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Milocco A, Scuor N, Lughi V, Lamberti G, Barba AA, Divittorio R, Grassi G, Perkan A, Grassi M, Abrami M. Thermal gelation modeling of a pluronic‐alginate blend following coronary angioplasty. J Appl Polym Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/app.48539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Milocco
- Department of Engineering and ArchitectureTrieste University, via Valerio 6, I‐34127 Trieste Italy
| | - Nicola Scuor
- Department of Engineering and ArchitectureTrieste University, via Valerio 6, I‐34127 Trieste Italy
| | - Vanni Lughi
- Department of Engineering and ArchitectureTrieste University, via Valerio 6, I‐34127 Trieste Italy
| | - Gaetano Lamberti
- Department of Industrial EngineeringUniversity of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, I‐84084 Fisciano SA Italy
| | - Anna Angela Barba
- Department of PharmacySalerno University, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, I‐84084 Fisciano SA Italy
| | - Rosario Divittorio
- Department of Engineering and ArchitectureTrieste University, via Valerio 6, I‐34127 Trieste Italy
| | - Gabriele Grassi
- Department of Life SciencesCattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I‐34149 Trieste Italy
| | - Andrea Perkan
- Struttura Complessa di Cardiologia, Azienda per l'Assistenza Sanitaria n. 1 Triestina, Cattinara Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, I‐34149 Trieste Italy
| | - Mario Grassi
- Department of Engineering and ArchitectureTrieste University, via Valerio 6, I‐34127 Trieste Italy
| | - Michela Abrami
- Department of Engineering and ArchitectureTrieste University, via Valerio 6, I‐34127 Trieste Italy
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Farra R, Maruna M, Perrone F, Grassi M, Benedetti F, Maddaloni M, El Boustani M, Parisi S, Rizzolio F, Forte G, Zanconati F, Cemazar M, Kamensek U, Dapas B, Grassi G. Strategies for Delivery of siRNAs to Ovarian Cancer Cells. Pharmaceutics 2019; 11:E547. [PMID: 31652539 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11100547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The unmet need for novel therapeutic options for ovarian cancer (OC) deserves further investigation. Among the different novel drugs, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are particularly attractive because of their specificity of action and efficacy, as documented in many experimental setups. However, the fragility of these molecules in the biological environment necessitates the use of delivery materials able to protect them and possibly target them to the cancer cells. Among the different delivery materials, those based on polymers and lipids are considered very interesting because of their biocompatibility and ability to carry/deliver siRNAs. Despite these features, polymers and lipids need to be engineered to optimize their delivery properties for OC. In this review, we concentrated on the description of the therapeutic potential of siRNAs and polymer-/lipid-based delivery systems for OC. After a brief description of OC and siRNA features, we summarized the strategies employed to minimize siRNA delivery problems, the targeting strategies to OC, and the preclinical models available. Finally, we discussed the most interesting works published in the last three years about polymer-/lipid-based materials for siRNA delivery.
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Miyake T, Miyake T, Kurashiki T, Morishita R. Molecular Pharmacological Approaches for Treating Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Ann Vasc Dis 2019; 12:137-146. [PMID: 31275464 PMCID: PMC6600097 DOI: 10.3400/avd.ra.18-00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is considered to be a potent life-threatening disorder in elderly individuals. Although many patients with a small AAA are detected during routine abdominal screening, there is no effective therapeutic option to prevent the progression or regression of AAA in the clinical setting. Recent advances in molecular biology have led to the identification of several important molecules, including microRNA and transcription factor, in the process of AAA formation. Regulation of these factors using nucleic acid drugs is expected to be a novel therapeutic option for AAA. Nucleic acid drugs can bind to target factors, mRNA, microRNA, and transcription factors in a sequence-specific fashion, resulting in a loss of function of the target molecule at the transcriptional or posttranscriptional level. Of note, inhibition of a transcription factor using a decoy strategy effectively suppresses experimental AAA formation, by regulating the expression of several genes associated with the disease progression. This review focuses on recent advances in molecular therapy of using nucleic acid drugs to treat AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Miyake
- Department of Clinical Gene Therapy, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Miyake
- Department of Clinical Gene Therapy, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Kurashiki
- Department of Clinical Gene Therapy, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Morishita
- Department of Clinical Gene Therapy, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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Fanesi G, Abrami M, Zecchin F, Giassi I, Ferro ED, Boisen A, Grassi G, Bertoncin P, Grassi M, Marizza P. Combined Used of Rheology and LF-NMR for the Characterization of PVP-Alginates Gels Containing Liposomes. Pharm Res 2018; 35:171. [PMID: 29967941 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-018-2427-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This paper is based on the characterization of the rheological and Low Field NMR (LF-NMR) properties of an interpenetrated hydrogel made up by poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) and sodium alginate. The final aim is to use the hydrogel as a delivery matrix for liposomes, widely used tools in the drug delivery field. METHODS Rheology, LF-NMR, TEM, cryo-TEM, confocal laser scanning microscopy and release test were employed to characterize the interpenetrated hydrogel. Different theoretical approaches such as Flory, Chui, Scherer and Schurz theories were used to interpret the experimental results. RESULTS We found that the crosslinking mechanisms of the two polymers produced an anti-synergistic effect on the final mechanical properties of the interpenetrated hydrogel. Instead of creating a continuous network, alginate formed isolated, cross-linked, clusters embedded in a continuous network of poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone). Additionally, gel structure significantly influenced liposome delivery. CONCLUSIONS The rheological and LF-NMR characterization were confirmed and supported by the independent techniques TEM, cryo-TEM and release tests Thus, our findings reiterate the potentiality of both rheology and LF-NMR for the characterisation of soft materials such as interpenetrated polymeric networks.
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Milcovich G, Lettieri S, Antunes FE, Medronho B, Fonseca AC, Coelho JFJ, Marizza P, Perrone F, Farra R, Dapas B, Grassi G, Grassi M, Giordani S. Recent advances in smart biotechnology: Hydrogels and nanocarriers for tailored bioactive molecules depot. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2017; 249:163-80. [PMID: 28527520 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2017.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Over the past ten years, the global biopharmaceutical market has remarkably grown, with ten over the top twenty worldwide high performance medical treatment sales being biologics. Thus, biotech R&D (research and development) sector is becoming a key leading branch, with expanding revenues. Biotechnology offers considerable advantages compared to traditional therapeutic approaches, such as reducing side effects, specific treatments, higher patient compliance and therefore more effective treatments leading to lower healthcare costs. Within this sector, smart nanotechnology and colloidal self-assembling systems represent pivotal tools able to modulate the delivery of therapeutics. A comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in the self-assembly of the colloidal structures discussed therein is essential for the development of relevant biomedical applications. In this review we report the most promising and best performing platforms for specific classes of bioactive molecules and related target, spanning from siRNAs, gene/plasmids, proteins/growth factors, small synthetic therapeutics and bioimaging probes.
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Halib N, Perrone F, Cemazar M, Dapas B, Farra R, Abrami M, Chiarappa G, Forte G, Zanconati F, Pozzato G, Murena L, Fiotti N, Lapasin R, Cansolino L, Grassi G, Grassi M. Potential Applications of Nanocellulose-Containing Materials in the Biomedical Field. Materials (Basel) 2017; 10:ma10080977. [PMID: 28825682 PMCID: PMC5578343 DOI: 10.3390/ma10080977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Because of its high biocompatibility, bio-degradability, low-cost and easy availability, cellulose finds application in disparate areas of research. Here we focus our attention on the most recent and attractive potential applications of cellulose in the biomedical field. We first describe the chemical/structural composition of cellulose fibers, the cellulose sources/features and cellulose chemical modifications employed to improve its properties. We then move to the description of cellulose potential applications in biomedicine. In this field, cellulose is most considered in recent research in the form of nano-sized particle, i.e., nanofiber cellulose (NFC) or cellulose nanocrystal (CNC). NFC is obtained from cellulose via chemical and mechanical methods. CNC can be obtained from macroscopic or microscopic forms of cellulose following strong acid hydrolysis. NFC and CNC are used for several reasons including the mechanical properties, the extended surface area and the low toxicity. Here we present some potential applications of nano-sized cellulose in the fields of wound healing, bone-cartilage regeneration, dental application and different human diseases including cancer. To witness the close proximity of nano-sized cellulose to the practical biomedical use, examples of recent clinical trials are also reported. Altogether, the described examples strongly support the enormous application potential of nano-sized cellulose in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Halib
- Department of Basic Sciences & Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Level 15, Tower B, Persiaran MPAJ, Jalan Pandan Utama, Kuala Lumpur 55100, Malaysia;.
| | - Francesca Perrone
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Barbara Dapas
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Rossella Farra
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6/A, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Michela Abrami
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6/A, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Chiarappa
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6/A, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Pekarska 53, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- Surgery and Health Sciences, Department of Medical, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Pozzato
- Surgery and Health Sciences, Department of Medical, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Luigi Murena
- Surgery and Health Sciences, Department of Medical, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Nicola Fiotti
- Surgery and Health Sciences, Department of Medical, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Romano Lapasin
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6/A, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Laura Cansolino
- Department of Clinico-Surgical Sciences, Experimental Surgery Laboratory, University of Pavia and IRCCS S, Matteo Hospital Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Grassi
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Mario Grassi
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6/A, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
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Caccavo D, Cascone S, Lamberti G, Dalmoro A, Barba AA. Modeling of the Behavior of Natural Polysaccharides Hydrogels for Bio-pharma Applications. Nat Prod Commun 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x1701200609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels, even if not exclusively obtained from natural sources, are widely used for pharmaceuticals and for biomedical applications. The reasons for their uses are their biocompatibility and the possibility to obtain systems and devices with different properties, due to variable characteristics of the materials. In order to effectively design and produce these systems and devices, two main ways are available: i) trial-and-error process, at least guided by experience, during which the composition of the system and the production steps are changed in order to get the desired behavior; ii) production process guided by the a-priori simulation of the systems’ behavior, thanks to proper tuned mathematical models of the reality. Of course the second approach, when applicable, allows tremendous savings in term of human and instrumental resources. In this mini-review, several modeling approaches useful to describe the behavior of natural polysaccharide-based hydrogels in bio-pharma applications are reported. In particular, reported case histories are: i) the size calculation of micro-particles obtained by ultrasound assisted atomization; ii) the release kinetics from core-shell micro-particles, iii) the solidification behavior of blends of synthetic and natural polymers for gel paving of blood vessels, iv) the drug release from hydrogel-based tablets. This material can be seen as a guide toward the use of mathematical modeling in bio-pharma applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Caccavo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy 84084
| | - Sara Cascone
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy 84084
| | - Gaetano Lamberti
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy 84084
| | - Annalisa Dalmoro
- Department of Pharmacy, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy 84084
| | - Anna Angela Barba
- Department of Pharmacy, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy 84084
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Scarabel L, Perrone F, Garziera M, Farra R, Grassi M, Musiani F, Russo Spena C, Salis B, De Stefano L, Toffoli G, Rizzolio F, Tonon F, Abrami M, Chiarappa G, Pozzato G, Forte G, Grassi G, Dapas B. Strategies to optimize siRNA delivery to hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2017; 14:797-810. [DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2017.1292247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Scarabel
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, C.R.O. National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Francesca Perrone
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marica Garziera
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, C.R.O. National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Rossella Farra
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Mario Grassi
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco Musiani
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Concetta Russo Spena
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, C.R.O. National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Barbara Salis
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, C.R.O. National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Lucia De Stefano
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, C.R.O. National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Toffoli
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, C.R.O. National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Flavio Rizzolio
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, C.R.O. National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Federica Tonon
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Michela Abrami
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gianluca Chiarappa
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Pozzato
- Department of ‘Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e della Salute’, Cattinara University Hospital, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Gabriele Grassi
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Department of ‘Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e della Salute’, Cattinara University Hospital, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Barbara Dapas
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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Scaggiante B, Farra R, Dapas B, Baj G, Pozzato G, Grassi M, Zanconati F, Grassi G. Aptamer targeting of the elongation factor 1A impairs hepatocarcinoma cells viability and potentiates bortezomib and idarubicin effects. Int J Pharm 2016; 506:268-79. [PMID: 27094354 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2016.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The high morbidity and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is mostly due to the limited efficacy of the available therapeutic approaches. Here we explore the anti-HCC potential of an aptamer targeting the elongation factor 1A (eEF1A), a protein implicated in the promotion of HCC. As delivery methods, we have compared the effectiveness of cationic liposome and cholesterol-mediated approaches. A75 nucleotide long aptamer containing GT repetition (GT75) was tested in three HCC cell lines, HepG2, HuH7 and JHH6. When delivered by liposomes, GT75 was able to effectively reducing HCC cells viability in a dose and time dependent fashion. Particular sensitive were JHH6 where increased apoptosis with no effects on cell cycle were observed. GT75 effect was likely due to the interference with eEF1A activity as neither the mRNA nor the protein levels were significantly affected. Notably, cholesterol-mediated delivery of GT75 abrogated its efficacy due to cellular mis-localization as proven by fluorescence and confocal microscopic analysis. Finally, liposome-mediated delivery of GT75 improved the therapeutic index of the anticancer drugs bortezomib and idarubicin. In conclusion, liposome but not cholesterol-mediated delivery of GT75 resulted in an effective delivery of GT75, causing the impairment of the vitality of a panel of HCC derived cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosella Farra
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Information Technology, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - Barbara Dapas
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Baj
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Pozzato
- Department of Medical, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Hospital, Italy
| | - Mario Grassi
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Information Technology, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- Department of Medical, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Hospital, Italy
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Safir I, Ngo KX, Nixon Abraham J, Ghahraman Afshar M, Pavlova E, Nardin C. Synthesis and structure formation in dilute aqueous solution of a chitosan-DNA hybrid. POLYMER 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2015.09.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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11
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Farra R, Grassi M, Grassi G, Dapas B. Therapeutic potential of small interfering RNAs/micro interfering RNA in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:8994-9001. [PMID: 26290628 PMCID: PMC4533033 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i30.8994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant form of primary liver cancer and represents the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Current available therapeutic approaches are poorly effective, especially for the advanced forms of the disease. In the last year, short double stranded RNA molecules termed small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and micro interfering RNAs (miRNA), emerged as interesting molecules with potential therapeutic value for HCC. The practical use of these molecules is however limited by the identification of optimal molecular targets and especially by the lack of effective and targeted HCC delivery systems. Here we focus our discussion on the most recent advances in the identification of siRNAs/miRNAs molecular targets and on the development of suitable siRNA/miRNAs delivery systems.
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Bools LM, Fisher RK, Grandas OH, Kirkpatrick SS, Arnold JD, Goldman MH, Freeman MB, Mountain DJH. Comparative analysis of polymers for short interfering RNA delivery in vascular smooth muscle cells. J Surg Res 2015; 199:266-73. [PMID: 26272685 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2015.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2015] [Revised: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The use of short interfering RNA (siRNA) to degrade messenger RNA in the cell cytoplasm and transiently attenuate intracellular proteins shows promise in the inhibition of vascular pathogenesis. However, a critical obstacle for therapeutic application is a safe and effective delivery system. Biodegradable polymers are promising alternative molecular carriers for genetic material. Here, we aim to perform a comparative analysis of poly(B-amino ester) (PBAE) and polyethylenimine (PEI) polymers in their efficacy for vascular smooth muscle cell transfection using siRNA against the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) housekeeping gene as our test target. METHODS Human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC) were transfected in vitro with polymers conjugated to GAPDH or negative control (NC) siRNAs. Increasing siRNA:polymer ratios were tested for optimal transfection efficiency. DharmaFECT2 chemical transfection complexes were used for comparative analysis. Live/dead dual stain was used to measure cell viability, and GAPDH gene silencing was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction normalized to 18S. RESULTS The highest rate of PEI-mediated silencing was achieved with a 9μL polymer:220 pmol/mL siRNA conjugate (16 ± 2% expression versus NC; n = 6). Comparable PBAE-mediated silencing could be achieved with a 1.95μL polymer:100 pmol/mL siRNA conjugate (10 ± 1% expression versus NC; n = 5). Transfection using PEIs resulted in silencing equivalent to other methods but with less efficiency and increased cell toxicity at 24h polymer exposure. Decreasing PEI exposure time to 4 h resulted in similar silencing efficacy (21 ± 9% expression versus NC, n = 6) with an improved toxicity profile. CONCLUSIONS Polymeric bioconjugates transfected HASMCs in a manner similar to chemical complexes, with comparable cell toxicity and silencing efficiency. PEI bioconjugates demonstrated silencing equivalent to PBAE bioconjugates, although less efficient in terms of required polymer concentrations. Given the cost-to-benefit difference between the assayed polymers, and PEI's ability to transfect HASMCs within a short duration of exposure with an improved toxicity profile, this study shows that PEI bioconjugates are a potential transfection agent for vascular tissue. Future studies will expand on this method of gene therapy to validate delivery of gene-specific inhibitors aimed at attenuating smooth muscle cell proliferation, adhesion, and migration. These studies will lay the framework for our future experimental plans to expand on this method of gene therapy for in vivo transfection in animal models of vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Bools
- Department of Surgery, The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Richard K Fisher
- Department of Surgery, The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Oscar H Grandas
- Department of Surgery, The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Stacy S Kirkpatrick
- Department of Surgery, The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Joshua D Arnold
- Department of Surgery, The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Mitchell H Goldman
- Department of Surgery, The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Michael B Freeman
- Department of Surgery, The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Deidra J H Mountain
- Department of Surgery, The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee.
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Dalmoro A, Barba AA, Grassi M, Grassi G, Lamberti G. In situ coronary stent paving by Pluronic F127-alginate gel blends: Formulation and erosion tests: In Situ coronary stent paving by PF127-Alginate Gel Blends. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2016; 104:1013-22. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.33425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2014] [Revised: 03/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Sardo C, Farra R, Licciardi M, Dapas B, Scialabba C, Giammona G, Grassi M, Grassi G, Cavallaro G. Development of a simple, biocompatible and cost-effective Inulin-Diethylenetriamine based siRNA delivery system. Eur J Pharm Sci 2015; 75:60-71. [PMID: 25845631 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2015.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have the potential to be of therapeutic value for many human diseases. So far, however, a serious obstacle to their therapeutic use is represented by the absence of appropriate delivery systems able to protect them from degradation and to allow an efficient cellular uptake. In this work we developed a siRNA delivery system based on inulin (Inu), an abundant and natural polysaccharide. Inu was functionalized via the conjugation with diethylenetriamine (DETA) residues to form the complex Inu-DETA. We studied the size, surface charge and the shape of the Inu-DETA/siRNA complexes; additionally, the cytotoxicity, the silencing efficacy and the cell uptake-mechanisms were studied in the human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) and in the hepatocellular carcinoma derived cells (JHH6). The results presented here indicate that Inu-DETA copolymers can effectively bind siRNAs, are highly cytocompatible and, in JHH6, can effectively deliver functional siRNAs. Optimal delivery is observed using a weight ratio Inu-DETA/siRNA of 4 that corresponds to polyplexes with an average size of 600nm and a slightly negative surface charge. Moreover, the uptake and trafficking mechanisms, mainly based on micropinocytosis and clatrin mediated endocytosis, allow the homogeneous diffusion of siRNA within the cytoplasm of JHH6. Notably, in 16 HBE where the trafficking mechanism (caveolae mediated endocytosis) does not allow an even distribution of siRNA within the cell cytoplasm, no significant siRNA activity is observed. In conclusion, we developed a novel inulin-based siRNA delivery system able to efficiently release siRNA in JHH6 with negligible cytotoxicity thus opening the way for further testing in more complex in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sardo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche, Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Lab of Biocompatible Polymers, University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - R Farra
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Alfonso Valerio, 6/A, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - M Licciardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche, Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Lab of Biocompatible Polymers, University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - B Dapas
- Department of Life Sciences, University Hospital of Cattinara, Strada di Fiume 447, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - C Scialabba
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche, Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Lab of Biocompatible Polymers, University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - G Giammona
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche, Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Lab of Biocompatible Polymers, University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - M Grassi
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Alfonso Valerio, 6/A, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - G Grassi
- Department of Life Sciences, University Hospital of Cattinara, Strada di Fiume 447, 34100 Trieste, Italy.
| | - G Cavallaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche, Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Lab of Biocompatible Polymers, University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
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Barba AA, Bochicchio S, Lamberti G, Dalmoro A. Ultrasonic energy in liposome production: process modelling and size calculation. Soft Matter 2014; 10:2574-2581. [PMID: 24647821 DOI: 10.1039/c3sm52879k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The use of liposomes in several fields of biotechnology, as well as in pharmaceutical and food sciences is continuously increasing. Liposomes can be used as carriers for drugs and other active molecules. Among other characteristics, one of the main features relevant to their target applications is the liposome size. The size of liposomes, which is determined during the production process, decreases due to the addition of energy. The energy is used to break the lipid bilayer into smaller pieces, then these pieces close themselves in spherical structures. In this work, the mechanisms of rupture of the lipid bilayer and the formation of spheres were modelled, accounting for how the energy, supplied by ultrasonic radiation, is stored within the layers, as the elastic energy due to the curvature and as the tension energy due to the edge, and to account for the kinetics of the bending phenomenon. An algorithm to solve the model equations was designed and the relative calculation code was written. A dedicated preparation protocol, which involves active periods during which the energy is supplied and passive periods during which the energy supply is set to zero, was defined and applied. The model predictions compare well with the experimental results, by using the energy supply rate and the time constant as fitting parameters. Working with liposomes of different sizes as the starting point of the experiments, the key parameter is the ratio between the energy supply rate and the initial surface area.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Barba
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
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16
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Barba AA, Lamberti G, Rabbia L, Grassi M, Larobina D, Grassi G. Modeling of the reticulation kinetics of alginate/pluronic blends for biomedical applications. Materials Science and Engineering: C 2014; 37:327-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2014.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Revised: 12/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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17
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Scaggiante B, Kazemi M, Pozzato G, Dapas B, Farra R, Grassi M, Zanconati F, Grassi G. Novel hepatocellular carcinoma molecules with prognostic and therapeutic potentials. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:1268-1288. [PMID: 24574801 PMCID: PMC3921509 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i5.1268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Revised: 11/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the predominant form of primary liver cancer, is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related death. The difficulty to diagnose early cancer stages, the aggressive behaviors of HCC, and the poor effectiveness of therapeutic treatments, represent the reasons for the quite similar deaths per year and incidence number. Considering the fact that the diagnosis of HCC typically occurs in the advanced stages of the disease when the therapeutic options have only modest efficacy, the possibility to identify early diagnostic markers could be of significant benefit. So far, a large number of biomarkers have been associated to HCC progression and aggressiveness, but many of them turned out not to be of practical utility. This is the reason why active investigations are ongoing in this field. Given the huge amount of published works aimed at the identification of HCC biomarkers, in this review we mainly focused on the data published in the last year, with particular attention to the role of (1) molecular and biochemical cellular markers; (2) micro-interfering RNAs; (3) epigenetic variations; and (4) tumor stroma. It is worth mentioning that a significant number of the HCC markers described in the present review may be utilized also as targets for novel therapeutic approaches, indicating the tight relation between diagnosis and therapy. In conclusion, we believe that integrated researches among the different lines of investigation indicated above should represent the winning strategies to identify effective HCC markers and therapeutic targets.
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Abrami M, D'Agostino I, Milcovich G, Fiorentino S, Farra R, Asaro F, Lapasin R, Grassi G, Grassi M. Physical characterization of alginate-Pluronic F127 gel for endoluminal NABDs delivery. Soft Matter 2014; 10:729-737. [PMID: 24651920 DOI: 10.1039/c3sm51873f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Here we focus the attention on the physical characteristics of a highly biocompatible hydrogel made up of crosslinked alginate and Pluronic F127 (PF127). This is a composite polymeric blend we propose for artery endoluminal delivery of an emerging class of molecules named nucleic acid based drugs (NABDs). The physical characterization of our composite gel, i.e. mesh size distribution and PF127-alginate mutual organization after crosslinking, can significantly determine the NABDs release kinetics. Thus, to explore these aspects, different technical approaches, i.e. rheology, low/high field NMR and TEM, were used. While rheology provided information at the macroscopic and nano-level, the other three approaches gave details at the nano-level. We observe that Pluronic micelles, organizing in cubic ordered domains, generate, upon alginate crosslinking, the formation of meshes (≈ 150 nm) larger than those occurring in a Pluronic-free alginate network (≈ 25 nm). Nevertheless, smaller alginate meshes are still on and can just host un-structured Pluronic micelles and water. Accordingly, the gel structure is quite inhomogeneous, where big meshes (filled by crystalline Pluronic) co-exist with smaller meshes (hosting water and un-structured PF127 micelles). While big meshes offer a considerable hindering action on a diffusing solute, smaller ones represent a sort of free space where solute diffusion is faster. The presence of big and small meshes indicates that drug release may follow a double kinetics characterized by a fast and slow release. Notably, this behavior is considered appropriate for endoluminal drug release to the arterial wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Abrami
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Alfonso Valerio, 6/A, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
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