1
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Parcero-Bouzas S, Correa J, Jimenez-Lopez C, Delgado Gonzalez B, Fernandez-Megia E. Modular Synthesis of PEG-Dendritic Block Copolymers by Thermal Azide-Alkyne Cycloaddition with Internal Alkynes and Evaluation of their Self-Assembly for Drug Delivery Applications. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:2780-2791. [PMID: 38613487 PMCID: PMC11094729 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Linear-dendritic block copolymers assemble in solution due to differences in the solubility or charge properties of the blocks. The monodispersity and multivalency of the dendritic block provide unparalleled control for the design of drug delivery systems when incorporating poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as a linear block. An accelerated synthesis of PEG-dendritic block copolymers based on the click and green chemistry pillars is described. The tandem composed of the thermal azide-alkyne cycloaddition with internal alkynes and azide substitution is revealed as a flexible, reliable, atom-economical, and user-friendly strategy for the synthesis and functionalization of biodegradable (polyester) PEG-dendritic block copolymers. The high orthogonality of the sequence has been exploited for the preparation of heterolayered copolymers with terminal alkenes and alkynes, which are amenable for subsequent functionalization by thiol-ene and thiol-yne click reactions. Copolymers with tunable solubility and charge were so obtained for the preparation of various types of nanoassemblies with promising applications in drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Parcero-Bouzas
- Centro Singular de Investigación
en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS),
Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Jenaro de la Fuente s/n, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Juan Correa
- Centro Singular de Investigación
en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS),
Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Jenaro de la Fuente s/n, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Celia Jimenez-Lopez
- Centro Singular de Investigación
en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS),
Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Jenaro de la Fuente s/n, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Bruno Delgado Gonzalez
- Centro Singular de Investigación
en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS),
Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Jenaro de la Fuente s/n, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Eduardo Fernandez-Megia
- Centro Singular de Investigación
en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS),
Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Jenaro de la Fuente s/n, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
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2
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Anderson CF, Singh A, Stephens T, Hoang CD, Schneider JP. Kinetically Controlled Polyelectrolyte Complex Assembly of microRNA-Peptide Nanoparticles toward Treating Mesothelioma. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2314367. [PMID: 38532642 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202314367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Broad size distributions and poor long-term colloidal stability of microRNA-carrying nanoparticles, especially those formed by polyelectrolyte complexation, represent major hurdles in realizing their clinical translation. Herein, peptide design is used alongside optimized flash nanocomplexation (FNC) to produce uniform peptide-based miRNA particles of exceptional stability that display anticancer activity against mesothelioma in vitro and in vivo. Modulating the content and display of lysine-based charge from small intrinsically disordered peptides used to complex miRNA proves essential in achieving stable colloids. FNC facilitates kinetic isolation of the mechanistic steps involved in particle formation to allow the preparation of particles of discrete size in a highly reproducible, scalable, and continuous manner, facilitating pre-clinical studies. To the best of the authors knowledge, this work represents the first example of employing FNC to prepare polyelectrolyte complexes of miRNA and peptide. Encapsulation of these particles into an injectable hydrogel matrix allows for their localized in vivo delivery by syringe. A one-time injection of a gel containing particles composed of miRNA-215-5p and the peptide PKM1 limits tumor progression in a xenograft model of mesothelioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb F Anderson
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, 21701, USA
| | - Anand Singh
- Thoracic Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Tyler Stephens
- Vaccine Research Center Electron Microscopy Unit, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, 20701, USA
| | - Chuong D Hoang
- Thoracic Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Joel P Schneider
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, 21701, USA
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3
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Narayanan T. Recent advances in synchrotron scattering methods for probing the structure and dynamics of colloids. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 325:103114. [PMID: 38452431 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2024.103114] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Recent progress in synchrotron based X-ray scattering methods applied to colloid science is reviewed. An important figure of merit of these techniques is that they enable in situ investigations of colloidal systems under the desired thermophysical and rheological conditions. An ensemble averaged simultaneous structural and dynamical information can be derived albeit in reciprocal space. Significant improvements in X-ray source brilliance and advances in detector technology have overcome some of the limitations in the past. Notably coherent X-ray scattering techniques have become more competitive and they provide complementary information to laboratory based real space methods. For a system with sufficient scattering contrast, size ranges from nm to several μm and time scales down to μs are now amenable to X-ray scattering investigations. A wide variety of sample environments can be combined with scattering experiments further enriching the science that could be pursued by means of advanced X-ray scattering instruments. Some of these recent progresses are illustrated via representative examples. To derive quantitative information from the scattering data, rigorous data analysis or modeling is required. Development of powerful computational tools including the use of artificial intelligence have become the emerging trend.
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4
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Heo TY, Choi SH. Ionic Strength-Dependent Structure of Complex Coacervate Core Micelles. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:1256-1265. [PMID: 38288748 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c06004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Salt concentration-dependent structure of complex coacervate core micelles (C3Ms), formed by polyether-based block copolyelectrolytes containing cationic ammonium (A) or anionic sulfonate (S) groups in aqueous media, is investigated by light scattering and small-angle X-ray/neutron scattering (SAX/NS). As the salt concentration increases, both a core radius (Rcore) and an aggregation number (Nagg) significantly decrease, but a corona thickness (Lcorona) is nearly unchanged. Larger salt concentrations can lower the interfacial tension between the coacervate cores and aqueous media, resulting in an increased interfacial area per chain and a more relaxed conformation of the core blocks. Based on the structure characterization, the scaling relationship between structure parameters (i.e., Rcore, Nagg, and Lcorona) and salt concentration is obtained and compared to the theoretical description estimated by the free energy balance between the entropic penalty of core stretching and the interfacial energy. We propose that the free energy contribution of the core block stretching is not negligible in C3Ms because of the highly swollen cores caused by water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Young Heo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Seoul 04066, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Hyung Choi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Seoul 04066, Republic of Korea
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5
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Rumyantsev AM, Zhulina EB, Borisov OV. Surface-Immobilized Interpolyelectrolyte Complexes Formed by Polyelectrolyte Brushes. ACS Macro Lett 2023; 12:1727-1732. [PMID: 38061050 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.3c00548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
A scaling theory of interaction and complex formation between planar polyelectrolyte (PE) brush and oppositely charged mobile linear PEs is developed. Counterion release is found to be the main driving force for the complexation. An interpolyelectrolyte coacervate complex (IPEC) between the brush and oppositely charged mobile PEs is formed at moderate grafting density and low salt concentration. At higher grafting density mobile chains penetrate the brush, but the brush structure is controlled by the balance between entropic elasticity and nonelectrostatic short-range interactions, as happens in a neutral brush. An increase in salt concentration beyond the theoretically predicted threshold leads to the release of the guest polyions from the brush. For brushes with moderate grafting density, complexation with oppositely charged guest polyions is predicted to trigger lateral microphase separation and formation of the finite-size surface IPEC clusters. Power law dependencies for the cluster dimensions on the brush grafting density, PE length, and salt concentration are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem M Rumyantsev
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7905, United States
| | - Ekaterina B Zhulina
- Institute of Macromolecular Compounds of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 199004 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Oleg V Borisov
- Institute of Macromolecular Compounds of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 199004 St. Petersburg, Russia
- CNRS, Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour UMR 5254, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, 64053 Pau, France
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6
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Apuzzo E, Agazzi M, Herrera SE, Picco A, Rizzo G, Chavero C, Bianchi D, Smaldini P, Cortez ML, Marmisollé WA, Padula G, Seoane A, Alomar ML, Denofrio MP, Docena G, Azzaroni O. Poly(allylamine)-tripolyphosphate Ionic Assemblies as Nanocarriers: Friend or Foe? ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:4714-4727. [PMID: 37863908 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00489] [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: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Designing effective drug nanocarriers that are easy to synthesize, robust, and nontoxic is a significant challenge in nanomedicine. Polyamine-multivalent molecule nanocomplexes are promising drug carriers due to their simple and all-aqueous manufacturing process. However, these systems can present issues of colloidal instability over time and cellular toxicity due to the cationic polymer. In this study, we finely modulate the formation parameters of poly(allylamine-tripolyphosphate) complexes to jointly optimize the robustness and safety. Polyallylamine was ionically assembled with tripolyphosphate anions to form liquid-like nanocomplexes with a size of around 200 nm and a zeta potential of -30 mV. We found that nanocomplexes exhibit tremendous long-term stability (9 months of storage) in colloidal dispersion and that they are suitable as protein-loading agents. Moreover, the formation of nanocomplexes induced by tripolyphosphate anions produces a switch-off in the toxicity of the system by altering the overall charge from positive to negative. In addition, we demonstrate that nanocomplexes can be internalized by bone-marrow-derived macrophage cells. Altogether, these nanocomplexes have attractive and promising properties as delivery nanoplatforms for potential therapies based on the immune system activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Apuzzo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), (UNLP, CONICET), 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maximiliano Agazzi
- Instituto para el Desarrollo Agroindustrial y de la Salud (IDAS), (UNRC, CONICET), Ruta Nacional 36 KM 601, 5800 Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Santiago E Herrera
- Instituto de Química de los Materiales, Ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE), (UBA, CONICET), C1428EGA Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustín Picco
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), (UNLP, CONICET), 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gastón Rizzo
- Instituto de Estudios Inmunológicos y Fisiopatológicos (IIFP), (UNLP, CONICET), asociado a CIC-PBA, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires ,Argentina
| | - Camila Chavero
- Instituto de Estudios Inmunológicos y Fisiopatológicos (IIFP), (UNLP, CONICET), asociado a CIC-PBA, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires ,Argentina
| | - Daiana Bianchi
- Instituto de Estudios Inmunológicos y Fisiopatológicos (IIFP), (UNLP, CONICET), asociado a CIC-PBA, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires ,Argentina
| | - Paola Smaldini
- Instituto de Estudios Inmunológicos y Fisiopatológicos (IIFP), (UNLP, CONICET), asociado a CIC-PBA, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires ,Argentina
| | - María Lorena Cortez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), (UNLP, CONICET), 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Waldemar A Marmisollé
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), (UNLP, CONICET), 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gisel Padula
- Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "Ing. Fernando Noel Dulout" (IGEVET), (UNLP, CONICET), 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo (FCNyM), (UNLP, CONICET), 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires ,Argentina
| | - Analía Seoane
- Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "Ing. Fernando Noel Dulout" (IGEVET), (UNLP, CONICET), 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Lis Alomar
- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), (UNSAM, CONICET) 7130, Chascomús, Buenos Aires ,Argentina
| | - Maria Paula Denofrio
- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), (UNSAM, CONICET) 7130, Chascomús, Buenos Aires ,Argentina
| | - Guillermo Docena
- Instituto de Estudios Inmunológicos y Fisiopatológicos (IIFP), (UNLP, CONICET), asociado a CIC-PBA, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires ,Argentina
| | - Omar Azzaroni
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), (UNLP, CONICET), 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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7
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Casey-Power S, Vardar C, Ryan R, Behl G, McLoughlin P, Byrne ME, Fitzhenry L. NAD+-associated-hyaluronic acid and poly(L-lysine) polyelectrolyte complexes: An evaluation of their potential for ocular drug delivery. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2023; 192:62-78. [PMID: 37797681 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.10.004] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
This study details the formation and characterisation of a novel nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-associated polymeric nanoparticle system. The development of a polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) composed of two natural polyelectrolytes, hyaluronic acid and poly(L-lysine), and an evaluation of its suitability for NAD+ ocular delivery, primarily based on its physicochemical properties and in vitro release profile under physiological ocular flow rates, were of key focus. Following optimisation of formulation method conditions such as complexation pH, mode of addition, and charge ratio, the PEC was successfully formulated under mild formulation conditions via polyelectrolyte complexation. With a size of 235.1 ± 19.0 nm, a PDI value of 0.214 ± 0.140, and a zeta potential value of - 38.0 ± 1.1 mV, the chosen PEC, loaded with 430 µg of NAD+ per mg of PEC, exhibited non-Fickian, sustained release at physiological flowrates of 10.9 ± 0.2 mg of NAD+ over 14 h. PECs containing up to 200 µM of NAD+ did not induce any significant cytotoxic effects on an immortalised human corneal epithelial cell line. Using fluorescent labeling, the NAD+-associated PECs demonstrated retention within the corneal epithelium layer of a porcine model up to 6 h post incubation under physiological conditions. A study of the physicochemical behaviour of the PECs, in terms of size, zeta potential and NAD+ complexation in response to environmental stimuli,highlighted the dynamic nature of the PEC matrix and its dependence on both pH and ionic condition. Considering the successful formation of reproducible NAD+-associated PECs with suitable characteristics for ocular drug delivery via an inexpensive formulation method, they provide a promising platform for NAD+ ocular delivery with a strong potential to improve ocular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saoirse Casey-Power
- Ocular Therapeutics Research Group, Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre, Waterford Campus, South East Technological University, Waterford X91 K0EK, Ireland.
| | - Camila Vardar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA.
| | - Richie Ryan
- Ocular Therapeutics Research Group, Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre, Waterford Campus, South East Technological University, Waterford X91 K0EK, Ireland.
| | - Gautam Behl
- EirGen Pharma, UNIT 64/64A, Westside Business Park, Old Kilmeaden Road, Co. Waterford X91 YV67, Ireland.
| | - Peter McLoughlin
- Ocular Therapeutics Research Group, Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre, Waterford Campus, South East Technological University, Waterford X91 K0EK, Ireland.
| | - Mark E Byrne
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA.
| | - Laurence Fitzhenry
- Ocular Therapeutics Research Group, Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre, Waterford Campus, South East Technological University, Waterford X91 K0EK, Ireland.
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8
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Heo TY, Audus DJ, Choi SH. Scaling Relationship of Complex Coacervate Core Micelles: Role of Core Block Stretching. ACS Macro Lett 2023; 12:1396-1402. [PMID: 37782013 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.3c00347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
The scaling relationship of complex coacervate core micelles (C3Ms) has been investigated experimentally and theoretically. The C3Ms are formed by mixing two oppositely charged block copolyelectrolyte solutions (i.e., AB + AC system) and are characterized by small-angle neutron (SANS) and X-ray scattering (SAXS). Scaling relationships for micellar structure parameters, including core radius, total radius, corona thickness, and aggregation number, all with respect to the core block length, are determined. A scaling theory is also proposed by minimizing the free energy per chain, leading to four regimes depending on the core and corona chain conformations. Although the corona block is significantly longer than the core block, the structure of our C3Ms is consistent with that of the crew-cut I regime. A highly swollen core by water enables the core blocks to be stretched significantly and corona chains to be minimally overlapped.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Young Heo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Seoul, 04066, Republic of Korea
| | - Debra J Audus
- Materials Science and Engineering Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Soo-Hyung Choi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Seoul, 04066, Republic of Korea
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9
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Debais G, Missoni LL, Perez Sirkin YA, Tagliazucchi M. Theoretical treatment of complex coacervate core micelles: structure and pH-induced disassembly. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:7602-7612. [PMID: 37756111 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01047c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Complex coacervate core micelles (C3Ms) are supramolecular soft nanostructures formed by the assembly of a block copolymer and an oppositely charged homopolymer. The coacervation of the charged segments in both macromolecules drives the formation of the core of the C3M, while the neutral block of the copolymer forms the corona. This work introduces a molecular theory (MOLT) that predicts the internal structure and stimuli-responsive properties of C3Ms and explicitly considers the chemical architecture of the polyelectrolytes, their acid-based equilibria and electrostatic and non-electrostatic interactions. In order to accurately predict complex coacervation, the correlations between charged species are incorporated into MOLT as ion-pairing processes, which are modeled using a coupled chemical equilibrium formalism. Very good agreement was observed between the experimental results in the literature and MOLT predictions for the scaling relationships that relate the dimensions of the micelle (aggregation number and sizes of the micelle and the core) to the lengths of the different blocks. MOLT was used to study the disassembly of the micelles when the solution pH is driven away from the value that guarantees the charge stoichiometry of the core. This study reveals that very sharp disassembly transitions can be obtained by tuning the length or architecture of the copolymer component, thereby suggesting potential routes to design C3Ms capable of releasing their components at very precise pH values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Debais
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Inorgánica Analítica y Química Física y CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Química de los Materiales, Ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE), Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1428, Argentina.
| | - Leandro L Missoni
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Inorgánica Analítica y Química Física y CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Química de los Materiales, Ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE), Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1428, Argentina.
| | - Yamila A Perez Sirkin
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Inorgánica Analítica y Química Física y CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Química de los Materiales, Ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE), Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1428, Argentina.
| | - Mario Tagliazucchi
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Inorgánica Analítica y Química Física y CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Química de los Materiales, Ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE), Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1428, Argentina.
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10
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Benavides I, Scott WA, Cai X, Zhou ZH, Deming TJ. Preparation and stability of pegylated poly(S-alkyl-L-homocysteine) coacervate core micelles in aqueous media. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2023; 46:81. [PMID: 37707598 DOI: 10.1140/epje/s10189-023-00339-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
We report development and preparation of synthetic polypeptide based, coacervate core polyelectrolyte complex micelles, PCMs, in aqueous media, which were characterized and evaluated for the encapsulation and in vitro release of a model single-stranded RNA, polyadenylic acid, poly(A). Cationic, α-helical polypeptides pegylated at their N-termini, PEG113-b-5bn and PEG113-b-5cn, were designed to form coacervate core PCMs upon mixing with multivalent anions in aqueous media. Sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) and poly(A) were used as model multivalent anions that allowed optimization of polypeptide composition and chain length for formation of stable, nanoscale PCMs. PEG113-b-5c27 was selected for preparation of PCMs that were characterized under different environmental conditions using dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy and cryoelectron microscopy. The PCMs were found to efficiently encapsulate poly(A), were stable at physiologically relevant pH and solution ionic strength, and were able to release poly(A) in the presence of excess polyvalent anions. These PCMs were found to be a promising model system for further development of polypeptide based therapeutic delivery vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Benavides
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Wendell A Scott
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Xiaoying Cai
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Z Hong Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Timothy J Deming
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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11
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Li Y, Feng M, Guo T, Wang Z, Zhao Y. Tailored Beta-Lapachone Nanomedicines for Cancer-Specific Therapy. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300349. [PMID: 36970948 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300349] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Nanotechnology shows the power to improve efficacy and reduce the adverse effects of anticancer agents. As a quinone-containing compound, beta-lapachone (LAP) is widely employed for targeted anticancer therapy under hypoxia. The principal mechanism of LAP-mediated cytotoxicity is believed due to the continuous generation of reactive oxygen species with the aid of NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). The cancer selectivity of LAP relies on the difference between NQO1 expression in tumors and that in healthy organs. Despite this, the clinical translation of LAP faces the problem of narrow therapeutic window that is challenging for dose regimen design. Herein, the multifaceted anticancer mechanism of LAP is briefly introduced, the advance of nanocarriers for LAP delivery is reviewed, and the combinational delivery approaches to enhance LAP potency in recent years are summarized. The mechanisms by which nanosystems boost LAP efficacy, including tumor targeting, cellular uptake enhancement, controlled cargo release, enhanced Fenton or Fenton-like reaction, and multidrug synergism, are also presented. The problems of LAP anticancer nanomedicines and the prospective solutions are discussed. The current review may help to unlock the potential of cancer-specific LAP therapy and speed up its clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery and High Efficiency, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Meiyu Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery and High Efficiency, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Tao Guo
- Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, 300120, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery and High Efficiency, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Yanjun Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery and High Efficiency, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
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12
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Stevens K, Marras AE, Campagna TR, Ting JM, Tirrell MV. Effect of Charged Block Length Mismatch on Double Diblock Polyelectrolyte Complex Micelle Cores. Macromolecules 2023; 56:5557-5566. [PMID: 37521249 PMCID: PMC10373519 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.3c00555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Polyelectrolyte complex micelles are hydrophilic nanoparticles that self-assemble in aqueous environments due to associative microphase separation between oppositely charged blocky polyelectrolytes. In this work, we employ a suite of physical characterization tools to examine the effect of charged block length mismatch on the equilibrium structure of double diblock polyelectrolyte complex micelles (D-PCMs) by mixing a diverse library of peptide and synthetic charged-neutral block polyelectrolytes with a wide range of charged block lengths (25-200 units) and chemistries. Early work on D-PCMs suggested that this class of micelles can only be formed from blocky polyelectrolytes with identical charged block lengths, a phenomenon referred to as chain length recognition. Here, we use salt annealing to create PCMs at equilibrium, which shows that chain length recognition, a longstanding hurdle to repeatable self-assembly from mismatched polyelectrolytes, can be overcome. Interestingly, D-PCM structure-property relationships display a range of values that vary systematically with the charged block lengths and chemical identity of constituent polyelectrolyte pairings and cannot be described by generalizable scaling laws. We discuss the interdependent growth behavior of the radius, ionic pair aggregation number, and density in the micelle core for three chemically distinct diblock pairings and suggest a potential physical mechanism that leads to this unique behavior. By comparing the results of these D-PCMs to the scaling laws recently developed for single diblock polyelectrolyte complex micelles (S-PCMs: diblock + homopolymer), we observe that D-PCM design schemes reduce the size and aggregation number and restrict their growth to a function of charged block length relative to S-PCMs. Understanding these favorable attributes enables more predictive use of a wider array of charged molecular building blocks to anticipate and control macroscopic properties of micelles spanning countless storage and delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaden
C. Stevens
- Pritzker
School of Molecular Engineering, The University
of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Alexander E. Marras
- Walker
Department of Mechanical Engineering, The
University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
- Texas
Materials Institute, The University of Texas
at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Trinity R. Campagna
- Pritzker
School of Molecular Engineering, The University
of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | | | - Matthew V. Tirrell
- Pritzker
School of Molecular Engineering, The University
of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
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13
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Gioldasis C, Gkamas A, Moultos OA, Vlahos CH. Chemical Feedback in Templated Reaction-Assembly of Polyelectrolyte Complex Micelles: A Molecular Simulation Study of the Kinetics and Clustering. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3024. [PMID: 37514414 PMCID: PMC10383549 DOI: 10.3390/polym15143024] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The chemical feedback between building blocks in templated polymerization of diblock copolymers and their consecutive micellization was studied for the first time by means of coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. Using a stochastic polymerization model, we were able to reproduce the experimental findings on the effect of chemical feedback on the polymerization rates at low and high solution concentrations. The size and shape of micelles were computed using a newly developed software in Python conjugated with graph theory. In full agreement with the experiments, our simulations revealed that micelles formed by the templated micellization are more spherical and have a lower radius of gyration than those formed by the traditional two-step micellization method. The advantage of molecular simulation over the traditional kinetic models is that with the simulation, one studies in detail the heterogeneous polymerization in the presence of the oppositely charged template while also accounting for the incompatibility between reacted species, which significantly influences the reaction process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Apostolos Gkamas
- Chemistry Department, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Othonas A Moultos
- Engineering Thermodynamics, Process & Energy Department, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Leeghwaterstraat 39, 2628 CB Delft, The Netherlands
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14
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Ferreira GA, Ram-On M, Talmon Y, Schillén K, Piculell L, Loh W. Complexes of Charged-Neutral Block Copolymers and Surfactants: Process-Dependent Features and Long-Term Stability of Their Aqueous Dispersions. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:4113-4124. [PMID: 36881854 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c03500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous dispersions of charged-neutral block copolymers (poly(acrylamide)-b-poly(acrylate)) complexed with an oppositely charged surfactant (dodecyltrimethylammonium) have been prepared by different approaches: the simple mixing of two solutions (MS approach) containing the block copolymer and surfactant, with their respective simple counterions, and dispersion of a freeze-dried complex salt prepared in the absence of simple counterions (CS approach). The CS particles were investigated under different conditions: dispersion of a CS in salt-free water and dispersion of a CS in a dilute salt solution, the latter condition yielding dispersions with the same composition as the MS process. Additionally, aged dispersions (up to 6 months) and dispersed complexes of the polyacrylate homopolymer and dodecyltrimethylammonium surfactant were evaluated. By employing different characterization techniques, it was seen that dispersions prepared by the MS approach display nanometric spherical particles with disordered cores, and poor colloidal stability, partially caused by the absence of surface charge (ζ-potential close to zero). Oppositely, anisometric particles were formed in CS dispersions and were large enough to sustain micellar cubic cores. The CS particles presented long-time colloidal stability, partially due to a net negative surface charge, but the stability varied with the length of the neutral block composing the corona. Our results demonstrate that all dispersed particles are metastable structures, with physicochemical properties strongly dependent on the preparation procedure, thus making these particles suitable for fundamental studies and potential applications where accurate control of their properties, including size, shape, internal structure, and stability, is desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme A Ferreira
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 13083-970 Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maor Ram-On
- Department of Chemical Engineering and The Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute (RBNI), Technion─Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Yeshayahu Talmon
- Department of Chemical Engineering and The Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute (RBNI), Technion─Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Karin Schillén
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Lennart Piculell
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Watson Loh
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 13083-970 Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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15
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Herrera SE, Agazzi ML, Apuzzo E, Cortez ML, Marmisollé WA, Tagliazucchi M, Azzaroni O. Polyelectrolyte-multivalent molecule complexes: physicochemical properties and applications. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:2013-2041. [PMID: 36811333 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01507b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The complexation of polyelectrolytes with other oppositely charged structures gives rise to a great variety of functional materials with potential applications in a wide spectrum of technological fields. Depending on the assembly conditions, polyelectrolyte complexes can acquire different macroscopic configurations such as dense precipitates, nanosized colloids and liquid coacervates. In the past 50 years, much progress has been achieved to understand the principles behind the phase separation induced by the interaction of two oppositely charged polyelectrolytes in aqueous solutions, especially for symmetric systems (systems in which both polyions have similar molecular weight and concentration). However, in recent years, the complexation of polyelectrolytes with alternative building blocks such as small charged molecules (multivalent inorganic species, oligopeptides, and oligoamines, among others) has gained attention in different areas. In this review, we discuss the physicochemical characteristics of the complexes formed by polyelectrolytes and multivalent small molecules, putting a special emphasis on their similarities with the well-known polycation-polyanion complexes. In addition, we analyze the potential of these complexes to act as versatile functional platforms in various technological fields, such as biomedicine and advanced materials engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago E Herrera
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Analítica y Química Física, INQUIMAE, CONICET. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 2, Buenos Aires C1428EHA, Argentina.
| | - Maximiliano L Agazzi
- Instituto para el Desarrollo Agroindustrial y de la Salud (IDAS), (UNRC, CONICET), Ruta Nacional 36 KM 601, 5800 Río Cuarto, Argentina.
| | - Eugenia Apuzzo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), (UNLP, CONICET), Sucursal 4, Casilla de Correo 16, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
| | - M Lorena Cortez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), (UNLP, CONICET), Sucursal 4, Casilla de Correo 16, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
| | - Waldemar A Marmisollé
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), (UNLP, CONICET), Sucursal 4, Casilla de Correo 16, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
| | - Mario Tagliazucchi
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Analítica y Química Física, INQUIMAE, CONICET. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 2, Buenos Aires C1428EHA, Argentina.
| | - Omar Azzaroni
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), (UNLP, CONICET), Sucursal 4, Casilla de Correo 16, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
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16
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Finbloom JA, Raghavan P, Kwon M, Kharbikar BN, Yu MA, Desai TA. Codelivery of synergistic antimicrobials with polyelectrolyte nanocomplexes to treat bacterial biofilms and lung infections. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade8039. [PMID: 36662850 PMCID: PMC9858510 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade8039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial biofilm infections, particularly those of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), have high rates of antimicrobial tolerance and are commonly found in chronic wound and cystic fibrosis lung infections. Combination therapeutics that act synergistically can overcome antimicrobial tolerance; however, the delivery of multiple therapeutics at relevant dosages remains a challenge. We therefore developed a nanoscale drug carrier for antimicrobial codelivery by combining approaches from polyelectrolyte nanocomplex (NC) formation and layer-by-layer electrostatic self-assembly. This strategy led to NC drug carriers loaded with tobramycin antibiotics and antimicrobial silver nanoparticles (AgTob-NCs). AgTob-NCs displayed synergistic enhancements in antimicrobial activity against both planktonic and biofilm PA cultures, with positively charged NCs outperforming negatively charged formulations. NCs were evaluated in mouse models of lung infection, leading to reduced bacterial burden and improved survival outcomes. This approach therefore shows promise for nanoscale therapeutic codelivery to treat recalcitrant bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel A. Finbloom
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Preethi Raghavan
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael Kwon
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bhushan N. Kharbikar
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michelle A. Yu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tejal A. Desai
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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17
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Winkeljann B, Keul DC, Merkel OM. Engineering poly- and micelleplexes for nucleic acid delivery - A reflection on their endosomal escape. J Control Release 2023; 353:518-534. [PMID: 36496051 PMCID: PMC9900387 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
For the longest time, the field of nucleic acid delivery has remained skeptical whether or not polycationic drug carrier systems would ever make it into clinical practice. Yet, with the disclosure of patents on polyethyleneimine-based RNA carriers through leading companies in the field of nucleic acid therapeutics such as BioNTech SE and the progress in clinical studies beyond phase I trials, this aloofness seems to regress. As one of the most striking characteristics of polymer-based vectors, the extraordinary tunability can be both a blessing and a curse. Yet, knowing about the adjustment screws and how they impact the performance of the drug carrier provides the formulation scientist committed to its development with a head start. Here, we equip the reader with a toolbox - a toolbox that should advise and support the developer to conceptualize a cutting-edge poly- or micelleplex system for the delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids; to be specific, to engineer the vector towards maximum endosomal escape performance at minimum toxicity. Therefore, after briefly sketching the boundary conditions of polymeric vector design, we will dive into the topic of endosomal trafficking. We will not only discuss the most recent knowledge of the endo-lysosomal compartment but further depict different hypotheses and mechanisms that facilitate the endosomal escape of polyplex systems. Finally, we will combine the different facets introduced in the previous chapters with the fundamental building blocks of polymer vector design and evaluate the advantages and drawbacks. Throughout the article, a particular focus will be placed on cellular peculiarities, not only as an additional barrier, but also to give inspiration to how such cell-specific traits might be capitalized on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Winkeljann
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Haus B, 81377 Munich, Germany,Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 80799 Munich, Germany
| | - David C. Keul
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Haus B, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Olivia M. Merkel
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Haus B, 81377 Munich, Germany,Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 80799 Munich, Germany,Corresponding author at: Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Haus B, 81377 München, Germany
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18
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Nazarova A, Yakimova L, Mostovaya O, Kulikova T, Mikhailova O, Evtugyn G, Ganeeva I, Bulatov E, Stoikov I. Encapsulation of the quercetin with interpolyelectrolyte complex based on pillar[5]arenes. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2022.120807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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19
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Li C, Magana JR, Sobotta F, Wang J, Stuart MAC, van Ravensteijn BGP, Voets IK. Switchable Electrostatically Templated Polymerization. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202206780. [PMID: 35766724 PMCID: PMC9796233 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202206780] [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: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We report a switchable, templated polymerization system where the strength of the templating effect can be modulated by solution pH and/or ionic strength. The responsiveness to these cues is incorporated through a dendritic polyamidoamine-based template of which the charge density depends on pH. The dendrimers act as a template for the polymerization of an oppositely charged monomer, namely sodium styrene sulfonate. We show that the rate of polymerization and maximum achievable monomer conversion are directly related to the charge density of the template, and hence the environmental pH. The polymerization could effectively be switched "ON" and "OFF" on demand, by cycling between acidic and alkaline reaction environments. These findings break ground for a novel concept, namely harnessing co-assembly of a template and growing polymer chains with tunable association strength to create and control coupled polymerization and self-assembly pathways of (charged) macromolecular building blocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chendan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multiphase Materials Chemical EngineeringEast China University of Science and Technology130 Meilong RoadShanghai200237P. R. China,Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsDepartment of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Jose R. Magana
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsDepartment of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands,Current address: Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (GEMAT)Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS)Universitat Ramon Llull (URL)08022BarcelonaSpain
| | - Fabian Sobotta
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsDepartment of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Junyou Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multiphase Materials Chemical EngineeringEast China University of Science and Technology130 Meilong RoadShanghai200237P. R. China
| | - Martien A. Cohen Stuart
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multiphase Materials Chemical EngineeringEast China University of Science and Technology130 Meilong RoadShanghai200237P. R. China
| | - Bas G. P. van Ravensteijn
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsDepartment of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands,Current address: Department of PharmaceuticsUtrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS)Faculty of ScienceUtrecht UniversityP.O. Box 800823508 TBUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Ilja K. Voets
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsDepartment of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
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20
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Li C, Magana JR, Sobotta F, Wang J, Stuart MAC, van Ravensteijn BGP, Voets IK. Switchable Electrostatically Templated Polymerization. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202206780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chendan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multiphase Materials Chemical Engineering East China University of Science and Technology 130 Meilong Road Shanghai 200237 P. R. China
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Jose R. Magana
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Current address: Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (GEMAT) Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS) Universitat Ramon Llull (URL) 08022 Barcelona Spain
| | - Fabian Sobotta
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Junyou Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multiphase Materials Chemical Engineering East China University of Science and Technology 130 Meilong Road Shanghai 200237 P. R. China
| | - Martien A. Cohen Stuart
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multiphase Materials Chemical Engineering East China University of Science and Technology 130 Meilong Road Shanghai 200237 P. R. China
| | - Bas G. P. van Ravensteijn
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Current address: Department of Pharmaceutics Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS) Faculty of Science Utrecht University P.O. Box 80082 3508 TB Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Ilja K. Voets
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
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21
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Pham TT, Takahashi R, Pham TD, Yusa SI. Stable Water-soluble Polyion Complex Micelles Composed of Oppositely Charged Diblock Copolymers and Reinforced by Hydrophobic Interactions. CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1246/cl.220241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thu Thao Pham
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Hyogo, 2167 Shosha, Himeji, Hyogo 671-2280, Japan
| | - Rintaro Takahashi
- Department of Energy Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8603, Japan
| | - Tien Duc Pham
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 19 Le Thanh Tong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Shin-ichi Yusa
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Hyogo, 2167 Shosha, Himeji, Hyogo 671-2280, Japan
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22
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A Review of Polymeric Micelles and Their Applications. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14122510. [PMID: 35746086 PMCID: PMC9230755 DOI: 10.3390/polym14122510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-assembly of amphiphilic polymers with hydrophilic and hydrophobic units results in micelles (polymeric nanoparticles), where polymer concentrations are above critical micelle concentrations (CMCs). Recently, micelles with metal nanoparticles (MNPs) have been utilized in many bio-applications because of their excellent biocompatibility, pharmacokinetics, adhesion to biosurfaces, targetability, and longevity. The size of the micelles is in the range of 10 to 100 nm, and different shapes of micelles have been developed for applications. Micelles have been focused recently on bio-applications because of their unique properties, size, shape, and biocompatibility, which enhance drug loading and target release in a controlled manner. This review focused on how CMC has been calculated using various techniques. Further, micelle importance is explained briefly, different types and shapes of micelles are discussed, and further extensions for the application of micelles are addressed. In the summary and outlook, points that need focus in future research on micelles are discussed. This will help researchers in the development of micelles for different applications.
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23
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Kembaren R, Kleijn JM, Borst JW, Kamperman M, Hofman AH. Enhanced stability of complex coacervate core micelles following different core-crosslinking strategies. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:3052-3062. [PMID: 35363245 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00088a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Complex coacervate core micelles (C3Ms) are formed by mixing aqueous solutions of a charged (bio)macromolecule with an oppositely charged-neutral hydrophilic diblock copolymer. The stability of these structures is dependent on the ionic strength of the solution; above a critical ionic strength, the micelles will completely disintegrate. This instability at high ionic strengths is the main drawback for their application in, e.g., drug delivery systems or protein protection. In addition, the stability of C3Ms composed of weak polyelectrolytes is pH-dependent as well. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of covalent crosslinking of the complex coacervate core to improve the stability of C3Ms. We studied the formation of C3Ms using a quaternized and amine-functionalized cationic-neutral diblock copolymer, poly(2-vinylpyridine)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (QP2VP-b-PEO), and an anionic homopolymer, poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). Two different core-crosslinking strategies were employed that resulted in crosslinks between both types of polyelectrolyte chains in the core (i.e., between QP2VP and PAA) or in crosslinks between polyelectrolyte chains of the same type only (i.e., QP2VP). For these two strategies we used the crosslinkers 1-ethyl-3-(3'-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and dimethyl-3,3'-dithiopropionimidate dihydrochloride (DTBP), respectively. EDC provides permanent crosslinks, while DTBP crosslinks can be broken by a reducing agent. Dynamic light scattering showed that both approaches significantly improved the stability of C3Ms against salt and pH changes. Furthermore, reduction of the disulphide bridges in the DTBP core-crosslinked micelles largely restored the original salt-stability profile. Therefore, this feature provides an excellent starting point for the application of C3Ms in controlled release formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riahna Kembaren
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Microspectroscopy Research Facility, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - J Mieke Kleijn
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Willem Borst
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Microspectroscopy Research Facility, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marleen Kamperman
- Polymer Science, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Anton H Hofman
- Polymer Science, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
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24
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Vardaxi A, Kafetzi M, Pispas S. Polymeric Nanostructures Containing Proteins and Peptides for Pharmaceutical Applications. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14040777. [PMID: 35215689 PMCID: PMC8877994 DOI: 10.3390/polym14040777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last three decades, proteins and peptides have attracted great interest as drugs of choice for combating a broad spectrum of diseases, including diabetes mellitus, cancer, and infectious and neurological diseases. However, the delivery of therapeutic proteins to target sites should take into account the obstacles and limitations related to their intrinsic sensitivity to different environmental conditions, fragile tertiary structures, and short half-life. Polymeric nanostructures have emerged as competent vehicles for protein delivery, as they are multifunctional and can be tailored according to their peculiarities. Thus, the enhanced bioavailability and biocompatibility, the adjustable control of physicochemical features, and the colloidal stability of polymer-based nanostructures further enable either the embedding or conjugation of hydrophobic or hydrophilic bioactive molecules, which are some of the features of paramount importance that they possess and which contribute to their selection as vehicles. The present review aims to discuss the prevalent nanostructures composed of block copolymers from the viewpoint of efficient protein hospitality and administration, as well as the up-to-date scientific publications and anticipated applications of polymeric nanovehicles containing proteins and peptides.
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Procházka K, Limpouchová Z, Štěpánek M, Šindelka K, Lísal M. DPD Modelling of the Self- and Co-Assembly of Polymers and Polyelectrolytes in Aqueous Media: Impact on Polymer Science. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14030404. [PMID: 35160394 PMCID: PMC8838752 DOI: 10.3390/polym14030404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This review article is addressed to a broad community of polymer scientists. We outline and analyse the fundamentals of the dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulation method from the point of view of polymer physics and review the articles on polymer systems published in approximately the last two decades, focusing on their impact on macromolecular science. Special attention is devoted to polymer and polyelectrolyte self- and co-assembly and self-organisation and to the problems connected with the implementation of explicit electrostatics in DPD numerical machinery. Critical analysis of the results of a number of successful DPD studies of complex polymer systems published recently documents the importance and suitability of this coarse-grained method for studying polymer systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karel Procházka
- Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Hlavova 8, 128 43 Prague, Czech Republic; (Z.L.); (M.Š.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Zuzana Limpouchová
- Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Hlavova 8, 128 43 Prague, Czech Republic; (Z.L.); (M.Š.)
| | - Miroslav Štěpánek
- Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Hlavova 8, 128 43 Prague, Czech Republic; (Z.L.); (M.Š.)
| | - Karel Šindelka
- Department of Molecular and Mesoscopic Modelling, Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 135, 165 02 Prague, Czech Republic; (K.Š.); (M.L.)
| | - Martin Lísal
- Department of Molecular and Mesoscopic Modelling, Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 135, 165 02 Prague, Czech Republic; (K.Š.); (M.L.)
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Pasteurova 3632, 400 96 Ústí n. Labem, Czech Republic
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Takahashi R, Narayanan T, Yusa SI, Sato T. Formation Kinetics of Polymer Vesicles from Spherical and Cylindrical Micelles Bearing the Polyelectrolyte Complex Core Studied by Time-Resolved USAXS and SAXS. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c02210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rintaro Takahashi
- ESRF─The European Synchrotron, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, Grenoble F-38043, France
- Department of Macromolecular Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0043, Japan
- Department of Energy Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8603, Japan
| | | | - Shin-ichi Yusa
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Hyogo, 2167 Shosha, Himeji, Hyogo 671-2280, Japan
| | - Takahiro Sato
- Department of Macromolecular Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0043, Japan
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Zhou Z, Yeh CF, Mellas M, Oh MJ, Zhu J, Li J, Huang RT, Harrison DL, Shentu TP, Wu D, Lueckheide M, Carver L, Chung EJ, Leon L, Yang KC, Tirrell MV, Fang Y. Targeted polyelectrolyte complex micelles treat vascular complications in vivo. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2114842118. [PMID: 34880134 PMCID: PMC8685925 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2114842118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and globally. Pathological vascular remodeling, such as atherosclerosis and stenosis, largely develop at arterial sites of curvature, branching, and bifurcation, where disturbed blood flow activates vascular endothelium. Current pharmacological treatments of vascular complications principally target systemic risk factors. Improvements are needed. We previously devised a targeted polyelectrolyte complex micelle to deliver therapeutic nucleotides to inflamed endothelium in vitro by displaying the peptide VHPKQHR targeting vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) on the periphery of the micelle. This paper explores whether this targeted nanomedicine strategy effectively treats vascular complications in vivo. Disturbed flow-induced microRNA-92a (miR-92a) has been linked to endothelial dysfunction. We have engineered a transgenic line (miR-92aEC-TG /Apoe-/- ) establishing that selective miR-92a overexpression in adult vascular endothelium causally promotes atherosclerosis in Apoe-/- mice. We tested the therapeutic effectiveness of the VCAM-1-targeting polyelectrolyte complex micelles to deliver miR-92a inhibitors and treat pathological vascular remodeling in vivo. VCAM-1-targeting micelles preferentially delivered miRNA inhibitors to inflamed endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. The therapeutic effectiveness of anti-miR-92a therapy in treating atherosclerosis and stenosis in Apoe-/- mice is markedly enhanced by the VCAM-1-targeting polyelectrolyte complex micelles. These results demonstrate a proof of concept to devise polyelectrolyte complex micelle-based targeted nanomedicine approaches treating vascular complications in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengjie Zhou
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
- Biological Sciences Division, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Chih-Fan Yeh
- Biological Sciences Division, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Michael Mellas
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Myung-Jin Oh
- Biological Sciences Division, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Jiayu Zhu
- Biological Sciences Division, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Jin Li
- Biological Sciences Division, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Ru-Ting Huang
- Biological Sciences Division, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Devin L Harrison
- Biological Sciences Division, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
- Graduate Program in Biophysical Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Tzu-Pin Shentu
- Biological Sciences Division, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - David Wu
- Biological Sciences Division, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Michael Lueckheide
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Lauryn Carver
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
- Biological Sciences Division, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Eun Ji Chung
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Lorraine Leon
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Kai-Chien Yang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Matthew V Tirrell
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637;
- Graduate Program in Biophysical Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
- Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439
| | - Yun Fang
- Biological Sciences Division, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637;
- Graduate Program in Biophysical Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
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