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Murmiliuk A, Iwase H, Kang JJ, Mohanakumar S, Appavou MS, Wood K, Almásy L, Len A, Schwärzer K, Allgaier J, Dulle M, Gensch T, Förster B, Ito K, Nakagawa H, Wiegand S, Förster S, Radulescu A. Polyelectrolyte-protein synergism: pH-responsive polyelectrolyte/insulin complexes as versatile carriers for targeted protein and drug delivery. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 665:801-813. [PMID: 38555748 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.03.156] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The co-assembly of polyelectrolytes (PE) with proteins offers a promising approach for designing complex structures with customizable morphologies, charge distribution, and stability for targeted cargo delivery. However, the complexity of protein structure limits our ability to predict the properties of the formed nanoparticles, and our goal is to identify the key triggers of the morphological transition in protein/PE complexes and evaluate their ability to encapsulate multivalent ionic drugs. A positively charged PE can assemble with a protein at pH above isoelectric point due to the electrostatic attraction and disassemble at pH below isoelectric point due to the repulsion. The additional hydrophilic block of the polymer should stabilize the particles in solution and enable them to encapsulate a negatively charged drug in the presence of PE excess. We demonstrated that diblock copolymers, poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) and poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(N,N,N-trimethylammonioethyl methacrylate), consisting of a polycation block and a neutral hydrophilic block, reversibly co-assemble with insulin in pH range between 5 and 8. Using small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering (SANS, SAXS), we showed that insulin arrangement within formed particles is controlled by intermolecular electrostatic forces between protein molecules, and can be tuned by varying ionic strength. For the first time, we observed by fluorescence that formed protein/PE complexes with excess of positive charges exhibited potential for encapsulating and controlled release of negatively charged bivalent drugs, protoporphyrin-IX and zinc(II) protoporphyrin-IX, enabling the development of nanocarriers for combination therapies with adjustable charge, stability, internal structure, and size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiia Murmiliuk
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS) at Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Lichtenbergstraße 1, 85747 Garching, Germany.
| | - Hiroki Iwase
- Neutron Science and Technology Center, Comprehensive Research Organization for Science and Society (CROSS), Tokai, Ibaraki 319-1106, Japan
| | - Jia-Jhen Kang
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS) at Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Lichtenbergstraße 1, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Shilpa Mohanakumar
- Physics of Complex Fluids, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Marie-Sousai Appavou
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS) at Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Lichtenbergstraße 1, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Kathleen Wood
- Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization, New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234, Australia
| | - László Almásy
- Neutron Spectroscopy Department, HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research, Konkoly-Thege str. 29-33, 1121 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Adél Len
- Neutron Spectroscopy Department, HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research, Konkoly-Thege str. 29-33, 1121 Budapest, Hungary; University of Pécs, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Boszorkány str 2., 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kuno Schwärzer
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS-1/IBI-8), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Jürgen Allgaier
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS-1/IBI-8), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Martin Dulle
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS-1/IBI-8), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Thomas Gensch
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, IBI-1 (Molecular and Cellular Physiology), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Beate Förster
- Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons, Physics of Nanoscale Systems (ER-C-1), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Kanae Ito
- Industrial Application Division, Spring-8, Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI), 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo, Hyogo 679-5198, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nakagawa
- Materials Sciences Research Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Tokai, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Simone Wiegand
- IBI-4-Biomacromolecular Systems and Processes, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, D-52428 Jülich, Germany; Chemistry Department - Physical Chemistry, University Cologne, D-50939 Cologne, Germany
| | - Stephan Förster
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS-1/IBI-8), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Aurel Radulescu
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS) at Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Lichtenbergstraße 1, 85747 Garching, Germany
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2
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Narasipura EA, Fenton OS. Advances in non-viral mRNA delivery to the spleen. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:3027-3044. [PMID: 38712531 PMCID: PMC11175841 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00038b] [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] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Developing safe and effective delivery strategies for localizing messenger RNA (mRNA) payloads to the spleen is an important goal in the field of genetic medicine. Accomplishing this goal is challenging due to the instability, size, and charge of mRNA payloads. Here, we provide an analysis of non-viral delivery technologies that have been developed to deliver mRNA payloads to the spleen. Specifically, our review begins by outlining the unique anatomy and potential targets for mRNA delivery within the spleen. Next, we describe approaches in mRNA sequence engineering that can be used to improve mRNA delivery to the spleen. Then, we describe advances in non-viral carrier systems that can package and deliver mRNA payloads to the spleen, highlighting key advances in the literature in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) and polymer nanoparticle (PNP) technology platforms. Finally, we provide commentary and outlook on how splenic mRNA delivery may afford next-generation treatments for autoimmune disorders and cancers. In undertaking this approach, our goal with this review is to both establish a fundamental understanding of drug delivery challenges associated with localizing mRNA payloads to the spleen, while also broadly highlighting the potential to use these genetic medicines to treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshan A Narasipura
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Owen S Fenton
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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3
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Li S, Hu Y, Lin J, Schneiderman Z, Shao F, Wei L, Li A, Hsieh K, Kokkoli E, Curk T, Mao HQ, Wang TH. Single-Particle Spectroscopic Chromatography Reveals Heterogeneous RNA Loading and Size Correlations in Lipid Nanoparticles. ACS NANO 2024. [PMID: 38839059 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNP) have emerged as pivotal delivery vehicles for RNA therapeutics. Previous research and development usually assumed that LNPs are homogeneous in population, loading density, and composition. Such perspectives are difficult to examine due to the lack of suitable tools to characterize these physicochemical properties at the single-nanoparticle level. Here, we report an integrated spectroscopy-chromatography approach as a generalizable strategy to dissect the complexities of multicomponent LNP assembly. Our platform couples cylindrical illumination confocal spectroscopy (CICS) with single-nanoparticle free solution hydrodynamic separation (SN-FSHS) to simultaneously profile population identity, hydrodynamic size, RNA loading levels, and distributions of helper lipid and PEGylated lipid of LNPs at the single-particle level and in a high-throughput manner. Using a benchmark siRNA LNP formulation, we demonstrate the capability of this platform by distinguishing seven distinct LNP populations, quantitatively characterizing size distribution and RNA loading level in wide ranges, and more importantly, resolving composition-size correlations. This SN-FSHS-CICS analysis provides critical insights into a substantial degree of heterogeneity in the packing density of RNA in LNPs and size-dependent loading-size correlations, explained by kinetics-driven assembly mechanisms of RNA LNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixuan Li
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Yizong Hu
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Jinghan Lin
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Zachary Schneiderman
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Fangchi Shao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Lai Wei
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Andrew Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Kuangwen Hsieh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Efrosini Kokkoli
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Tine Curk
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Hai-Quan Mao
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Tza-Huei Wang
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
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4
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Guo Z, Zeng C, Shen Y, Hu L, Zhang H, Li Z, Dong W, Wang Q, Liu Q, Wang Y, Jiang W. Helper Lipid-Enhanced mRNA Delivery for Treating Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:6743-6752. [PMID: 38783628 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c01458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) represent the forefront of mRNA delivery platforms, yet achieving precise delivery to specific cells remains a challenge. The current targeting strategies complicate the formulation and impede the regulatory approval process. Here, through a straightforward regulation of helper lipids within LNPs, we introduce an engineered LNP designed for targeted delivery of mRNA into hepatocytes for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) treatment. The optimized LNP, supplied with POPC as the helper lipid, exhibits a 2.49-fold increase in mRNA transfection efficiency in hepatocytes compared to that of FDA-approved LNPs. CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase α mRNA is selected for delivery to hepatocytes through the optimized LNP system for self-calibration of phosphatidylcholine levels to prevent lipid droplet expansion in MAFLD. This strategy effectively regulates lipid homeostasis, while demonstrating proven biosafety. Our results present a mRNA therapy for MAFLD and open a new avenue for discovering potent lipids enabling mRNA delivery to specific cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Guo
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Cici Zeng
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Yanqiong Shen
- Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Lei Hu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Core Facility Centre for Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Zhibin Li
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Wang Dong
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Yucai Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
- Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
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5
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Liu Y, He F, Chen L, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Xiao J, Meng Q. Imidazolyl Lipids Enhanced LNP Endosomal Escape for Ferroptosis RNAi Treatment of Cancer. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2402362. [PMID: 38829038 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202402362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Treatments for cancer that incorporate small interfering RNA (siRNA) to target iron-dependent ferroptosis are thought to be highly promising. However, creating a reliable and clinically feasible siRNA delivery system continues to be a major obstacle in the field of cancer treatment. Here, three imidazole-based ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) with pH-sensitive effects are rationally designed and synthesized for siRNA delivery. LNPs formulated with the top-performing lipid (O12-D3-I3) encapsulating FVII siRNA (FVII@O-LNP) elicited greater gene silencing than those with the benchmark Onpattro lipid DLin-MC3-DMA (MC3) due to its stronger endosomal escape. Moreover, Fc-siRNA@O-LNPs encapsulated with ferrocene (Fc) and SLC7A11/Nrf2-targeted siRNA is formulated. The outcomes demonstrate optimal safety profiles and a significant anti-tumor effect by inducing long-lasting and efficient ferroptosis through a synergistic action in vivo. In summary, this work shows that imidazolyl lipid-prepared LNPs are efficient delivery vehicles for cancer therapy and ferroptosis-targeting siRNA administration, both of which have extensive clinical application potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of National Security Specially Needed Medicines, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Fengyang He
- State Key Laboratory of National Security Specially Needed Medicines, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Longming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of National Security Specially Needed Medicines, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Yahan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of National Security Specially Needed Medicines, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Han Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of National Security Specially Needed Medicines, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Junhai Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of National Security Specially Needed Medicines, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Qingbin Meng
- State Key Laboratory of National Security Specially Needed Medicines, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing, 100850, China
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6
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Liau B, Zhang L, Ang MJY, Ng JY, C V SB, Schneider S, Gudihal R, Bae KH, Yang YY. Quantitative analysis of mRNA-lipid nanoparticle stability in human plasma and serum by size-exclusion chromatography coupled with dual-angle light scattering. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2024; 58:102745. [PMID: 38499167 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2024.102745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the stability of mRNA loaded lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs) is imperative for their clinical development. Herein, we propose the use of size-exclusion chromatography coupled with dual-angle light scattering (SEC-MALS) as a new approach to assessing mRNA-LNP stability in pure human serum and plasma. By applying a dual-column configuration to attenuate interference from plasma components, SEC-MALS was able to elucidate the degradation kinetics and physical property changes of mRNA-LNPs, which have not been observed accurately by conventional dynamic light scattering techniques. Interestingly, both serum and plasma had significantly different impacts on the molecular weight and radius of gyration of mRNA-LNPs, suggesting the involvement of clotting factors in desorption of lipids from mRNA-LNPs. We also discovered that a trace impurity (~1 %) in ALC-0315, identified as its O-tert-butyloxycarbonyl-protected form, greatly diminished mRNA-LNP stability in serum. These results demonstrated the potential utility of SEC-MALS for optimization and quality control of LNP formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Liau
- Agilent Technologies, 1 Yishun Avenue 7, Singapore 768923, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Li Zhang
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore 138668, Republic of Singapore
| | - Melgious Jin Yan Ang
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore 138668, Republic of Singapore
| | - Jian Yao Ng
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore 138668, Republic of Singapore
| | - Suresh Babu C V
- Agilent Technologies, 1 Yishun Avenue 7, Singapore 768923, Republic of Singapore
| | - Sonja Schneider
- Agilent Technologies Deutschland GmbH, Hewlett-Packard Strasse 8, 76337 Waldbronn, Germany
| | - Ravindra Gudihal
- Agilent Technologies, 1 Yishun Avenue 7, Singapore 768923, Republic of Singapore
| | - Ki Hyun Bae
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore 138668, Republic of Singapore
| | - Yi Yan Yang
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore 138668, Republic of Singapore.
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7
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Chu R, Wang Y, Kong J, Pan T, Yang Y, He J. Lipid nanoparticles as the drug carrier for targeted therapy of hepatic disorders. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:4759-4784. [PMID: 38682294 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02766j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The liver, a complex and vital organ in the human body, is susceptible to various diseases, including metabolic disorders, acute hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In recent decades, these diseases have significantly contributed to global morbidity and mortality. Currently, liver transplantation remains the most effective treatment for hepatic disorders. Nucleic acid therapeutics offer a selective approach to disease treatment through diverse mechanisms, enabling the regulation of relevant genes and providing a novel therapeutic avenue for hepatic disorders. It is expected that nucleic acid drugs will emerge as the third generation of pharmaceuticals, succeeding small molecule drugs and antibody drugs. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) represent a crucial technology in the field of drug delivery and constitute a significant advancement in gene therapies. Nucleic acids encapsulated in LNPs are shielded from the degradation of enzymes and effectively delivered to cells, where they are released and regulate specific genes. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the structure, composition, and applications of LNPs in the treatment of hepatic disorders and offers insights into prospects and challenges in the future development of LNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runxuan Chu
- National Advanced Medical Engineering Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China.
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tung, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China.
| | - Jianglong Kong
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tung, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China.
| | - Ting Pan
- National Advanced Medical Engineering Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China.
- Department of Pharmaceutics School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Yani Yang
- National Advanced Medical Engineering Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China.
| | - Jun He
- National Advanced Medical Engineering Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China.
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8
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Eygeris Y, Henderson MI, Curtis AG, Jozić A, Stoddard J, Reynaga R, Chirco KR, Su GLN, Neuringer M, Lauer AK, Ryals RC, Sahay G. Preformed Vesicle Approach to LNP Manufacturing Enhances Retinal mRNA Delivery. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2400815. [PMID: 38738752 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202400815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Complete encapsulation of nucleic acids by lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) is often thought to be one of the main prerequisites for successful nucleic acid delivery, as the lipid environment protects mRNA from degradation by external nucleases and assists in initiating delivery processes. However, delivery of mRNA via a preformed vesicle approach (PFV-LNPs) defies this precondition. Unlike traditional LNPs, PFV-LNPs are formed via a solvent-free mixing process, leading to a superficial mRNA localization. While demonstrating low encapsulation efficiency in the RiboGreen assay, PFV-LNPs improved delivery of mRNA to the retina by up to 50% compared to the LNP analogs across several benchmark formulations, suggesting the utility of this approach regardless of the lipid composition. Successful mRNA and gene editors' delivery is observed in the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors and validated in mice, non-human primates, and human retinal organoids. Deploying PFV-LNPs in gene editing experiments result in a similar extent of gene editing compared to analogous LNP (up to 3% on genomic level) in the Ai9 reporter mouse model; but, remarkably, retinal tolerability is significantly improved for PFV-LNP treatment. The study findings indicate that the LNP formulation process can greatly influence mRNA transfection and gene editing outcomes, improving LNP treatment safety without sacrificing efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Eygeris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Michael I Henderson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Allison G Curtis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Antony Jozić
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Jonathan Stoddard
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Rene Reynaga
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Kathleen R Chirco
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Grace Li-Na Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Martha Neuringer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Andreas K Lauer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Renee C Ryals
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
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9
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Caselli L, Conti L, De Santis I, Berti D. Small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering applied to lipid-based nanoparticles: Recent advancements across different length scales. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 327:103156. [PMID: 38643519 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2024.103156] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs), ranging from nanovesicles to non-lamellar assemblies, have gained significant attention in recent years, as versatile carriers for delivering drugs, vaccines, and nutrients. Small-angle scattering methods, employing X-rays (SAXS) or neutrons (SANS), represent unique tools to unveil structure, dynamics, and interactions of such particles on different length scales, spanning from the nano to the molecular scale. This review explores the state-of-the-art on scattering methods applied to unveil the structure of lipid-based nanoparticles and their interactions with drugs and bioactive molecules, to inform their rational design and formulation for medical applications. We will focus on complementary information accessible with X-rays or neutrons, ranging from insights on the structure and colloidal processes at a nanoscale level (SAXS) to details on the lipid organization and molecular interactions of LNPs (SANS). In addition, we will review new opportunities offered by Time-resolved (TR)-SAXS and -SANS for the investigation of dynamic processes involving LNPs. These span from real-time monitoring of LNPs structural evolution in response to endogenous or external stimuli (TR-SANS), to the investigation of the kinetics of lipid diffusion and exchange upon interaction with biomolecules (TR-SANS). Finally, we will spotlight novel combinations of SAXS and SANS with complementary on-line techniques, recently enabled at Large Scale Facilities for X-rays and neutrons. This emerging technology enables synchronized multi-method investigation, offering exciting opportunities for the simultaneous characterization of the structure and chemical or mechanical properties of LNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucrezia Caselli
- Physical Chemistry 1, University of Lund, S-221 00 Lund, Sweden.
| | - Laura Conti
- Consorzio Sistemi a Grande Interfase, Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Ilaria De Santis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence 50019, Italy
| | - Debora Berti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence 50019, Italy; Consorzio Sistemi a Grande Interfase, Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
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10
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Nogueira SS, Samaridou E, Simon J, Frank S, Beck-Broichsitter M, Mehta A. Analytical techniques for the characterization of nanoparticles for mRNA delivery. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 198:114235. [PMID: 38401742 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114235] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Nanotechnology-assisted RNA delivery has gotten a tremendous boost over the last decade and made a significant impact in the development of life-changing vaccines and therapeutics. With increasing numbers of emerging lipid- and polymer-based RNA nanoparticles progressing towards the clinic, it has become apparent that the safety and efficacy of these medications depend on the comprehensive understanding of their critical quality attributes (CQAs). However, despite the rapid advancements in the field, the identification and reliable quantification of CQAs remain a significant challenge. To support these efforts, this review aims to summarize the present knowledge on CQAs based on the regulatory guidelines and to provide insights into the available analytical characterization techniques for RNA-loaded nanoparticles. In this context, routine and emerging analytical techniques are categorized and discussed, focusing on the operation principle, strengths, and potential limitations. Furthermore, the importance of complementary and orthogonal techniques for the measurement of CQAs is discussed in order to ensure the quality and consistency of analytical methods used, and address potential technique-based differences.
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11
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Ferraresso F, Leung J, Kastrup CJ. RNA therapeutics to control fibrinolysis: review on applications in biology and medicine. J Thromb Haemost 2024:S1538-7836(24)00224-1. [PMID: 38663489 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2024.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Regulation of fibrinolysis, the process that degrades blood clots, is pivotal in maintaining hemostasis. Dysregulation leads to thrombosis or excessive bleeding. Proteins in the fibrinolysis system include fibrinogen, coagulation factor XIII, plasminogen, tissue plasminogen activator, urokinase plasminogen activator, α2-antiplasmin, thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, α2-macroglobulin, and others. While each of these is a potential therapeutic target for diseases, they lack effective or long-acting inhibitors. Rapid advances in RNA-based technologies are creating powerful tools to control the expression of proteins. RNA agents can be long-acting and tailored to either decrease or increase production of a specific protein. Advances in nucleic acid delivery, such as by lipid nanoparticles, have enabled the delivery of RNA to the liver, where most proteins of coagulation and fibrinolysis are produced. This review will summarize the classes of RNA that induce 1) inhibition of protein synthesis, including small interfering RNA and antisense oligonucleotides; 2) protein expression, including messenger RNA and self-amplifying RNA; and 3) gene editing for gene knockdown and precise editing. It will review specific examples of RNA therapies targeting proteins in the coagulation and fibrinolysis systems and comment on the wide range of opportunities for controlling fibrinolysis for biological applications and future therapeutics using state-of-the-art RNA therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ferraresso
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jerry Leung
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christian J Kastrup
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Departments of Surgery, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, and Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
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12
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Talarico L, Clemente I, Gennari A, Gabbricci G, Pepi S, Leone G, Bonechi C, Rossi C, Mattioli SL, Detta N, Magnani A. Physiochemical Characterization of Lipidic Nanoformulations Encapsulating the Antifungal Drug Natamycin. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 14:726. [PMID: 38668220 PMCID: PMC11053702 DOI: 10.3390/nano14080726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Natamycin is a tetraene polyene that exploits its antifungal properties by irreversibly binding components of fungal cell walls, blocking the growth of infections. However, topical ocular treatments with natamycin require frequent application due to the low ability of this molecule to permeate the ocular membrane. This limitation has limited the use of natamycin as an antimycotic drug, despite it being one of the most powerful known antimycotic agents. In this work, different lipidic nanoformulations consisting of transethosomes or lipid nanoparticles containing natamycin are proposed as carriers for optical topical administration. Size, stability and zeta potential were characterized via dynamic light scattering, the supramolecular structure was investigated via small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering and 1H-NMR, and the encapsulation efficiencies of the four proposed formulations were determined via HPLC-DAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Talarico
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.T.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (G.G.); (S.P.); (G.L.); (C.B.); (C.R.)
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Material Science and Technology (INSTM), Siena Research Unit, Via G. Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
- Center for Colloids and Surface Science (CSGI), Siena Research Group, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Ilaria Clemente
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.T.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (G.G.); (S.P.); (G.L.); (C.B.); (C.R.)
- Center for Colloids and Surface Science (CSGI), Siena Research Group, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gennari
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.T.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (G.G.); (S.P.); (G.L.); (C.B.); (C.R.)
| | - Giulia Gabbricci
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.T.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (G.G.); (S.P.); (G.L.); (C.B.); (C.R.)
- Center for Colloids and Surface Science (CSGI), Siena Research Group, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Simone Pepi
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.T.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (G.G.); (S.P.); (G.L.); (C.B.); (C.R.)
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Material Science and Technology (INSTM), Siena Research Unit, Via G. Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
- Center for Colloids and Surface Science (CSGI), Siena Research Group, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Gemma Leone
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.T.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (G.G.); (S.P.); (G.L.); (C.B.); (C.R.)
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Material Science and Technology (INSTM), Siena Research Unit, Via G. Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
- Center for Colloids and Surface Science (CSGI), Siena Research Group, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Claudia Bonechi
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.T.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (G.G.); (S.P.); (G.L.); (C.B.); (C.R.)
- Center for Colloids and Surface Science (CSGI), Siena Research Group, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Claudio Rossi
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.T.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (G.G.); (S.P.); (G.L.); (C.B.); (C.R.)
- Center for Colloids and Surface Science (CSGI), Siena Research Group, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Simone Luca Mattioli
- Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A, Via Campo di Pile SNC, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.L.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Nicola Detta
- Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A, Via Campo di Pile SNC, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.L.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Agnese Magnani
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.T.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (G.G.); (S.P.); (G.L.); (C.B.); (C.R.)
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Material Science and Technology (INSTM), Siena Research Unit, Via G. Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
- Center for Colloids and Surface Science (CSGI), Siena Research Group, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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13
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Gilbert J, Sebastiani F, Arteta MY, Terry A, Fornell A, Russell R, Mahmoudi N, Nylander T. Evolution of the structure of lipid nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery: From in situ studies of formulation to colloidal stability. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 660:66-76. [PMID: 38241872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.12.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
The development of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) based therapeutics for delivery of RNA has triggered the advance of new strategies for formulation, such as high throughput microfluidics for precise mixing of components into well-defined particles. In this study, we have characterised the structure of LNPs throughout the formulation process using in situ small angle x-ray scattering in the microfluidic chip, then by sampling in the subsequent dialysis process. The final formulation was investigated with small angle x-ray (SAXS) and neutron (SANS) scattering, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and cryo-TEM. The effect on structure was investigated for LNPs with a benchmark lipid composition and containing different cargos: calf thymus DNA (DNA) and two model mRNAs, polyadenylic acid (polyA) and polyuridylic acid (polyU). The LNP structure evolved during mixing in the microfluidic channel, however was only fully developed during the dialysis. The colloidal stability of the final formulation was affected by the type of incorporated nucleic acids (NAs) and decreased with the degree of base-pairing, as polyU induced extensive particle aggregation. The main NA LNP peak in the SAXS data for the final formulation were similar, with the repeat distance increasing from polyU
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Gilbert
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden; NanoLund, Lund University, Professorsgatan 1, 223 63 Lund, Sweden
| | - Federica Sebastiani
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden; Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 København Ø, Denmark
| | - Marianna Yanez Arteta
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ann Terry
- MAX IV Laboratory, Lund University, Fotongatan 2, 224 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Anna Fornell
- MAX IV Laboratory, Lund University, Fotongatan 2, 224 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Robert Russell
- National Deuteration Facility (NDF), Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Lucas Heights, 2232 Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Najet Mahmoudi
- ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0QX, UK
| | - Tommy Nylander
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden; NanoLund, Lund University, Professorsgatan 1, 223 63 Lund, Sweden; LINXS Institute of Advanced Neutron and X-Ray Science, Lund, Sweden; School of Chemical Engineering and Translational Nanobioscience Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Marques C, Borchard G, Jordan O. Unveiling the challenges of engineered protein corona from the proteins' perspective. Int J Pharm 2024; 654:123987. [PMID: 38467206 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123987] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
It is well known that protein corona affects the "biological identity" of nanoparticles (NPs), which has been seen as both a challenge and an opportunity. Approaches have moved from avoiding protein adsorption to trying to direct it, taking advantage of the formation of a protein corona to favorably modify the pharmacokinetic parameters of NPs. Although promising, the results obtained with engineered NPs still need to be completely understood. While much effort has been put into understanding how the surface of nanomaterials affects protein absorption, less is known about how proteins can affect corona formation due to their specific physicochemical properties. This review addresses this knowledge gap, examining key protein factors influencing corona formation, highlighting current challenges in studying protein-protein interactions, and discussing future perspectives in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cintia Marques
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Rue Michel Servet 1211, Geneva, Switzerland; Section of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet 1211, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Gerrit Borchard
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Rue Michel Servet 1211, Geneva, Switzerland; Section of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Jordan
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Rue Michel Servet 1211, Geneva, Switzerland; Section of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
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15
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Unruh T, Götz K, Vogel C, Fröhlich E, Scheurer A, Porcar L, Steiniger F. Mesoscopic Structure of Lipid Nanoparticle Formulations for mRNA Drug Delivery: Comirnaty and Drug-Free Dispersions. ACS NANO 2024; 18:9746-9764. [PMID: 38514237 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) produced by antisolvent precipitation (ASP) are used in formulations for mRNA drug delivery. The mesoscopic structure of such complex multicomponent and polydisperse nanoparticulate systems is most relevant for their drug delivery properties, medical efficiency, shelf life, and possible side effects. However, the knowledge on the structural details of such formulations is very limited. Essentially no such information is publicly available for pharmaceutical dispersions approved by numerous medicine agencies for the use in humans and loaded with mRNA encoding a mimic of the spike protein of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as, e.g., the Comirnaty formulation (BioNTech/Pfizer). Here, we present a simple preparation method to mimic the Comirnaty drug-free LNPs including a comparison of their structural properties with those of Comirnaty. Strong evidence for the liquid state of the LNPs in both systems is found in contrast to the designation of the LNPs as solid lipid nanoparticles by BioNTech. An exceptionally detailed and reliable structural model for the LNPs i.a. revealing their unexpected narrow size distribution will be presented based on a combined small-angle X-ray scattering and photon correlation spectroscopy (SAXS/PCS) evaluation method. The results from this experimental approach are supported by light microscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoTEM), and simultaneous SAXS/SANS studies. The presented results do not provide direct insights on particle formation or dispersion stability but should contribute significantly to better understanding the LNP drug delivery process, enhancing their medical benefit, and reducing side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Unruh
- Institute for Crystallography and Structural Physics, Physics Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Nanostructured Films (IZNF) and Center for Nanoanalysis and Electron Microscopy (CENEM), Cauerstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Klaus Götz
- Institute for Crystallography and Structural Physics, Physics Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Nanostructured Films (IZNF) and Center for Nanoanalysis and Electron Microscopy (CENEM), Cauerstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carola Vogel
- Institute for Crystallography and Structural Physics, Physics Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Nanostructured Films (IZNF) and Center for Nanoanalysis and Electron Microscopy (CENEM), Cauerstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Erik Fröhlich
- Institute for Crystallography and Structural Physics, Physics Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Scheurer
- Lehrstuhl für Anorganische und Allgemeine Chemie, Department Chemie und Pharmazie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Egerlandstraße 1, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lionel Porcar
- Large Scale Structures Group, Institut Laue-Langevin, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Frank Steiniger
- Electron Microscopy Center, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
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16
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Sedlmayr VL, Schobesberger S, Spitz S, Ertl P, Wurm DJ, Quehenberger J, Spadiut O. Archaeal ether lipids improve internalization and transfection with mRNA lipid nanoparticles. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 197:114213. [PMID: 38346479 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114213] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Neutral and positively charged archaeal ether lipids (AEL) have been studied for their utilization as novel delivery systems for pDNA, showing efficient immune response with a strong memory effect while lacking noticeable toxicity. Recent technological advances placed mRNA lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) at the forefront of next-generation delivery systems; however, no study has examined AELs in mRNA delivery yet. In this study, we investigated either a crude lipid extract or the purified tetraether lipid caldarchaeol from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius as potential novel excipients for mRNA LNPs. Depending on their molar share in the respective LNP, particle uptake, and mRNA expression levels could be increased by up to 10-fold in in vitro transfection experiments using both primary cell sources (HSMM) and established cell lines (Caco-2, C2C12) compared to a well-known reference formulation. This increased efficiency might be linked to a substantial effect on endosomal escape, indicating fusogenic and lyotropic features of AELs. This study shows the high value of archaeal ether lipids for mRNA delivery and provides a solid foundation for future in vivo experiments and further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Laurin Sedlmayr
- Research Division Integrated Bioprocess Development, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, TU Wien, Gumpendorfer Straße 1a, Vienna 1060, Austria
| | - Silvia Schobesberger
- Research Division Organic & Biological Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, Vienna 1060, Austria
| | - Sarah Spitz
- Research Division Organic & Biological Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, Vienna 1060, Austria
| | - Peter Ertl
- Research Division Organic & Biological Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, Vienna 1060, Austria
| | | | - Julian Quehenberger
- Research Division Integrated Bioprocess Development, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, TU Wien, Gumpendorfer Straße 1a, Vienna 1060, Austria; NovoArc GmbH, Pottendorfer Straße 23-25, Vienna 1120, Austria
| | - Oliver Spadiut
- Research Division Integrated Bioprocess Development, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, TU Wien, Gumpendorfer Straße 1a, Vienna 1060, Austria.
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17
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López-Estévez AM, Lapuhs P, Pineiro-Alonso L, Alonso MJ. Personalized Cancer Nanomedicine: Overcoming Biological Barriers for Intracellular Delivery of Biopharmaceuticals. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2309355. [PMID: 38104275 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The success of personalized medicine in oncology relies on using highly effective and precise therapeutic modalities such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Unfortunately, the clinical exploitation of these biological drugs has encountered obstacles in overcoming intricate biological barriers. Drug delivery technologies represent a plausible strategy to overcome such barriers, ultimately facilitating the access to intracellular domains. Here, an overview of the current landscape on how nanotechnology has dealt with protein corona phenomena as a first and determinant biological barrier is presented. This continues with the analysis of strategies facilitating access to the tumor, along with conceivable methods for enhanced tumor penetration. As a final step, the cellular barriers that nanocarriers must confront in order for their biological cargo to reach their target are deeply analyzed. This review concludes with a critical analysis and future perspectives of the translational advances in personalized oncological nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana María López-Estévez
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Department of Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
| | - Philipp Lapuhs
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Department of Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
| | - Laura Pineiro-Alonso
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Department of Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
| | - María José Alonso
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Department of Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
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18
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Bitounis D, Jacquinet E, Rogers MA, Amiji MM. Strategies to reduce the risks of mRNA drug and vaccine toxicity. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:281-300. [PMID: 38263456 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00859-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
mRNA formulated with lipid nanoparticles is a transformative technology that has enabled the rapid development and administration of billions of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine doses worldwide. However, avoiding unacceptable toxicity with mRNA drugs and vaccines presents challenges. Lipid nanoparticle structural components, production methods, route of administration and proteins produced from complexed mRNAs all present toxicity concerns. Here, we discuss these concerns, specifically how cell tropism and tissue distribution of mRNA and lipid nanoparticles can lead to toxicity, and their possible reactogenicity. We focus on adverse events from mRNA applications for protein replacement and gene editing therapies as well as vaccines, tracing common biochemical and cellular pathways. The potential and limitations of existing models and tools used to screen for on-target efficacy and de-risk off-target toxicity, including in vivo and next-generation in vitro models, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Bitounis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Mansoor M Amiji
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
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19
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Parhiz H, Atochina-Vasserman EN, Weissman D. mRNA-based therapeutics: looking beyond COVID-19 vaccines. Lancet 2024; 403:1192-1204. [PMID: 38461842 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)02444-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances in mRNA technology and its delivery have enabled mRNA-based therapeutics to enter a new era in medicine. The rapid, potent, and transient nature of mRNA-encoded proteins, without the need to enter the nucleus or the risk of genomic integration, makes them desirable tools for treatment of a range of diseases, from infectious diseases to cancer and monogenic disorders. The rapid pace and ease of mass-scale manufacturability of mRNA-based therapeutics supported the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, challenges remain with regards to mRNA stability, duration of expression, delivery efficiency, and targetability, to broaden the applicability of mRNA therapeutics beyond COVID-19 vaccines. By learning from the rapidly expanding preclinical and clinical studies, we can optimise the mRNA platform to meet the clinical needs of each disease. Here, we will summarise the recent advances in mRNA technology; its use in vaccines, immunotherapeutics, protein replacement therapy, and genomic editing; and its delivery to desired specific cell types and organs for development of a new generation of targeted mRNA-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Parhiz
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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20
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Kim LJ, Shin D, Leite WC, O’Neill H, Ruebel O, Tritt A, Hura GL. Simple Scattering: Lipid nanoparticle structural data repository. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1321364. [PMID: 38584701 PMCID: PMC10998447 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1321364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are being intensively researched and developed to leverage their ability to safely and effectively deliver therapeutics. To achieve optimal therapeutic delivery, a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between formulation, structure, and efficacy is critical. However, the vast chemical space involved in the production of LNPs and the resulting structural complexity make the structure to function relationship challenging to assess and predict. New components and formulation procedures, which provide new opportunities for the use of LNPs, would be best identified and optimized using high-throughput characterization methods. Recently, a high-throughput workflow, consisting of automated mixing, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and cellular assays, demonstrated a link between formulation, internal structure, and efficacy for a library of LNPs. As SAXS data can be rapidly collected, the stage is set for the collection of thousands of SAXS profiles from a myriad of LNP formulations. In addition, correlated LNP small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) datasets, where components are systematically deuterated for additional contrast inside, provide complementary structural information. The centralization of SAXS and SANS datasets from LNPs, with appropriate, standardized metadata describing formulation parameters, into a data repository will provide valuable guidance for the formulation of LNPs with desired properties. To this end, we introduce Simple Scattering, an easy-to-use, open data repository for storing and sharing groups of correlated scattering profiles obtained from LNP screening experiments. Here, we discuss the current state of the repository, including limitations and upcoming changes, and our vision towards future usage in developing our collective knowledge base of LNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Joon Kim
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - David Shin
- David Shin Consulting, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Wellington C. Leite
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
| | - Hugh O’Neill
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
| | - Oliver Ruebel
- Scientific Data Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Andrew Tritt
- Applied Mathematics and Computational Science Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Greg L. Hura
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
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21
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Bogaert B, Debisschop A, Ehouarne T, Van Eeckhoutte HP, De Volder J, Jacobs A, Pottie E, De Rycke R, Crabbé A, Mestdagh P, Lentacker I, Brusselle GG, Stove C, Verstraelen S, Maes T, Bracke KR, De Smedt SC, Raemdonck K. Selective Replacement of Cholesterol with Cationic Amphiphilic Drugs Enables the Design of Lipid Nanoparticles with Improved RNA Delivery. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:2961-2971. [PMID: 38477058 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c03345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The delivery of RNA across biological barriers can be achieved by encapsulation in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Cationic amphiphilic drugs (CADs) are pharmacologically diverse compounds with ionizable lipid-like features. In this work, we applied CADs as a fifth component of state-of-the-art LNPs via microfluidic mixing. Improved cytosolic delivery of both siRNA and mRNA was achieved by partly replacing the cholesterol fraction of LNPs with CADs. The LNPs could cross the mucus layer in a mucus-producing air-liquid interface model of human primary bronchial epithelial cells following nebulization. Moreover, CAD-LNPs demonstrated improved epithelial and endothelial targeting following intranasal administration in mice, without a marked pro-inflammatory signature. Importantly, quantification of the CAD-LNP molar composition, as demonstrated for nortriptyline, revealed a gradual leakage of the CAD from the formulation during LNP dialysis. Altogether, these data suggest that the addition of a CAD prior to the rapid mixing process might have an impact on the composition, structure, and performance of LNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram Bogaert
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Aliona Debisschop
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thomas Ehouarne
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hannelore P Van Eeckhoutte
- Laboratory for Translational Research in Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joyceline De Volder
- Laboratory for Translational Research in Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - An Jacobs
- Health Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Eline Pottie
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Riet De Rycke
- Ghent University Expertise Center for Transmission Electron Microscopy and VIB BioImaging Core, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Aurélie Crabbé
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter Mestdagh
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, OncoRNAlab, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ine Lentacker
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy G Brusselle
- Laboratory for Translational Research in Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sandra Verstraelen
- Health Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Tania Maes
- Laboratory for Translational Research in Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ken R Bracke
- Laboratory for Translational Research in Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Koen Raemdonck
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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22
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Francia V, Zhang Y, Cheng MHY, Schiffelers RM, Witzigmann D, Cullis PR. A magnetic separation method for isolating and characterizing the biomolecular corona of lipid nanoparticles. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2307803120. [PMID: 38437542 PMCID: PMC10945860 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307803120] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations are a proven method for the delivery of nucleic acids for gene therapy as exemplified by the worldwide rollout of LNP-based RNAi therapeutics and mRNA vaccines. However, targeting specific tissues or cells is still a major challenge. After LNP administration, LNPs interact with biological fluids (i.e., blood), components of which adsorb onto the LNP surface forming a layer of biomolecules termed the "biomolecular corona (BMC)" which affects LNP stability, biodistribution, and tissue tropism. The mechanisms by which the BMC influences tissue- and cell-specific targeting remains largely unknown, due to the technical challenges in isolating LNPs and their corona from complex biological media. In this study, we present a new technique that utilizes magnetic LNPs to isolate LNP-corona complexes from unbound proteins present in human serum. First, we developed a magnetic LNP formulation, containing >40 superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs)/LNP, the resulting LNPs containing iron oxide nanoparticles (IOLNPs) displayed a similar particle size and morphology as LNPs loaded with nucleic acids. We further demonstrated the isolation of the IOLNPs and their corresponding BMC from unbound proteins using a magnetic separation (MS) system. The BMC profile of LNP from the MS system was compared to size exclusion column chromatography and further analyzed via mass spectrometry, revealing differences in protein abundances. This new approach enabled a mild and versatile isolation of LNPs and its corona, while maintaining its structural integrity. The identification of the BMC associated with an intact LNP provides further insight into LNP interactions with biological fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Francia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BCV6T 1Z3, Canada
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht3584, Netherlands
| | - Yao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BCV6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Miffy Hok Yan Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BCV6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Raymond M. Schiffelers
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht3584, Netherlands
| | - Dominik Witzigmann
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BCV6T 1Z3, Canada
- NanoVation Therapeutics, Vancouver, BCV6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Pieter R. Cullis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BCV6T 1Z3, Canada
- NanoVation Therapeutics, Vancouver, BCV6T 1Z3, Canada
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23
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Eygeris Y, Gupta M, Kim J, Jozic A, Gautam M, Renner J, Nelson D, Bloom E, Tuttle A, Stoddard J, Reynaga R, Neuringer M, Lauer AK, Ryals RC, Sahay G. Thiophene-based lipids for mRNA delivery to pulmonary and retinal tissues. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2307813120. [PMID: 38437570 PMCID: PMC10945828 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307813120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) largely rely on ionizable lipids to yield successful nucleic acid delivery via electrostatic disruption of the endosomal membrane. Here, we report the identification and evaluation of ionizable lipids containing a thiophene moiety (Thio-lipids). The Thio-lipids can be readily synthesized via the Gewald reaction, allowing for modular lipid design with functional constituents at various positions of the thiophene ring. Through the rational design of ionizable lipid structure, we prepared 47 Thio-lipids and identified some structural criteria required in Thio-lipids for efficient mRNA (messenger RNA) encapsulation and delivery in vitro and in vivo. Notably, none of the tested lipids have a pH-response profile like traditional ionizable lipids, potentially due to the electron delocalization in the thiophene core. Placement of the tails and localization of the ionizable headgroup in the thiophene core can endow the nanoparticles with the capability to reach various tissues. Using high-throughput formulation and barcoding techniques, we optimized the formulations to select two top lipids-20b and 29d-and investigated their biodistribution in mice. Lipid 20b enabled LNPs to transfect the liver and spleen, and 29d LNP transfected the lung and spleen. Unexpectedly, LNP with lipid 20b was especially potent in mRNA delivery to the retina with no acute toxicity, leading to the successful delivery to the photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium in non-human primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Eygeris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR97201
- EnterX Biosciences, Inc., Portland, OR97214
| | - Mohit Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR97201
| | - Jeonghwan Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR97201
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Antony Jozic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR97201
| | - Milan Gautam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR97201
| | - Jonas Renner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR97201
| | - Dylan Nelson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR97201
- EnterX Biosciences, Inc., Portland, OR97214
| | - Elissa Bloom
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR97201
| | | | - Jonathan Stoddard
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR97006
| | - Rene Reynaga
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR97006
| | - Martha Neuringer
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR97006
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97239
| | - Andreas K. Lauer
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR97006
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97239
| | - Renee C. Ryals
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR97006
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97239
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR97201
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97239
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97201
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24
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Parot J, Mehn D, Jankevics H, Markova N, Carboni M, Olaisen C, Hoel AD, Sigfúsdóttir MS, Meier F, Drexel R, Vella G, McDonagh B, Hansen T, Bui H, Klinkenberg G, Visnes T, Gioria S, Urban-Lopez P, Prina-Mello A, Borgos SE, Caputo F, Calzolai L. Quality assessment of LNP-RNA therapeutics with orthogonal analytical techniques. J Control Release 2024; 367:385-401. [PMID: 38253203 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.037] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The availability of analytical methods for the characterization of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for in-vivo intracellular delivery of nucleic acids is critical for the fast development of innovative RNA therapies. In this study, analytical protocols to measure (i) chemical composition, (ii) drug loading, (iii) particle size, concentration, and stability as well as (iv) structure and morphology were evaluated and compared based on a comprehensive characterization strategy linking key physical and chemical properties to in-vitro efficacy and toxicity. Furthermore, the measurement protocols were assessed either by testing the reproducibility and robustness of the same technique in different laboratories, or by a correlative approach, comparing measurement results of the same attribute with orthogonal techniques. The characterization strategy and the analytical measurements described here will have an important role during formulation development and in determining robust quality attributes ultimately supporting the quality assessment of these innovative RNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremie Parot
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Dora Mehn
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Camilla Olaisen
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Andrea D Hoel
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | | | | | - Gabriele Vella
- Laboratory for Biological Characterisation of Advanced Materials (LBCAM), Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Birgitte McDonagh
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Terkel Hansen
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Huong Bui
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Geir Klinkenberg
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Torkild Visnes
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sabrina Gioria
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | | | - Adriele Prina-Mello
- Laboratory for Biological Characterisation of Advanced Materials (LBCAM), Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sven Even Borgos
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Fanny Caputo
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway; LNE - Centre for Scientific and Industrial Metrology, Trappes, France.
| | - Luigi Calzolai
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy.
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25
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Kimura S, Harashima H. Nano-Bio Interactions: Exploring the Biological Behavior and the Fate of Lipid-Based Gene Delivery Systems. BioDrugs 2024; 38:259-273. [PMID: 38345754 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-024-00647-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy for many diseases is rapidly becoming a reality, as demonstrated by the recent approval of various nucleic acid-based therapeutics. Non-viral systems such as lipid-based carriers, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), for delivering different payloads including small interfering RNA, plasmid DNA, and messenger RNA have been particularly extensively explored and developed for clinical uses. One of the most important issues in LNP development is delivery to extrahepatic tissues. To achieve this, various lipids and lipid-like materials are being examined and screened. Several LNP formulations that target extrahepatic tissues, such as the spleen and the lungs have been developed by adjusting the lipid compositions of LNPs. However, mechanistic details of how the characteristics of LNPs affect delivery efficiency remains unclear. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of LNP-based nucleic acid delivery focusing on LNP components and their structures, as well as discussing biological factors, such as biomolecular corona and cellular responses related to the delivery efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seigo Kimura
- Integrated Research Consortium on Chemical Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan.
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Laboratory for Innovative Nanomedicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan.
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26
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Caselli L, Nylander T, Malmsten M. Neutron reflectometry as a powerful tool to elucidate membrane interactions of drug delivery systems. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 325:103120. [PMID: 38428362 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2024.103120] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The last couple of decades have seen an explosion of novel colloidal drug delivery systems, which have been demonstrated to increase drug efficacy, reduce side-effects, and provide various other advantages for both small-molecule and biomacromolecular drugs. The interactions of delivery systems with biomembranes are increasingly recognized to play a key role for efficient eradication of pathogens and cancer cells, as well as for intracellular delivery of protein and nucleic acid drugs. In parallel, there has been a broadening of methodologies for investigating such systems. For example, advanced microscopy, mass-spectroscopic "omic"-techniques, as well as small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering techniques, which only a few years ago were largely restricted to rather specialized areas within basic research, are currently seeing increased interest from researchers within wide application fields. In the present discussion, focus is placed on the use of neutron reflectometry to investigate membrane interactions of colloidal drug delivery systems. Although the technique is still less extensively employed for investigations of drug delivery systems than, e.g., X-ray scattering, such studies may provide key mechanistic information regarding membrane binding, re-modelling, translocation, and permeation, of key importance for efficacy and toxicity of antimicrobial, cancer, and other therapeutics. In the following, examples of this are discussed and gaps/opportunities in the research field identified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tommy Nylander
- Physical Chemistry 1, Lund University, S-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Martin Malmsten
- Physical Chemistry 1, Lund University, S-221 00 Lund, Sweden; Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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27
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Wei W, Sun H, Yang B, Song E, Song Y. Coronal ApoE Protein Combines with LRP1 to Inactivate GSK3β That Mitigates Silica Nanoparticle-Induced Brain Lesion. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:808-815. [PMID: 38315060 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00728] [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: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) are widely used engineered materials that warrant their obvious environmental exposure risk. Our previous study has shown that different routes of SiO2 NP exposure on the glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) activity were related to the serum proteins enriched on the surface of SiO2 NPs, which implied that a particular protein in the serum changed the inherent toxic behavior of SiO2 NPs and inhibited the activation of GSK3β by SiO2 NPs. Here, we identified that the SiO2 NP surface enriched a large amount of apolipoprotein E (ApoE), and the ApoE protein corona bound to the lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) to inactivate GSK3β, thereby reducing the damage of SiO2 NPs to the brain. This work presented the first evidence that specific biocorona reduced the toxicity of SiO2 NPs at the molecular level, which helped to elucidate the role of specific corona components on nanotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Rd, Haidian District, Beijing 100085, China
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, 2 Tiansheng Rd, Beibei District, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Rd, Haidian District, Beijing 100085, China
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, 2 Tiansheng Rd, Beibei District, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Bingwei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Rd, Haidian District, Beijing 100085, China
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, 2 Tiansheng Rd, Beibei District, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Erqun Song
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, 2 Tiansheng Rd, Beibei District, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Rd, Haidian District, Beijing 100085, China
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, 2 Tiansheng Rd, Beibei District, Chongqing 400715, China
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28
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Escalona-Rayo O, Papadopoulou P, Slütter B, Kros A. Biological recognition and cellular trafficking of targeted RNA-lipid nanoparticles. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 85:103041. [PMID: 38154322 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.103041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have unlocked the potential of ribonucleic acid (RNA) therapeutics and vaccines. Production and large-scale manufacturing methods for RNA-LNPs have been established and rapidly accelerate. Despite this, basic research on LNPs is still required, due to their high assembly complexity and fairly new development, including research on lipid organization, transfection optimization, and in vivo behavior. Understanding fundamental aspects of LNPs that is, how lipid composition and physicochemical properties affect their biodistribution, cell recognition, and transfection, could propel their clinical development and facilitate overcoming current challenges. Herein, we review recent developments in the field of LNP technology and summarize the main findings focusing on nano-bio interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Escalona-Rayo
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Panagiota Papadopoulou
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Bram Slütter
- Division of Biotherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander Kros
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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29
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Gu Z, Zhao H, Song Y, Kou Y, Yang W, Li Y, Li X, Ding L, Sun Z, Lin J, Wang Q, Li X, Yang X, Huang X, Yang C, Tong Z. PEGylated-liposomal astaxanthin ameliorates Aβ neurotoxicity and Alzheimer-related phenotypes by scavenging formaldehyde. J Control Release 2024; 366:783-797. [PMID: 38242211 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.019] [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: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is a prevailing type of dementia, presents a significant global health concern. The current therapies do not meet clinical expectations. Amyloid-beta (Aβ) has been found to induce endogenous formaldehyde (FA) accumulation by inactivating FA dehydrogenase (FDH); in turn, excessive FA triggers Aβ aggregation that eventually leads to AD onset. Hence, scavenging FA by astaxanthin (ATX, a strong exogenous antioxidant) may be pursued as a promising disease-modifying approach. Here, we report that liposomal nanoparticles coupled with PEG (PEG-ATX@NPs) could enhance water-solubility of ATX and alleviate cognitive impairments by scavenging FA and reducing Aβ deposition. To enable drug delivery to the brain, liposomes were used to encapsulate ATX and then coupled with PEG, which produced liposomal nanoparticles (PEGATX@NPs) with a diameter of <100 nm. The PEG-ATX@NPs reduced Aβ neurotoxicity by both degrading FA and reducing FA-induced Aβ assembly in vitro. Intraperitoneal administration of PEG-ATX@NPs in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice (APP/PS1, a familial model of AD), not only decreased the levels of brain FA and malondialdehyde (MDA, a typical product of oxidative stress), but also attenuated both intracellular Aβ oligomerization and extracellular Aβ-related senile plaque (SP) formation. These pathological changes were accompanied by rescued ability of spatial learning and memory. Collectively, PEG-ATX@NPs improved the water-solubility, bioavailability, and effectiveness of ATX. Thus, it has the potential to be developed as a safe and effective strategy for treating AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Gu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hang Zhao
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yilan Song
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiduo Kou
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wanting Yang
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ye Li
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ling Ding
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zihui Sun
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China; Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325200, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xi Li
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, 437100, Hubei, China.
| | - Xuerong Huang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325200, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Chuang Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| | - Zhiqian Tong
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
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30
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Li W, Wang C, Zhang Y, Lu Y. Lipid Nanocarrier-Based mRNA Therapy: Challenges and Promise for Clinical Transformation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2310531. [PMID: 38287729 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia, messenger RNA (mRNA) technology has attracted heated attention. A specific, safe, and efficient mRNA delivery system is needed. Lipid nanocarriers have become attractive carriers for mRNA delivery due to their high delivery efficiency, few side effects, and easy modification to change their structures and functions. To achieve the desired biological effect, lipid nanocarriers must reach the designated location for effective drug delivery. Therefore, the effects of the composition of lipid nanocarriers on their key properties are briefly reviewed. In addition, the progress of smart drug delivery by changing the composition of lipid nanocarriers is summarized, and the importance of component design and structure is emphasized. Subsequently, this review summarizes the latest progress in lipid nanocarrier-based mRNA technology and provides corresponding strategies for its current challenges, putting forward valuable information for the future design of lipid nanocarriers and mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yifei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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31
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Anindita J, Tanaka H, Yamakawa T, Sato Y, Matsumoto C, Ishizaki K, Oyama T, Suzuki S, Ueda K, Higashi K, Moribe K, Sasaki K, Ogura Y, Yonemochi E, Sakurai Y, Hatakeyama H, Akita H. The Effect of Cholesterol Content on the Adjuvant Activity of Nucleic-Acid-Free Lipid Nanoparticles. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:181. [PMID: 38399242 PMCID: PMC10893020 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA vaccines are applicable to the treatment of various infectious diseases via the inducement of robust immune responses against target antigens by expressing antigen proteins in the human body. The delivery of messenger RNA by lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) has become a versatile drug delivery system used in the administration of RNA vaccines. LNPs are widely considered to possess adjuvant activity that induces a strong immune response. However, the properties of LNPs that contribute to their adjuvant activity continue to require clarification. To characterize the relationships between the lipid composition, particle morphology, and adjuvant activity of LNPs, the nanostructures of LNPs and their antibody production were evaluated. To simply compare the adjuvant activity of LNPs, empty LNPs were subcutaneously injected with recombinant proteins. Consistent with previous research, the presence of ionizable lipids was one of the determinant factors. Adjuvant activity was induced when a tiny cholesterol assembly (cholesterol-induced phase, ChiP) was formed according to the amount of cholesterol present. Moreover, adjuvant activity was diminished when the content of cholesterol was excessive. Thus, it is plausible that an intermediate structure of cholesterol (not in a crystalline-like state) in an intra-particle space could be closely related to the immunogenicity of LNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Anindita
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai City 980-8578, Miyagi, Japan
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City 260-0856, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiroki Tanaka
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai City 980-8578, Miyagi, Japan
- Center for Advanced Modalities and DDS, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takuma Yamakawa
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City 260-0856, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuka Sato
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City 260-0856, Chiba, Japan
| | - Chika Matsumoto
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai City 980-8578, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kota Ishizaki
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City 260-0856, Chiba, Japan
| | - Taiji Oyama
- Sales Division, JASCO Corporation, 2967-5 Ishikawa, Hachioji City 192-8537, Tokyo, Japan;
| | - Satoko Suzuki
- Applicative Solution Lab Division, JASCO Corporation, 2967-5 Ishikawa, Hachioji City 192-8537, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ueda
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City 260-0856, Chiba, Japan; (K.U.)
| | - Kenjirou Higashi
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City 260-0856, Chiba, Japan; (K.U.)
| | - Kunikazu Moribe
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City 260-0856, Chiba, Japan; (K.U.)
| | - Kasumi Sasaki
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-ku, Shinagawa City 142-8501, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yumika Ogura
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-ku, Shinagawa City 142-8501, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Etsuo Yonemochi
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-ku, Shinagawa City 142-8501, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yu Sakurai
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai City 980-8578, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Hiroto Hatakeyama
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City 260-0856, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Akita
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai City 980-8578, Miyagi, Japan
- Center for Advanced Modalities and DDS, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
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32
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AboulFotouh K, Southard B, Dao HM, Xu H, Moon C, Williams Iii RO, Cui Z. Effect of lipid composition on RNA-Lipid nanoparticle properties and their sensitivity to thin-film freezing and drying. Int J Pharm 2024; 650:123688. [PMID: 38070660 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123688] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
A library of 16 lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations with orthogonally varying lipid molar ratios was designed and synthesized, using polyadenylic acid [poly(A)] as a model for mRNA, to explore the effect of lipid composition in LNPs on (i) the initial size of the resultant LNPs and encapsulation efficiency of RNA and (ii) the sensitivity of the LNPs to various conditions including cold storage, freezing (slow vs. rapid) and thawing, and drying. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression was employed to identify the optimal lipid molar ratios and interactions that favorably affect the physical properties of the LNPs and enhance their stability in various stress conditions. LNPs exhibited distinct responses under each stress condition, highlighting the effect of lipid molar ratios and lipid interactions on the LNP physical properties and stability. It was then demonstrated that it is feasible to use thin-film freeze-drying to convert poly(A)-LNPs from liquid dispersions to dry powders while maintaining the integrity of the LNPs. Importantly, the residual moisture content in LNP dry powders significantly affected the LNP integrity.Residual moisture content of ≤ 0.5% or > 3-3.5% w/w negatively affected the LNP size and/or RNA encapsulation efficiency, depending on the LNP composition. Finally, it was shown that the thin-film freeze-dried LNP powders have desirable aerosol properties for potential pulmonary delivery. It was concluded that Design of Experiments can be applied to identify mRNA-LNP formulations with the desired physical properties and stability profiles. Additionally, optimizing the residual moisture content in mRNA-LNP dry powders during (thin-film) freeze-drying is crucial to maintain the physical properties of the LNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled AboulFotouh
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Benjamin Southard
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Huy M Dao
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Haiyue Xu
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Chaeho Moon
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Robert O Williams Iii
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| | - Zhengrong Cui
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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33
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Kimura N, Tanaka Y, Yamanishi Y, Takahashi A, Sakuma S. Nanoparticles Based on Natural Lipids Reveal Extent of Impacts of Designed Physical Characteristics on Biological Functions. ACS NANO 2024; 18:1432-1448. [PMID: 38165131 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c07461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Nanoparticles based on lipids (LNPs) are essential in pharmaceuticals and intercellular communication, and their design parameters span a diverse range of molecules and assemblies. In bridging the gap in insight between extracellular vesicles (EVs) and synthetic LNPs, one challenge is understanding their in-cell/in-body behavior when simultaneously assessing more than one physical characteristic. Herein, we demonstrate comprehensive evaluation of LNP behavior by using LNPs based on natural lipids (N-LNPs) with designed physical characteristics: size tuned using microfluidic methods, surface fluidity designed based on EV components, and stiffness tuned using biomolecules. We produce 12 types of N-LNPs having different physical characteristics─two sizes, three membrane fluidities, and two stiffnesses for in vitro evaluation─and evaluate cellular uptake vitality and endocytic pathways of N-LNPs based on the physical characteristics of N-LNPs. To reveal the extent of the impact of the predesigned physical characteristics of N-LNPs on cellular uptakes in vivo, we also carried out animal experiments with four types of N-LNPs having different sizes and fluidities. The use of N-LNPs has helped to clarify the extent of the impact of inextricably related, designed physical characteristics on transportation and provided a bidirectional guidepost for the streamlined design and understanding of the biological functions of LNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niko Kimura
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Yoko Tanaka
- Division of Cellular Senescence, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan
| | - Yoko Yamanishi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Akiko Takahashi
- Division of Cellular Senescence, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan
- Cancer Cell Communication Project, NEXT-Ganken Program, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan
| | - Shinya Sakuma
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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Thelen JL, Leite W, Urban VS, O'Neill HM, Grishaev AV, Curtis JE, Krueger S, Castellanos MM. Morphological Characterization of Self-Amplifying mRNA Lipid Nanoparticles. ACS NANO 2024; 18:1464-1476. [PMID: 38175970 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c08014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The mRNA technology has emerged as a rapid modality to develop vaccines during pandemic situations with the potential to protect against endemic diseases. The success of mRNA in producing an antigen is dependent on the ability to deliver mRNA to the cells using a vehicle, which typically consists of a lipid nanoparticle (LNP). Self-amplifying mRNA (SAM) is a synthetic mRNA platform that, besides encoding for the antigen of interest, includes the replication machinery for mRNA amplification in the cells. Thus, SAM can generate many antigen encoding mRNA copies and prolong expression of the antigen with lower doses than those required for conventional mRNA. This work describes the morphology of LNPs containing encapsulated SAM (SAM LNPs), with SAM being three to four times larger than conventional mRNA. We show evidence that SAM changes its conformational structure when encapsulated in LNPs, becoming more compact than the free SAM form. A characteristic "bleb" structure is observed in SAM LNPs, which consists of a lipid-rich core and an aqueous RNA-rich core, both surrounded by a DSPC-rich lipid shell. We used SANS and SAXS data to confirm that the prevalent morphology of the LNP consists of two-core compartments where components are heterogeneously distributed between the two cores and the shell. A capped cylinder core-shell model with two interior compartments was built to capture the overall morphology of the LNP. These findings provide evidence that bleb two-compartment structures can be a representative morphology in SAM LNPs and highlight the need for additional studies that elucidate the role of spherical and bleb morphologies, their mechanisms of formation, and the parameters that lead to a particular morphology for a rational design of LNPs for mRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob L Thelen
- GSK, Rockville Center for Vaccines Research, 14200 Shady Grove Road, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Wellington Leite
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Volker S Urban
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Hugh M O'Neill
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Alexander V Grishaev
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, 9600 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
- Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Joseph E Curtis
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Susan Krueger
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Maria Monica Castellanos
- GSK, Rockville Center for Vaccines Research, 14200 Shady Grove Road, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
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35
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Fukuda R, Shima R, Shibukawa S, Murakami T. Comprehensive Analysis of Drug Loading into Engineered Lipoprotein Nanoparticles toward Their Eye Drop Application. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:99-103. [PMID: 38156817 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c01003] [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: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The drug loading capacity of an engineered lipoprotein (eLP1) and the colloidal stability of drug-loaded eLP1s were assessed with 12 drugs with different charges/hydrophobicities. The capacity was largely correlated with their log P values, and the binding to the protein moiety was suggested for two drugs. The size of drug-loaded eLP1 formulations after freeze-drying followed by resolubilization hardly changed. The eLP1 formulation of travoprost, a clinically used drug in eye drop formulations, maintained its small size (19 nm) for 1 h at 37 °C in an artificial tear solution, whereas the liposome counterpart of 112 nm in diameter aggregated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Fukuda
- Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan
- Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering Research Center, Toyama Prefectural University, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan
| | - Rumina Shima
- Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan
- Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering Research Center, Toyama Prefectural University, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan
| | - Shiori Shibukawa
- Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan
- Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering Research Center, Toyama Prefectural University, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Murakami
- Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan
- Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering Research Center, Toyama Prefectural University, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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36
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Tesei G, Hsiao YW, Dabkowska A, Grönberg G, Yanez Arteta M, Ulkoski D, Bray DJ, Trulsson M, Ulander J, Lund M, Lindfors L. Lipid shape and packing are key for optimal design of pH-sensitive mRNA lipid nanoparticles. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2311700120. [PMID: 38175863 PMCID: PMC10786277 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2311700120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The ionizable-lipid component of RNA-containing nanoparticles controls the pH-dependent behavior necessary for an efficient delivery of the cargo-the so-called endosomal escape. However, it is still an empirical exercise to identify optimally performing lipids. Here, we study two well-known ionizable lipids, DLin-MC3-DMA and DLin-DMA using a combination of experiments, multiscale computer simulations, and electrostatic theory. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations, and experimentally measured polar headgroup pKa values, are used to develop a coarse-grained representation of the lipids, which enables the investigation of the pH-dependent behavior of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) through Monte Carlo simulations, in the absence and presence of RNA molecules. Our results show that the charge state of the lipids is determined by the interplay between lipid shape and headgroup chemistry, providing an explanation for the similar pH-dependent ionization state observed for lipids with headgroup pKa values about one-pH-unit apart. The pH dependence of lipid ionization is significantly influenced by the presence of RNA, whereby charge neutrality is achieved by imparting a finite and constant charge per lipid at intermediate pH values. The simulation results are experimentally supported by measurements of α-carbon 13C-NMR chemical shifts for eGFP mRNA LNPs of both DLin-MC3-DMA and DLin-DMA at various pH conditions. Further, we evaluate the applicability of a mean-field Poisson-Boltzmann theory to capture these phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Tesei
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory & The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, CopenhagenDK-2200, Denmark
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Computational Chemistry, Lund University, LundSE-221 00, Sweden
| | - Ya-Wen Hsiao
- The Hartree Centre, Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Daresbury Laboratory, WarringtonWA4 4AD, United Kingdom
| | - Aleksandra Dabkowska
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Grönberg
- Medicinal Chemistry, Early Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - Marianna Yanez Arteta
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - David Ulkoski
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - David J. Bray
- The Hartree Centre, Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Daresbury Laboratory, WarringtonWA4 4AD, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Trulsson
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Computational Chemistry, Lund University, LundSE-221 00, Sweden
| | - Johan Ulander
- Data Science and Modelling, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - Mikael Lund
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Computational Chemistry, Lund University, LundSE-221 00, Sweden
| | - Lennart Lindfors
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
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Patel SK, Billingsley MM, Mukalel AJ, Thatte AS, Hamilton AG, Gong N, El-Mayta R, Safford HC, Merolle M, Mitchell MJ. Bile acid-containing lipid nanoparticles enhance extrahepatic mRNA delivery. Theranostics 2024; 14:1-16. [PMID: 38164140 PMCID: PMC10750194 DOI: 10.7150/thno.89913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as a viable, clinically-validated platform for the delivery of mRNA therapeutics. LNPs have been utilized as mRNA delivery systems for applications including vaccines, gene therapy, and cancer immunotherapy. However, LNPs, which are typically composed of ionizable lipids, cholesterol, helper lipids, and lipid-anchored polyethylene glycol, often traffic to the liver which limits the therapeutic potential of the platform. Several approaches have been proposed to resolve this tropism such as post-synthesis surface modification or the addition of synthetic cationic lipids. Methods: Here, we present a strategy for achieving extrahepatic delivery of mRNA involving the incorporation of bile acids, a naturally-occurring class of cholesterol analogs, during LNP synthesis. We synthesized a series of bile acid-containing C14-4 LNPs by replacing cholesterol with bile acids (cholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, deoxycholic acid, or lithocholic acid) at various ratios. Results: Bile acid-containing LNPs (BA-LNPs) were able to reduce delivery to liver cells in vitro and improve delivery in a variety of other cell types, including T cells, B cells, and epithelial cells. Our subsequent in vivo screening of selected LNP candidates injected intraperitoneally or intravenously identified a highly spleen tropic BA-LNP: CA-100, a four-component LNP containing cholic acid and no cholesterol. These screens also identified BA-LNP candidates demonstrating promise for other mRNA therapeutic applications such as for gastrointestinal or immune cell delivery. We further found that the substitution of cholic acid for cholesterol in an LNP formulation utilizing a different ionizable lipid, C12-200, also shifted mRNA delivery from the liver to the spleen, suggesting that this cholic acid replacement strategy may be generalizable. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the potential of a four-component BA-LNP formulation, CA-100, for extrahepatic mRNA delivery that could potentially be utilized for a range of therapeutic and vaccine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savan K. Patel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Alvin J. Mukalel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ajay S. Thatte
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alex G. Hamilton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ningqiang Gong
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Rakan El-Mayta
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hannah C. Safford
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Maria Merolle
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael J. Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Athalye M, Teli D, Chorawala M, Sharma A, Patel R, Dua K, Singh SK, Gupta G, Patel M. Apolipoprotein E3 functionalized lipid-drug conjugated nanoparticles of Levetiracetam for enhanced delivery to the brain: In-vitro cell line studies and in-vivo study. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:127799. [PMID: 37923037 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127799] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
A significant portion of brain-tumor patients suffer from 'brain-tumor-related epilepsy (BTE)' which results in depression, anxiety and hampered quality of life. Conventional anti-epileptic drugs indicate negative interaction with other drugs augmenting the poor outcome of overall therapy. Levetiracetam (LVM) has evidenced effectiveness for BTE but its hydrophilicity restricts the passage into blood-brain barrier. The majority of lipid nanoparticles fails to load hydrophilic drug sufficiently. Therefore, lipid-drug conjugates (LDC) were synthesized using stearic acid via amide bond formation confirmed by FTIR and NMR. The nanoparticles of synthesized LDC were prepared by solvent injection method followed by functionalization with Apolipoprotein E3 (ApoE3@LDC-NP). The nanoparticles were characterized by DSC, XRD, particle size (131.6 ± 1.24 nm), zeta potential (-15.6 ± 0.09 mV), and for storage stability. In-vitro release study indicated initial burst release of 20 ± 0.63 % followed by sustained release up to 30 h (66 ± 1.40 %) for ApoE3@LDC-NP. The cell-line study on HEK293 indicated no significant cytotoxic effect and greater cell uptake through U87MG cell line. The pharmacokinetic and bio-distribution study indicated 2.5-fold greater brain-targeting of ApoE3@LDC-NP as compared to LVM solution. It proved safe in the haemolysis study and exhibited the absence of tissue necrosis. Thus, ApoE3@LDC-NP might be a promising approach for effective brain-targeting of LVM for improved clinical response in BTE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansi Athalye
- L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opposite Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India; Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, Charotar University of Science and Technology, CHARUSAT - Campus, Changa, 388421 Anand, Gujarat, India
| | - Divya Teli
- L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opposite Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Mehul Chorawala
- L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opposite Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India; Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Corporate House, Near Sola Bridge, S. G. Highway, Thaltej, Ahmedabad 380054, Gujarat, India
| | - Abhilasha Sharma
- Department of Life science, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Rashmin Patel
- Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, Charotar University of Science and Technology, CHARUSAT - Campus, Changa, 388421 Anand, Gujarat, India
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, India; School of Pharmacy, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun 248007, India; School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jagatpura, Mahal Road, Jaipur, India
| | - Mrunali Patel
- Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, Charotar University of Science and Technology, CHARUSAT - Campus, Changa, 388421 Anand, Gujarat, India.
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Huang Y, Wu J, Li S, Liu Z, Li Z, Zhou B, Li B. Quaternization drives spleen-to-lung tropism conversion for mRNA-loaded lipid-like nanoassemblies. Theranostics 2024; 14:830-842. [PMID: 38169552 PMCID: PMC10758058 DOI: 10.7150/thno.90071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: As the overwhelming majority of advanced mRNA delivery systems are preferentially accumulated in the liver, there is an accelerating growth in the demand for the development of non-liver mRNA delivery platforms. Methods: In this study, we prepared cationic lipid-like nanoassemblies through a N-quaternizing strategy. Their physicochemical properties, in vitro mRNA delivery efficiency, and organ tropism in mice were investigated. Results: Introduction of quaternary ammonium groups onto lipid-like nanoassemblies not only enhances their mRNA delivery performance in vitro, but also completely alters their tropism from the spleen to the lung after intravenous administration in mice. Quaternized lipid-like nanoassemblies exhibit ultra-high specificity to the lung and are predominantly taken up by pulmonary immune cells, leading to over 95% of exogenous mRNA translation in the lungs. Such mRNA delivery carriers are stable even after more than one-year storage at ambient temperature. Conclusions: Quaternization provides an alternative method for design of new lung-targeted mRNA delivery systems without incorporation of targeting ligands, which should extend the therapeutic applicability of mRNA to lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Huang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology & The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Jiacai Wu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology & The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, China
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Sanpeng Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology & The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology & The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Zhenghua Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology & The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Boping Zhou
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology & The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, China
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology & The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, China
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
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40
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Huang C, Zhang Y, Su J, Guan X, Chen S, Xu X, Deng X, Zhang L, Huang J. Liver-Specific Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticles Mediated Efficient RNA Interference to Clear "Bad Cholesterol". Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:7785-7801. [PMID: 38144512 PMCID: PMC10748673 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s434908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background High-level low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) plays a vital role in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs) are scavengers that bind to LDL-C in the liver. LDLR proteins are regulated by proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), which mediates the degradation of LDLR and adjusts the level of the plasma LDL-C. The low expression of PCSK9 leads to the up-regulation of liver LDLRs and the reduction of plasma LDL-C. Hepatocytes are attractive targets for small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery to silence Pcsk9 gene, due to their significant role in LDL-C regulation. Methods Here, a type of liver-specific ionizable lipid nanoparticles is developed for efficient siRNA delivery. This type of nanoparticles shows high stability, enabling efficient cargo delivery specifically to hepatocytes, and a membrane-active polymer that reversibly masks activity until an acidic environment is reached. Results Significantly, the siPcsk9 (siRNA targeting to Pcsk9)-loaded nanoparticles (GLP) could silence 90% of the Pcsk9 mRNA in vitro. In vivo study showed that the improved accumulation of GLP in the liver increased LDLR level by 3.35-fold and decreased plasma LDL-C by 35%. Conclusion GLP has shown a powerful effect on reducing LDL-C, thus providing a potential therapy for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuangjia Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, People’s Republic of China
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianfen Su
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, People’s Republic of China
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoling Guan
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, People’s Republic of China
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, People’s Republic of China
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaowei Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, People’s Republic of China
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Deng
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, People’s Republic of China
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingmin Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, People’s Republic of China
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jionghua Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, People’s Republic of China
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Philipp J, Dabkowska A, Reiser A, Frank K, Krzysztoń R, Brummer C, Nickel B, Blanchet CE, Sudarsan A, Ibrahim M, Johansson S, Skantze P, Skantze U, Östman S, Johansson M, Henderson N, Elvevold K, Smedsrød B, Schwierz N, Lindfors L, Rädler JO. pH-dependent structural transitions in cationic ionizable lipid mesophases are critical for lipid nanoparticle function. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2310491120. [PMID: 38055742 PMCID: PMC10723131 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310491120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are advanced core-shell particles for messenger RNA (mRNA) based therapies that are made of polyethylene glycol (PEG) lipid, distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC), cationic ionizable lipid (CIL), cholesterol (chol), and mRNA. Yet the mechanism of pH-dependent response that is believed to cause endosomal release of LNPs is not well understood. Here, we show that eGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) protein expression in the mouse liver mediated by the ionizable lipids DLin-MC3-DMA (MC3), DLin-KC2-DMA (KC2), and DLinDMA (DD) ranks MC3 ≥ KC2 > DD despite similar delivery of mRNA per cell in all cell fractions isolated. We hypothesize that the three CIL-LNPs react differently to pH changes and hence study the structure of CIL/chol bulk phases in water. Using synchrotron X-ray scattering a sequence of ordered CIL/chol mesophases with lowering pH values are observed. These phases show isotropic inverse micellar, cubic Fd3m inverse micellar, inverse hexagonal [Formula: see text] and bicontinuous cubic Pn3m symmetry. If polyadenylic acid, as mRNA surrogate, is added to CIL/chol, excess lipid coexists with a condensed nucleic acid lipid [Formula: see text] phase. The next-neighbor distance in the excess phase shows a discontinuity at the Fd3m inverse micellar to inverse hexagonal [Formula: see text] transition occurring at pH 6 with distinctly larger spacing and hydration for DD vs. MC3 and KC2. In mRNA LNPs, DD showed larger internal spacing, as well as retarded onset and reduced level of DD-LNP-mediated eGFP expression in vitro compared to MC3 and KC2. Our data suggest that the pH-driven Fd3m-[Formula: see text] transition in bulk phases is a hallmark of CIL-specific differences in mRNA LNP efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Philipp
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig Maximilians-University, Munich80539, Germany
| | - Aleksandra Dabkowska
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - Anita Reiser
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig Maximilians-University, Munich80539, Germany
| | - Kilian Frank
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig Maximilians-University, Munich80539, Germany
| | - Rafał Krzysztoń
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig Maximilians-University, Munich80539, Germany
| | - Christiane Brummer
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig Maximilians-University, Munich80539, Germany
| | - Bert Nickel
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig Maximilians-University, Munich80539, Germany
| | - Clement E. Blanchet
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory Hamburg Outstation c/o Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, Hamburg22607, Germany
| | - Akhil Sudarsan
- Institute of Physics, University of Augsburg, Augsburg86159, Germany
| | - Mohd Ibrahim
- Institute of Physics, University of Augsburg, Augsburg86159, Germany
| | - Svante Johansson
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - Pia Skantze
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - Urban Skantze
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - Sofia Östman
- Animal Sciences and Technologies, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - Marie Johansson
- Animal Sciences and Technologies, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - Neil Henderson
- Integrated Bioanalysis, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | | | - Bård Smedsrød
- Vascular Biology Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø, Tromsø9019, Norway
| | - Nadine Schwierz
- Institute of Physics, University of Augsburg, Augsburg86159, Germany
| | - Lennart Lindfors
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Mölndal431 83, Sweden
| | - Joachim O. Rädler
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig Maximilians-University, Munich80539, Germany
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Geng C, Zhou K, Yan Y, Li C, Ni B, Liu J, Wang Y, Zhang X, Wang D, Lv L, Zhou Y, Feng A, Wang Y, Li C. A preparation method for mRNA-LNPs with improved properties. J Control Release 2023; 364:632-643. [PMID: 37956926 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.11.017] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
The properties of mRNA lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs), including size, empty particles, morphology, storage stability, and transfection potency, are critically dependent on the preparation methods. Here, a Two-step tangential-flow filtration (TFF) method was successfully employed to improve the properties of mRNA-LNPs during the preparation process. This method involves an additional ethanol removal step prior to the particle fusion process. Notably, this innovative approach has yielded mRNA-LNPs with larger particles, a reduced proportion of empty LNPs, optimized storage stability (at least 6 months at 2-8 °C), improved in vitro transfection efficiency, and minimized distribution in the heart and blood in vivo. In summary, this study represents the implementation of the innovative Two-step TFF method in the preparation of mRNA-LNPs. Our findings indicate substantial enhancements in the properties of our mRNA-LNPs, specifically with regard to the percentage of empty LNPs, stability, transfection efficiency, and in vivo distribution. These improvements have the potential to optimize their industrial applicability and expand their clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Geng
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, 361 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China.
| | - Kefan Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, 361 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China.
| | - Ying Yan
- CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., 896 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China.
| | - Chan Li
- CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., 896 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China.
| | - Beibei Ni
- CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., 896 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China.
| | - Jiangman Liu
- CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., 896 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China.
| | - Yeming Wang
- CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., 896 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China.
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., 896 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China.
| | - Dazhuang Wang
- CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., 896 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China.
| | - Lu Lv
- CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., 896 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China.
| | - Yongchuan Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, 361 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China.
| | - Anhua Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, 361 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China.
| | - Yajuan Wang
- CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., 896 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China; State Key Laboratory of New Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China.
| | - Chunlei Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, 361 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China; CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., 896 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research and Evaluation, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China; State Key Laboratory of New Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China.
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Saiding Q, Zhang Z, Chen S, Xiao F, Chen Y, Li Y, Zhen X, Khan MM, Chen W, Koo S, Kong N, Tao W. Nano-bio interactions in mRNA nanomedicine: Challenges and opportunities for targeted mRNA delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 203:115116. [PMID: 37871748 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Upon entering the biological milieu, nanomedicines swiftly interact with the surrounding tissue fluid, subsequently being enveloped by a dynamic interplay of biomacromolecules, such as carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and cellular metabolites, but with predominant serum proteins within the biological corona. A notable consequence of the protein corona phenomenon is the unintentional loss of targeting ligands initially designed to direct nanomedicines toward particular cells or organs within the in vivo environment. mRNA nanomedicine displays high demand for specific cell and tissue-targeted delivery to effectively transport mRNA molecules into target cells, where they can exert their therapeutic effects with utmost efficacy. In this review, focusing on the delivery systems and tissue-specific applications, we aim to update the nanomedicine population with the prevailing and still enigmatic paradigm of nano-bio interactions, a formidable hurdle in the pursuit of targeted mRNA delivery. We also elucidate the current impediments faced in mRNA therapeutics and, by contemplating prospective avenues-either to modulate the corona or to adopt an 'ally from adversary' approach-aim to chart a course for advancing mRNA nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qimanguli Saiding
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Zhongyang Zhang
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States; The Danish National Research Foundation and Villum Foundation's Center for Intelligent Drug Delivery and Sensing Using Microcontainers and Nanomechanics (IDUN), Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Shuying Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Fan Xiao
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China; Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Yumeng Chen
- The Danish National Research Foundation and Villum Foundation's Center for Intelligent Drug Delivery and Sensing Using Microcontainers and Nanomechanics (IDUN), Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Yongjiang Li
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Xueyan Zhen
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Muhammad Muzamil Khan
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Wei Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Seyoung Koo
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| | - Na Kong
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China; Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
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44
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Kon E, Ad-El N, Hazan-Halevy I, Stotsky-Oterin L, Peer D. Targeting cancer with mRNA-lipid nanoparticles: key considerations and future prospects. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:739-754. [PMID: 37587254 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00811-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Harnessing mRNA-lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to treat patients with cancer has been an ongoing research area that started before these versatile nanoparticles were successfully used as COVID-19 vaccines. Currently, efforts are underway to harness this platform for oncology therapeutics, mainly focusing on cancer vaccines targeting multiple neoantigens or direct intratumoural injections of mRNA-LNPs encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this Review, we describe the opportunities of using mRNA-LNPs in oncology applications and discuss the challenges for successfully translating the findings of preclinical studies of these nanoparticles into the clinic. We critically appraise the potential of various mRNA-LNP targeting and delivery strategies, considering physiological, technological and manufacturing challenges. We explore these approaches in the context of the potential clinical applications best suited to each approach and highlight the obstacles that currently need to be addressed to achieve these applications. Finally, we provide insights from preclinical and clinical studies that are leading to this powerful platform being considered the next frontier in oncology treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edo Kon
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nitay Ad-El
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Inbal Hazan-Halevy
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Lior Stotsky-Oterin
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dan Peer
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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45
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Ma X, Wu F, Peng C, Chen H, Zhang D, Han T. Exploration of mRNA nanoparticles based on DOTAP through optimization of the helper lipids. Biotechnol J 2023; 18:e2300123. [PMID: 37545293 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are one of the most efficient carriers for RNA packaging and delivery, and vaccines based on mRNA-LNPs have received substantial attention since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. LNPs based on 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP) have been widely used in preclinical and clinical settings. A novel non-viral gene delivery system called LNP3 was previously developed, which was composed of DOTAP, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), and cholesterol. One of the helper lipids in this carrier was DOPE, which belongs to phospholipids. Given that substituting DOPE with non-phospholipids as helper lipids can increase the delivery efficiency of some LNPs, this study aimed to examine whether non-phospholipids can be formulated with DOTAP as helper lipids. It was found that monoglycerides with C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, and C18:2 mediated mRNA transfection, and the transfection efficiency varied between C18:0, C18:1, and C18:2. Furthermore, substituting of the glycerol with other moieties such as the cholesterol or the ethanolamine similarly mediated mRNA transfection. The introduction of cholesterol can further improve the transfection capacity of some DOTAP-based LNPs. One of the best-performing formulations, LNP3-MO, was used to mediate luciferase-mRNA expression in vivo, and the luminescence signal was found to be mainly enriched in the lung and spleen. In addition, the level of SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody in the serum increased after three doses of LNP3-MO mediated SARS-CoV-2 spike mRNA. Altogether, this study demonstrates that non-phospholipids are promising helper lipids that can be formulated with DOTAP to facilitate efficient delivery of mRNAs in vitro and in vivo with organ-specific targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueni Ma
- Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fanqi Wu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Respiratory, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Caihong Peng
- Department of Oncology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huiling Chen
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Dekui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tiyun Han
- Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
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Jung YJ, Choi JS, Ryu JY, Zhang Z, Lim YB. Cooperative Assembly of Self-Adjusting α-Helical Coiled Coils along the Length of an mRNA Chain to Form a Thermodynamically Stable Nanotube Carrier. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:23048-23056. [PMID: 37735109 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c05638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Although mRNA delivery technology is very promising, problems in safety and transport arise due to the intrinsically low thermodynamic stability of the current mRNA carriers. Considering that mRNAs are filamentous and a nanotube is one of the most thermodynamically stable shapes among nanoassemblies, a nanotube is one of the most stable supramolecular structures that can be assembled with mRNA. Here, we develop a nanotube-shaped filamentous mRNA delivery platform that shows exceptionally high thermodynamic stability. The key to the development of the mRNA nanotube is the design of self-adjusting supramolecular building blocks (SABs) that have two disparate properties, i.e., dynamic property and stiffness, in a single molecule. The counterbalance of the dynamic property and stiffness in SABs enables the coating of mRNA by winding its way through the flexible and irregular mRNA chain via cooperative interactions. SAB nanotubes with targeting ligands installed show a high uptake efficiency in mammalian cells and controllable gene expression behavior. Thus, the mRNA nanotube provides an enabling technology toward the development of safe and stable mRNA vaccines and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Jin Jung
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Shik Choi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Yeon Ryu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhihao Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Beom Lim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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Elsayed A, Jaber N, Al-Remawi M, Abu-Salah K. From cell factories to patients: Stability challenges in biopharmaceuticals manufacturing and administration with mitigation strategies. Int J Pharm 2023; 645:123360. [PMID: 37657507 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123360] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Active ingredients of biopharmaceuticals consist of a wide array of biomolecular structures, including those of enzymes, monoclonal antibodies, nucleic acids, and recombinant proteins. Recently, these molecules have dominated the pharmaceutical industry owing to their safety and efficacy. However, their manufacturing is hindered by high cost, inadequate batch-to-batch equivalence, inherent instability, and other quality issues. This article is an up-to-date review of the challenges encountered during different stages of biopharmaceutical production and mitigation of problems arising during their development, formulation, manufacturing, and administration. It is a broad overview discussion of stability issues encountered during product life cycle i.e., upstream processing (aggregation, solubility, host cell proteins, color change), downstream bioprocessing (aggregation, fragmentation), formulation, manufacturing, and delivery to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani Elsayed
- College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nisrein Jaber
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman 11733, Jordan
| | - Mayyas Al-Remawi
- Faculty of Pharmacy & Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman 1196, Jordan.
| | - Khalid Abu-Salah
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Department of Nanomedicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Li M, Jia L, Xie Y, Ma W, Yan Z, Liu F, Deng J, Zhu A, Siwei X, Su W, Liu X, Li S, Wang H, Yu P, Zhu T. Lyophilization process optimization and molecular dynamics simulation of mRNA-LNPs for SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:153. [PMID: 37813912 PMCID: PMC10562438 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00732-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Some studies have shown that lyophilization significantly improves the stability of mRNA-LNPs and enables long-term storage at 2-8 °C. However, there is little research on the lyophilization process of mRNA-lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Most previous studies have used empirical lyophilization with only a single lyoprotectant, resulting in low lyophilization efficiency, often requiring 40-100 h. In the present study, an efficient lyophilization method suitable for mRNA-LNPs was designed and optimized, shortening the total length of the lyophilization process to 8-18 h, which significantly reduced energy consumption and production costs. When the mixed lyoprotectant composed of sucrose, trehalose, and mannitol was added to mRNA-LNPs, the eutectic point and collapse temperature of the system were increased. The lyophilized product had a ginger root-shaped rigid structure with large porosity, which tolerated rapid temperature increases and efficiently removed water. In addition, the lyophilized mRNA-LNPs rapidly rehydrated and had good particle size distribution, encapsulation rate, and mRNA integrity. The lyophilized mRNA-LNPs were stable at 2-8 °C, and they did not reduce immunogenicity in vivo or in vitro. Molecular dynamics simulation was used to compare the phospholipid molecular layer with the lyoprotectant in aqueous and anhydrous environments to elucidate the mechanism of lyophilization to improve the stability of mRNA-LNPs. This efficient lyophilization platform significantly improves the accessibility of mRNA-LNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyuan Li
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Tianjin International Cooperation Research Centre of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Lin Jia
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Tianjin International Cooperation Research Centre of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Yanbo Xie
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Tianjin International Cooperation Research Centre of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Wenlin Ma
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Tianjin International Cooperation Research Centre of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Zhihong Yan
- CanSino Biologics Inc., Tianjin, 300301, China
- CanSino (Shanghai) Biotechnologies Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201208, China
- CanSino (Shanghai) Biological Research Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201208, China
| | - Fufeng Liu
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Tianjin International Cooperation Research Centre of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Jie Deng
- CanSino Biologics Inc., Tianjin, 300301, China
| | - Ali Zhu
- CanSino Biologics Inc., Tianjin, 300301, China
| | - Xue Siwei
- CanSino Biologics Inc., Tianjin, 300301, China
| | - Wen Su
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Tianjin International Cooperation Research Centre of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Xiaofeng Liu
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Tianjin International Cooperation Research Centre of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Shiqin Li
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Tianjin International Cooperation Research Centre of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Haomeng Wang
- CanSino Biologics Inc., Tianjin, 300301, China.
- CanSino (Shanghai) Biotechnologies Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201208, China.
- CanSino (Shanghai) Biological Research Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201208, China.
| | - Peng Yu
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Tianjin International Cooperation Research Centre of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China.
| | - Tao Zhu
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, Tianjin International Cooperation Research Centre of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China.
- CanSino Biologics Inc., Tianjin, 300301, China.
- CanSino (Shanghai) Biotechnologies Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201208, China.
- CanSino (Shanghai) Biological Research Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201208, China.
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49
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Zhang W, Jiang Y, He Y, Boucetta H, Wu J, Chen Z, He W. Lipid carriers for mRNA delivery. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:4105-4126. [PMID: 37799378 PMCID: PMC10547918 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is the template for protein biosynthesis and is emerging as an essential active molecule to combat various diseases, including viral infection and cancer. Especially, mRNA-based vaccines, as a new type of vaccine, have played a leading role in fighting against the current global pandemic of COVID-19. However, the inherent drawbacks, including large size, negative charge, and instability, hinder its use as a therapeutic agent. Lipid carriers are distinguishable and promising vehicles for mRNA delivery, owning the capacity to encapsulate and deliver negatively charged drugs to the targeted tissues and release cargoes at the desired time. Here, we first summarized the structure and properties of different lipid carriers, such as liposomes, liposome-like nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, exosomes and lipoprotein particles, and their applications in delivering mRNA. Then, the development of lipid-based formulations as vaccine delivery systems was discussed and highlighted. Recent advancements in the mRNA vaccine of COVID-19 were emphasized. Finally, we described our future vision and perspectives in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanting Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yuxin Jiang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yonglong He
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Hamza Boucetta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Zhongjian Chen
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Wei He
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
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50
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Ueda K, Sakagawa Y, Saito T, Fujimoto T, Nakamura M, Sakuma F, Kaneko S, Tokumoto T, Nishimura K, Takeda J, Arai Y, Yamamoto K, Ikeda Y, Higashi K, Moribe K. Molecular-Level Structural Analysis of siRNA-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles by 1H NMR Relaxometry: Impact of Lipid Composition on Their Structural Properties. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:4729-4742. [PMID: 37606988 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00477] [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: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
1H NMR relaxometry was applied for molecular-level structural analysis of siRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to clarify the impact of the neutral lipids, 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC) and cholesterol, on the physicochemical properties of LNP. Incorporating DSPC and cholesterol in ionizable lipid-based LNP decreased the molecular mobility of ionizable lipids. DSPC reduced the overall molecular mobility of ionizable lipids, while cholesterol specifically decreased the mobility of the hydrophobic tails of ionizable lipids, suggesting that cholesterol filled the gap between the hydrophobic tails of ionizable lipids. The decrease in molecular mobility and change in orientation of lipid mixtures contributed to the maintenance of the stacked bilayer structure of siRNA and ionizable lipids, thereby increasing the siRNA encapsulation efficiency. Furthermore, NMR relaxometry revealed that incorporating those neutral lipids enhanced PEG chain flexibility at the LNP interface. Notably, a small amount of DSPC effectively increased PEG chain flexibility, possibly contributing to the improved dispersion stability and narrower size distribution of LNPs. However, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy represented that adding excess amounts of DSPC and cholesterol into LNP resulted in the formation of deformed particles and demixing cholesterol within the LNP, respectively. The optimal lipid composition of ionizable lipid-based LNPs in terms of siRNA encapsulation efficiency and PEG chain flexibility was rationalized based on the molecular-level characterization of LNPs. Moreover, the NMR relaxation rate of tertiary amine protons of ionizable lipids, which are the interaction site with siRNA, can be a valuable indicator of the encapsulated amount of siRNA within LNPs. Thus, NMR-based analysis can be a powerful tool for efficiently designing LNP formulations and their quality control based on the molecular-level elucidation of the physicochemical properties of LNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Ueda
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Yui Sakagawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Tomoki Saito
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Taiki Fujimoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Misaki Nakamura
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Fumie Sakuma
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Shun Kaneko
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Taisei Tokumoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Koki Nishimura
- Analytical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 2-26-1, Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Junpei Takeda
- Analytical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 2-26-1, Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Yuta Arai
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
- Analytical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 2-26-1, Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
- Analytical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 2-26-1, Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Ikeda
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
- Analytical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 2-26-1, Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Kenjirou Higashi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Kunikazu Moribe
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
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