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Singh D, Singh L, Kaur S, Arora A. Nucleic acids based integrated macromolecular complexes for SiRNA delivery: Recent advancements. NUCLEOSIDES, NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024:1-24. [PMID: 38693628 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2024.2347499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of small interfering RNA (siRNA) is monumental, offering a pathway to silence disease-causing genes with precision. However, the delivery of siRNA to target cells in-vivo remains a formidable challenge, owing to degradation by nucleases, poor cellular uptake and immunogenicity. This overview examines recent advancements in the design and application of nucleic acid-based integrated macromolecular complexes for the efficient delivery of siRNA. We dissect the innovative delivery vectors developed in recent years, including lipid-based nanoparticles, polymeric carriers, dendrimer complexes and hybrid systems that incorporate stimuli-responsive elements for targeted and controlled release. Advancements in bioconjugation techniques, active targeting strategies and nanotechnology-enabled delivery platforms are evaluated for their contribution to enhancing siRNA delivery. It also addresses the complex interplay between delivery system design and biological barriers, highlighting the dynamic progress and remaining hurdles in translating siRNA therapies from bench to bedside. By offering a comprehensive overview of current strategies and emerging technologies, we underscore the future directions and potential impact of siRNA delivery systems in personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilpreet Singh
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
- University Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
| | - Lovedeep Singh
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
| | - Simranjeet Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Akshita Arora
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
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2
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Lyu M, Yazdi M, Lin Y, Höhn M, Lächelt U, Wagner E. Receptor-Targeted Dual pH-Triggered Intracellular Protein Transfer. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:99-114. [PMID: 35802884 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Protein therapeutics are of widespread interest due to their successful performance in the current pharmaceutical and medical fields, even though their broad applications have been hindered by the lack of an efficient intracellular delivery approach. Herein, we fabricated an active-targeted dual pH-responsive delivery system with favorable tumor cell entry augmented by extracellular pH-triggered charge reversal and tumor receptor targeting and pH-controlled endosomal release in a traceless fashion. As a traceable model protein, the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) bearing a nuclear localization signal was covalently coupled with a pH-labile traceless azidomethyl-methylmaleic anhydride (AzMMMan) linker followed by functionalization with different molar equivalents of two dibenzocyclooctyne-octa-arginine-cysteine (DBCO-R8C)-modified moieties: polyethylene glycol (PEG)-GE11 peptide for epidermal growth factor receptor-mediated targeting and melittin for endosomal escape. The cationic melittin domain was masked with tetrahydrophthalic anhydride revertible at mild acidic pH 6.5. At the optimally balanced ratio of functional units, the on-demand charge conversion at tumoral extracellular pH 6.5 in combination with GE11-mediated targeting triggered enhanced electrostatic cellular attraction by the R8C cell-penetrating peptides and melittin, as demonstrated by strongly enhanced cellular uptake. Successful endosomal release followed by nuclear localization of the eGFP cargo was obtained by taking advantage of melittin-mediated endosomal escape and rapid traceless release from the AzMMMan linker. The effectiveness of this multifunctional bioresponsive system suggests a promising strategy for delivery of protein drugs toward intracellular targets. A possible therapeutic relevance was indicated by an example of cytosolic delivery of cytochrome c initiating the apoptosis pathway to kill cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Lyu
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Mina Yazdi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Yi Lin
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Miriam Höhn
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Lächelt
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
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Liu GW, Guzman EB, Menon N, Langer RS. Lipid Nanoparticles for Nucleic Acid Delivery to Endothelial Cells. Pharm Res 2023; 40:3-25. [PMID: 36735106 PMCID: PMC9897626 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-023-03471-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial cells play critical roles in circulatory homeostasis and are also the gateway to the major organs of the body. Dysfunction, injury, and gene expression profiles of these cells can cause, or are caused by, prevalent chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Modulation of gene expression within endothelial cells could therefore be therapeutically strategic in treating longstanding disease challenges. Lipid nanoparticles (LNP) have emerged as potent, scalable, and tunable carrier systems for delivering nucleic acids, making them attractive vehicles for gene delivery to endothelial cells. Here, we discuss the functions of endothelial cells and highlight some receptors that are upregulated during health and disease. Examples and applications of DNA, mRNA, circRNA, saRNA, siRNA, shRNA, miRNA, and ASO delivery to endothelial cells and their targets are reviewed, as well as LNP composition and morphology, formulation strategies, target proteins, and biomechanical factors that modulate endothelial cell targeting. Finally, we discuss FDA-approved LNPs as well as LNPs that have been tested in clinical trials and their challenges, and provide some perspectives as to how to surmount those challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary W Liu
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Edward B Guzman
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Nandita Menon
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Strand Therapeutics, MA, 02215, Boston, USA
| | - Robert S Langer
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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4
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Bashir K, Khan MFA, Alhodaib A, Ahmed N, Naz I, Mirza B, Tipu MK, Fatima H. Design and Evaluation of pH-Sensitive Nanoformulation of Bergenin Isolated from Bergenia ciliata. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14091639. [PMID: 35566808 PMCID: PMC9104231 DOI: 10.3390/polym14091639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the current study is extraction and isolation of bergenin from Bergenia ciliata and fabrication of pH-sensitive Eudragit® L100 (EL100) polymeric nanoparticles (NP) to tackle limitations of solubility. Bergenin-loaded EL100 nanoparticles (BN-NP) were fabricated via nanoprecipitation and an experimental design was conducted for optimization. A reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method was developed for the quantitation of bergenin. The optimized nanoformulation was characterized by its particle size, morphology, loading capacity, entrapment efficiency, drug-excipient interaction and crystallinity. An in vitro assay was executed to gauge the release potential of pH-sensitive nanoformulation. The mean particle size, zeta potential and polydispersity index (PDI) of the optimized nanoparticles were observed to be 86.17 ± 2.1 nm, -32.33 ± 5.53 mV and 0.30 ± 0.03, respectively. The morphological analysis confirmed the spherical nature of the nanoparticles. Drug loading capacity and entrapment efficiency were calculated to be 16 ± 0.34% and 84 ± 1.3%, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies unfolded that no interaction was present between the drug and the excipients in the nanoformulation. Crystallography studies revealed that the crystalline nature of bergenin was changed to amorphous and the nanoformulation was stable for up to 3 months at 40 °C. The present study confirms that bergenin isolation can be scaled up from abundantly growing B. ciliata. Moreover, it could also be delivered by entrapment in stimuli-responsive polymer, preventing the loss of drug in healthy tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashaf Bashir
- Department of Pharmacy, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan; (K.B.); (M.F.A.K.); (N.A.); (M.K.T.)
| | - Muhammad Farhan Ali Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan; (K.B.); (M.F.A.K.); (N.A.); (M.K.T.)
| | - Aiyeshah Alhodaib
- Department of Physics, College of Science, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (H.F.)
| | - Naveed Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacy, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan; (K.B.); (M.F.A.K.); (N.A.); (M.K.T.)
| | - Iffat Naz
- Science Unit, Department of Biology, Deanship of Educational Services, Qassim University, Buraidah 51452, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Mirza
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan;
| | - Muhammad Khalid Tipu
- Department of Pharmacy, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan; (K.B.); (M.F.A.K.); (N.A.); (M.K.T.)
| | - Humaira Fatima
- Department of Pharmacy, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan; (K.B.); (M.F.A.K.); (N.A.); (M.K.T.)
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (H.F.)
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Sirianni QEA, Wang TD, Borecki A, Deng Z, Ronald J, Gillies ER. Self-immolative Polyplexes for DNA Delivery. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:2557-2567. [DOI: 10.1039/d1bm01684a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acids have immense potential for the treatment and prevention of a wide range of diseases, but delivery vehicles are needed to assist with their entry into cells. Polycations can...
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6
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Suárez-Picado E, Coste M, Runser JY, Fossépré M, Carvalho A, Surin M, Jierry L, Ulrich S. Hierarchical Self-Assembly and Multidynamic Responsiveness of Fluorescent Dynamic Covalent Networks Forming Organogels. Biomacromolecules 2021; 23:431-442. [PMID: 34910463 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c01389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Smart stimuli-responsive fluorescent materials are of interest in the context of sensing and imaging applications. In this project, we elaborated multidynamic fluorescent materials made of a tetraphenylethene fluorophore displaying aggregation-induced emission and short cysteine-rich C-hydrazide peptides. Specifically, we show that a hierarchical dynamic covalent self-assembly process, combining disulfide and acyl-hydrazone bond formation operating simultaneously in a one-pot reaction, yields cage compounds at low concentration (2 mM), while soluble fluorescent dynamic covalent networks and even chemically cross-linked fluorescent organogels are formed at higher concentrations. The number of cysteine residues in the peptide sequence impacts directly the mechanical properties of the resulting organogels, Young's moduli varying 2500-fold across the series. These materials underpinned by a nanofibrillar network display multidynamic responsiveness following concentration changes, chemical triggers, as well as light irradiation, all of which enable their controlled degradation with concomitant changes in spectroscopic outputs─self-assembly enhances fluorescence emission by ca. 100-fold and disassembly quenches fluorescence emission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Suárez-Picado
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), CNRS, Université of Montpellier, ENSCM, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Maëva Coste
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), CNRS, Université of Montpellier, ENSCM, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Yves Runser
- Université de StrasbourgCNRS, Institut Charles Sadron, 67034 Strasbourg, France
| | - Mathieu Fossépré
- Laboratory for Chemistry of Novel Materials, Center of Innovation and Research in Materials and Polymers, University of Mons-UMONS, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Alain Carvalho
- Université de StrasbourgCNRS, Institut Charles Sadron, 67034 Strasbourg, France
| | - Mathieu Surin
- Laboratory for Chemistry of Novel Materials, Center of Innovation and Research in Materials and Polymers, University of Mons-UMONS, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Loïc Jierry
- Université de StrasbourgCNRS, Institut Charles Sadron, 67034 Strasbourg, France
| | - Sébastien Ulrich
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), CNRS, Université of Montpellier, ENSCM, 34090 Montpellier, France
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7
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Kuenen MK, Mullin JA, Letteri RA. Buffering effects on the solution behavior and hydrolytic degradation of poly(β‐amino ester)s. JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.20210377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mara K. Kuenen
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
| | - James A. Mullin
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
| | - Rachel A. Letteri
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
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8
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Richter F, Leer K, Martin L, Mapfumo P, Solomun JI, Kuchenbrod MT, Hoeppener S, Brendel JC, Traeger A. The impact of anionic polymers on gene delivery: how composition and assembly help evading the toxicity-efficiency dilemma. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:292. [PMID: 34579715 PMCID: PMC8477462 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-00994-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cationic polymers have been widely studied for non-viral gene delivery due to their ability to bind genetic material and to interact with cellular membranes. However, their charged nature carries the risk of increased cytotoxicity and interaction with serum proteins, limiting their potential in vivo application. Therefore, hydrophilic or anionic shielding polymers are applied to counteract these effects. Herein, a series of micelle-forming and micelle-shielding polymers were synthesized via RAFT polymerization. The copolymer poly[(n-butyl acrylate)-b-(2-(dimethyl amino)ethyl acrylamide)] (P(nBA-b-DMAEAm)) was assembled into cationic micelles and different shielding polymers were applied, i.e., poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), poly(4-acryloyl morpholine) (PNAM) or P(NAM-b-AA) block copolymer. These systems were compared to a triblock terpolymer micelle comprising PAA as the middle block. The assemblies were investigated regarding their morphology, interaction with pDNA, cytotoxicity, transfection efficiency, polyplex uptake and endosomal escape. The naked cationic micelle exhibited superior transfection efficiency, but increased cytotoxicity. The addition of shielding polymers led to reduced toxicity. In particular, the triblock terpolymer micelle convinced with high cell viability and no significant loss in efficiency. The highest shielding effect was achieved by layering micelles with P(NAM-b-AA) supporting the colloidal stability at neutral zeta potential and completely restoring cell viability while maintaining moderate transfection efficiencies. The high potential of this micelle-layer-combination for gene delivery was illustrated for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Richter
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Katharina Leer
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Liam Martin
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Prosper Mapfumo
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Jana I Solomun
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Maren T Kuchenbrod
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Stephanie Hoeppener
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Johannes C Brendel
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Anja Traeger
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany.
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743, Jena, Germany.
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9
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Voronin DV, Abalymov AA, Svenskaya YI, Lomova MV. Key Points in Remote-Controlled Drug Delivery: From the Carrier Design to Clinical Trials. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9149. [PMID: 34502059 PMCID: PMC8430748 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The increased research activity aiming at improved delivery of pharmaceutical molecules indicates the expansion of the field. An efficient therapeutic delivery approach is based on the optimal choice of drug-carrying vehicle, successful targeting, and payload release enabling the site-specific accumulation of the therapeutic molecules. However, designing the formulation endowed with the targeting properties in vitro does not guarantee its selective delivery in vivo. The various biological barriers that the carrier encounters upon intravascular administration should be adequately addressed in its overall design to reduce the off-target effects and unwanted toxicity in vivo and thereby enhance the therapeutic efficacy of the payload. Here, we discuss the main parameters of remote-controlled drug delivery systems: (i) key principles of the carrier selection; (ii) the most significant physiological barriers and limitations associated with the drug delivery; (iii) major concepts for its targeting and cargo release stimulation by external stimuli in vivo. The clinical translation for drug delivery systems is also described along with the main challenges, key parameters, and examples of successfully translated drug delivery platforms. The essential steps on the way from drug delivery system design to clinical trials are summarized, arranged, and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis V. Voronin
- Science Medical Center, Saratov State University, Astrakhanskaya St. 83, 410012 Saratov, Russia; (A.A.A.); (Y.I.S.); (M.V.L.)
- Department of Physical and Colloid Chemistry, National University of Oil and Gas “Gubkin University”, Leninsky Prospekt 65, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anatolii A. Abalymov
- Science Medical Center, Saratov State University, Astrakhanskaya St. 83, 410012 Saratov, Russia; (A.A.A.); (Y.I.S.); (M.V.L.)
| | - Yulia I. Svenskaya
- Science Medical Center, Saratov State University, Astrakhanskaya St. 83, 410012 Saratov, Russia; (A.A.A.); (Y.I.S.); (M.V.L.)
| | - Maria V. Lomova
- Science Medical Center, Saratov State University, Astrakhanskaya St. 83, 410012 Saratov, Russia; (A.A.A.); (Y.I.S.); (M.V.L.)
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10
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Dutta K, Das R, Medeiros J, Kanjilal P, Thayumanavan S. Charge-Conversion Strategies for Nucleic Acid Delivery. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2021; 31:2011103. [PMID: 35832306 PMCID: PMC9275120 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202011103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acids are now considered as one of the most potent therapeutic modalities, as their roles go beyond storing genetic information and chemical energy or as signal transducer. Attenuation or expression of desired genes through nucleic acids have profound implications in gene therapy, gene editing and even in vaccine development for immunomodulation. Although nucleic acid therapeutics bring in overwhelming possibilities towards the development of molecular medicines, there are significant loopholes in designing and effective translation of these drugs into the clinic. One of the major pitfalls lies in the traditional design concepts for nucleic acid drug carriers, viz. cationic charge induced cytotoxicity in delivery pathway. Targeting this bottleneck, several pioneering research efforts have been devoted to design innovative carriers through charge-conversion approaches, whereby built-in functionalities convert from cationic to neutral or anionic, or even from anionic to cationic enabling the carrier to overcome several critical barriers for therapeutics delivery, such as serum deactivation, instability in circulation, low transfection and poor endosomal escape. This review will critically analyze various molecular designs of charge-converting nanocarriers in a classified approach for the successful delivery of nucleic acids. Accompanied by the narrative on recent clinical nucleic acid candidates, the review concludes with a discussion on the pitfalls and scope of these interesting approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kingshuk Dutta
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Corteva Agriscience, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis 46268, United States
| | - Ritam Das
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- The Center for Bioactive Delivery- Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Jewel Medeiros
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- The Center for Bioactive Delivery- Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Pintu Kanjilal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- The Center for Bioactive Delivery- Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - S. Thayumanavan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- The Center for Bioactive Delivery- Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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11
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Anson F, Liu B, Kanjilal P, Wu P, Hardy JA, Thayumanavan S. Evaluating Endosomal Escape of Caspase-3-Containing Nanomaterials Using Split GFP. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:1261-1272. [PMID: 33591168 PMCID: PMC8477791 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c01767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The ability for biologics to access intracellular targets hinges on the translocation of active, unmodified proteins. This is often achieved using nanoscale formulations, which enter cells through endocytosis. This uptake mechanism often limits the therapeutic potential of the biologics, as the propensity of the nanocarrier to escape the endosome becomes the key determinant. To appropriately evaluate and compare competing delivery systems of disparate compositions, it is therefore critical to assess endosomal escape efficiencies. Unfortunately, quantitative tools to assess endosomal escape are lacking, and standard approaches often lead to an erroneous interpretation of cytosolic localization. In this study we use a split-complementation endosomal escape (SEE) assay to evaluate levels of cytosolic caspase-3 following delivery by polymer nanogels and mesoporous silica nanoparticles. In particular, we use SEE as a means to enable the systematic investigation of the effect of polymer composition, polymer architecture (random vs block), hydrophobicity, and surface functionality. Although polymer structure had little influence on endosomal escape, nanogel functionalization with cationic and pH-sensitive peptides significantly enhanced endosomal escape levels and, further, significantly increased the amount of nanogel per endosome. This work serves as a guide for developing an optimal caspase-3 delivery system, as this caspase-3 variant can be easily substituted for a therapeutic caspase-3 cargo in any system that results in cytosolic accumulation and cargo release. In addition, these data provide a framework that can be readily applied to a wide variety of protein cargos to assess the independent contributions of both uptake and endosomal escape of a wide range of protein delivery vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jeanne A. Hardy
- Center for Bioactive Delivery at the Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - S. Thayumanavan
- Center for Bioactive Delivery at the Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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12
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Freitag F, Wagner E. Optimizing synthetic nucleic acid and protein nanocarriers: The chemical evolution approach. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 168:30-54. [PMID: 32246984 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Optimizing synthetic nanocarriers is like searching for a needle in a haystack. How to find the most suitable carrier for intracellular delivery of a specified macromolecular nanoagent for a given disease target location? Here, we review different synthetic 'chemical evolution' strategies that have been pursued. Libraries of nanocarriers have been generated either by unbiased combinatorial chemistry or by variation and novel combination of known functional delivery elements. As in natural evolution, definition of nanocarriers as sequences, as barcode or design principle, may fuel chemical evolution. Screening in appropriate test system may not only provide delivery candidates, but also a refined understanding of cellular delivery including novel, unpredictable mechanisms. Combined with rational design and computational algorithms, candidates can be further optimized in subsequent evolution cycles into nanocarriers with improved safety and efficacy. Optimization of nanocarriers differs for various cargos, as illustrated for plasmid DNA, siRNA, mRNA, proteins, or genome-editing nucleases.
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13
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Piotrowski-Daspit AS, Kauffman AC, Bracaglia LG, Saltzman WM. Polymeric vehicles for nucleic acid delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 156:119-132. [PMID: 32585159 PMCID: PMC7736472 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy C Kauffman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, United States of America; Corning Life Sciences, Kennebunk, ME 04043, United States of America
| | - Laura G Bracaglia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, United States of America
| | - W Mark Saltzman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, United States of America; Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, United States of America; Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, United States of America; Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, United States of America.
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14
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Heitz M, Zamolo S, Javor S, Reymond JL. Fluorescent Peptide Dendrimers for siRNA Transfection: Tracking pH Responsive Aggregation, siRNA Binding, and Cell Penetration. Bioconjug Chem 2020; 31:1671-1684. [PMID: 32421327 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.0c00231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Transfecting nucleic acids into various cells is a key procedure in biological research also envisioned for therapeutic applications. In our effort to obtain simple reagents that would be readily accessible from commercial building blocks, we recently reported peptide dendrimers as single component siRNA transfection reagents accessible in pure form by solid-phase peptide synthesis. Here, we extend our studies of these dendrimers by identifying analogs bearing a coumarin or BODIPY fluorescent label in their core and displaying comparable siRNA transfection efficiencies, pH dependent aggregation, siRNA binding, and secondary structures. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) studies show that the dendrimers are tightly associated with siRNA within the formed nanoparticles at pH 7.4 but are released into solution at pH 5.0 and can participate in endosome escape by destabilizing the membrane at this pH value. Colocalization studies furthermore suggest that peptide dendrimers and siRNA remain tightly associated throughout the transfection process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Heitz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Susanna Zamolo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sacha Javor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Louis Reymond
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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15
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Gao Y, Wang J, Chai M, Li X, Deng Y, Jin Q, Ji J. Size and Charge Adaptive Clustered Nanoparticles Targeting the Biofilm Microenvironment for Chronic Lung Infection Management. ACS NANO 2020; 14:5686-5699. [PMID: 32320228 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c00269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Chronic lung infection caused by bacterial biofilms is an extremely serious clinical problem, which can lead to the failure of antibiotic therapy. Although nanoparticles have shown great potential in the treatment of biofilms, the efficient penetration and retention of nanoparticles in biofilms is still a big challenge. To address this issue, we herein fabricate size and charge adaptive azithromycin (AZM)-conjugated clustered nanoparticles (denoted as AZM-DA NPs) as therapeutic agents for treating biofilms. The AZM-DA NPs are prepared by electrostatic complexation between AZM conjugated amino-ended poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (PAMAM) and 2,3-dimethyl maleic anhydride (DA) modified poly(ethylene glycol)-block-polylysine (PEG-b-PLys). It is noteworthy that the AZM-DA NPs can disassemble in an acidic biofilm microenvironment (pH 6.0), leading to the release of secondary AZM-conjugated PAMAM nanoparticles (PAMAM-AZM NPs). PAMAM-AZM NPs with small size and positive charge are beneficial for improved penetration and retention inside biofilms, enhanced permeabilization of the bacterial membrane, and increased internalization of AZM, thus exhibiting excellent antibiofilm activities. AZM-DA NPs are also favorable as long-term antibacterial agents due to the reduced occurrence of drug resistance. In vivo therapeutic performance is confirmed by the reduced bacterial burden and the alleviated inflammation in the chronic lung infection model. This research not only develops an innovative strategy for antibiotic delivery in vivo but also provides an effective way for the management of biofilm-associated infections, including chronic lung infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, P. R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, P. R. China
| | - Mengying Chai
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, P. R. China
| | - Xu Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, P. R. China
| | - Yongyan Deng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, P. R. China
| | - Qiao Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, P. R. China
| | - Jian Ji
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, P. R. China
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16
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Peeler DJ, Luera N, Horner PJ, Pun SH, Sellers DL. Polyplex transfection from intracerebroventricular delivery is not significantly affected by traumatic brain injury. J Control Release 2020; 322:149-156. [PMID: 32198024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is largely non-preventable and often kills or permanently disables its victims. Because current treatments for TBI merely ameliorate secondary effects of the initial injury like swelling and hemorrhaging, strategies for the induction of neuronal regeneration are desperately needed. Recent discoveries regarding the TBI-responsive migratory behavior and differentiation potential of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) found in the subventricular zone (SVZ) have prompted strategies targeting gene therapies to these cells to enhance neurogenesis after TBI. We have previously shown that plasmid polyplexes can non-virally transfect SVZ NPCs when directly injected in the lateral ventricles of uninjured mice. We describe the first reported intracerebroventricular transfections mediated by polymeric gene carriers in a murine TBI model and investigate the anatomical parameters that dictate transfection through this route of administration. Using both luciferase and GFP plasmid transfections, we show that the time delay between injury and polyplex injection directly impacts the magnitude of transfection efficiency, but that overall trends in the location of transfection are not affected by injury. Confocal microscopy of quantum dot-labeled plasmid uptake in vivo reveals association between our polymers and negatively charged NG2 chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans of the SVZ extracellular matrix. We further validate that glycosaminoglycans but not sulfate groups are required for polyplex uptake and transfection in vitro. These studies demonstrate that non-viral gene delivery is impacted by proteoglycan interactions and suggest the need for improved polyplex targeting materials that penetrate brain extracellular matrix to increase transfection efficiency in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Peeler
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Nicholas Luera
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Philip J Horner
- Center for Neuroregeneration and Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Suzie H Pun
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
| | - Drew L Sellers
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
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17
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Blake TR, Ho WC, Turlington CR, Zang X, Huttner MA, Wender PA, Waymouth RM. Synthesis and mechanistic investigations of pH-responsive cationic poly(aminoester)s. Chem Sci 2020; 11:2951-2966. [PMID: 34122796 PMCID: PMC8157522 DOI: 10.1039/c9sc05267d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The synthesis and degradation mechanisms of a class of pH-sensitive, rapidly degrading cationic poly(α-aminoester)s are described. These reactive, cationic polymers are stable at low pH in water, but undergo a fast and selective degradation at higher pH to liberate neutral diketopiperazines. Related materials incorporating oligo(α-amino ester)s have been shown to be effective gene delivery agents, as the charge-altering degradative behavior facilitates the delivery and release of mRNA and other nucleic acids in vitro and in vivo. Herein, we report detailed studies of the structural and environmental factors that lead to these rapid and selective degradation processes in aqueous buffers. At neutral pH, poly(α-aminoester)s derived from N-hydroxyethylglycine degrade selectively by a mechanism involving sequential 1,5- and 1,6-O→N acyl shifts to generate bis(N-hydroxyethyl) diketopiperazine. A family of structurally related cationic poly(aminoester)s was generated to study the structural influences on the degradation mechanism, product distribution, and pH dependence of the rate of degradation. The kinetics and mechanism of the pH-induced degradations were investigated by 1H NMR, model reactions, and kinetic simulations. These results indicate that polyesters bearing α-ammonium groups and appropriately positioned N-hydroxyethyl substituents are readily cleaved (by intramolecular attack) or hydrolyzed, representing dynamic "dual function" materials that are initially polycationic and transform with changing environment to neutral products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy R Blake
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University Stanford CA 94305 USA
| | - Wilson C Ho
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University Stanford CA 94305 USA
| | | | - Xiaoyu Zang
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University Stanford CA 94305 USA
| | | | - Paul A Wender
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University Stanford CA 94305 USA
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University Stanford CA 94305 USA
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18
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19
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Su D, Coste M, Diaconu A, Barboiu M, Ulrich S. Cationic dynamic covalent polymers for gene transfection. J Mater Chem B 2020; 8:9385-9403. [DOI: 10.1039/d0tb01836h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Dynamic covalent polymers have revealed strong potential in gene delivery, thanks to their versatile self-assembly, adaptive and responsive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Su
- Institut Européen des Membranes
- Adaptive Supramolecular Nanosystems Group
- University of Montpellier
- ENSCM
- CNRS
| | - Maëva Coste
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM)
- CNRS
- Université of Montpellier
- ENSCM
- Montpellier
| | - Andrei Diaconu
- Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of Romanian Academy
- Iasi
- Romania
| | - Mihail Barboiu
- Institut Européen des Membranes
- Adaptive Supramolecular Nanosystems Group
- University of Montpellier
- ENSCM
- CNRS
| | - Sébastien Ulrich
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM)
- CNRS
- Université of Montpellier
- ENSCM
- Montpellier
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20
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Xiao Y, Chinoy ZS, Pecastaings G, Bathany K, Garanger E, Lecommandoux S. Design of Polysaccharide-b-Elastin-Like Polypeptide Bioconjugates and Their Thermoresponsive Self-Assembly. Biomacromolecules 2019; 21:114-125. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Xiao
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, F-33600, Pessac, France
| | - Zoeisha S. Chinoy
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, F-33600, Pessac, France
| | - Gilles Pecastaings
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, F-33600, Pessac, France
| | - Katell Bathany
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, Chimie et Biologie des Membranes et des Nano-objets (UMR 5248), Allée Geoffroy
Saint Hilaire, F-33600, Pessac, France
| | - Elisabeth Garanger
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, F-33600, Pessac, France
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21
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Peng L, Wagner E. Polymeric Carriers for Nucleic Acid Delivery: Current Designs and Future Directions. Biomacromolecules 2019; 20:3613-3626. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b00999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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