene delivery to macrophages. Unlike existing gene delivery systems, this system allows for macrophage transfection with minimal toxicity. Hence, this system has a potential for the delivery of a therapeutic gene in order to modulate inflammation.

Drug delivery in soft tissue engineering

INTRODUCTION

Tissue defects, sustained through disease or trauma, present enormous challenges in regenerative medicine. Modern tissue engineering (TE) aims at replacing or repairing these defects through a combined approach of biodegradable scaffolds, suitable cell sources and appropriate environmental cues, such as biomolecules presented on scaffold surfaces or sustainably released from within.

AREAS COVERED

This review provides a brief overview of the various drugs and bioactive molecules of interest to TE, as well as a selection of materials that have been proposed for TE scaffolds and matrices in the past. It then proceeds to discuss encapsulation, immobilization and controlled release strategies for bioactive proteins, before discussing recent advances in this area with a special focus on soft TE.

EXPERT OPINION

Overall, minimal clinical success has been achieved so far in using growth factor, morphogen, or adhesion factor modified scaffolds and matrices; only one growth factor delivery system (Regranex Gel), has been approved by the FDA for clinical use, with only a handful of other growth factors being approved for human use so far. However, many more growth factors are currently in clinical Phase I - II or preclinical trials and many delivery systems utilize materials already approved by the FDA for other purposes. With respect to drug delivery in soft TE, a combination of increased research efforts in hydrogel and support material development as well as growth factor development is needed before clinical success is realized.

Gene therapy vectors with enhanced transfection based on hydrogels modified with affinity peptides

Regenerative strategies for damaged tissue aim to present biochemical cues that recruit and direct progenitor cell migration and differentiation. Hydrogels capable of localized gene delivery are being developed to provide a support for tissue growth, and as a versatile method to induce the expression of inductive proteins; however, the duration, level, and localization of expression is often insufficient for regeneration. We thus investigated the modification of hydrogels with affinity peptides to enhance vector retention and increase transfection within the matrix. PEG hydrogels were modified with lysine-based repeats (K4, K8), which retained approximately 25% more vector than control peptides. Transfection increased 5- to 15-fold with K8 and K4 respectively, over the RDG control peptide. K8- and K4-modified hydrogels bound similar quantities of vector, yet the vector dissociation rate was reduced for K8, suggesting excessive binding that limited transfection. These hydrogels were subsequently applied to an in vitro co-culture model to induce NGF expression and promote neurite outgrowth. K4-modified hydrogels promoted maximal neurite outgrowth, likely due to retention of both the vector and the NGF. Thus, hydrogels modified with affinity peptides enhanced vector retention and increased gene delivery, and these hydrogels may provide a versatile scaffold for numerous regenerative medicine applications.

Hyaluronic acid and fibrin hydrogels with concentrated DNA/PEI polyplexes for local gene delivery

Local delivery of DNA through a hydrogel scaffold would increase the applicability of gene therapy in tissue regeneration and cancer therapy. However, the delivery of DNA/cationic polymer nanoparticles (polyplexes) using hydrogels is challenging due to the aggregation and inactivation of polyplexes during their incorporation into hydrogel scaffolds. We developed a novel process (termed caged nanoparticle encapsulation or CnE) to load concentrated and unaggregated non-viral gene delivery nanoparticles into various hydrogels. Previously, we showed that PEG hydrogels loaded with DNA/PEI polyplexes through this process were able to deliver genes both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we found that hyaluronic acid and fibrin hydrogels with concentrated and unaggregated polyplexes loaded through CnE were able to deliver genes in vivo as well, demonstrating the universality of the process.

Non-viral eNOS gene delivery and transfection with stents for the treatment of restenosis

BACKGROUND

In this study, we have examined local non-viral gene delivery, transfection, and therapeutic efficacy of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) encoding plasmid DNA administered using coated stents in a rabbit iliac artery restenosis model.

METHODS

Lipopolyplexes (LPPs) with eNOS expressing plasmid DNA were immobilized on stainless steel stents using poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and type B gelatin coatings. The gene-eluting stents were implanted bilaterally in the denuded iliac arteries and eNOS transfection and therapeutic efficacy were examined 14 days after implantation.

RESULTS

The results show that non-viral lipopolyplex-coated stents can efficiently tranfect eNOS locally in the arterial lumen assessed by PCR and ELISA. Human eNOS ELISA levels were significantly raised 24 hours after transfection compared to controls (125 pg eNOS compared to <50 pg for all controls including naked DNA). Local eNOS production suppressed smooth muscle cell proliferation and promoted re-endothelialization of the artery showing a significant reduction in restenosis of 1.75 neointima/media ratio for stents with lipoplexes encoding eNOS compared with 2.3 neointima/media ratio for stents with lipoplexes encosing an empty vector.

CONCLUSIONS

These results support the hypothesis that a potent non-viral gene vector encoding for eNOS coated onto a stent can inhibit restenosis through inhibition of smooth muscle cell growth and promotion of a healthy endothelium.

In vitro and in vivo studies of local arterial gene delivery and transfection using lipopolyplexes-embedded stents

Gene-eluting stents can have profound impact in the treatment of coronary restenosis, especially when the encoded protein can re-endothelialize the arterial lumen. In this study, we have examined gene delivery in vitro and in vivo using poly(beta-amino ester) (PbAE) precondensed plasmid DNA-containing cationic liposomes or lipopolyplexes (LPP) immobilized on stainless steel meshes and stents using gelatin coatings. In vitro studies using LPP-immobilized on 50 mm round meshes using type A and B gelatin coatings showed that LPP were efficiently internalized in human aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) over time, leading to green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression. Type B gelatin coating was found to be more effective in intracellular delivery and transgene expression efficiency and, as such, was used for stent coating. In vivo studies, carried out in iliac artery restenosis model in New Zealand white rabbits, also showed GFP expression in arterial tissues after 24 h of implantation. Based on these encouraging preliminary results, LPP-based formulations can serve as a safe and effective nonviral gene delivery system for effective treatment of coronary restenosis.

Regulated non-viral gene delivery from coaxial electrospun fiber mesh scaffolds

In an effort to add to the versatility of three-dimensional scaffolds for tissue engineering applications, recent experimental designs are incorporating biological molecules such as plasmids and proteins within the scaffold structure. Such scaffolds act as reservoirs for the biological molecules of interest while regulating their release over various durations of time. Here, we describe the use of coaxial electrospinning as a means for the fabrication of fiber mesh scaffolds and the encapsulation and subsequent release of a non-viral gene delivery vector over a period of up to 60 days. Various fiber mesh scaffolds containing plasmid DNA (pDNA) within the core and the non-viral gene delivery vector poly(ethylenimine)-hyaluronic acid (PEI-HA) within the sheath of coaxial fibers were fabricated based on a fractional factorial design that investigated the effects of four processing parameters at two levels. Poly(epsilon-caprolactone) sheath polymer concentration, poly(ethylene glycol) core polymer molecular weight and concentration, and the concentration of pDNA were investigated for their effects on average fiber diameter, release kinetics of PEI-HA, and transfection efficiency. It was determined that increasing the values of each of the investigated parameters caused an increase in the average diameter of the fibers. The release kinetics of PEI-HA from the fibers were affected by the loading concentration of pDNA (with PEI-HA concentration adjusted accordingly to maintain a constant nitrogen to phosphorous (N:P) ratio within the complexes). Two-dimensional cell culture experiments with model fibroblast-like cells demonstrated that complexes of pDNA with PEI-HA released from fiber mesh scaffolds could successfully transfect cells and induce expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Peak EGFP expression varied with the investigated processing parameters, and the average transfection observed was a function of poly(ethylene glycol) (core) molecular weight and concentration. Furthermore, fibroblast-like cells seeded directly onto coaxial fiber mesh scaffolds containing PEI-HA and pDNA showed EGFP expression over 60 days, which was significantly greater than the EGFP expression observed with scaffolds containing pDNA alone. Hence, variable transfection activity can be achieved over extended periods of time upon release of pDNA and non-viral gene delivery vectors from electrospun coaxial fiber mesh scaffolds, with release and subsequent transfection controlled by tunable coaxial fiber mesh fabrication parameters.

Cell-controlled and spatially arrayed gene delivery from fibrin hydrogels

We investigated fibrin-mediated gene transfer by embedding pDNA within the hydrogel during polymerization and using two modes of gene transfection with cells placed either on the surface (2D transfection) or within the hydrogel (3D transfection). Using this model, we found that cell transfection depended strongly on the local cell-pDNA microenvironment as defined by the 2D vs. 3D context, target cell type and density, as well as fibrinogen and pDNA concentrations. When cells were embedded within the fibrin matrix lipofectamine-induced cell death decreased significantly, especially at low target cell density. Addition of fibrinolytic inhibitors decreased gene transfer in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that fibrin degradation may be necessary for efficient gene transfer. We also provided proof-of-concept that fibrin-mediated gene transfer can be used for spatially localized gene delivery, which is required in cell-transfection microarrays. When lipoplex-containing hydrogels were spotted in an array format gene transfer was strictly confined to pDNA-containing fibrin spots with no cross-contamination between neighboring sites. Collectively, our data suggest that fibrin may be used as a biomaterial to deliver genes in an efficient, cell-controlled and spatially localized manner for potential applications in vitro or in vivo.

A matrix reservoir for improved control of non-viral gene delivery

Non-viral gene delivery suffers from a number of limitations including short transgene expression times and low transfection efficiency. Collagen scaffolds have previously been investigated as in vitro DNA reservoirs, which allow sustained release of genetic information. Efficient viral gene-transfer from these scaffolds has previously been demonstrated. However, due to concerns about the safety of viral gene therapy, the use of non-viral vectors may be preferable. In this study a DNA-dendrimer complex embedded in a cross-linked collagen scaffold was investigated as a reservoir for non-viral delivery. Elution from the scaffolds and transfection of seeded rat mesenchymal stem cells were used to evaluate the scaffold's ability to act as a reservoir for the complexes. Elution from the scaffolds was minimal after 2 days with a total of 25% of the complexes released after 7 days. Extended transgene expression after DNA-dendrimer complex delivery from the scaffolds in comparison to direct delivery to cells was observed. The elongated transfection period and relatively high levels of reporter gene expression are significant advantages over other non-viral gene therapy techniques. This platform has the potential to be an effective method of scaffold-mediated gene delivery suitable for in vitro and in vivo applications.

Dendrimer/DNA complexes encapsulated functional biodegradable polymer for substrate-mediated gene delivery

BACKGROUND

To overcome the extracellular barriers in gene delivery and direct gene delivery to target tissues, substrate-mediated transfection, which sustains the release of naked DNA or vector/DNA complexes, and also supports cell growth, has been developed.

METHODS

In the present study, polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer/DNA complexes encapsulated functional biodegradable polymer films for substrate-mediated gene delivery were prepared. To maintain the activity of DNA during dehydration, the dendrimer/DNA complexes were encapsulated in a water soluble polymer, poly alpha,beta-[N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-(L)-aspartamide], and then deposited on or sandwiched in functional polymer films with a fast degradation rate to mediate gene transfection. The in vitro gene transfections of pGL3-Luc and pEGFP-C1 plasmids in HEK293 cells mediated by different films were studied. For comparison, the transfection mediated by the film fabricated by conventional linear poly((DL)-lactide) was also investigated.

RESULTS

The expression of pGL3-Luc and pEGFP-C1 plasmids could effectively be mediated by the PAMAM/DNA complexes deposited or sandwiched polymer films, with transfection efficiencies comparable to that of solution-based transfections. The cells on the functionalized star poly((DL)-lactide) film exhibited much higher gene expression compared to the cells on the conventional linear poly((DL)-lactide) film because the fast degradation rate of star poly((DL)-lactide) facilitated the access of PAMAM/DNA complexes for the cells seeded on the film. In addition, the films did not exhibit any additional cytotoxicity to the cells during the degradation and transfection.

CONCLUSIONS

The fast degrading functional polymer has great potential for localized transfection.

Synthetic vs. natural/biodegradable polymers for delivery of shRNA-based cancer therapies

DNA vector-based short hairpin RNA (shRNA) as a means of effecting RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising mechanism for the precise disruption of gene expression to achieve a therapeutic effect. The clinical usage of shRNA therapeutics in cancer is limited by obstacles related to effective delivery into the nuclei of target cancer cells. Significant pre-clinical data have been amassed about biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymeric delivery vehicles that are relevant for shRNA delivery into humans. Here, we will review some leading candidates for clinical usage with a focus on studies relating to their potential for usage in cancer shRNA therapeutics and discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of using biodegradable and non-biodegradable delivery vehicles.

Influence of polymer structure and biodegradation on DNA release from silk-elastinlike protein polymer hydrogels

Silk-elastinlike protein polymers (SELPs) of varying ratios and lengths of silk and elastin blocks capable of hydrogel formation were evaluated as matrices for controlled delivery of plasmid DNA. Influence of polymer structure, ionic strength of the media and gelation time on DNA release from two structurally related hydrogels, SELP-47K and SELP-415K, was evaluated. The influence of elastase-induced degradation on the swelling behavior and DNA release from these hydrogels was investigated. Results indicate that release is a function of polymer structure, concentration and cure time. SELP-415K which has twice the number of elastin units as that of SELP-47K demonstrated higher release than that of SELP-47K. DNA release from these hydrogels is an inverse function of polymer concentration and cure time, with higher release observed at lower polymer concentration and shorter cure time. Results indicate that ionic strength of the media governs the rate of release. An increase in swelling ratio was observed in the presence of elastase at 12 wt.% composition for both SELP analogs. Release in the presence of elastase was enhanced due to increased swelling ratio and loss of hydrogel integrity. These studies allude to the utility of recombinant techniques to control plasmid DNA release and biodegradation in SELP hydrogels.

Relaxin treatment of solid tumors: effects on electric field-mediated gene delivery

Pulsed electric fields have been shown to enhance interstitial transport of plasmid DNA (pDNA) in solid tumors in vivo. However, the extent of enhancement is still limited partly due to the collagen component in extracellular matrix. To this end, effects of collagen remodeling on interstitial electrophoresis were investigated by pretreatment of tumor-bearing mice with a recombinant human relaxin (rh-Rlx). In the study, two tumor lines (4T1 and B16.F10) were examined and implanted s.c. to establish two murine models: dorsal skin-fold chamber (DSC) and hind leg. Effects of rh-Rlx on pDNA electrophoresis were measured either directly in the DSC model or indirectly in the hind leg model via reporter gene expression. It was observed that rh-Rlx treatment reduced collagen levels in the hind leg tumors but not in the DSC tumors. The observation correlated with the results from electromobility experiments, where rh-Rlx treatment enhanced transgene expression in 4T1 hind leg tumors but did not increase the electromobility of pDNA in the DSC tumors. In addition, it was observed that pDNA binding to collagen could block its diffusion in collagen gel in vitro. These observations showed that effects of rh-Rlx on the collagen content depended on microenvironment in solid tumors and that rh-Rlx treatment would enhance electric field-mediated gene delivery only if it could effectively reduce the collagen content in collagen-rich tumors.

Controlled drug delivery in tissue engineering

The concept of tissue and cell guidance is rapidly evolving as more information regarding the effect of the microenvironment on cellular function and tissue morphogenesis become available. These disclosures have lead to a tremendous advancement in the design of a new generation of multifunctional biomaterials able to mimic the molecular regulatory characteristics and the three-dimensional architecture of the native extracellular matrix. Micro- and nano-structured scaffolds able to sequester and deliver in a highly specific manner biomolecular moieties have already been proved to be effective in bone repairing, in guiding functional angiogenesis and in controlling stem cell differentiation. Although these platforms represent a first attempt to mimic the complex temporal and spatial microenvironment presented in vivo, an increased symbiosis of material engineering, drug delivery technology and cell and molecular biology may ultimately lead to biomaterials that encode the necessary signals to guide and control developmental process in tissue- and organ-specific differentiation and morphogenesis.

Dendrimer/DNA complexes encapsulated in a water soluble polymer and supported on fast degrading star poly(dl-lactide) for localized gene delivery

Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer/DNA complexes encapsulated in a water soluble polymer, poly-alpha,beta-[N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-l-aspartamide], were supported on a cholic acid functionalized star poly(DL-lactide) film with a fast degradation rate to mediate localized gene delivery. The in vitro gene transfections of two types of cells, HEK293 and NIH3T3, were investigated. The expressions of pGL3-Luc and pEGFP-C1 plasmids in HEK293 cells indicated that the star poly(DL-lactide) supported PHEA encapsulated PAMAM/DNA complexes could effectively mediate transfection, with transfection efficiencies which were comparable to that of solution-based transfections. Whereas the PAMAM/DNA complexes directly supported on the star poly(DL-lactide) film showed a much lower expression level for HEK293, which indicated the existence of PHEA played an important role in the efficient transfection. The solid support-based transfection for NIH3T3 cells exhibited higher expressions of pGL3-Luc compared with the solution-based transfection. Encapsulating PAMAM/DNA complexes in PHEA could further improve the gene expression in NIH3T3. During the cellular transfection, the degradation of the cholic acid functionalized star poly(DL-lactide) film could be obviously detected and the degradation did not show any unfavorable effects on the gene expression, which implied this solid support-based gene delivery device had great potential for localized transfection.

Development of a slow non-viral DNA release system from PDLLA scaffolds fabricated using a supercritical CO2 technique

Polyamidoamine polymers (PAA) comprising methylene-bisacrylamide/dimethylethylene-diamine monomers were synthesized, complexed with DNA and incorporated into porous P(DL)LA scaffolds by using a supercritical CO(2) (scCO(2)) technique. Scaffolds were made in a dry state consequently there was a need to lyophilize the complexes. A statistically significant reduction of the transfection efficiency was observed in the absence of trehalose when compared to the original complex after freeze-drying. Increasing concentrations (0-10% w/v) of trehalose were added to the complex prior to freeze-drying. Structure dependent differences in DNA binding were evaluated by gel electrophoresis and thermal transition analysis. TEM and PCS showed aggregate formation after freeze-drying without trehalose. Scaffolds were characterized by pore sizes of 173 +/- 73 microm and a porosity of 71%. The transfection potential of the released DNA was investigated by seeding scaffolds with A549 cells and following firefly luciferase as a marker gene after 48 h exposure. Low but continuous levels of transfection were observed for PAA complexes during a 60-day study. Complexes made with Lipofectaminetrade mark gave initially higher levels of DNA release but no further expression was seen after 40 days. Uncomplexed DNA showed background levels of transfection. Culturing cells on 3D scaffolds showed a benefit in retention of transfection activity with time compared to 2D controls. Transfection levels could be increased when cells were grown in OptiMEM. This study demonstrated that PAA/DNA complexes incorporated into a P(DL)LA scaffold made by using scCO(2) processing exhibited a slow release and extended gene expression profile.

Gene expression and internalization following vector adsorption to immobilized proteins: dependence on protein identity and density

BACKGROUND

Gene delivery by non-specific adsorption of non-viral vectors to protein-coated surfaces can reduce the amount of DNA required, and also increase transgene expression and the number of cells expressing the transgene. The protein on the surface mediates cell adhesion and vector immobilization, and functions to colocalize the two to enhance gene delivery. This report investigates the mechanism and specificity by which the protein coating enhances gene transfer, and determines if the protein coating targets the vector for internalization by a specific pathway.

METHODS

Proteins (FBS, BSA, fibronectin, collagen I, and laminin) were dried onto culture dishes, followed by PEI/DNA complex adsorption for surface delivery. Reporter genes were employed to characterize transfection as a function of the protein identity and density. Vector immobilization was measured using radiolabeled plasmid, and internalization was quantified in the presence and absence of the endocytosis inhibitors chlorpromazine and genistein.

RESULTS

Fibronectin coating yielded the greatest expression for PEI/DNA polyplexes, with maximal expression at intermediate protein densities. Expression in control studies with bolus delivery was independent of the protein identity. Substrate binding was independent of the protein identity; however, internalization was greatest on surfaces coated with fibronectin and collagen I. Inhibition of caveolae-mediated endocytosis reduced gene expression more than clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Similarly, inhibition of caveolae-mediated endocytosis significantly reduced the intracellular levels of DNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Fibronectin at intermediate densities mediated the highest levels of transgene expression, potentially by targeting internalization through caveolae-mediated endocytosis. Substrate modifications, such as the identity and density of proteins, provide an opportunity for modification of biomaterials for enhancing gene expression.

Biomaterial-mediated retroviral gene transfer using self-assembled monolayers

Biomaterial-mediated gene delivery has recently emerged as a promising alternative to conventional gene transfer technologies that focus on direct delivery of viral vectors or DNA-polymer/matrix complexes. However, biomaterial-based strategies have primarily targeted transient gene expression vehicles, including plasmid DNA and adenovirus particles. This study expands on this work by characterizing biomaterial properties conducive to the surface immobilization of retroviral particles and subsequent transduction of mammalian cells at the cell-material interface. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of functionally-terminated alkanethiols on gold were used to establish biomaterial surfaces of defined chemical composition. Gene transfer was observed to be greater than 90% on NH(2)-terminated surfaces, approximately 50% on COOH-functionalized surfaces, and undetectable on CH(3)-terminated SAMs, similar to controls of tissue culture-treated polystyrene. Gene delivery via the NH(2)-SAM was further characterized as a function of retrovirus coating time, virus concentration, and cell seeding density. Finally, SAM-mediated gene delivery was comparable to fibronectin- and poly-l-lysine-based methods for gene transfer. This work is significant to establishing safe and effective gene therapy strategies, developing efficient methods for gene delivery, and supporting recent progress in the field of biomaterial-mediated gene transfer.

The effect of chemical modification of amino acid side-chains on collagen degradation by enzymes

In this study, the effects of specific chemical modifications of amino acid side-chains on the in vitro enzyme degradation of type I collagen was studied. Two monofunctional epoxides of different size and chemistry were used to modify lysine and methylglyoxal was used to modify arginine. Lysine residues were modified using glycidol, a small hydrophilic reagent or n-butylglycidylether, a larger hydrophobic reagent. Amino acid analysis, swelling measurements, in vitro enzyme degradation analyses (using either collagenase, trypsin, acetyltrypsin, or cathepsin B), and gel chromatography were used to determine the effects of each chemical modification on purified type I collagen. Collagen solubilization by enzymes depended upon the size and chemistry of epoxides used to modify lysine residues. Modification of lysine residues by glycidol and arginine modification by methylglyoxal together significantly reduced collagen solubilization by acetyltrypsin and collagenase, whereas increased collagen solubilization was observed for all enzymes after lysine modification with n-butylglycidylether combined with arginine modification by methylglyoxal. Gel chromatographic analyses of collagen fragments solubilized by acetyltrypsin from type I collagen revealed that both the extent of solubilization and sites of cleavage were altered after lysine and arginine modification. In contrast, lysine and arginine modification only altered the amount of collagen solubilized by collagenase and had no effect on the amount collagen solubilized by cathepsin B. The ability to modulate the enzyme degradation of collagen-based materials as demonstrated in this study may facilitate the design of novel scaffolds for tissue regeneration or collagen-based drug/protein/gene delivery systems.

Matrices and scaffolds for DNA delivery in tissue engineering

Regenerative medicine aims to create functional tissue replacements, typically through creating a controlled environment that promotes and directs the differentiation of stem or progenitor cells, either endogenous or transplanted. Scaffolds serve a central role in many strategies by providing the means to control the local environment. Gene delivery from the scaffold represents a versatile approach to manipulating the local environment for directing cell function. Research at the interface of biomaterials, gene therapy, and drug delivery has identified several design parameters for the vector and the biomaterial scaffold that must be satisfied. Progress has been made towards achieving gene delivery within a tissue engineering scaffold, though the design principles for the materials and vectors that produce efficient delivery require further development. Nevertheless, these advances in obtaining transgene expression with the scaffold have created opportunities to develop greater control of either delivery or expression and to identify the best practices for promoting tissue formation. Strategies to achieve controlled, localized expression within the tissue engineering scaffold will have broad application to the regeneration of many tissues, with great promise for clinical therapies.

Gene therapy used for tissue engineering applications

This review highlights the advances at the interface between tissue engineering and gene therapy. There are a large number of reports on gene therapy in tissue engineering, and these cover a huge range of different engineered tissues, different vectors, scaffolds and methodology. The review considers separately in-vitro and in-vivo gene transfer methods. The in-vivo gene transfer method is described first, using either viral or non-viral vectors to repair various tissues with and without the use of scaffolds. The use of a scaffold can overcome some of the challenges associated with delivery by direct injection. The ex-vivo method is described in the second half of the review. Attempts have been made to use this therapy for bone, cartilage, wound, urothelial, nerve tissue regeneration and for treating diabetes using viral or non-viral vectors. Again porous polymers can be used as scaffolds for cell transplantation. There are as yet few comparisons between these many different variables to show which is the best for any particular application. With few exceptions, all of the results were positive in showing some gene expression and some consequent effect on tissue growth and remodelling. Some of the principal advantages and disadvantages of various methods are discussed.

Nonviral delivery vehicles for use in short hairpin RNA-based cancer therapies

The use of DNA vector-based short hairpin (sh)RNA for RNA interference shows promise as a precise means for the disruption of gene expression to achieve a therapeutic effect. The in vivo usage of shRNA therapeutics in cancer is limited by obstacles related to effective delivery into the nuclei of target cancer cells. Nonviral delivery vehicles that are relevant for shRNA delivery into humans belong to a group of substances about which significant preclinical data has been amassed to show an acceptable safety profile, resistance to immune defenses and good transfection efficiency. Here, we review the most promising current nonviral gene delivery vehicles with a focus on their potential use in cancer shRNA therapeutics.