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Rajendran AP, Morales LC, Meenakshi Sundaram DN, Kucharski C, Uludağ H. Tuning the Potency of Farnesol-Modified Polyethylenimine with Polyanionic Trans-Booster to Enhance DNA Delivery. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:1589-1606. [PMID: 38336625 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Low molecular weight polyethylenimine (PEI) based lipopolymers become an attractive strategy to construct nonviral therapeutic carriers with promising transfection efficiency and minimal toxicity. Herein, this paper presents the design and synthesis of novel farnesol (Far) conjugated PEI, namely PEI1.2k-SA-Far7. The polymers had quick DNA complexation, effective DNA unpacking (dissociation), and cellular uptake abilities when complexed with plasmid DNA. However, they were unable to provide robust transfection in culture, indicating inability of Far grafting to improve the transfection efficacy significantly. To overcome this limitation, the commercially available polyanionic Trans-Booster additive, which is capable of displaying electrostatic interaction with PEI1.2k-SA-Far7, has been used to enhance the uptake of pDNA polyplexes and transgene expression. pDNA condensation was successfully achieved in the presence of the Trans-Booster with more stable polyplexes, and in vitro transfection efficacy of the polyplexes was improved to be comparable to that obtained with an established reference reagent. The PEI1.2k-SA-Far7/pDNA/Trans-Booster ternary complex exhibited good compatibility with cells and minimal hemolysis activity. This work demonstrates the exemplary potency of using additives in polyplexes and the potential of resultant ternary complexes for effective pDNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarnath Praphakar Rajendran
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Luis Carlos Morales
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | | | - Cezary Kucharski
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Hasan Uludağ
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H1, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
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2
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He S, Liu S. Zwitterionic materials for nucleic acid delivery and therapeutic applications. J Control Release 2024; 365:919-935. [PMID: 38103789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics have demonstrated substantial potential in combating various diseases. However, challenges persist, particularly in the delivery of multifunctional nucleic acids. To address this issue, numerous gene delivery vectors have been developed to fully unlock the potential of gene therapy. The advancement of innovative materials with exceptional delivery properties is critical to propel the clinical translation of nucleic acid drugs. Cationic vector materials have received extensive attention, while zwitterionic materials remain relatively underappreciated in delivery. In this review, we outline a diverse range of zwitterionic material nucleic acid carriers, predominantly encompassing zwitterionic lipids, polymers and peptides. Their respective chemical structures, synthesis approaches, properties, advantages, and therapeutic applications are summarized and discussed. Furthermore, we highlight the challenges and future opportunities associated with the development of zwitterionic vector materials. This review will aid to understand the zwitterionic materials in aiding gene delivery, contributing to the continual progress of nucleic acid therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun He
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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3
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de Oliveira FA, Albuquerque LJC, Nascimento-Sales M, Christoffolete MA, Bellettini IC, Giacomelli FC. Balancing gene transfection and cytotoxicity of nucleic acid carriers with focus on ocular and hepatic disorders: evaluation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic polyethyleneimine derivatives. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:4556-4571. [PMID: 37161773 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb00477e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Polyethyleneimine (PEI) derivatives substituted by lactose, succinic acid or alkyl domains were evaluated as nonviral gene delivery vectors towards balancing gene transfection and cytotoxicity. The investigations were focused on pDNA transfection into arising retinal pigment epithelia (ARPE-19) and human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines. The first mentioned cell line was chosen as motivated by the non-negligible number of ocular disorders linked to gene aberrations, whereas the second one is a cell line overexpressing the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R), which can bind to galactose residues. The presence of short alkyl domains (C4 and C6), and particularly the succinylation of the PEI chains, improved the biological outputs of the gene vectors. The presence of hydrophobic units possibly enhances lytic activity, whereas the incorporation of succinic acid slightly reduces polymer-DNA interaction strength, thereby enabling more efficient intracellular unpacking and cargo release. Succinylation is also supposed to decrease cytotoxicity and avoid protein adsorption to the polyplexes. The presence of long carbon chains (for instance, C12) nevertheless, results in higher levels of cytotoxicity and respective lower transfection rates. The sugar-decorated polyplexes are overall less cytotoxic, but the presence of lactose moieties also leads to larger polyplexes and notably weak polymer-DNA binding, which compromise the transfection efficiency. Yet, along with the presence of short lytic alkyl domains, the double-substitution of PEI synergistically boosts gene transfection probably due to the uptake of higher DNA and polymer amounts without cell damage. Overall, the experimental data suggest that ocular and hepatic gene therapies may be potentialized by fine-tuning the hydrophobic-to-hydrophilic balance, and succinic acid is a favorable motif for the modification of PEI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando A de Oliveira
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | - Ismael C Bellettini
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas e Educação, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Blumenau, Brazil
| | - Fernando C Giacomelli
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, Brazil.
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4
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Rajendran AP, Ogundana O, Morales LC, Meenakshi Sundaram DN, Kucharski C, Kc R, Uludağ H. Transfection Efficacy and Cellular Uptake of Lipid-Modified Polyethyleneimine Derivatives for Anionic Nanoparticles as Gene Delivery Vectors. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:1105-1121. [PMID: 36853230 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Cationic polyethylenimine (PEI)-based nonviral gene carriers have been desirable to overcome the limitations of viral vectors in gene therapy. A range of PEI derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for nonviral delivery applications of plasmid DNA (pDNA). Linolenic acid, lauric acid, and oleic acid were covalently conjugated with low-molecular-weight PEI (Mw ∼ 1200 Da) via two different linkers, gallic acid (GA) and p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHPA), that allows a differential loading of lipids per modified amine (3 vs 1, respectively). 1H NMR spectrum confirmed the expected structure of the conjugates as well as the level of lipid substitution. SYBR Green binding assay performed to investigate the 50% binding concentration (BC50) of lipophilic polymers to pDNA revealed increased BC50 with an increased level of lipid substitution. The particle analysis determined that GA- and PHPA-modified lipopolymers gave pDNA complexes with ∼300 and ∼100 nm in size, respectively. At the polymer/pDNA ratio of 5.0, the ζ-potentials of the complexes were negative (-6.55 to -10.6 mV) unlike the complexes with the native PEI (+11.2 mV). The transfection experiments indicated that the prepared lipopolymers showed higher transfection in attachment-dependent cells than in suspension cells based on the expression of the reporter green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene. When loaded with Cy3-labeled pDNA, the lipopolymers exhibited effective cellular uptake in attachment-dependent cells while the cellular uptake was limited in suspension cells. These results demonstrate the potential of lipid-conjugated PEI via GA and PHPA linkers, which are promising for the modification of anchorage-dependent cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarnath Praphakar Rajendran
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Oluwanifemi Ogundana
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Luis Carlos Morales
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | | | - Cezary Kucharski
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Remant Kc
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Hasan Uludağ
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H1, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
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5
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Influence of DNA Type on the Physicochemical and Biological Properties of Polyplexes Based on Star Polymers Bearing Different Amino Functionalities. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15040894. [PMID: 36850178 PMCID: PMC9966362 DOI: 10.3390/polym15040894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The interactions of two star polymers based on poly (2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) with different types of nucleic acids are investigated. The star polymers differ only in their functionality to bear protonable amino or permanently charged quaternary ammonium groups, while DNAs of different molar masses, lengths and topologies are used. The main physicochemical parameters of the resulting polyplexes are determined. The influence of the polymer' functionality and length and topology of the DNA on the structure and properties of the polyelectrolyte complexes is established. The quaternized polymer is characterized by a high binding affinity to DNA and formed strongly positively charged, compact and tight polyplexes. The parent, non-quaternized polymer exhibits an enhanced buffering capacity and weakened polymer/DNA interactions, particularly upon the addition of NaCl, resulting in the formation of less compact and tight polyplexes. The cytotoxic evaluation of the systems indicates that they are sparing with respect to the cell lines studied including osteosarcoma, osteoblast and human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and exhibit good biocompatibility. Transfection experiments reveal that the non-quaternized polymer is effective at transferring DNA into cells, which is attributed to its high buffering capacity, facilitating the endo-lysosomal escape of the polyplex, the loose structure of the latter one and weakened polymer/DNA interactions, benefitting the DNA release.
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6
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Alshati F, Alahmed TAA, Sami F, Ali MS, Majeed S, Murtuja S, Hasnain MS, Ansari MT. Guest-host Relationship of Cyclodextrin and its Pharmacological Benefits. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:2853-2866. [PMID: 37946351 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128266398231027100119] [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] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Many methods, including solid dispersion, micellization, and inclusion complexes, have been employed to increase the solubility of potent drugs. Beta-cyclodextrin (βCD) is a cyclic oligosaccharide consisting of seven glucopyranoside molecules, and is a widely used polymer for formulating soluble inclusion complexes of hydrophobic drugs. The enzymatic activity of Glycosyltransferase or α-amylase converts starch or its derivatives into a mixture of cyclodextrins. The βCD units are characterized by α -(1-4) glucopyranose bonds. Cyclodextrins possess certain properties that make them very distinctive because of their toroidal or truncated cage-like supramolecular configurations with multiple hydroxyl groups at each end. This allowed them to encapsulate hydrophobic compounds by forming inclusion complexes without losing their solubility in water. Chemical modifications and newer derivatives, such as methylated βCD, more soluble hydroxyl propyl methyl βCD, and sodium salts of sulfobutylether-βCD, known as dexolve® or captisol®, have envisaged the use of CDs in various pharmaceutical, medical, and cosmetic industries. The successful inclusion of drug complexes has demonstrated improved solubility, bioavailability, drug resistance reduction, targeting, and penetration across skin and brain tissues. This review encompasses the current applications of β-CDs in improving the disease outcomes of antimicrobials and antifungals as well as anticancer and anti-tubercular drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatmah Alshati
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Teejan Ameer Abed Alahmed
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, Semenyih 43500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Farheen Sami
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Hygia Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Lucknow, India
| | - Md Sajid Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdome of Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahnaz Majeed
- Department of Pharmacy, Royal College of Medicine Perak, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Malaysia
| | - Sheikh Murtuja
- Department of Pharmacy, Palamu Institute of Pharmacy, Chianki, Jharkhand 822102, India
| | - M Saquib Hasnain
- Department of Pharmacy, Palamu Institute of Pharmacy, Chianki, Jharkhand 822102, India
| | - Mohammed Tahir Ansari
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, Semenyih 43500, Selangor, Malaysia
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7
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Javan Nikkhah S, Vandichel M. Modeling Polyzwitterion-Based Drug Delivery Platforms: A Perspective of the Current State-of-the-Art and Beyond. ACS ENGINEERING AU 2022; 2:274-294. [PMID: 35996394 PMCID: PMC9389590 DOI: 10.1021/acsengineeringau.2c00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Drug delivery platforms
are anticipated to have biocompatible and
bioinert surfaces. PEGylation of drug carriers is the most approved
method since it improves water solubility and colloid stability and
decreases the drug vehicles’ interactions with blood components.
Although this approach extends their biocompatibility, biorecognition
mechanisms prevent them from biodistribution and thus efficient drug
transfer. Recent studies have shown (poly)zwitterions to be alternatives
for PEG with superior biocompatibility. (Poly)zwitterions are super
hydrophilic, mainly stimuli-responsive, easy to functionalize and
they display an extremely low protein adsorption and long biodistribution
time. These unique characteristics make them already promising candidates
as drug delivery carriers. Furthermore, since they have highly dense
charged groups with opposite signs, (poly)zwitterions are intensely
hydrated under physiological conditions. This exceptional hydration
potential makes them ideal for the design of therapeutic vehicles
with antifouling capability, i.e., preventing undesired
sorption of biologics from the human body in the drug delivery vehicle.
Therefore, (poly)zwitterionic materials have been broadly applied
in stimuli-responsive “intelligent” drug delivery systems
as well as tumor-targeting carriers because of their excellent biocompatibility,
low cytotoxicity, insignificant immunogenicity, high stability, and
long circulation time. To tailor (poly)zwitterionic drug vehicles,
an interpretation of the structural and stimuli-responsive behavior
of this type of polymer is essential. To this end, a direct study
of molecular-level interactions, orientations, configurations, and
physicochemical properties of (poly)zwitterions is required, which
can be achieved via molecular modeling, which has become an influential
tool for discovering new materials and understanding diverse material
phenomena. As the essential bridge between science and engineering,
molecular simulations enable the fundamental understanding of the
encapsulation and release behavior of intelligent drug-loaded (poly)zwitterion
nanoparticles and can help us to systematically design their next
generations. When combined with experiments, modeling can make quantitative
predictions. This perspective article aims to illustrate key recent
developments in (poly)zwitterion-based drug delivery systems. We summarize
how to use predictive multiscale molecular modeling techniques to
successfully boost the development of intelligent multifunctional
(poly)zwitterions-based systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sousa Javan Nikkhah
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Republic of Ireland
| | - Matthias Vandichel
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Republic of Ireland
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8
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Ulgekar G, Kaur D, Ganesan V, Sen Sharma S, Ganguli N, Majumdar SS. Anhydride chemistry based Hexanoylation of polyethylenimine increases transfection efficiency and expression of tagged DNA for therapeutic proteins in cultured cells. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:3275-3283. [PMID: 35896515 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28196] [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: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Transfection of nucleic acid molecules into mammalian cells can be facilitated using viral vectors, electroporation, or biocompatible cationic materials. However, safety issues and the requirement of specialized equipment limits the use of viral vectors and physical methods of transfection like electroporation and microinjection, respectively. Biocompatible cationic lipids and polymers like branched-polyethyleneimine (bPEI) have a wide transfection range and are user friendly in most applications. However, bPEI exhibits low transfection efficiency in most cell types. In the present work, we have crosslinked the hexanoyl group to bPEI using anhydride chemistry to enhance its efficiency as a transfection reagent. The efficient association of hexanoyl group to bPEI was assessed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and other Physico-chemical methods. Hexanoyl modified bPEI (FA6-bPEI) was found to exhibit significantly enhanced transfection efficiency in both cell lines and cultured primary cells, as compared to native bPEI and the commercially available transfection reagent lipofactamine 3000. Furthermore, our in-vitro studies indicated that FA6-bPEI can be used for robust transfection for increased production of therapeutic proteins in a cell culture based system. These results suggested that hexanoyl modified bPEI can serve as an efficient transfection reagent for studies on hard-to-transfect cells and enhanced production of therapeutic proteins in-vitro. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goutam Ulgekar
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telengana, India.,Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Dilpreet Kaur
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telengana, India
| | - Venkateswaran Ganesan
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telengana, India.,Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Souvik Sen Sharma
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telengana, India
| | - Nirmalya Ganguli
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telengana, India.,Adjunct Faculty, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Subeer S Majumdar
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telengana, India.,Adjunct Faculty, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India
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9
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Polyethylenimine polyampholytes: Synthesis, characterization and dye adsorption study. JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10965-022-03074-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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10
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Berger S, Berger M, Bantz C, Maskos M, Wagner E. Performance of nanoparticles for biomedical applications: The in vitro/ in vivo discrepancy. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2022; 3:011303. [PMID: 38505225 PMCID: PMC10903387 DOI: 10.1063/5.0073494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Nanomedicine has a great potential to revolutionize the therapeutic landscape. However, up-to-date results obtained from in vitro experiments predict the in vivo performance of nanoparticles weakly or not at all. There is a need for in vitro experiments that better resemble the in vivo reality. As a result, animal experiments can be reduced, and potent in vivo candidates will not be missed. It is important to gain a deeper knowledge about nanoparticle characteristics in physiological environment. In this context, the protein corona plays a crucial role. Its formation process including driving forces, kinetics, and influencing factors has to be explored in more detail. There exist different methods for the investigation of the protein corona and its impact on physico-chemical and biological properties of nanoparticles, which are compiled and critically reflected in this review article. The obtained information about the protein corona can be exploited to optimize nanoparticles for in vivo application. Still the translation from in vitro to in vivo remains challenging. Functional in vitro screening under physiological conditions such as in full serum, in 3D multicellular spheroids/organoids, or under flow conditions is recommended. Innovative in vivo screening using barcoded nanoparticles can simultaneously test more than hundred samples regarding biodistribution and functional delivery within a single mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Berger
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig–Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Berger
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Christoph Bantz
- Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM, Carl-Zeiss-Str. 18-20, D-55129 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig–Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
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11
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A core-shell nanoplatform as a nonviral vector for targeted delivery of genes to the retina. Acta Biomater 2021; 134:605-620. [PMID: 34329781 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.07.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), are a major cause of blindness. Efficient delivery of therapeutic genes to retinal cells to treat retinal disease is a formidable challenge. In this study, we developed a core-shell nanoplatform composed of a core and two external layers for targeted delivery of the gene to the retina. The inner core was composed of amino acid-functionalized dendrimers and a nuclear localization signal (NLS) for DNA complexation, nuclear transport and efficient transfection. The inner core was coated in a lipid bilayer that comprised pH-sensitive lipids as the inner shell layer. Hyaluronic acid (HA)-1,2-dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) as the outermost shell layer was used for retinal cell targeting. This core-shell nanoplatform was developed so that the mobility in the vitreous body of these negatively charged carriers would not be affected by their surface charge, allowing diffusion into the retina, uptake into the retinal cells via CD44-mediated internalization, and finally transport into the nucleus by the NLS. The designed nanoparticles showed safety both in vitro and in vivo and inhibited the expression of VEGF under hypoxia-mimicking conditions. In vitro angiogenesis assays exhibited significant inhibitory effects on cell migration and tube formation. The in vivo assays indicated that this nanoplatform could be delivered to the retina. Taken together, this nanoplatform has the potential to transfer gene material into the retina for the treatment of retinal diseases, including AMD. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: It remains a challenge to develop an efficient nonviral vector for gene therapy, especially retinal gene therapy. Various barriers exist in gene delivery and the unique ocular environment, making gene delivery to the retina difficult. In this study, we designed a negatively charged core-shell nanoplatform (HD-NPPND) for the targeted delivery of gene to the retina. The developed nanoplatform possessed excellent transfection efficiency and safety both in vitro and in vivo. It efficiently delivered a gene to the retina. The results of this study suggested that this core-shell nanoplatform has the potential to deliver genes to the retina to treat retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
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12
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Succinylation of Polyallylamine: Influence on Biological Efficacy and the Formation of Electrospun Fibers. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13172840. [PMID: 34502880 PMCID: PMC8433649 DOI: 10.3390/polym13172840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Succinylation of proteins is a commonly encountered reaction in biology and introduces negatively charged carboxylates on previously basic primary amine groups of amino acid residues. In analogy, this work investigates the succinylation of primary amines of the synthetic polyelectrolyte polyallylamine (PAA). It investigates the influence of the degree of succinylation on the cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity of the resulting polymers. Succinylation was performed in water with varying amounts of succinic anhydride and at different pH values. The PAA derivatives were analyzed in detail with respect to molecular structure using nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared absorbance spectroscopy. Polyelectrolyte and potentiometric charge titrations were used to elucidate charge ratios between primary amines and carboxylates in the polymers. The obtained materials were then evaluated with respect to their minimum inhibitory concentration against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The biocompatibility was assessed using mouse L929 fibroblasts. The degree of succinylation decreased cytotoxicity but more significantly reduced antibacterial efficacy, demonstrating the sensitivity of the fibroblast cells against this type of ampholytic polyelectrolytes. The obtained polymers were finally electrospun into microfiber webs in combination with neutral water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol. The resulting non-woven could have the potential to be used as wound dressing materials or coatings.
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13
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Uddin N, Warriner LW, Pack DW, DeRouchey JE. Enhanced Gene Delivery and CRISPR/Cas9 Homology-Directed Repair in Serum by Minimally Succinylated Polyethylenimine. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:3452-3463. [PMID: 34387498 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy aims to treat patients by altering or controlling gene expression. The field of gene therapy has had increasing success in recent years primarily using viral-based approaches; however, there is still significant interest toward the use of polymeric materials due to their potential as flexible, low-cost scaffolds for gene delivery that do not suffer the mutagenesis and immunogenicity concerns of viral vectors. To address the challenges of efficiency and biocompatibility, a series of zwitterion-like polyethylenimine derivatives (zPEIs) were produced via the succinylation of 2-11.5% of polyethylenimine (PEI) amines. With increasing modification, zPEI polyplexes exhibited decreased serum-protein aggregation and dissociated more easily in the presence of a competitor polyanion when compared to unmodified PEI. Surprisingly, the gene delivery mediated in the presence of serum showed that succinylation of as few as 2% of PEI amines resulted in transgene expression 260- to 480-fold higher than that of unmodified PEI and 50- to 65-fold higher than that of commercial PEI-PEG2k in HEK293 and HeLa cells, respectively. Remarkably, the same zPEIs also produced 16-fold greater efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9 gene knock-in compared to unmodified PEI in the presence of serum. In addition, we show that 2% succinylation does not significantly decrease polymer/DNA binding ability or serum protein interaction to a significant extent, yet this small modification is still sufficient to provide a remarkable increase in transgene expression and gene knock-in in the presence of serum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasir Uddin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Logan W Warriner
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Daniel W Pack
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Jason E DeRouchey
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
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Bera H, Abosheasha MA, Ito Y, Ueda M. Etherified pullulan-polyethylenimine based nanoscaffolds improved chemosensitivity of erlotinib on hypoxic cancer cells. Carbohydr Polym 2021; 271:118441. [PMID: 34364579 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The current research endeavor aimed to accomplish hypoxia-responsive polyethyleneimine-conjugated carboxymethyl pullulan-based co-polymer (CMP-HA-NI-PEI-NBA) bearing nitroaromatic subunits to efficiently deliver erlotinib (ERL) to reverse its hypoxia-induced resistance in cancer cells. As compared to a control co-polymer (CMP-HA-MI-PEI-BA) devoid of hypoxia-sensitive moieties, this scaffold demonstrated a hypochromic shift in the UV spectra and rapid dismantling of its self-assembled architecture upon exposure to simulated hypoxic condition. The hypoxia-responsive co-polymer encapsulated ERL with desirable loading capacity (DEE, 63.05 ± 2.59%), causing attenuated drug crystallinity. The drug release rate of the scaffold under reducing condition was faster relative to that of non-reducing environment. Their cellular uptake occurred through an energy-dependent endocytic process, which could exploit its caveolae/lipid raft-mediated internalization pathway. The ERL-loaded scaffolds more efficiently induced apoptosis and suppressed the proliferation of drug-resistant hypoxic HeLa cells than the pristine ERL. Hence, this study presented a promising drug delivery nanoplatform to overcome hypoxia-evoked ERL resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hriday Bera
- Nano Medical Engineering Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
| | - Mohammed A Abosheasha
- Nano Medical Engineering Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-Osawa, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ito
- Nano Medical Engineering Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-Osawa, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan; Emergent Bioengineering Materials Research Team, RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS), 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Motoki Ueda
- Nano Medical Engineering Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Emergent Bioengineering Materials Research Team, RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS), 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
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15
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Linsha Mali A, Priya SS, Rekha MR. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic modifications of polyethylenimine towards gene delivery applications. J Appl Polym Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/app.51323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Linsha Mali
- Division of Biosurface Technology, Biomedical Technology Wing Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology Thiruvananthapuram India
| | - S. S. Priya
- Division of Biosurface Technology, Biomedical Technology Wing Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology Thiruvananthapuram India
| | - M. R. Rekha
- Division of Biosurface Technology, Biomedical Technology Wing Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology Thiruvananthapuram India
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16
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Huang RY, Liu ZH, Weng WH, Chang CW. Magnetic nanocomplexes for gene delivery applications. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:4267-4286. [PMID: 33942822 DOI: 10.1039/d0tb02713h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gene delivery is an indispensable technique for various biomedical applications such as gene therapy, stem cell engineering and gene editing. Recently, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have received increasing attention for their use in promoting gene delivery efficiency. Under magnetic attraction, gene delivery efficiency using viral or nonviral gene carriers could be universally enhanced. Besides, magnetic nanoparticles could be utilized in magnetic resonance imaging or magnetic hyperthermia therapy, providing extra theranostic opportunities. In this review, recent research integrating MNPs with a viral or nonviral gene vector is summarized from both technical and application perspectives. Applications of MNPs in cutting-edge research technologies, such as biomimetic cell membrane nano-gene carriers, exosome-based gene delivery, cell-based drug delivery systems or CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rih-Yang Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
| | - Zhuo-Hao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung Medical College and University, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Han Weng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Wen Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
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17
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Kobayashi Y, Nirasawa K, Negishi Y, Asayama S. Noncorrelative relation between in vitro and in vivo for plasmid DNA transfection by succinylated polyethylenimine muscular injection. JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION 2020; 32:405-416. [PMID: 33074050 DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2020.1838045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The polyion complexes (PICs) between plasmid DNA (pDNA) and succinylated branched polyethylenimine (bPEI-Et-COOH) were formed for in vivo pDNA delivery by muscular injection. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation revealed that the PIC between pDNA and bPEI-Et-COOH with higher succinylated degree formed the particle structure with corona-like shell. Furthermore, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) observation revealed that pDNAs were successfully delivered inside the cells and that the pDNAs were colocalized with the nuclei of the cells after endosomal escape. Although the pDNA/bPEI-Et-COOH PICs mediated significant gene expression in vitro, the PICs did not mediate gene expression in vivo muscular injection. Consequently, the pDNA transfection by bPEI-Et-COOH was noncorrelative between in vitro and in vivo in spite of low toxicity by succinylation both in vitro and in vivo. The noncorrelative relation between in vitro and in vivo for pDNA transfection by bPEI-Et-COOH muscular injection would be considerable design for pDNA carriers in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Kobayashi
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kei Nirasawa
- Department of Drug Delivery and Molecular Biopharmaceutics, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoichi Negishi
- Department of Drug Delivery and Molecular Biopharmaceutics, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shoichiro Asayama
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
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18
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Zhang Y, Zhou J, Ma S, He Y, Yang J, Gu Z. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-Degradable Polymeric Nanoplatform for Hypoxia-Targeted Gene Delivery: Unpacking DNA and Reducing Toxicity. Biomacromolecules 2019; 20:1899-1913. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, No. 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu 610064, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Zhou
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, No. 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu 610064, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shengnan Ma
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, No. 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu 610064, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiyan He
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, No. 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu 610064, People’s Republic of China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, No. 30 Puzhu Road (S), Nanjing 211816, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhongwei Gu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, No. 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu 610064, People’s Republic of China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, No. 30 Puzhu Road (S), Nanjing 211816, People’s Republic of China
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