Star polymers with a cationic core prepared by ATRP for cellular nucleic acids delivery

Recent progress of non-linear topological structure polymers: synthesis, and gene delivery

Currently, many types of non-linear topological structure polymers, such as brush-shaped, star, branched and dendritic structures, have captured much attention in the field of gene delivery and nanomedicine. Compared with linear polymers, non-linear topological structural polymers offer many advantages, including multiple terminal groups, broad and complicated spatial architecture and multi-functionality sites to enhance gene delivery efficiency and targeting capabilities. Nevertheless, the complexity of their synthesis process severely hampers the development and applications of nonlinear topological polymers. This review aims to highlight various synthetic approaches of non-linear topological architecture polymers, including reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) including atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP), reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, click chemistry reactions and Michael addition, and thoroughly discuss their advantages and disadvantages, as well as analyze their further application potential. Finally, we comprehensively discuss and summarize different non-linear topological structure polymers for genetic materials delivering performance both in vitro and in vivo, which indicated that topological effects and nonlinear topologies play a crucial role in enhancing the transfection performance of polymeric vectors. This review offered a promising guideline for the design and development of novel nonlinear polymers and facilitated the development of a new generation of polymer-based gene vectors.

(Controlled) Free radical (co)polymerization of multivinyl monomers: strategies, topological structures and biomedical applications

Free radical (co)polymerization (FRP/FRcP) of multivinyl monomers (MVMs) has emerged as a powerful strategy for the synthesis of chemically and topologically complex polymers due to its unique reaction kinetics, which enables the preparation of polymers with multiple functional groups and novel macromolecular structures. However, conventional FRP/FRcP of MVMs inevitably leads to insoluble crosslinked materials. Therefore, the development of advanced strategies for the controlled polymerization of MVMs is essential for the preparation of chemically and topologically complex polymers. In this review, we introduce the gelation mechanism of conventional FRP of MVMs and present the strategies of controlled polymerization of MVMs for the preparation of chemically and topologically complex polymers. We also discuss polymers with unique topologies synthesized by controlled polymerization of MVMs, such as crosslinked networks, (hyper)branched, star, cyclic, and single-chain cyclized/knotted structures. Finally, biomedical applications of various advanced polymeric materials prepared by controlled polymerization of MVMs are highlighted and the challenges is this field are discussed.

Recent Advances in the Application of ATRP in the Synthesis of Drug Delivery Systems

Advances in atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) have enabled the precise design and preparation of nanostructured polymeric materials for a variety of biomedical applications. This paper briefly summarizes recent developments in the synthesis of bio-therapeutics for drug delivery based on linear and branched block copolymers and bioconjugates using ATRP, which have been tested in drug delivery systems (DDSs) over the past decade. An important trend is the rapid development of a number of smart DDSs that can release bioactive materials in response to certain external stimuli, either physical (e.g., light, ultrasound, or temperature) or chemical factors (e.g., changes in pH values and/or environmental redox potential). The use of ATRPs in the synthesis of polymeric bioconjugates containing drugs, proteins, and nucleic acids, as well as systems applied in combination therapies, has also received considerable attention.

An Overview of Methods and Tools for Transfection of Eukaryotic Cells in vitro

Transfection is a powerful analytical tool enabling studies of gene products and functions in eukaryotic cells. Successful delivery of genetic material into cells depends on DNA quantity and quality, incubation time and ratio of transfection reagent to DNA, the origin, type and the passage of transfected cells, and the presence or absence of serum in the cell culture. So far a number of transfection methods that use viruses, non-viral particles or physical factors as the nucleic acids carriers have been developed. Among non-viral carriers, the cationic polymers are proposed as the most attractive ones due to the possibility of their chemical structure modification, low toxicity and immunogenicity. In this review the delivery systems as well as physical, biological and chemical methods used for eukaryotic cells transfection are described and discussed.

Polymeric Delivery of Therapeutic Nucleic Acids

The advent of genome editing has transformed the therapeutic landscape for several debilitating diseases, and the clinical outlook for gene therapeutics has never been more promising. The therapeutic potential of nucleic acids has been limited by a reliance on engineered viral vectors for delivery. Chemically defined polymers can remediate technological, regulatory, and clinical challenges associated with viral modes of gene delivery. Because of their scalability, versatility, and exquisite tunability, polymers are ideal biomaterial platforms for delivering nucleic acid payloads efficiently while minimizing immune response and cellular toxicity. While polymeric gene delivery has progressed significantly in the past four decades, clinical translation of polymeric vehicles faces several formidable challenges. The aim of our Account is to illustrate diverse concepts in designing polymeric vectors towards meeting therapeutic goals of in vivo and ex vivo gene therapy. Here, we highlight several classes of polymers employed in gene delivery and summarize the recent work on understanding the contributions of chemical and architectural design parameters. We touch upon characterization methods used to visualize and understand events transpiring at the interfaces between polymer, nucleic acids, and the physiological environment. We conclude that interdisciplinary approaches and methodologies motivated by fundamental questions are key to designing high-performing polymeric vehicles for gene therapy.

Detailed GPC analysis of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) with core cross-linked star architecture

Core cross-linked star shaped polymers possess unique physical properties that can be utilized as drug transporters for biomedical applications.

One-shot synthesis of star gradient copolymers with controllable graft density

One-shot synthesis of star gradient copolymers with controllable graft density via ring-opening metathesis polymerization.

Star polymers with acid-labile diacetal-based cores synthesized by aqueous RAFT polymerization for intracellular DNA delivery

Facile low temperature aqueous heterogeneous RAFT polymerization for preparation of novel star polymers with acid-labile diacetal-based cores for DNA delivery.

Star polymerization of norbornene derivatives using a tri-functionalized Blechert's olefin metathesis catalyst

A tri-functionalized initiator (IV) based on Blechert's catalyst as a highly efficient ROMP initiator for the living polymerization of norbornene derivatives.

Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization for Biorelated Hybrid Materials

Proteins, nucleic acids, lipid vesicles, and carbohydrates are the major classes of biomacromolecules that function to sustain life. Biology also uses post-translation modification to increase the diversity and functionality of these materials, which has inspired attaching various other types of polymers to biomacromolecules. These polymers can be naturally (carbohydrates and biomimetic polymers) or synthetically derived and have unique properties with tunable architectures. Polymers are either grafted-to or grown-from the biomacromolecule's surface, and characteristics including polymer molar mass, grafting density, and degree of branching can be controlled by changing reaction stoichiometries. The resultant conjugated products display a chimerism of properties such as polymer-induced enhancement in stability with maintained bioactivity, and while polymers are most often conjugated to proteins, they are starting to be attached to nucleic acids and lipid membranes (cells) as well. The fundamental studies with protein-polymer conjugates have improved our synthetic approaches, characterization techniques, and understanding of structure-function relationships that will lay the groundwork for creating new conjugated biomacromolecular products which could lead to breakthroughs in genetic and tissue engineering.

Synthesis of multifunctional miktoarm star polymers via an RGD peptide-based RAFT agent

A “grafting from” approach for facile access of multifunctional miktoarm star polymers containing peptide arms.

Cationic Hyperbranched Polymers with Biocompatible Shells for siRNA Delivery

Cationic hyperbranched polymers (HBP) were prepared by self-condensing vinyl polymerization of an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) inimer containing a quaternary ammonium group. Two types of biocompatible shells, poly(oligoethylene glycol) methacrylate (polyOEGMA) and poly(2-(methylsulfinyl) ethyl methacrylate) (polyDMSO), were grafted respectively from HBP core to form core-shell structures with low molecular weight dispersity and high biocompatibility, polyOEGMA-HBP and polyDMSO-HBP. Both of the structures showed low cytotoxicity and good siRNA complexing ability. The efficacy of gene silencing against Runt-related transcription factor 2 ( Runx2) expression and the long-term assessment of mineralized nodule formation in osteoblast cultures were evaluated. The biocompatible core-shell structures were crucial to minimizing undesired cytotoxicity and nonspecific gene suppression. polyDMSO-HBP showed higher efficacy of forming polyplexes than polyOEGMA-HBP due to shell with lower steric hindrance. Overall, the gene silencing efficiency of both core-shell structures was comparable to commercial agent Lipofectamine, indicating long-term potential for gene silencing to treat heterotopic ossification (HO).

Advanced Materials by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) has been successfully employed for the preparation of various advanced materials with controlled architecture. New catalysts with strongly enhanced activity permit more environmentally benign ATRP procedures using ppm levels of catalyst. Precise control over polymer composition, topology, and incorporation of site specific functionality enables synthesis of well-defined gradient, block, comb copolymers, polymers with (hyper)branched structures including stars, densely grafted molecular brushes or networks, as well as inorganic-organic hybrid materials and bioconjugates. Examples of specific applications of functional materials include thermoplastic elastomers, nanostructured carbons, surfactants, dispersants, functionalized surfaces, and biorelated materials.

Preparation of well-defined brush-like block copolymers for gene delivery applications under biorelevant reaction conditions

Well-defined oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (OEOMA) based block copolymers with cationic segments composed by N,N-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and/or 2-(diisopropylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DPA) were developed under biorelevant reaction conditions. These brush-type copolymers were synthesized through supplemental activator and reducing agent (SARA) atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using sodium dithionite as SARA agent. The synthesis was carried out using an eco-friendly solvent mixture, very low copper catalyst concentration, and mild reaction conditions. The structure of the block copolymers was characterized by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) analysis and ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The pH-dependent protonation of these copolymers enables the efficient complexation with plasmid DNA (pDNA), yielding polyplexes with sizes ranging from 200 up to 700 nm, depending on the molecular weight of the copolymers, composition and concentration used. Agarose gel electrophoresis confirmed the successful pDNA encapsulation. No cytotoxicity effect was observed, even for N/P ratios higher than 50, for human fibroblasts and cervical cancer cell lines cells. The in vitro cellular uptake experiments demonstrated that the pDNA-loaded block copolymers were efficiently delivered into nucleus of cervical cancer cells. The polymerization approach, the unique structure of the block copolymers and the efficient DNA encapsulation presented can open new avenues for development of efficient tailor made gene delivery systems under biorelevant conditions.

Synthesis and characterization of amphiphilic miktoarm star polymers based on sydnone-maleimide double cycloaddition

The synthesis of miktoarm star polymers based on sydnone-maleimide double cycloaddition (SMDC) via three approaches.

Improved Fenton Therapy Using Cancer Cell Hydrogen Peroxide

Fenton cancer therapy as a new methodology for the treatment of tumour cells is largely restricted owing to the low stability, high aggregation, and poor selectivity of reported nanoparticles. In this study, an improved approach for the selective destruction of cancer cells is reported. Metal–organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles were synthesized and reduced via a hydrothermal method, and then PEGylated through the surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) reaction to produce a PEGylated reduced MOF (P@rMOF). The ratio of PEG to nanoparticles was used to optimize the size and aggregation of the nanoparticles, with 2P@rMOF (2 : 1 mass ratio) having the smallest hydrodynamic diameter. The nanoparticles were further conjugated with folic acid for cell targeting. In vitro cell uptake experiments demonstrated that the internalization of 2P@rMOF-FA nanoparticles into cancer cells (HeLa) was almost 3-fold that of normal cells (NIH-3T3). In the presence of 2P@rMOF-FA, the HeLa cell viability decreased dramatically to 22 %, whereas the NIH-3T3 cell viability remained higher than 80 % after 24 h incubation. The selectivity index for 2P@rMOF-FA is 4.48, which is significantly higher than those reported in the literature for similar strategies. This work thus demonstrates the most stable and selective nanoparticle system for the treatment of cancer cells using the cell’s own H2O2.

Fentanyl Initiated Polymers Prepared by ATRP for Targeted Delivery

The targeted delivery of polymers to neurons is a challenging yet important goal for polymer based drug delivery. We prepared a fentanyl based atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiator to target the Mu opioid receptor (MOR) for neuronal targeting. We incorporated our recently discovered rigid acrylate linking group into the initiator to retain a high degree of binding to the MOR and grafted random or block copolymers of poly(oligo(ethylene oxide) methacrylate)-block-(glycidyl methacrylate). Trifluoroethanol promoted amine ring opening of the glycidyl methacrylate was used for post-polymerization modification of the fentanyl initiated polymers to attach a near-infrared fluorescent dye (ADS790WS) or to build a targeted siRNA delivery system via modification with secondary amines. We examined the biocompatibility, cellular internalization, and siRNA binding properties of our polymer library in a green fluorescent protein expressing SY SH5Y neuroblastoma cell-line.

Star-Shaped Copolymers Based on Poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) and their Use as Nanocarriers of Methotrexate

Star-shaped poly(N-vinylcaprolactam)-block-poly(ethylhexylacrylate)-block-polyethylene glycol (PNVCL-b-PEHA-b-PEG) triblock copolymers and star-shaped poly(N-vinylcaprolactam)-block-polyethylene glycol (PNVCL-b-PEG) diblock copolymers were synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The resulting star block copolymers were characterized using 1H NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and dynamic light scattering. The star-shaped PNVCL-b-PEG and PNVCL-b-PEHA-b-PEG block copolymers self-assemble spontaneously into aggregates in water. The aggregates formed ranged from ~17 to 135 nm in diameter and were used to encapsulate methotrexate (MTX). It was observed that the aggregates from PNVCL-b-PEHA-b-PEG copolymers exhibited a higher drug loading and a lower release of MTX (19 wt-% and 54 %) as compared with star copolymers without PEHA (5 wt-% and 81 %) after 24 h at a temperature below their lower critical solution temperature values.

In Vitro Drug and Gene Delivery Using Random Cationic Copolymers Forming Stable and pH-Sensitive Polymersomes

Stimuli-sensitive polymeric vesicles or polymersomes as self-assembled colloidal nanocarriers have received paramount importance for their integral role as delivery system for therapeutics and biotherapeutics. This work describes spontaneous polymersome formation at pH 7, as evidenced by surface tension, steady state fluorescence, dynamic light scattering, and microscopic studies, by three hydrophilic random cationic copolymers synthesized using N,N-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEM) and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) monomethacrylate in different mole ratios. The results suggest that methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) chains constitute the bilayer membrane of the polymersomes and DMAEM projects toward water constituting the positively charged surface. The polymersomes have been observed to release their encapsulated guest at acidic pH as a result of transformation into polymeric micelles. All these highly biocompatible cationic polymers show successful gene transfection ability as nonviral vector on human cell line with different potential. Thus these polymers prove their utility as a potential delivery system for hydrophilic model drug as well as genetic material.

Star Polymers

Recent advances in controlled/living polymerization techniques and highly efficient coupling chemistries have enabled the facile synthesis of complex polymer architectures with controlled dimensions and functionality. As an example, star polymers consist of many linear polymers fused at a central point with a large number of chain end functionalities. Owing to this exclusive structure, star polymers exhibit some remarkable characteristics and properties unattainable by simple linear polymers. Hence, they constitute a unique class of technologically important nanomaterials that have been utilized or are currently under audition for many applications in life sciences and nanotechnologies. This article first provides a comprehensive summary of synthetic strategies towards star polymers, then reviews the latest developments in the synthesis and characterization methods of star macromolecules, and lastly outlines emerging applications and current commercial use of star-shaped polymers. The aim of this work is to promote star polymer research, generate new avenues of scientific investigation, and provide contemporary perspectives on chemical innovation that may expedite the commercialization of new star nanomaterials. We envision in the not-too-distant future star polymers will play an increasingly important role in materials science and nanotechnology in both academic and industrial settings.

Synthesis of amphiphilic polysuccinimide star copolymers for responsive delivery in plants

While polymeric nanocarriers are widely used in medicine for controlled release and site-specific delivery, few reports have applied such delivery methods within agriculture, despite the urgent need for specific delivery of pesticides and nutrients. We report the synthesis of stimuli-responsive and biodegradable polymeric nanocarriers designed for delivery to the phloem of plants and describe methods employed to evaluate their toxicity in plant cells.

Controlled radical polymerization of an acrylamide containing L-alanine moiety via ATRP

Homopolymerization of an optically active acrylamide having an amino acid moiety in the side chain, N-acryloyl-L-alanine (AAla) was carried out via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) at room temperature using 2-hydroxyethyl-2'-methyl-2'-bromopropionate (HMB) or sodium-4-(bromomethyl)benzoate (SBB) as initiator in pure water, methanol/water mixture and pure methanol solvents. The polymerization reaction resulted in the optically active biocompatible amino acid-based homopolymer in good yield with narrow molecular weight distribution. The number average molecular weight increased with conversion and polydispersity was low. The structure and molecular weight of synthesized polymer were characterized by (1)H NMR, FT-IR spectroscopic techniques and size-exclusion chromatography.

Acute in vivo toxicity mitigation of PEI-coated maghemite nanoparticles using controlled oxidation and surface modifications toward siRNA delivery

A ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN)-based doping step was used for the fabrication of core maghemite nanoparticles (NPs) that enabled the obtainment of colloid particles with a view to a high-level nanoparticle (NP) surface doping by Ce(III/IV). Such doping of Ce(III/IV) cations enables one to exploit their quite rich coordination chemistry for ligand coordinative binding. In fact, they were shown to act as powerful Lewis acid centers for attaching any organic (Lewis base) ligand such as a 25 kDa branched PEI polymer. Resulting conPEI25-CAN-γ-Fe2O3 NPs have been fully characterized before a successful implementation of siRNA loading and cell delivery/gene silencing using a well-known dual luciferase system. This attractive result emphasized their significant potential as an NP platform technology toward additional MRI and/or drug delivery (peptide)-relating end applications. However, due to their high positive charge, PEI polymers can cause severe in vivo toxicity due to their interaction with negatively charged red blood cells (RBC), resulting in RBC aggregation and lysis, leading to thrombosis and, finally, to animal death. In order to mitigate these acute toxic effects, two different types of surface modifications were performed. One modification included the controlled oxidation of 0.1-5% of the PEI amines before or after conjugation to the NPs, using hydrogen peroxide or potassium persulfate. The other type of modification was the addition of a second biocompatible polyanionic polymer to the PEI grafted NPs, based on the concept of a layer-by-layer (LbL) technique. This modification is based on the coordination of another polyanionic polymer on the NPs surface in order to create a combined hybrid PEI and polyanionic polymer nanosystem. In both cases, the surface modification successfully mitigated the NP acute in vivo toxicity, without compromising the silencing efficiency.

A shape memory copolymer based on 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate and methyl allyl polyethenoxy ether for potential biological applications

This study reports a novel shape memory copolymer synthesized with 2-(dimethylamino)-ethyl-methacrylate (DMAEMA) and methyl-allyl-polyethenoxy-ether (TPEG) for potential biological applications.

Dendritic nanocarriers based on hyperbranched polymers

The use of hyperbranched polymers as an alternative to perfect dendrimers as nanocarrier systems for drugs, dyes and other guest molecules is covered. Different types of hyperbranched polymers are discussed with regard to aspects like synthesis, functionalisation and encapsulation properties but also their degradation.

The influence of polymer architecture on in vitro pDNA transfection

In the field of polymer-based gene delivery, the tuning potential of polymers by using different architectures like graft- and star-shaped polymers as well as self-assembled block copolymers is immense. In the last years numerous new polymer designs showed enhanced transfections properties in combination with a good biocompatibility.

Synthesis of poly(meth)acrylates with thioether and tertiary sulfonium groups by ARGET ATRP and their use as siRNA delivery agents

The field of RNA interference depends on the development of safe and efficient carriers for short interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) delivery. Conventional cationic monomers for siRNA delivery have utilized the nitrogen heteroatom to produce cationic charges. Here, we polymerized cationic sulfonium (meth)acrylate by activators regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET) atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) to form polymers with narrow molecular weight distributions for siRNA delivery. The tertiary sulfonium species was stable toward dealkylation in water but less stable in the polar aprotic solvent dimethyl sulfoxide. Block copolymers poly(ethylene oxide) with poly(meth)acrylate containing sulfonium moieties were prepared as an siRNA delivery platform. Results suggested block copolymers were biocompatible up to 50 μg/mL in vitro and formed polyplexes with siRNA. Additionally, block copolymers protected siRNAs against endonuclease digestion and facilitated knockdown of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (Gapdh) mRNA expression in murine calvarial preosteoblasts. The versatility, biocompatibility, and cationic nature of these tertiary sulfonium groups are expected to find widespread biological applications.

pH-responsive micelles based on (PCL)2(PDEA-b-PPEGMA)2 miktoarm polymer: controlled synthesis, characterization, and application as anticancer drug carrier

Amphiphilic A2(BC)2 miktoarm star polymers [poly(ϵ-caprolactone)]2-[poly(2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-b- poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)]2 [(PCL)2(PDEA-b-PPEGMA)2] were developed by a combination of ring opening polymerization (ROP) and continuous activators regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET ATRP). The critical micelle concentration (CMC) values were extremely low (0.0024 to 0.0043 mg/mL), depending on the architecture of the polymers. The self-assembled empty and doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded micelles were spherical in morphologies, and the average sizes were about 63 and 110 nm. The release of DOX at pH 5.0 was much faster than that at pH 6.5 and pH 7.4. Moreover, DOX-loaded micelles could effectively inhibit the growth of cancer cells HepG2 with IC50 of 2.0 μg/mL. Intracellular uptake demonstrated that DOX was delivered into the cells effectively after the cells were incubated with DOX-loaded micelles. Therefore, the pH-sensitive (PCL)2(PDEA-b-PPEGMA)2 micelles could be a prospective candidate as anticancer drug carrier for hydrophobic drugs with sustained release behavior.

Macromolecular engineering by atom transfer radical polymerization

This Perspective presents recent advances in macromolecular engineering enabled by ATRP. They include the fundamental mechanistic and synthetic features of ATRP with emphasis on various catalytic/initiation systems that use parts-per-million concentrations of Cu catalysts and can be run in environmentally friendly media, e.g., water. The roles of the major components of ATRP--monomers, initiators, catalysts, and various additives--are explained, and their reactivity and structure are correlated. The effects of media and external stimuli on polymerization rates and control are presented. Some examples of precisely controlled elements of macromolecular architecture, such as chain uniformity, composition, topology, and functionality, are discussed. Syntheses of polymers with complex architecture, various hybrids, and bioconjugates are illustrated. Examples of current and forthcoming applications of ATRP are covered. Future challenges and perspectives for macromolecular engineering by ATRP are discussed.