Poly(DMAEMA-NVP)-b-PEG-galactose as gene delivery vector for hepatocytes

Application of vinyl polymer-based materials as nucleic acids carriers in cancer therapy

Nucleic acid-based therapies have changed the paradigm of cancer treatment, where conventional treatment modalities still have several limitations in terms of efficacy and severe side effects. However, these biomolecules have a short half-life in vivo, requiring multiple administrations, resulting in severe suffering, discomfort, and poor patient compliance. In the early days of (nano)biotechnology, these problems caused concern in the medical community, but recently it has been recognized that these challenges can be overcome by developing innovative formulations. This review focuses on the use of vinyl polymer-based materials for the protection and delivery of nucleic acids in cancer. First, an overview of the properties of nucleic acids and their versatility as drugs is provided. Then, key information on the achievements to date, the most effective delivery methods, and the evaluation of functionalization approaches (stimulatory strategies) are critically discussed to highlight the importance of vinyl polymers in the new cancer treatment approaches. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid-Based Structures.

Peptide-Based Nanoparticles for Therapeutic Nucleic Acid Delivery

Gene therapy offers the possibility to skip, repair, or silence faulty genes or to stimulate the immune system to fight against disease by delivering therapeutic nucleic acids (NAs) to a patient. Compared to other drugs or protein treatments, NA-based therapies have the advantage of being a more universal approach to designing therapies because of the versatility of NA design. NAs (siRNA, pDNA, or mRNA) have great potential for therapeutic applications for an immense number of indications. However, the delivery of these exogenous NAs is still challenging and requires a specific delivery system. In this context, beside other non-viral vectors, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) gain more and more interest as delivery systems by forming a variety of nanocomplexes depending on the formulation conditions and the properties of the used CPPs/NAs. In this review, we attempt to cover the most important biophysical and biological aspects of non-viral peptide-based nanoparticles (PBNs) for therapeutic nucleic acid formulations as a delivery system. The most relevant peptides or peptide families forming PBNs in the presence of NAs described since 2015 will be presented. All these PBNs able to deliver NAs in vitro and in vivo have common features, which are characterized by defined formulation conditions in order to obtain PBNs from 60 nm to 150 nm with a homogeneous dispersity (PdI lower than 0.3) and a positive charge between +10 mV and +40 mV.

Efficient and Low Cytotoxicity Gene Carriers Based on Amine-Functionalized Polyvinylpyrrolidone

Non-viral vectors are a safety tool for gene therapy to deliver therapeutic genes. Among the different non-viral vectors, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a well-known hydrosoluble, neutral, and non-toxic polymer, satisfies the requirements and becomes a suitable candidate for gene delivery. In this study, we describe the preparation of polyvinylpyrrolidones decorated with pyrrolidine, piperidine, and piperazine groups, and evaluate them in vitro as non-viral gene carriers. The properties of these new systems are compared with those of hyperbranched polyethyleneimine (PEI) used as a positive control. Their ability to complex DNA at different N/P molar ratios, from 1:1 up to 10:1, was studied through agarose gel electrophoresis and dynamic light scattering. The resulting complexes (polyplexes) were characterized and evaluated in vitro with murine fibroblast (Swiss 3T3) as non-viral gene carriers, using luciferase as the reporter gene and a calcein cytocompatibility assay. All the copolymers condensed DNA to a particle average size between 100–400 nm when used at N/P ratios of 4:1 or higher. The copolymers with piperidine groups showed higher transfection efficiency than the pyrrolidine and piperazine modified copolymers, and even higher than the positive control of PEI at N/P ratios of 4:1 or higher. All the synthesized polyplexes from an aminated PVP displayed a general tendency of high cytocompatibility (75–95%) in comparison with the positive control PEI (55%).

Addressing the challenges to increase the efficiency of translating nanomedicine formulations to patients

INTRODUCTION

Nanotechnology is in a growth phase for drug delivery and medical imaging. Nanomaterials with unique properties present opportunities for encapsulation of therapeutics and imaging agents, along with conjugation to ligands for targeting. Favorable chemistry of nanomaterials can create formulations that address critical challenges for therapeutics, such as insolubility and a low capacity to cross the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) and intestinal wall.

AREAS COVERED

The authors investigate challenges faced during translation of nanomedicines while suggesting reasons as to why some nanoformulations have under-performed in clinical trials. They assess physiological barriers such as the BBB and gut mucus that nanomedicines must overcome to deliver cargos. They also provide an overview with examples of how nanomedicines can be designed to improve localization and site-specific delivery (e.g., encapsulation, bioconjugation, and triggered-release).

EXPERT OPINION

There are examples where nanomedicines have demonstrated improved efficacy of payload in humans; however, most of the advantages conferred were in improved pharmacokinetics and reduced toxicity. Problematic data show susceptibility of nanoformulations against natural protective mechanisms present in the body, including distribution impediment by physiological barriers and activation of the reticuloendothelial system. Further initiatives should address current challenges while expanding the scope of nanomedicine into advanced biomedical imaging and antibiotic delivery.

Glycopolymers/PEI complexes as serum-tolerant vectors for enhanced gene delivery to hepatocytes

Serum stability is a crucial factor for ideal polymeric gene vectors. In this work, a series of serum-tolerant and low-toxicity glycopolymers/poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) complexes were designed for gene delivery. Atomic transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was used to synthesize the comb-shaped random copolymers dextran-g-poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate-co-2-lactobionamidoethyl methacrylate) (DDrL). Then DDrLs/PEI were investigated for their use as plasmid DNA (pDNA) vectors, which can completely condense the pDNA into nanoparticles. The DDrLs/PEI/pDNA complexes in serum-containing media showed better stability than PEI/pDNA complexes. in vitro gene transfection studies showed that DDrLs/PEI exhibited a remarkable transfection efficiency enhancement in the presence of serum compared to that in serum-free conditions. Moreover, the transfection level of DDrLs/PEI were two orders of magnitude higher than that of PEI alone in the presence of 30% serum. DDrLs/PEI complexes with galactose enhanced pDNA delivery to hepatocytes, with higher protein expression in ASGPr-presenting HepG2 than in HeLa cells, which lack the receptor. All of the DDrLs/PEI/pDNA complexes had lower cytotoxicity than PEI/pDNA.

Influence of Poly(Amino Acid) Composition on the Complexation of Plasmid DNA and Transfection Efficiency

Random copolymers of poly[(Lys, Ala) 1: 1], poly[(Lys, Ala) 2: 1], poly[(Lys, Ala) 3: 1], poly[(Lys, Ser) 3: 1] and poly[(Arg, Ser) 3: 1] (ratios designate the feed comonomer composition), were complexed with plasmid DNA pRL CMV luc at different weight per weight DNA: polymer ratios. The physicochemical properties of the complexes were evaluated by gel retardation assay, Zeta potential measurements and photon correlation spectroscopy. The extent of DNA protection against nucleases was determined by a nuclease assay. Cell viability and transfection efficiency of the DNA/polymer complexes were determined by MTS (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-4-sulfophenyl)-2-H -tetrazolium) and luciferase assays, respectively. Regardless of the amino acid feed composition, neutral complexes were formed between 2: 1 and 1: 1 DNA: polymer ratios. The particle sizes of the complexes were in the range of 100-300 nm with complexes with more DNA gave a larger particle size than those with a higher proportion of polymer. Compared to other copolymers, lower amounts of poly[(Lys, Ser) 3: 1] were required to protect the DNA against degradation. The presence of arginine residues increased the transfection efficiency of the complexes by 2-3 orders of magnitude. Results suggest that the amino acid composition of the copolymers has an impact on protection of DNA against degradation by the nucleases, cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency.

Challenges in CRISPR/CAS9 Delivery: Potential Roles of Nonviral Vectors

CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing platforms are widely applied as powerful tools in basic research and potential therapeutics for genome regulation. The appropriate alternative of delivery system is critical if genome editing systems are to be effectively performed in the targeted cells or organisms. To date, the in vivo delivery of the Cas9 system remains challenging. Both physical methods and viral vectors are adopted in the delivery of the Cas9-based gene editing platform. However, physical methods are more applicable for in vitro delivery, while viral vectors are generally concerned with safety issues, limited packing capacities, and so on. With the robust development of nonviral drug delivery systems, lipid- or polymer-based nanocarriers might be potent vectors for the delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 systems. In this review, we look back at the delivery approaches that have been used for the delivery of the Cas9 system and outline the recent development of nonviral vectors that might be potential carriers for the genome editing platform in the future. The efforts in optimizing cationic nanocarriers with structural modification are described and promising nonviral vectors under clinical investigations are highlighted.

Glyconanoparticles with controlled morphologies and their interactions with a dendritic cell lectin

Well-defined amphiphilic block glycopolymers with equal mannose content have been self-assembled in aqueous solution to form glyconanoparticles with different morphologies.

An Oligonucleotide Transfection Vector Based on HSA and PDMAEMA Conjugation: Effect of Polymer Molecular Weight on Cell Proliferation and on Multicellular Tumor Spheroids

A novel gene transfection vector was fabricated based on the conjugation of human serum albumin (HSA) and maleimide end functionalized poly[(N,N-dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate] (PDMAEMA). The bioconjugation was achieved in a site-specific manner to yield well-defined polymer-protein conjugates. The biohybrid was able to bind DNA with high affinity resulting in nanoparticles with a HSA shell. This paper mainly focuses on the influence of polymeric chain length on the particle properties and their drug-carrying ability to deliver oligonucleotides into breast cancer cells. The cytotoxic agent of interest, ISIS5132, is an oligonucleotide which disrupts DNA function within the cell. There was no evidence that the polymeric chain length had any effects on the conjugation efficiency and the subsequent condensation ability of the conjugates to oligonucleotide. However, the polymeric chain length had an obvious effect on the size of the complex micelles. Low molecular weights only led to loosely compacted complexes with the oligonucleotide, while large molecular weight led to well-defined nanoparticle structures. More importantly, it was found that the variation in the length of the PDMAEMA block resulted in a change in cytotoxicity of the drug loaded complex micelle. That is, the concentration of 50% inhibition (IC50 ) of the complex micelle on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells reached the lowest value at a chain length of around 21 000 g mol(-1) . The IC50 value increased when the polymeric chain length was shorter (8000 g mol(-1) and 10 000 g mol(-1) ) while it increased again when PDMAMEA of M¯n = 47 000 g mol(-1) , probably due to insufficient release of the drug. These result were reflected when investigating the performance of the polyplex using MCF-7 multicellular tumor spheroids, where again the medium PDMAEMA chain length led to the best delivery vehicle for ISIS5132.

Galactose targeted pH-responsive copolymer conjugated with near infrared fluorescence probe for imaging of intelligent drug delivery

Theranostic polymeric nanomaterials are of special important in cancer treatment. Here, novel galactose targeted pH-responsive amphiphilic multiblock copolymer conjugated with both drug and near-infrared fluorescence (NIR) probe has been designed and prepared by a four-steps process: (1) ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of N-carboxy anhydride (NCA) monomers using propargylamine as initiator; (2) reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (OEGMA) and gal monomer by an azido modified RAFT agent; (3) combing the obtained two polymeric segments by click reaction; (4) NIR copolymer prodrug was synthesized by chemical linkage of both cyanine dye and anticancer drug doxorubicin to the block copolymer via amide bond and hydrazone, respectively. The obtained NIRF copolymers were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and its was measured by means of micelles dynamic light scattering (DLS), field emission transmission electron microscopy (FETEM), and UV-vis and fluorescence spectrophotometry. The prodrug has strong fluorescence in the near-infrared region, and a pH sensitive drug release was confirmed at pH of 5.4 via an in vitro drug release experiment. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and flow cytometry experiments of the prodrug on both HepG2 and NIH3T3 cells reveal that the galactose targeted polymeric prodrug shows a fast and enhanced endocytosis due to the specific interaction for HepG2 cells, indicating the as-prepared polymer is a candidate for theranosis of liver cancer.

Active radar guides missile to its target: receptor-based targeted treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma by nanoparticulate systems

Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) usually present at advanced stages and do not benefit from surgical resection, so drug therapy should deserve a prominent place in unresectable HCC treatment. But chemotherapy agents, such as doxorubicin, cisplatin, and paclitaxel, frequently encounter important problems such as low specificity and non-selective biodistribution. Recently, the development of nanotechnology led to significant breakthroughs to overcome these problems. Decorating the surfaces of nanoparticulate-based drug carriers with homing devices has demonstrated its potential in concentrating chemotherapy agents specifically to HCC cells. In this paper, we reviewed the current status of active targeting strategies for nanoparticulate systems based on various receptors such as asialoglycoprotein receptor, transferrin receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor, folate receptor, integrin, and CD44, which are abundantly expressed on the surfaces of hepatocytes or liver cancer cells. Furthermore, we pointed out their merits and defects and provided theoretical references for further research.

Investigating the effects of block versus statistical glycopolycations containing primary and tertiary amines for plasmid DNA delivery

Polymer composition and morphology can affect the way polymers interact with biomolecules, cell membranes, and intracellular components. Herein, diblock, triblock, and statistical polymers that varied in charge center type (primary and/or tertiary amines) were synthesized to elucidate the role of polymer composition on plasmid DNA complexation, delivery, and cellular toxicity of the resultant polyplexes. The polymers were synthesized via RAFT polymerization and were composed of a carbohydrate moiety, 2-deoxy-2-methacrylamido glucopyranose (MAG), a primary amine group, N-(2-aminoethyl) methacrylamide (AEMA), and/or a tertiary amine moiety, N,N-(2-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylamide (DMAEMA). The lengths of both the carbohydrate and cationic blocks were kept constant while the primary amine to tertiary amine ratio was varied within the polymers. The polymers were characterized via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and the polyplex formulations with pDNA were characterized in various media using dynamic light scattering (DLS). Polyplexes formed with the block copolymers were found to be more colloidally stable than statistical copolymers with similar composition, which rapidly aggregated to micrometer sized particles. Also, polymers composed of a higher primary amine content were more colloidally stable than polymers consisting of the tertiary amine charge centers. Plasmid DNA internalization, transgene expression, and toxicity were examined with each polymer. As the amount of tertiary amine in the triblock copolymers increased, both gene expression and toxicity were found to increase. Moreover, it was found that increasing the content of tertiary amines imparted higher membrane disruption/destabilization. While both block and statistical copolymers had high transfection efficiencies, some of the statistical systems exhibited both higher transfection and toxicity than the analogous block polymers, potentially due to the lack of a hydrophilic block to screen membrane interaction/disruption. Overall, the triblock terpolymers offer an attractive composition profile that exhibited interesting properties as pDNA delivery vehicles.

Dual-functionalized calcium carbonate based gene delivery system for efficient gene delivery

Dual-functionalized KALA/PS/CaCO₃/DNA nanoparticles containing a cell penetrating peptide (KALA) and protamine sulfate (PS) could effectively mediate gene transfection at a low DNA concentration.

Versatile functionalization of gene vectors via different types of zwitterionic betaine species for serum-tolerant transfection

For ideal polymeric gene vectors, their serum stability is of crucial importance. Polycation vectors usually suffer from colloidal aggregation, which makes them easily cleared from the bloodstream. Recently, we reported a comb-shaped vector (DPD) consisting of a dextran backbone and disulfide-linked cationic poly((2-dimethyl amino)ethyl methacrylate) side chains for efficient gene delivery. In this work, versatile functionalization of DPD (as a model gene vector) was proposed via the introduction of different types of zwitterionic carboxybetaine and sulfobetaine species for improving biophysical properties. The incorporation of zwitterionic betaine did not destroy the DNA condensation capability of vectors. All the zwitterionic betaine-functionalized DPD vectors exhibited lower cytotoxicities than the pristine DPD. The DPD-b-polycarboxybetaine block copolymer (DPDbPC) exhibited better gene delivery abilities than the corresponding DPD-r-polycarboxybetaine random copolymer (DPDrPC). Moreover, in the serum case with a high concentration (30%) of fetal bovine serum, the DPD-b-polysulfobetaine block copolymer (DPDbPS) produced much higher gene transfection efficiencies than DPDbPC. Cellular internalization results indicated that the incorporation of zwitterionic betaine could benefit serum stabilities of vectors and enhance cellular uptake. The present study demonstrated that proper incorporation of zwitterionic betaine into gene carriers was an effective method to produce serum-tolerant transfection vectors.

Ternary complexes of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)-graft-poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), DNA and bovine serum albumin for gene delivery

Novel well-defined hydrophilic cationic polymers with different length of polycation chain for gene delivery, poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)-graft-poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)s (PPDs), were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The chemical structures and compositions of these polymers were characterized by FT-IR, (1)H-NMR and GPC. The experimental results of dynamic light scattering (DLS), ζ-potential and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that PPD could condense plasmid DNA (pDNA) to form nanocomplexes. Agarose gel retardation assays demonstrated that PPD could encapsulate plasmid DNA completely when the N/P ratio is equal to or above 3. MTT assay and in vitro gene transfection results indicated that PPD/pDNA complexes exhibited high transfection efficiency concomitant with obvious cytotoxicity. Furthermore, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was utilized to assembly with the binary complexes of PPD/pDNA to screen the residual surface positive charges of complexes in order to decrease cytotoxicity of the binary complexes. Physicochemical properties were characterized and the results indicated that the coating of BSA was able to decrease the zeta potential of the nano-sized PPD/pDNA complexes nearly to electroneutrality without interfering with DNA condensation ability. The ternary complexes of BSA/PPD/pDNA demonstrated no cytotoxicity and also maintained high gene transfection efficiency in HepG2 cells in 10% serum compared with that in serum-free condition.

Diblock copolymers with tunable pH transitions for gene delivery

A series of diblock copolymers containing an endosomal-releasing segment composed of diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA) and butyl methacrylate (BMA) were synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The materials were designed to condense plasmid DNA (pDNA) through electrostatic interactions with a cationic poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (DMAEMA) first block. The pDMAEMA was employed as a macro chain transfer agent (macroCTA) for the synthesis of a series in which the relative feed ratios of DEAEMA and BMA were systematically varied from 20% to 70% BMA. The resultant diblock copolymers exhibited low polydispersity (PDI ≤ 1.06) with similar molecular weights (M(n) = 19.3-23.1 kDa). Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements in combination with (1)H NMR D(2)O studies demonstrated that the free copolymers assemble into core-shell micelles at physiological pH. Reduction of the solution pH to values representative of endosomal/lysosomal compartments induced an increase in the net cationic charge of the core through protonation of the DEAEMA residues. This protonation promotes micelle destabilization and exposure of the hydrophobic BMA residues that destabilize biological membranes. The pH value at which this micelle-to-unimer transition occurred was dependent on the hydrophobic content of the copolymer, with higher BMA-containing copolymer compositions exhibiting pH-induced transitions to the membrane-destabilizing state at successively lower pH values. The ability of the diblock copolymers to deliver pDNA was subsequently investigated using a GFP expression vector in two monocyte cell lines. High levels of DNA transfection were observed for the copolymer compositions exhibiting the sharpest pH transitions and membrane destabilizing activities, demonstrating the importance of tuning the endosomal-releasing segment composition.

Fullerene C₆₀ as a multifunctional system for drug and gene delivery

The fullerene family, and especially C(60), has delighted the scientific community during the last 25 years with perspective applications in a wide variety of fields, including the biological and the biomedical domains. Several biomedical uses have been explored using water-soluble C(60)-derivatives. However, the employment of fullerenes for drug delivery is still at an early stage of development. The design and synthesis of multifunctionalized and multimodal C(60) systems able to cross the cell membranes and efficiently deliver active molecules is an attracting challenge that involves multidisciplinary strategies. Promising results have emerged in the last years, bringing fullerenes again to the front of interest. Herein, the state of the art of this emerging field is presented and illustrated with some of the most representative examples.

Dispersions based on noble metal nanoparticles-DNA conjugates

Many biomolecules have specific binding properties in the nanostructure formation; they are attractive materials for nanotechnology. One such promising construction material for growing a well-defined nanostructure is deoxyribonucleic acid, due to its π-electron hydrophobic core and predictable recognition attributed to the specificity of Watson-Crick base-pairing. Hydrogen bonding provides the specificity behind the matching of complementary pairs of single-stranded (ss) DNA to hybridize into a double strand (ds) of helical DNA. The double-helical structure of DNA is determined by a subtle balance of noncovalent interactions among the DNA building blocks. The most prominent role is played by the interactions between the DNA bases, where two binding motifs can be recognized: planar hydrogen bonding and vertical stacking. DNA-based nanotechnology has generated interest in a number of applications due to the specificity, programmability, and reproducibility of DNA interaction with noble metal nanoparticles. 5' and 3' thiol moieties are used to prepare composite DNAs, DNA-gold nanoparticle conjugates and nanostructures with a variety of nanoparticle-based DNA assays. Particularly, color changes induced by the association of nanometer-sized gold particles provide a basis of a simple yet highly selective method for detecting specific biological reactions between anchored ligand molecules and receptor molecules in the milieu. Colloidal noble metal nanoparticles, in particular, have found application in a variety of assay formats in which analyte binding is coupled to particle adsorption. The extreme sensitivity of the bandwidth, the peak height, and the position of the absorption (or scattering) maximum of surface plasmon resonance spectra to environmental changes have prompted the development of approaches directly monitor the DNA hybridization. The same features that make DNA an effective molecule for the storage of genetic information also render it useful as an engineering material for the construction of smart objects at the nanometer scale because of its ability to self organize into desired structures via the specific hybridization of complementary sequences. Biocompatibility between gold nanomaterials and biological scaffolding is crucial to the development of smart biomaterials. These DNA/metal colloids are interesting for their fundamental properties as well as for applications in nanomaterials science and nanobiotechnology.

Bioresponsive matrices in drug delivery

For years, the field of drug delivery has focused on (1) controlling the release of a therapeutic and (2) targeting the therapeutic to a specific cell type. These research endeavors have concentrated mainly on the development of new degradable polymers and molecule-labeled drug delivery vehicles. Recent interest in biomaterials that respond to their environment have opened new methods to trigger the release of drugs and localize the therapeutic within a particular site. These novel biomaterials, usually termed "smart" or "intelligent", are able to deliver a therapeutic agent based on either environmental cues or a remote stimulus. Stimuli-responsive materials could potentially elicit a therapeutically effective dose without adverse side effects. Polymers responding to different stimuli, such as pH, light, temperature, ultrasound, magnetism, or biomolecules have been investigated as potential drug delivery vehicles. This review describes the most recent advances in "smart" drug delivery systems that respond to one or multiple stimuli.

Recent developments in carbohydrate-decorated targeted drug/gene delivery

Targeted delivery of a drug or gene to its site of action has clear therapeutic advantages by maximizing its therapeutic efficiency and minimizing its systemic toxicity. Generally, targeted drug or gene delivery is performed by loading a macromolecular carrier with an appropriate drug or gene, and by targeting the drug/gene carrier to specific cell or tissue with the help of specific targeting ligand. The emergence of glycobiology, glycotechnology, and glycomics and their continual adaptation by pharmaceutical scientists have opened exciting avenue of medicinal applications of carbohydrates. Among them, the biocompatibility and specific receptor recognition ability confer the ability of carbohydrates as potential targeting ligands for targeted drug and gene delivery applications. This review summarizes recent progress of carbohydrate-decorated targeted drug/gene delivery applications.

Functional polymers for targeted delivery of nucleic acid drugs

Cationic polymers have been chemically modified with a variety of targeting molecules such as peptides, proteins, antibodies, sugars and vitamins for targeted delivery of nucleic acid drugs to specific cells. Stimuli-sensitive polymers exhibiting different size, charge and conformation in response to physiological signals from specific cells have also been utilized for targeted delivery. To achieve target-specific delivery of nucleic acids, conjugation chemistry is critical to produce stable nanosized polyplexes tethered with cell-recognizable ligands for facile cellular uptake via a receptor-mediated endocytic pathway. In this review, synthetic strategies of functional cationic polymers with various targeting ligands are presented.

The use of PEGylated poly [2-(N,N-dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate] as a mucosal DNA delivery vector and the activation of innate immunity and improvement of HIV-1-specific immune responses

To minimize the cytotoxicity of poly (2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) as a gene delivery vector, we synthesized PEGylated PDMAEMA by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Here we report its effects on transfection efficiency in vitro delivered with a GFP expression plasmid and immunogenicity in vivo after complexed with a HIV gag gene DNA vaccine. mPEG(113)-b-PDMAEMA(94) was efficient in condensing DNA and formed polyplexes with an average diameter of about 150 nm. The in vitro transfection experiments demonstrated that PEGylation dramatically decreased the cytotoxicity at the N/P ratios above 30, although the transfection efficiency in vitro was reduced. Interestingly, mice in vivo vaccination study clearly showed that PEGylated PDMAEMA used as DNA delivery vector significantly improved the prime effect of DNA vaccine through intranasal administration. Importantly, PEGylated PDMAEMA was further proved its ability to induce cytokines production by murine macrophages. Overall, mPEG-b-PDMAEMA can be used as an efficient DNA vaccine vector which enhances adaptive immune responses by activating innate immunity.

Polycationic graft copolymers of poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) as non-viral vectors for gene transfection

Novel graft copolymers of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) with N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) were designed and synthesized by the free radical copolymerization of DMAEMA with precursor polymers of vinyl-functionalized poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). The ability of the PVP- grafted copolymers to bind and condense DNA was confirmed by ethidium bromide displacement assay, agarose gel electrophoresis and transmission electron microscopy. The presence of PVP in the copolymers had a favorable effect on the biophysical properties of polymer/DNA complexes. Colloidal stable complexes obtained from the copolymer systems, were shown to be separate, uniformly spherical nanoparticles by transmission electron microscopy. The approximate diameter of the complexes was 150–200 nm, as determined by dynamic light scattering studies. These results confirm an important role played by the PVP grafts in producing compact stable DNA complexes. The ζ-potential measurements revealed that the incorporation of the PVP grafts reduced the positive surface charge of polymer/DNA complexes. The cytotoxicity of the copolymers decreased with an increasing fraction of PVP. Furthermore, in vitro transfection experiments with these copolymers showed improved ability of transfection in cell culture, demonstrating an important role for PVP grafts in enhancement of the transfection efficiency.

Direct plasmid DNA encapsulation within PLGA nanospheres by single oil-in-water emulsion method

Plasmid DNA was encapsulated within poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanospheres by using polyethylene glycol (PEG) assisted solubilization technique of plasmid DNA in organic solvents. Plasmid DNA was solubilized in an organic solvent mixture composed of 80% methylene chloride and 20% DMSO by producing PEG/DNA nano-complexes having an average diameter less than 100 nm. DNA could be solubilized in the organic solvent mixture to a greater extent with increasing the weight ratio of PEG/DNA. PLGA nanospheres encapsulating DNA were successfully prepared by the single O/W emulsion method. They exhibited greater loading efficiency and better structural integrity, compared to those prepared by the W/O/W double emulsion method. Plasmid DNA could be successfully delivered to macrophage cells to express an exogenous gene. This new formulation enabled high loading of intact plasmid DNA within PLGA nanospheres useful for DNA vaccines.

Deposition transfection technology using a DNA complex with a thermoresponsive cationic star polymer

A novel non-viral gene transfection method in which DNA complexes were kept in contact with a deposition surface (deposition transfection) was developed. We designed a novel aqueous thermoresponsive adsorbent material for DNA deposition, which was a star-shaped copolymer with 4-branched chains. Each chain is comprised of a cationic poly(N,N-dimethylaminopropyl acrylamide) (PDMAPAAm) block (Mn: ca. 3000 g x mol(-1)), which formed an inner domain for DNA binding and a thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) block (Mn: ca. 6000 g x mol(-1)), which formed an outer domain for surface adsorption. Complex formation between the copolymer and the luciferase-encoding plasmid DNA occurred immediately upon simple mixing in an aqueous medium; polyplexes approximately 100 nm in size were formed. Because the lower critical solution temperature of the polyplexes was approximately 35 degrees C, they could deposit on the substrate by precipitation from an aqueous solution upon warming, which was confirmed by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) method and water contact angle measurement. When COS-1 cells were cultured on the polyplex-deposited substrate in a culture medium, the luciferase activity observed was higher than that observed on a DNA-coated substrate with or without the cationic polymer before and after complete adhesion and by conventional solution transfection using the polyplexes. The activity was enhanced with an increase in the charge ratio (surfactant/pDNA) with permissible cellular cytotoxicity.