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Akavaram V, Kumar K, Sriram S, Narra S, Kumawat A, Meena SK, Pushpavanam K. Self-Assembled Amino Acid Microstructures as Biocompatible Physically Unclonable Functions (BPUFs) for Authentication of Therapeutically Relevant Hydrogels. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2300091. [PMID: 37357814 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Counterfeited biomedical products result in significant economic losses and pose a public health hazard for over a million people yearly. Hydrogels, a class of biomedical products, are being investigated as alternatives to conventional biomedical products and are equally susceptible to counterfeiting. Here, a biocompatible, physically unclonable function (BPUF) to verify the authenticity of therapeutically relevant hydrogels are developed. The principle of BPUF relies on the self-assembly of tyrosine into fibril-like structures which are incorporated into therapeutically relevant hydrogels resulting in their random dispersion. This unclonable arrangement leads to distinctive optical micrographs captured using an optical microscope. These optical micrographs are transformed into a unique security code through cryptographic techniques which are then used to authenticate the hydrogel. The temporal stability of the BPUFs are demonstrated and additionally, exploit the dissolution propensity of the structures upon exposure to an adulterant to identify the tampering of the hydrogel. Finally, a platform to demonstrate the translational potential of this technology in validating and detecting tampering of therapeutically relevant hydrogels is developed. The potential of BPUFs to combat hydrogel counterfeiting is exemplified by its simplicity in production, ease of use, biocompatibility, and cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishwas Akavaram
- Discipline of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India
| | - Kush Kumar
- Chemical Engineering and Process Development Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (N.C.L.), Dr. HomiBhabha Road, Pune, 411008, India
| | - Shreya Sriram
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603110, India
| | - Saisrinath Narra
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603110, India
| | - Akshant Kumawat
- Discipline of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Meena
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab, 140001, India
| | - Karthik Pushpavanam
- Discipline of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India
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Walsh CM, Wychowaniec JK, Costello L, Brougham DF, Dooley D. An In Vitro and Ex Vivo Analysis of the Potential of GelMA Hydrogels as a Therapeutic Platform for Preclinical Spinal Cord Injury. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300951. [PMID: 37114899 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition with no curative therapy currently available. Immunomodulation can be applied as a therapeutic strategy to drive alternative immune cell activation and promote a proregenerative injury microenvironment. Locally injected hydrogels carrying immunotherapeutic cargo directly to injured tissue offer an encouraging treatment approach from an immunopharmacological perspective. Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels are promising in this regard, however, detailed analysis on the immunogenicity of GelMA in the specific context of the SCI microenvironment is lacking. Here, the immunogenicity of GelMA hydrogels formulated with a translationally relevant photoinitiator is analyzed in vitro and ex vivo. 3% (w/v) GelMA, synthesized from gelatin type-A, is first identified as the optimal hydrogel formulation based on mechanical properties and cytocompatibility. Additionally, 3% GelMA-A does not alter the expression profile of key polarization markers in BV2 microglia or RAW264.7 macrophages after 48 h. Finally, it is shown for the first time that 3% GelMA-A can support the ex vivo culture of primary murine organotypic spinal cord slices for 14 days with no direct effect on glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP+ ) astrocyte or ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1+ ) microglia reactivity. This provides evidence that GelMA hydrogels can act as an immunotherapeutic hydrogel-based platform for preclinical SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara M Walsh
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - Jacek K Wychowaniec
- School of Chemistry, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, Davos, 7270, Switzerland
| | - Louise Costello
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - Dermot F Brougham
- School of Chemistry, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - Dearbhaile Dooley
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
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Chambre L, Martín-Moldes Z, Parker RN, Kaplan DL. Bioengineered elastin- and silk-biomaterials for drug and gene delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 160:186-198. [PMID: 33080258 PMCID: PMC7736173 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Advances in medical science have led to diverse new therapeutic modalities, as well as enhanced understanding of the progression of various disease states. These findings facilitate the design and development of more customized and exquisite drug delivery systems that aim to improve therapeutic indices of drugs to treat a variety of conditions. Synthetic polymer-based drug carriers have often been the focus of such research. However, these structures suffer from challenges with heterogeneity of the starting material, limited chemical features, complex functionalization methods, and in some cases a lack of biocompatibility. Consequently, protein-based polymers have garnered much attention in recent years due to their monodisperse features, ease of production and functionalization, and biocompatibility. Genetic engineering techniques enable the advancement of protein-based drug delivery systems with finely tuned physicochemical properties, and thus an expanded level of customization unavailable with synthetic polymers. Of these genetically engineered proteins, elastin-like proteins (ELP), silk-like proteins (SLP), and silk-elastin-like proteins (SELP) provide a unique set of alternatives for designing drug delivery systems due to their inherent chemical and physical properties and ease of engineering afforded by recombinant DNA technologies. In this review we examine the advantages of genetically engineered drug delivery systems with emphasis on ELP and SLP constructions. Methods for fabrication and relevant biomedical applications will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Chambre
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby St, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Zaira Martín-Moldes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby St, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Rachael N Parker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby St, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby St, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
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Cano-Garrido O, Sánchez-Chardi A, Parés S, Giró I, Tatkiewicz WI, Ferrer-Miralles N, Ratera I, Natalello A, Cubarsi R, Veciana J, Bach À, Villaverde A, Arís A, Garcia-Fruitós E. Functional protein-based nanomaterial produced in microorganisms recognized as safe: A new platform for biotechnology. Acta Biomater 2016; 43:230-239. [PMID: 27452157 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Inclusion bodies (IBs) are protein-based nanoparticles formed in Escherichia coli through stereospecific aggregation processes during the overexpression of recombinant proteins. In the last years, it has been shown that IBs can be used as nanostructured biomaterials to stimulate mammalian cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. In addition, these nanoparticles have also been explored as natural delivery systems for protein replacement therapies. Although the production of these protein-based nanomaterials in E. coli is economically viable, important safety concerns related to the presence of endotoxins in the products derived from this microorganism need to be addressed. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a group of food-grade microorganisms that have been classified as safe by biologically regulatory agencies. In this context, we have demonstrated herein, for the first time, the production of fully functional, IB-like protein nanoparticles in LAB. These nanoparticles have been fully characterized using a wide range of techniques, including field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, zymography, cytometry, confocal microscopy, and wettability and cell coverage measurements. Our results allow us to conclude that these materials share the main physico-chemical characteristics with IBs from E. coli and moreover are devoid of any harmful endotoxin contaminant. These findings reveal a new platform for the production of protein-based safe products with high pharmaceutical interest. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The development of both natural and synthetic biomaterials for biomedical applications is a field in constant development. In this context, E. coli is a bacteria that has been widely studied for its ability to naturally produce functional biomaterials with broad biomedical uses. Despite being effective, products derived from this species contain membrane residues able to trigger a non-desired immunogenic responses. Accordingly, exploring alternative bacteria able to synthesize such biomaterials in a safe molecular environment is becoming a challenge. Thus, the present study describes a new type of functional protein-based nanomaterial free of toxic contaminants with a wide range of applications in both human and veterinary medicine.
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Rueda F, Céspedes MV, Sánchez-Chardi A, Seras-Franzoso J, Pesarrodona M, Ferrer-Miralles N, Vázquez E, Rinas U, Unzueta U, Mamat U, Mangues R, García-Fruitós E, Villaverde A. Structural and functional features of self-assembling protein nanoparticles produced in endotoxin-free Escherichia coli. Microb Cell Fact 2016; 15:59. [PMID: 27059706 PMCID: PMC4826532 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-016-0457-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Production of recombinant drugs in process-friendly endotoxin-free bacterial factories targets to a lessened complexity of the purification process combined with minimized biological hazards during product application. The development of nanostructured recombinant materials in innovative nanomedical activities expands such a need beyond plain functional polypeptides to complex protein assemblies. While Escherichia coli has been recently modified for the production of endotoxin-free proteins, no data has been so far recorded regarding how the system performs in the fabrication of smart nanostructured materials. Results We have here explored the nanoarchitecture and in vitro and in vivo functionalities of CXCR4-targeted, self-assembling protein nanoparticles intended for intracellular delivery of drugs and imaging agents in colorectal cancer. Interestingly, endotoxin-free materials exhibit a distinguishable architecture and altered size and target cell penetrability than counterparts produced in conventional E. coli strains. These variant nanoparticles show an eventual proper biodistribution and highly specific and exclusive accumulation in tumor upon administration in colorectal cancer mice models, indicating a convenient display and function of the tumor homing peptides and high particle stability under physiological conditions. Discussion The observations made here support the emerging endotoxin-free E. coli system as a robust protein material producer but are also indicative of a particular conformational status and organization of either building blocks or oligomers. This appears to be promoted by multifactorial stress-inducing conditions upon engineering of the E. coli cell envelope, which impacts on the protein quality control of the cell factory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabián Rueda
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.,Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Virtudes Céspedes
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB-SantPau) and Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro Sánchez-Chardi
- Servei de Microscòpia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquin Seras-Franzoso
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.,Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.,Cibbim-Nanomedicine, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Pesarrodona
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.,Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neus Ferrer-Miralles
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.,Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Vázquez
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.,Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ursula Rinas
- Leibniz University of Hannover, Technical Chemistry & Life Science, Hannover, Germany.,Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstraße 7, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Ugutz Unzueta
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB-SantPau) and Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Uwe Mamat
- Division of Structural Biochemistry, Priority Area Asthma and Allergy, Research Center Borstel, Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 23845, Borstel, Germany
| | - Ramón Mangues
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB-SantPau) and Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena García-Fruitós
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.,Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Ruminant Production, Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Torre Marimon, Caldes de Montbui, 08140, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Villaverde
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain. .,Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain. .,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
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