1
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Monaghan TM, Ugun-Klusek A, Finelli M, Gurnani P, Chakrabarti L, Kao D, Alexander C, Polytarchou C. Connecting inflammatory bowel and neurodegenerative diseases: microRNAs as a shared therapeutic intervention. Gut 2024; 73:1034-1036. [PMID: 37137683 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2022-327301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tanya M Monaghan
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Aslihan Ugun-Klusek
- Department of Biosciences, Centre for Health, Ageing and Understanding Disease (CHAUD), School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mattea Finelli
- School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Pratik Gurnani
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics & Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lisa Chakrabarti
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Nottingham, UK
| | - Dina Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics & Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Christos Polytarchou
- Department of Biosciences, Centre for Health, Ageing and Understanding Disease (CHAUD), School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
- John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science & Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
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2
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Kanthabalan A, Emmanuel A, Alexander C, Bhatt N, Chan V, Kalejaiye O, Narahari K, Kasivisvanathan V, Shabbir M. An international survey of contemporary practices towards fertility assessment and preservation in patients undergoing radical inguinal orchidectomy for testicular cancer. BJUI Compass 2024; 5:445-453. [PMID: 38751948 PMCID: PMC11090774 DOI: 10.1002/bco2.356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The study aims to assess current international clinician attitudes, practices and barriers towards fertility assessment and preservation in patients undergoing radical inguinal orchidectomy (RIO) for testicular cancer. Materials and methods An international online survey of urologists and urologists in training who perform RIO for testicular cancer was developed by the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) Sections of Andrology and Oncology and the British Urology Researchers in Surgical Training (BURST). The recruitment process used social media and the emailing lists of national urological societies. Responses were collected between 10/02/2021 and 31/05/2021 and stored using password-protected Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) database software. The primary outcome was the proportion of urologists who routinely offer semen cryopreservation prior to RIO. The study was reported according to the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys platform. Results A total of 393 respondents took part in the online survey; of these, the majority were from the United Kingdom (65.9%), with the remaining international respondents (34.1%) from six different continents, which included 45 different countries. Of the respondents, 57.1% reported that they would routinely offer semen cryopreservation to all patients undergoing RIO for testicular cancer. In addition, 36.0% of urologists routinely performed pre-operative semen analysis, and 22.1% routinely performed pre-operative testicular serum hormone profile. Of the respondents, 14.4% performed expedited RIO within 48 h; 31.2% of respondents reported that they considered no delay to RIO to allow for semen cryopreservation to be acceptable. Conclusions A significant proportion of international urologists do not offer pre-operative fertility assessment and preservation in men undergoing RIO for testicular cancer. Surgery is performed in an expedited fashion within 1 week in the majority of patients. Urologists perceive there to be a lack of access and availability to fertility services, and that delay to RIO to allow for fertility preservation is often not acceptable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abi Kanthabalan
- Department of UrologyWorcestershire Royal HospitalWorcesterUK
| | | | | | - Nikita Bhatt
- Department of UrologyNorfolk and Norwich University HospitalNorwichUK
| | - Vinson Chan
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | - Odunayo Kalejaiye
- Department of UrologyUniversity Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation TrustBristolUK
| | - Krishna Narahari
- Department of UrologyCardiff and Vale University Health BoardCardiffUK
| | - Veeru Kasivisvanathan
- Department of UrologyUniversity Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation TrustBristolUK
- Division of Surgery and Interventional ScienceUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Majid Shabbir
- Department of UrologyGuy's & St. Thomas' HospitalLondonUK
- Faculty of Life Sciences & MedicineKing's CollegeLondon
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3
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Cavanagh RJ, Monteiro PF, Moloney C, Travanut A, Mehradnia F, Taresco V, Rahman R, Martin SG, Grabowska AM, Ashford MB, Alexander C. Free drug and ROS-responsive nanoparticle delivery of synergistic doxorubicin and olaparib combinations to triple negative breast cancer models. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:1822-1840. [PMID: 38407276 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01931d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Combinations of the topoisomerase II inhibitor doxorubicin and the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor olaparib offer potential drug-drug synergy for the treatment of triple negative breast cancers (TNBC). In this study we performed in vitro screening of combinations of these drugs, administered directly or encapsulated within polymer nanoparticles, in both 2D and in 3D spheroid models of breast cancer. A variety of assays were used to evaluate drug potency, and calculations of combination index (CI) values indicated that synergistic effects of drug combinations occurred in a molar-ratio dependent manner. It is suggested that the mechanisms of synergy were related to enhancement of DNA damage as shown by the level of double-strand DNA breaks, and mechanisms of antagonism associated with mitochondrial mediated cell survival, as indicated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Enhanced drug delivery and potency was observed with nanoparticle formulations, with a greater extent of doxorubicin localised to cell nuclei as evidenced by microscopy, and higher cytotoxicity at the same time points compared to free drugs. Together, the work presented identifies specific combinations of doxorubicin and olaparib which were most effective in a panel of TNBC cell lines, explores the mechanisms by which these combined agents might act, and shows that formulation of these drug combinations into polymeric nanoparticles at specific ratios conserves synergistic action and enhanced potency in vitro compared to the free drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrícia F Monteiro
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
| | - Cara Moloney
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
- School of Medicine, BioDiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | | | | | | | - Ruman Rahman
- School of Medicine, BioDiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Stewart G Martin
- School of Medicine, BioDiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- School of Medicine, BioDiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Marianne B Ashford
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
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4
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Dastgerdi NK, Gumus N, Bayraktutan H, Jackson D, Polra K, McKay PF, Atyabi F, Dinarvand R, Shattock RJ, Martinez-Pomares L, Gurnani P, Alexander C. Charge neutralized poly(β-amino ester) polyplex nanoparticles for delivery of self-amplifying RNA. Nanoscale Adv 2024; 6:1409-1422. [PMID: 38419881 PMCID: PMC10898429 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00794d] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) is a promising approach for disease treatment, as it can be administered in lower doses than messenger RNA (mRNA) to achieve comparable protein production levels. However, saRNA requires an appropriate delivery vehicle to protect it during transit and facilitate its transfection. A widely-adopted approach has been to use polycations to condense these large anionic macromolecules into polyplex nanoparticles, however their high charge density often elicits cytotoxic effects. In this study we postulated that we could improve the potency and tolerability of such delivery vehicles by co-formulating poly(β-amino ester)s saRNA polyplexes with a non-toxic anionic polymer, γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) to neutralize partially this positive charge. Accordingly, we prepared a poly(β-amino ester) from 1,6-hexanedioldiacrylate (HDDA) and 4-aminobutanol (ABOL) and initially evaluated the physicochemical properties of the binary polyplexes (i.e. formed from polymer and saRNA only). Optimised binary polyplex formulations were then taken forward for preparation of ternary complexes containing pHDDA-ABOL, saRNA and γ-PGA. Our findings demonstrate that γ-PGA integration into polyplexes significantly enhanced transfection efficacy in HEK293T and A431 cells without affecting polyplex size. Notably, γ-PGA incorporation leads to a pronounced reduction in zeta potential, which reduced the toxicity of the ternary complexes in moDC, NIH3T3, and A431 cells. Furthermore, the presence of γ-PGA contributed to colloidal stability, reducing aggregation of the ternary complexes, as evidenced by insignificant changes in polydispersity index (PDI) after freeze-thaw cycles. Overall, these results suggest that incorporating the appropriate ratio of a polyanion such as γ-PGA with polycations in RNA delivery formulations is a promising way to improve the in vitro delivery of saRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazgol Karimi Dastgerdi
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Nurcan Gumus
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Hulya Bayraktutan
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Darryl Jackson
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Krunal Polra
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Section of Immunology of Infection, Imperial College London Norfolk Place London W21PG UK
| | - Paul F McKay
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Section of Immunology of Infection, Imperial College London Norfolk Place London W21PG UK
| | - Fatemeh Atyabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Rassoul Dinarvand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
- Nanotechnology Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran 1417614315 Iran
| | - Robin J Shattock
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Section of Immunology of Infection, Imperial College London Norfolk Place London W21PG UK
| | - Luisa Martinez-Pomares
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Pratik Gurnani
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London 29-39 Brunswick Square London WC1N 1AX UK
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
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5
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Kasza K, Richards B, Jones S, Romero M, Robertson SN, Hardie KR, Gurnani P, Cámara M, Alexander C. Ciprofloxacin Poly(β-amino ester) Conjugates Enhance Antibiofilm Activity and Slow the Development of Resistance. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2024; 16:5412-5425. [PMID: 38289032 PMCID: PMC10859900 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c14357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
To tackle the emerging antibiotic resistance crisis, novel antimicrobial approaches are urgently needed. Bacterial biofilms are a particular concern in this context as they are responsible for over 80% of bacterial infections and are inherently more recalcitrant toward antimicrobial treatments. The high tolerance of biofilms to conventional antibiotics has been attributed to several factors, including reduced drug diffusion through the dense exopolymeric matrix and the upregulation of antimicrobial resistance machinery with successful biofilm eradication requiring prolonged high doses of multidrug treatments. A promising approach to tackle bacterial infections involves the use of polymer drug conjugates, shown to improve upon free drug toxicity and bioavailability, enhance drug penetration through the thick biofilm matrix, and evade common resistance mechanisms. In the following study, we conjugated the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP) to a small library of biodegradable and biocompatible poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) polymers with varying central amine functionality. The suitability of the polymers as antibiotic conjugates was then verified in a series of assays including testing of efficacy and resistance response in planktonic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and the reduction of viability in mono- and multispecies biofilm models. The most active polymer within the prepared PBAE-CIP library was shown to achieve an over 2-fold increase in the reduction of biofilm viability in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa monospecies biofilm and superior elimination of all the species present within the multispecies biofilm model. Hence, we demonstrate that CIP conjugation to PBAEs can be employed to achieve improved antibiotic efficacy against clinically relevant biofilm models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Kasza
- Division
of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
- National
Biofilms Innovation Centre, School of Life Sciences, Biodiscovery
Institute, University Park, University of
Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Brogan Richards
- National
Biofilms Innovation Centre, School of Life Sciences, Biodiscovery
Institute, University Park, University of
Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Sal Jones
- Division
of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Manuel Romero
- National
Biofilms Innovation Centre, School of Life Sciences, Biodiscovery
Institute, University Park, University of
Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
- Department
of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Biology-CIBUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Shaun N. Robertson
- National
Biofilms Innovation Centre, School of Life Sciences, Biodiscovery
Institute, University Park, University of
Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Kim R. Hardie
- National
Biofilms Innovation Centre, School of Life Sciences, Biodiscovery
Institute, University Park, University of
Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Pratik Gurnani
- UCL
School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, U.K.
| | - Miguel Cámara
- National
Biofilms Innovation Centre, School of Life Sciences, Biodiscovery
Institute, University Park, University of
Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Division
of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
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6
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Foralosso R, Kopiasz RJ, Alexander C, Mantovani G, Stolnik S. Synthetic macromolecular peptide-mimetics with amino acid substructure residues as protein stabilising excipients. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:1022-1030. [PMID: 38205916 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02102e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The clinical use of protein and peptide biotherapeutics requires fabrication of stable products. This particularly concerns stability towards aggregation of proteins or peptides. Here, we tested a hypothesis that interactions between a synthetic peptide, which is an aggregation-prone region analogue, and its homologous sequence on a protein of interest, could be exploited to design excipients which stabilise the protein against aggregation. A peptide containing the analogue of lysozyme aggregation-prone region (GILQINSRW) was conjugated to a RAFT agent and used to initiate the polymerisation of N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide, generating a GILQINSRW-HEA90 polymer, which profoundly reduced lysozyme aggregation. Substitution of tryptophan in GILQINSRW with glycine, to form GILQINSRG, revealed that tryptophan is a critical amino acid in the protein stabilisation by GILQINSRW-HEA90. Accordingly, polymeric peptide-mimetics of tryptophan, phenylalanine and isoleucine, which are often present in aggregation-prone regions, were synthesized. These were based on synthetic oligomers of acrylamide derivatives of indole-3 acetic acid (IND), phenylacetic acid (PHEN), or 2-methyl butyric acid (MBA), respectively, conjugated with hydrophilic poly(N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide) blocks to form amphiphilic copolymers denoted as INDm-, PHENm- and MTBm-b-HEAn. These materials were tested as protein stabilisers and it was shown that solution properties and the abilities of these materials to stabilise insulin and the peptide IDR 1018 towards aggregation are dependent on the chemical nature of their side groups. These data suggest a structure-activity relationship, whereby the indole-based INDm-b-HEAn peptide-mimetic displays properties of a potential stabilising excipient for protein formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafał Jerzy Kopiasz
- University of Nottingham, School of Pharmacy, NG7 2RD, UK.
- Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Noakowskiego 3 St., 00-664, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Snow Stolnik
- University of Nottingham, School of Pharmacy, NG7 2RD, UK.
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7
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Taylor D, Gönül G, Alexander C, Züberbühler K, Clément F, Glock HJ. Reading minds or reading scripts? De-intellectualising theory of mind. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:2028-2048. [PMID: 37408142 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12994] [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: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the origins of human social cognition is a central challenge in contemporary science. In recent decades, the idea of a 'Theory of Mind' (ToM) has emerged as the most popular way of explaining unique features of human social cognition. This default view has been progressively undermined by research on 'implicit' ToM, which suggests that relevant precursor abilities may already be present in preverbal human infants and great apes. However, this area of research suffers from conceptual difficulties and empirical limitations, including explanatory circularity, over-intellectualisation, and inconsistent empirical replication. Our article breaks new ground by adapting 'script theory' for application to both linguistic and non-linguistic agents. It thereby provides a new theoretical framework able to resolve the aforementioned issues, generate novel predictions, and provide a plausible account of how individuals make sense of the behaviour of others. Script theory is based on the premise that pre-verbal infants and great apes are capable of basic forms of agency-detection and non-mentalistic goal understanding, allowing individuals to form event-schemata that are then used to make sense of the behaviour of others. We show how script theory circumvents fundamental problems created by ToM-based frameworks, explains patterns of inconsistent replication, and offers important novel predictions regarding how humans and other animals understand and predict the behaviour of others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derry Taylor
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Biology, Department of Comparative Cognition, University of Neuchâtel, Rue-Emile-Argand 11, Neuchâtel, 2000, Switzerland
| | - Gökhan Gönül
- Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Institute of Language and Communication Sciences, Cognitive Science Centre, University of Neuchâtel, Pierre-à-Mazel 7, Neuchâtel, 2000, Switzerland
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Department of Philosophy, University of Zürich, Zürichbergstrasse 43, Zurich, CH-8044, Switzerland
| | - Klaus Züberbühler
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Biology, Department of Comparative Cognition, University of Neuchâtel, Rue-Emile-Argand 11, Neuchâtel, 2000, Switzerland
| | - Fabrice Clément
- Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Institute of Language and Communication Sciences, Cognitive Science Centre, University of Neuchâtel, Pierre-à-Mazel 7, Neuchâtel, 2000, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Johann Glock
- Department of Philosophy, University of Zürich, Zürichbergstrasse 43, Zurich, CH-8044, Switzerland
- Institute for the Study of Language Evolution, University of Zürich, Affolternstrasse 56, Zürich, CH-8050, Switzerland
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8
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Kasza K, Elsherbeny A, Moloney C, Hardie KR, Cámara M, Alexander C, Gurnani P. Hybrid Poly( β-amino ester) Triblock Copolymers Utilizing a RAFT Polymerization Grafting-From Methodology. MACROMOL CHEM PHYS 2023; 224:2300262. [PMID: 38495072 PMCID: PMC10941699 DOI: 10.1002/macp.202300262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The biocompatibility, biodegradability, and responsiveness of poly(β-amino esters) (PBAEs) has led to their widespread use as biomaterials for drug and gene delivery. Nonetheless, the step-growth polymerization mechanism that yields PBAEs limits the scope for their structural optimization toward specific applications because of limited monomer choice and end-group modifications. Moreover, to date the post-synthetic functionalization of PBAEs has relied on grafting-to approaches, challenged by the need for efficient polymer-polymer coupling and potentially difficult post-conjugation purification. Here a novel grafting-from approach to grow reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymers from a PBAE scaffold is described. This is achieved through PBAE conversion into a macromolecular chain transfer agent through a multistep capping procedure, followed by RAFT polymerization with a range of monomers to produce PBAE-RAFT hybrid triblock copolymers. Following successful synthesis, the potential biological applications of these ABA triblock copolymers are illustrated through assembly into polymeric micelles and encapsulation of a model hydrophobic drug, followed by successful nanoparticle (NP) uptake in breast cancer cells. The findings demonstrate this novel synthetic methodology can expand the scope of PBAEs as biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Kasza
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and FormulationSchool of PharmacyUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamNG7 2RDUK
- National Biofilms Innovation CentreSchool of Life Sciences, Biodiscovery InstituteUniversity Park, University of NottinghamNottinghamNG7 2RDUK
| | - Amr Elsherbeny
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and FormulationSchool of PharmacyUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamNG7 2RDUK
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of ExcellenceSchool of MedicineUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamNG7 2RDUK
- School of MedicineBiodiscovery InstituteUniversity Park, University of NottinghamNottinghamNG7 2RDUK
| | - Cara Moloney
- School of MedicineBiodiscovery InstituteUniversity Park, University of NottinghamNottinghamNG7 2RDUK
| | - Kim R. Hardie
- National Biofilms Innovation CentreSchool of Life Sciences, Biodiscovery InstituteUniversity Park, University of NottinghamNottinghamNG7 2RDUK
| | - Miguel Cámara
- National Biofilms Innovation CentreSchool of Life Sciences, Biodiscovery InstituteUniversity Park, University of NottinghamNottinghamNG7 2RDUK
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and FormulationSchool of PharmacyUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamNG7 2RDUK
| | - Pratik Gurnani
- UCL School of PharmacyUniversity College London29–39 Brunswick SquareLondonWC1N 1AXUK
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9
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Moloney C, Mehradnia F, Cavanagh RJ, Ibrahim A, Pearce AK, Ritchie AA, Clarke P, Rahman R, Grabowska AM, Alexander C. Chain-extension in hyperbranched polymers alters tissue distribution and cytotoxicity profiles in orthotopic models of triple negative breast cancers. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:6545-6560. [PMID: 37593851 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm00609c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic efficacy of nanomedicines is highly dependent on their access to target sites in the body, and this in turn is markedly affected by their size, shape and transport properties in tissue. Although there have been many studies in this area, the ability to design nanomaterials with optimal physicochemical properties for in vivo efficacy remains a significant challenge. In particular, it is often difficult to quantify the detailed effects of cancer drug delivery systems in vivo as tumour volume reduction, a commonly reported marker of efficacy, does not always correlate with cytotoxicity in tumour tissue. Here, we studied the behaviour in vivo of two specific poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylamide) (pHPMA) pro-drugs, with hyperbranched and chain-extended branched architectures, redox-responsive backbone components, and pH-sensitive linkers to the anti-cancer drug doxorubicin. Evaluation of the biodistribution of these polymers following systemic injection indicated differences in the circulation time and organ distribution of the two polymers, despite their very similar hydrodynamic radii (∼10 and 15 nm) and architectures. In addition, both polymers showed improved tumour accumulation in orthotopic triple-negative breast cancers in mice, and decreased accumulation in healthy tissue, as compared to free doxorubicin, even though neither polymer-doxorubicin pro-drug decreased overall tumour volume as much as the free drug under the dosing regimens selected. However, the results of histopathological examinations by haematoxylin and eosin, and TUNEL staining indicated a higher population of apoptotic cells in the tumours for both polymer pro-drug treatments, and in turn a lower population of apoptotic cells in the heart, liver and spleen, as compared to free doxorubicin treatment. These data suggest that the penetration of these polymer pro-drugs was enhanced in tumour tissue relative to free doxorubicin, and that the combination of size, architecture, bioresponsive backbone and drug linker degradation yielded greater efficacy for the polymers as measured by biomarkers than that of tumour volume. We suggest therefore that the effects of nanomedicines may be different at various length scales relative to small molecule free drugs, and that penetration into tumour tissue for some nanomedicines may not be as problematic as prior reports have suggested. Furthermore, the data indicate that dual-responsive crosslinked polymer-prodrugs in this study may be effective nanomedicines for breast cancer chemotherapy, and that endpoints beyond tumour volume reduction can be valuable in selecting candidates for pre-clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Moloney
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Fatemeh Mehradnia
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Robert J Cavanagh
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Asmaa Ibrahim
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Amanda K Pearce
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Alison A Ritchie
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Philip Clarke
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Ruman Rahman
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Cameron Alexander
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
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10
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Datta N, Johnson C, Kao D, Gurnani P, Alexander C, Polytarchou C, Monaghan TM. MicroRNA-based therapeutics for inflammatory disorders of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Pharmacol Res 2023; 194:106870. [PMID: 37499702 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
An emerging but less explored shared pathophysiology across microbiota-gut-brain axis disorders is aberrant miRNA expression, which may represent novel therapeutic targets. miRNAs are small, endogenous non-coding RNAs that are important transcriptional repressors of gene expression. Most importantly, they regulate the integrity of the intestinal epithelial and blood-brain barriers and serve as an important communication channel between the gut microbiome and the host. A well-defined understanding of the mode of action, therapeutic strategies and delivery mechanisms of miRNAs is pivotal in translating the clinical applications of miRNA-based therapeutics. Accumulating evidence links disorders of the microbiota-gut-brain axis with a compromised gut-blood-brain-barrier, causing gut contents such as immune cells and microbiota to enter the bloodstream leading to low-grade systemic inflammation. This has the potential to affect all organs, including the brain, causing central inflammation and the development of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. In this review, we have examined in detail miRNA biogenesis, strategies for therapeutic application, delivery mechanisms, as well as their pathophysiology and clinical applications in inflammatory gut-brain disorders. The research data in this review was drawn from the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Clinicaltrials.gov. With increasing evidence of the pathophysiological importance for miRNAs in microbiota-gut-brain axis disorders, therapeutic targeting of cross-regulated miRNAs in these disorders displays potentially transformative and translational potential. Further preclinical research and human clinical trials are required to further advance this area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Datta
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Charlotte Johnson
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK; Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Dina Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Pratik Gurnani
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics & Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics & Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Christos Polytarchou
- Department of Biosciences, John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science & Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Tanya M Monaghan
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK; Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
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11
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Ogrodzinski L, Platt S, Goulding J, Alexander C, Farr TD, Woolard J, Hill SJ, Kilpatrick LE. Probing expression of E-selectin using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated tagging with HiBiT in human endothelial cells. iScience 2023; 26:107232. [PMID: 37496673 PMCID: PMC10366498 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
E-selectin is expressed on endothelial cells in response to inflammatory cytokines and mediates leukocyte rolling and extravasation. However, studies have been hampered by lack of experimental approaches to monitor expression in real time in living cells. Here, NanoLuc Binary Technology (NanoBiT) in conjunction with CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing was used to tag endogenous E-selectin in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with the 11 amino acid nanoluciferase fragment HiBiT. Addition of the membrane-impermeable complementary fragment LgBiT allowed detection of cell surface expression. This allowed the effect of inflammatory mediators on E-selectin expression to be monitored in real time in living endothelial cells. NanoBiT combined with CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing allows sensitive monitoring of real-time changes in cell surface expression of E-selectin and offers a powerful tool for future drug discovery efforts aimed at this important inflammatory protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Ogrodzinski
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH Nottingham, UK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and Nottingham, The Midlands, Nottingham, UK
| | - Simon Platt
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH Nottingham, UK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and Nottingham, The Midlands, Nottingham, UK
| | - Joelle Goulding
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH Nottingham, UK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and Nottingham, The Midlands, Nottingham, UK
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, Boots Building, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD Nottingham, UK
| | - Tracy D. Farr
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH Nottingham, UK
| | - Jeanette Woolard
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH Nottingham, UK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and Nottingham, The Midlands, Nottingham, UK
| | - Stephen J. Hill
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH Nottingham, UK
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and Nottingham, The Midlands, Nottingham, UK
| | - Laura E. Kilpatrick
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and Nottingham, The Midlands, Nottingham, UK
- Division of Bimolecular Science and Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD Nottingham, UK
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12
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Mendonca T, Lis-Slimak K, Matheson AB, Smith MG, Anane-Adjei AB, Ashworth JC, Cavanagh R, Paterson L, Dalgarno PA, Alexander C, Tassieri M, Merry CLR, Wright AJ. OptoRheo: Simultaneous in situ micro-mechanical sensing and imaging of live 3D biological systems. Commun Biol 2023; 6:463. [PMID: 37117487 PMCID: PMC10147656 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04780-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomechanical cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM) are essential for directing many cellular processes, from normal development and repair, to disease progression. To better understand cell-matrix interactions, we have developed a new instrument named 'OptoRheo' that combines light sheet fluorescence microscopy with particle tracking microrheology. OptoRheo lets us image cells in 3D as they proliferate over several days while simultaneously sensing the mechanical properties of the surrounding extracellular and pericellular matrix at a sub-cellular length scale. OptoRheo can be used in two operational modalities (with and without an optical trap) to extend the dynamic range of microrheology measurements. We corroborated this by characterising the ECM surrounding live breast cancer cells in two distinct culture systems, cell clusters in 3D hydrogels and spheroids in suspension culture. This cutting-edge instrument will transform the exploration of drug transport through complex cell culture matrices and optimise the design of the next-generation of disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Mendonca
- Optics and Photonics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Katarzyna Lis-Slimak
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrew B Matheson
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Matthew G Smith
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Jennifer C Ashworth
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Robert Cavanagh
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lynn Paterson
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paul A Dalgarno
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Manlio Tassieri
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Catherine L R Merry
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Amanda J Wright
- Optics and Photonics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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13
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Soukarieh F, Gurnani P, Romero M, Halliday N, Stocks M, Alexander C, Cámara M. Design of Quorum Sensing Inhibitor-Polymer Conjugates to Penetrate Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms. ACS Macro Lett 2023; 12:314-319. [PMID: 36790191 PMCID: PMC10035027 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.2c00699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat to public health with a forecast of a negative financial impact of one trillion dollars per annum, hence novel therapeutics are urgently needed. The resistance of many bacteria against current drugs is further augmented by the ability of these microbes to form biofilms where cells are encased in a slimy extracellular matrix and either adhered to a surface or forming cell aggregates. Biofilms form physiochemical barriers against the penetration of treatments such as small molecule antibacterials, rendering most treatments ineffective. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a priority pathogen of immediate concern, controls biofilm formation through multiple layers of gene regulation pathways including quorum sensing (QS), a cell-to-cell signaling system. We have recently reported a series of inhibitors of the PqsR QS regulator from this organism that can potentiate the action of antibiotics. However, these QS inhibitors (QSIs) have shown modest effects on biofilms in contrast with planktonic cultures due to poor penetration through the biofilm matrix. To enhance the delivery of the inhibitors, a small library of polymers was designed as carriers of a specific QSI, with variations in the side chains to introduce either positively charged or neutral moieties to aid penetration into and through the P. aeruginosa biofilm. The synthesized polymers were evaluated in a series of assays to establish their effects on the inhibition of the Pqs QS system in P. aeruginosa, the levels of inhibitor release from polymers, and their impact on biofilm formation. A selected cationic polymer-QSI conjugate was found to penetrate effectively through biofilm layers and to release the QSI. When used in combination with ciprofloxacin, it enhanced the biofilm antimicrobial activity of this antibiotic compared to free QSI and ciprofloxacin under the same conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi Soukarieh
- National
Biofilms Innovation Centre, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United
Kingdom
- School
of Life Sciences, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United
Kingdom
| | - Pratik Gurnani
- Division
of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, Boots Science Building,
School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Manuel Romero
- National
Biofilms Innovation Centre, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United
Kingdom
- Department
of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Biology-CIBUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
| | - Nigel Halliday
- School
of Life Sciences, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United
Kingdom
| | - Michael Stocks
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Division
of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, Boots Science Building,
School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Miguel Cámara
- National
Biofilms Innovation Centre, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United
Kingdom
- School
of Life Sciences, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United
Kingdom
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14
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Joubert F, Munson MJ, Sabirsh A, England RM, Hemmerling M, Alexander C, Ashford MB. Precise and systematic end group chemistry modifications on PAMAM and poly(l-lysine) dendrimers to improve cytosolic delivery of mRNA. J Control Release 2023; 356:580-594. [PMID: 36918085 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Here, we aimed to chemically modify PAMAM dendrimers using lysine as a site-selective anchor for successfully delivering mRNA while maintaining a low toxicity profile. PAMAM dendrimers were multi-functionalised by amidation reactions in a regioselective, quantitative and stepwise manner with carefully selected property-modifying surface groups. Alternatively, novel lysine-based dendrimers were prepared in the same manner with the aim to unlock their potential in gene delivery. The modified dendrimers were then formulated with Cy5-EGFP mRNA by bulk mixing via liquid handling robotics across different nitrogen to phosphate ratios. The resulting dendriplexes were characterised by size, charge, mRNA encapsulation, and mRNA binding affinity. Finally, their in-vitro delivery activity was systematically investigated across key cellular trafficking stages to relate chemical design to cellular effect. We demonstrate our findings in different cell lines and benchmarked relative to a commercially available transfection agent, jetPEI®. We demonstrate that specific surface modifications are required to generate small, reliable and well-encapsulated positively charged dendriplex complexes. Furthermore, we show that introduction of fusogenic groups is essential for driving endosomal escape and achieving cellular delivery and translation of mRNA in these cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Joubert
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
| | - Michael J Munson
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alan Sabirsh
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Richard M England
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK.
| | - Martin Hemmerling
- Medicinal Chemistry, Early Respiratory & Immunology, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Marianne B Ashford
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
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15
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Fowler HR, O'Brien DM, Keddie D, Alexander C, Irvine DJ, Stockman RA, Howdle SM, Taresco V. Oxidation of monoterpenes to form diols and triols: a versatile toolbox for polymer synthesis. MACROMOL CHEM PHYS 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/macp.202200446] [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: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Harriet R. Fowler
- University of Nottingham School of Chemistry University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Dara M. O'Brien
- University of Nottingham School of Chemistry University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Daniel Keddie
- University of Nottingham School of Chemistry University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Cameron Alexander
- University of Nottingham School of Pharmacy University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Derek J. Irvine
- University of Nottingham Faculty of Engineering University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Robert A. Stockman
- University of Nottingham School of Chemistry University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Steven M. Howdle
- University of Nottingham School of Chemistry University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Vincenzo Taresco
- University of Nottingham School of Chemistry University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
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16
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Giacaman AG, Styliari ID, Taresco V, Pritchard D, Alexander C, Rose FRAJ. Development of bioactive electrospun scaffolds suitable to support skin fibroblasts and release Lucilia sericata maggot excretion/secretion. SN Appl Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-022-05209-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractLarval therapy has been reported to be beneficial in the treatment of chronic wounds by promoting granulation tissue formation, due to its antimicrobial properties and by degrading necrotic tissue. However, the use of live maggots is problematic for patient acceptance, and thus there is a need to develop materials which can release therapeutic biomolecules derived from maggot secretions to the wound bed. Here we describe the fabrication of a novel bioactive scaffold that can be loaded with Lucilia sericata maggot alimentary excretion/secretion fluids (L. sericata maggot E/S), and which can also provide structural stability for mammalian cell-growth and migration to support wound repair. Electrospun scaffolds were prepared from a poly(caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)–block copolymer (PCL-b-PEG) blended with PCL with average fibre diameters of ~ 4 μm. The scaffolds were hydrophilic and were able to support viable fibroblasts that were able to infiltrate throughout the extent of the scaffold thickness. L. sericata maggot (E/S) was subsequently adsorbed to the surface and released over 21 days with retention of the protease activity that is responsible for supporting fibroblast migration. The incorporation of L. sericata maggot E/S on the surface of the electrospun fibres of PCL-PEG/PCL fibres is a novel approach with potential for future application to support skin wound healing within a clinical setting.
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17
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Moloney C, McCrorie P, Bastianchich C, Ucakar B, Alexander C, Marlow M, Préat V, Rahman R. DDEL-03. ASSESSING THE DEPTH OF DRUG PENETRATION INTO BRAIN PARENCHYMA FROM LOCAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS IN AN ORTHOTOPIC HIGH GRADE GLIOMA ALLOGRAFT USING ORBITRAP-SECONDARY ION MASS SPECTROMETRY. Neuro Oncol 2022. [PMCID: PMC9661034 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac209.349] [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
Abstract
Local intracranial drug delivery for high-grade glioma has been developed over the last two decades with chemotherapeutic agents administered immediately adjuvant to neurosurgery to overcome poor blood brain barrier permeability. In addition to this, the incorporation of nanoparticles (NPs) into local drug delivery systems (DDS) can result in increased penetration of chemotherapeutics through brain parenchyma, transporting the drug further from the administration site than by drug molecule diffusion alone.Here we adopted two model local DDS containing NPs to compare the depth of penetration through brain parenchyma. Approach one consisted of a thermosensitive in situ assembling polymer matrix loaded with polymer-doxorubicin conjugated NPs which can line the resection cavity walls, while approach two consisted of drug-loaded (etoposide and olaparib) poly(lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) polymeric NPs held within a bioadhesive pectin hydrogel and delivered via a spray device.We assessed the efficacy of both DDS at preventing recurrence of high-grade glioma in an orthotopic rat 9L gliosarcoma model following surgical resection. In addition to monitoring long-term survival, the effect of each DDS was measured histologically by H&E and by caspase-1 (inflammatory response) and ki67 (cell proliferation) immunostaining staining. Depth of drug penetration was evaluated on post-sacrificial sections using Orbitrap-Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (OrbiSIMS) and fluorescent microscopy. In vivo data suggests that the delivery mechanism of the NPs affects the efficacy of the DDS, whereby long-term survival was observed in rats treated with the sprayed olaparib/etoposide NP formulation, relative to rats where olaparib/etoposide was simply pipetted into the resection cavity. OrbiSIMS confirmed the presence of doxorubicin, olaparib and etoposide in brain tissue. Our work encourages consideration of mass spectrometry modalities to complement in vivo efficacy studies, as an analytical tool to assess brain distribution of systemically administered drugs, or localised brain penetration of drugs released biomaterial-based DDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Moloney
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham , England , United Kingdom
| | - Phoebe McCrorie
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham , England , United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Maria Marlow
- University of Nottingham , Nottingham , United Kingdom
| | | | - Ruman Rahman
- University of Nottingham , Nottingham , United Kingdom
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18
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Yousif MD, Al-Natour MA, Cavanagh R, Abouselo A, Apebende EA, Ghaemmaghami A, Kim DH, Aylott JW, Taresco V, Chauhan VM, Alexander C. Correction to "Facile Dye-Initiated Polymerization of Lactide-Glycolide Generates Highly Fluorescent Poly(lactic- co-glycolic Acid) for Enhanced Characterization of Cellular Delivery". ACS Macro Lett 2022; 11:1224. [PMID: 36201467 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.2c00570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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19
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Cavanagh R, Baquain S, Alexander C, Scherman O, Rahman R. Pro-drug Nanoparticle Loaded Supramolecular Hydrogels for Drug Delivery to IDH1 Wild-Type Glioblastoma. Neuro Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac200.001] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
AIMS
A hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel with mechanical properties comparable to human brain tissue is being investigated as an implantable drug-delivery vehicle for post-surgical treatment of IDH1 wild-type glioblastoma (GBM). Hydrogels are to be loaded with polymeric pro-drug nanoparticles to enable controlled drug release and increased drug penetration through brain parenchyma for enhanced treatment of residual disease within and beyond the invasive margin.
METHOD
A panel of patient-derived glioblastoma cell lines resected from tumour core and invasive margin, have been used to generate tumour spheroids. Chemotherapeutic drug screening has been performed to select lead compounds for formulation and gel loading. Synergies of drug combinations have been studied for potential combination loading. Upcoming work will investigate nanoparticle internalisation, spheroid penetration and prodrug nanoparticle potency. Nanoparticle loaded hydrogels are then to be studied for validation of effective in vitro application.
RESULTS
Current results demonstrate that patient-derived cell lines can generate robust, reproducible tumour spheroids with diameters approx. 350-400 µm. Patient-to-patient differences in drug potencies were observed, with differences also noted between counterpart core and marginal cells from the same patients, illustrating the importance of using patient-derived cells and distinct regional cells to study heterogenous disease such as GBM. Drug combination experiments indicated synergy of topoisomerase I inhibitor (Irinotecan) with PARP inhibitor (Ola-parib). Interestingly, combination of PARP inhibition with topoisomerase II inhibitors (Doxorubicin, Etoposide) was found not synergistic.
CONCLUSION
Together, data gathered on single drug and drug-drug combinations will inform upcoming formulation and in vitro application of hydrogels planned, with eventual translation to pre-clinical in vivo models.
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20
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Moloney C, Mavromoustakos M, Alexander C, Rahman R. Neurosurgically-Applied Chemotherapy for Childhood Brain Tumours Arising in the Posterior Fossa Using a Biodegradable Paste. Neuro Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac200.018] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
AIMS
This project aims to develop a local drug delivery system for treatment of childhood medulloblastoma (MB) and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumours (AT/RT), malignant brain neoplasms occurring in the posterior fossa for which prognoses remains poor. Our goal is to repurpose drug compounds reported as effective against MB and AT/RT, but which either cannot cross the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) or have not been assessed for localised delivery. We have developed a novel intra-cavity drug delivery system, consisting of polymer microparticles made from poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA/PEG) which will be employed to release drugs over several weeks.
METHOD
Cell toxicity assays were undertaken using drugs of interest against an in vitro panel of relevant MB and AT/RT cell lines. PLGA/PEG paste incorporating the drugs were prepared and release kinetics assessed.
RESULTS
IC50 values of the drugs were assessed across all cell lines and a range of potencies were observed, with optimum conditions identified as dual treatments of PG545 (heparanse inhibitor) with CHIR99021 (glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibitor) for MB and ribavirin (anti-viral) with CHIR99021 for AT/RT. Importantly, it was noted that the drugs retained their cytotoxicity following release from PLGA/PEG. Furthermore, release kinetics were finely tuned through careful control of the composition through addition of excipients and encapsulation of drugs in nanoparticles, and a library of formulations were prepared.
CONCLUSION
A local drug delivery system for MB and AT/RT has been developed and an optimum formulation, based upon in vitro cell assays and release kinetics, has been identified for in vivo efficacy studies in orthotopic models.
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21
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Al-natour M, Abdelrazig S, Ghaemmaghami AM, Alexander C, Kim DH. Metabolic Signatures of Surface-Modified Poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid) Nanoparticles in Differentiated THP-1 Cells Derived with Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry-based Metabolomics. ACS Omega 2022; 7:28806-28819. [PMID: 36033713 PMCID: PMC9404530 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c01660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used in preclinical drug delivery investigations, and some formulations are now in the clinic. However, the detailed effects of many NPs at the subcellular level have not been fully investigated. In this study, we used differentiated THP-1 macrophage cells, as a model, to investigate the metabolic changes associated with the use of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs with different surface coating or conjugation chemistries. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolic profiling was performed on the extracts (n = 6) of the differentiated THP-1 cells treated with plain, Pluronic (F-127, F-68, and P-85)-coated and PEG-PLGA NPs and control (no treatment). Principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) in conjunction with univariate and pathway analyses were performed to identify significantly changed metabolites and pathways related to exposure of the cells to NPs. OPLS-DA of each class in the study compared to the control showed clear separation and clustering with cross-validation values of R 2 and Q 2 > 0.5. A total of 105 metabolites and lipids were found to be significantly altered in the differentiated THP-1 cell profiles due to the NP exposure, whereas more than 20 metabolic pathways were found to be affected. These pathways included glycerophospholipid, sphingolipid, linoleic acid, arginine and proline, and alpha-linolenic acid metabolisms. PLGA NPs were found to perturb some amino acid metabolic pathways and altered membrane lipids to a different degree. The metabolic effect of the PLGA NPs on the cells were comparable to those caused by silver oxide NPs and other inorganic nanomaterials. However, PEG-PLGA NPs demonstrated a reduced impact on the cellular metabolism compared to Pluronic copolymer-coated PLGA and plain PLGA NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad
A. Al-natour
- Molecular
Therapeutics and Formulation Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
- Division
of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Petra, Amman 11196, Jordan
| | - Salah Abdelrazig
- Centre
for Analytical Bioscience, Advanced Materials and Healthcare Technologies
Division, School of Pharmacy, University
of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Khartoum, Khartoum 11115, Sudan
| | - Amir M. Ghaemmaghami
- Immunology
& Immuno-bioengineering Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty
of Medicine and Health Sciences, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Molecular
Therapeutics and Formulation Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Dong-Hyun Kim
- Centre
for Analytical Bioscience, Advanced Materials and Healthcare Technologies
Division, School of Pharmacy, University
of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
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22
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Bennett MR, Moloney C, Catrambone F, Turco F, Myers B, Kovacs K, Hill PJ, Alexander C, Rawson FJ, Gurnani P. Oxygen-Tolerant RAFT Polymerization Initiated by Living Bacteria. ACS Macro Lett 2022; 11:954-960. [PMID: 35819106 PMCID: PMC9387098 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.2c00372] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
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Living organisms can synthesize a wide range of macromolecules
from a small set of natural building blocks, yet there is potential
for even greater materials diversity by exploiting biochemical processes
to convert unnatural feedstocks into new abiotic polymers. Ultimately,
the synthesis of these polymers in situ might aid the coupling of
organisms with synthetic matrices, and the generation of biohybrids
or engineered living materials. The key step in biohybrid materials
preparation is to harness the relevant biological pathways to produce
synthetic polymers with predictable molar masses and defined architectures
under ambient conditions. Accordingly, we report an aqueous, oxygen-tolerant
RAFT polymerization platform based on a modified Fenton reaction,
which is initiated by Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34,
a bacterial species with iron-reducing capabilities. We show the synthesis
of a range of water-soluble polymers under normoxic conditions, with
control over the molar mass distribution, and also the production
of block copolymer nanoparticles via polymerization-induced self-assembly.
Finally, we highlight the benefits of using a bacterial initiation
system by recycling the cells for multiple polymerizations. Overall,
our method represents a highly versatile approach to producing well-defined
polymeric materials within a hybrid natural-synthetic polymerization
platform and in engineered living materials with properties beyond
those of biotic macromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mechelle R Bennett
- Division of Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Cara Moloney
- School of Medicine, BioDiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Catrambone
- School of Life Sciences, BioDiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Federico Turco
- School of Pharmacy, BioDiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Myers
- Division of Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Katalin Kovacs
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Philip J Hill
- Division of Microbiology, Brewing and Biotechnology, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Nottingham LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Frankie J Rawson
- Division of Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Pratik Gurnani
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
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23
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Anane-Adjei AB, Fletcher NL, Cavanagh RJ, Houston ZH, Crawford T, Pearce AK, Taresco V, Ritchie AA, Clarke P, Grabowska AM, Gellert PR, Ashford MB, Kellam B, Thurecht KJ, Alexander C. Synthesis, characterisation and evaluation of hyperbranched N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamides for transport and delivery in pancreatic cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:2328-2344. [PMID: 35380131 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm01548f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hyperbranched polymers have many promising features for drug delivery, owing to their ease of synthesis, multiple functional group content, and potential for high drug loading with retention of solubility. Here we prepared hyperbranched N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) polymers with a range of molar masses and particle sizes, and with attached dyes, radiolabel or the anticancer drug gemcitabine. Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerisation enabled the synthesis of pHPMA polymers and a gemcitabine-comonomer functionalised pHPMA polymer pro-drug, with diameters of the polymer particles ranging from 7-40 nm. The non-drug loaded polymers were well-tolerated in cancer cell lines and macrophages, and were rapidly internalised in 2D cell culture and transported efficiently to the centre of dense pancreatic cancer 3D spheroids. The gemcitabine-loaded polymer pro-drug was found to be toxic both to 2D cultures of MIA PaCa-2 cells and also in reducing the volume of MIA PaCa-2 spheroids. The non-drug loaded polymers caused no short-term adverse effects in healthy mice following systemic injection, and derivatives of these polymers labelled with 89Zr-were tracked for their distribution in the organs of healthy and MIA PaCa-2 xenograft bearing Balb/c nude mice. Tumour accumulation, although variable across the samples, was highest in individual animals for the pHPMA polymer of ∼20 nm size, and accordingly a gemcitabine pHPMA polymer pro-drug of ∼18 nm diameter was evaluated for efficacy in the tumour-bearing animals. The efficacy of the pHPMA polymer pro-drug was very similar to that of free gemcitabine in terms of tumour growth retardation, and although there was a survival benefit after 70 days for the polymer pro-drug, there was no difference at day 80. These data suggest that while polymer pro-drugs of this type can be effective, better tumour targeting and enhanced in situ release remain as key obstacles to clinical translation even for relatively simple polymers such as pHPMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akosua B Anane-Adjei
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Nicholas L Fletcher
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. .,Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Robert J Cavanagh
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Zachary H Houston
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. .,Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Theodore Crawford
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Amanda K Pearce
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Vincenzo Taresco
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | | | - Phillip Clarke
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | | | - Paul R Gellert
- Product Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
| | - Marianne B Ashford
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
| | - Barrie Kellam
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Kristofer J Thurecht
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. .,Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
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24
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Monaghan TM, Polytarchou C, Kao D, Alexander C, Gurnani P. Therapeutic potential of miRNAs in Clostridioides difficile infection. Future Microbiol 2022; 17:315-318. [PMID: 35172603 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2021-0311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tweetable abstract Treating Clostridioides difficile infection with miRNAs alone or combined with live biotherapeutic products may augment therapeutic efficacy and help counteract drug resistance in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya M Monaghan
- National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.,Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Christos Polytarchou
- Department of Biosciences, John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science & Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK.,Centre for Health, Aging & Understanding Disease, School of Science & Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Dina Kao
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics & Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Pratik Gurnani
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics & Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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25
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Hughes C, Savage M, Alexander C. Service evaluation of the impact of implementing a novel physiotherapy band 5 mixed research and clinical rotation. Physiotherapy 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2021.12.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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26
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Travanut A, Monteiro PF, Smith S, Howdle SM, Grabowska A, Kellam B, Meier MAR, Alexander C. Passerini chemistries for synthesis of polymer pro-drug and polymersome drug delivery nanoparticles. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:3895-3905. [DOI: 10.1039/d2tb00045h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
New materials chemistries are urgently needed to overcome the limitations of existing biomedical materials in terms of preparation, functionality and versatility, and also in regards to their compatibility with biological...
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27
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Powell LG, Alexander C, Stone V, Johnston HJ, Conte C. An in vitro investigation of the hepatic toxicity of PEGylated polymeric redox responsive nanoparticles. RSC Adv 2022; 12:12860-12870. [PMID: 35496338 PMCID: PMC9044528 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra00395c] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
It can be challenging to deliver drugs to cancer cells in a targeted manner at an effective dose. Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) are promising drug delivery systems that can be targeted to cancer cells using redox responsive elements. More specifically, intracellular and extracellular levels of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) are elevated in cancer cells and therefore the use of NPs with a cleavable GSH-responsive element allowing these NPs to target cancer cells and trigger the release of their cargo (e.g. anticancer drugs). The aim of this study was to assess the hepatotoxicity of polymeric NP delivery systems with and without a redox sensitive element. Copolymer poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) NPs with (RR-NPs) and without (nRR-NPs) a redox responsive dithiylethanoate ester linker were synthesised and their toxicity assessed in vitro. As the liver is a primary site of NP accumulation, the C3A hepatocyte cell line was used to assess NP toxicity in vitro via investigation of cytotoxicity, cytokine production, genotoxicity, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, intracellular calcium concentration, and hepatocyte function (albumin and urea production). The cellular uptake of NPs was also assessed as this may influence the cellular dose and, therefore, the cellular response. Both NPs had no detrimental impact on cell viability. However, both NPs stimulated an increase in cytokine (IL-1ra) and ROS production and decreased hepatocyte function, with the greatest effect observed for nRR-NPs. Only nRR-NPs caused DNA damage. Cells internalised both NPs and caused a (sub-lethal) increase in intracellular calcium levels. Therefore, whilst the NPs did not have a negative impact on cell viability, the NPs were able to elicit sub-lethal toxicity. By using a battery of tests we were able to demonstrate that RR-NPs may be less toxic than nRR-NPs. Our findings can therefore feed into the development of safer and more effective nanomedicines and into the design of testing strategies to assess polymeric NP safety based on knowledge of their mechanism of toxicity. PEGylated polymeric RR-NPs are less toxic than nRR-NPs. Both formulations did not have a negative impact on cell viability, but were able to elicit sub-lethal toxicity, especially in the case of non redox responsive NPs.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Leagh G. Powell
- Nano Safety Research Group, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, UK
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Vicki Stone
- Nano Safety Research Group, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, UK
| | - Helinor J. Johnston
- Nano Safety Research Group, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, UK
| | - Claudia Conte
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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28
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Bennett MR, Jain A, Kovacs K, Hill PJ, Alexander C, Rawson FJ. Engineering bacteria to control electron transport altering the synthesis of non-native polymer. RSC Adv 2021; 12:451-457. [PMID: 35424487 PMCID: PMC8978702 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra06403g] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of bacteria as catalysts for radical polymerisations of synthetic monomers has recently been established. However, the role of trans Plasma Membrane Electron Transport (tPMET) in modulating these processes is not well understood. We sort to study this by genetic engineering a part of the tPMET system NapC in E. coli. We show that this engineering altered the rate of extracellular electron transfer coincided with an effect on cell-mediated polymerisation using a model monomer. A plasmid with arabinose inducible PBAD promoters were shown to upregulate NapC protein upon induction at total arabinose concentrations of 0.0018% and 0.18%. These clones (E. coli(IP_0.0018%) and E. coli(IP_0.18%), respectively) were used in iron-mediated atom transfer radical polymerisation (Fe ATRP), affecting the nature of the polymerisation, than cultures containing suppressed or empty plasmids (E. coli(IP_S) and E. coli(E), respectively). These results lead to the hypothesis that EET (Extracellular Electron Transfer) in part modulates cell instructed polymerisations. The use of bacteria as catalysts for radical polymerisations of synthetic monomers has recently been established.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Mechelle R Bennett
- Division of Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Akhil Jain
- Division of Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK .,Synthetic Biology Research Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Katalin Kovacs
- Synthetic Biology Research Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Phil J Hill
- Division of Microbiology, Brewing and Biotechnology, School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham Sutton Bonington Campus Nottingham LE15 5RD UK
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, Boots Science Building, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Frankie J Rawson
- Division of Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
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29
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Alazzo A, Gumus N, Gurnani P, Stolnik S, Rahman R, Spriggs K, Alexander C. Investigating histidinylated highly branched poly(lysine) for siRNA delivery. J Mater Chem B 2021; 10:236-246. [PMID: 34852030 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb01793d] [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: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The temporary silencing of disease-associated genes utilising short interfering RNA (siRNA) is a potent and selective route for addressing a wide range of life limiting disorders. However, the few clinically approved siRNA therapies rely on lipid based formulations, which although potent, provide limited chemical space to tune the stability, efficacy and tissue selectivity. In this study, we investigated the role of molar mass and histidinylation for poly(lysine) based non-viral vectors, synthesised through a fully aqueous thermal condensation polymerisation. Formulation and in vitro studies revealed that higher molar mass derivatives yielded smaller polyplexes attributed to a greater affinity for siRNA at lower N/P ratios yielding greater transfection efficiency, albeit with some cytotoxicity. Histidinylation had a negligible effect on formulation size, yet imparted a moderate improvement in biocompatibility, but did not provide any meaningful improvement over silencing efficiency compared to non-histidinylated derivatives. This was attributed to a greater degree of cellular internalisation for non-histidinylated analogues, which was enhanced with the higher molar mass material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Alazzo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq.,Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Nurcan Gumus
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Pratik Gurnani
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Snjezana Stolnik
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Ruman Rahman
- BioDiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Keith Spriggs
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
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30
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Kasza K, Gurnani P, Hardie KR, Cámara M, Alexander C. Challenges and solutions in polymer drug delivery for bacterial biofilm treatment: A tissue-by-tissue account. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 178:113973. [PMID: 34530014 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
To tackle the emerging antibiotic resistance crisis, novel antimicrobial approaches are urgently needed. Bacterial communities (biofilms) are a particular concern in this context. Biofilms are responsible for most human infections and are inherently less susceptible to antibiotic treatments. Biofilms have been linked with several challenging chronic diseases, including implant-associated osteomyelitis and chronic wounds. The specific local environments present in the infected tissues further contribute to the rise in antibiotic resistance by limiting the efficacy of systemic antibiotic therapies and reducing drug concentrations at the infection site, which can lead to reoccurring infections. To overcome the shortcomings of systemic drug delivery, encapsulation within polymeric carriers has been shown to enhance antimicrobial efficacy, permeation and retention at the infection site. In this Review, we present an overview of current strategies for antimicrobial encapsulation within polymeric carriers, comparing challenges and solutions on a tissue-by-tissue basis. We compare challenges and proposed drug delivery solutions from the perspective of the local environments for biofilms found in oral, wound, gastric, urinary tract, bone, pulmonary, vaginal, ocular and middle/inner ear tissues. We will also discuss future challenges and barriers to clinical translation for these therapeutics. The following Review demonstrates there is a significant imbalance between the research focus being placed on different tissue types, with some targets (oral and wound biofims) being extensively more studied than others (vaginal and otitis media biofilms and endocarditis). Furthermore, the importance of the local tissue environment when selecting target therapies is demonstrated, with some materials being optimal choices for certain sites of bacterial infection, while having limited applicability in others.
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31
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Emmanuel A, Kanthabalan A, Alexander C, Bhatt N, Chan V, Kasivisvanathan V, Shabbir M. Expedited Radical Orchidectomy for Testicular Cancer: Compromising Fertility Outcomes Without Oncological Benefit? Eur Urol 2021; 80:766-767. [PMID: 34503880 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2021.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Emmanuel
- Department of Urology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Abi Kanthabalan
- Department of Urology, Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Worcester, UK
| | | | - Nikita Bhatt
- Department of Urology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK
| | - Vinson Chan
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Veeru Kasivisvanathan
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
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32
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Adala I, Ramis J, Ntone Moussinga C, Janowski I, Amer MH, Bennett AJ, Alexander C, Rose FRAJ. Mixed polymer and bioconjugate core/shell electrospun fibres for biphasic protein release. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:4120-4133. [PMID: 33982048 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb00129a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Effective regenerative medicine requires delivery systems which can release multiple components at appropriate levels and at different phases of tissue growth and repair. However, there are few biomaterials and encapsulation techniques that are fully suitable for the loading and controlled release of multiple proteins. In this study we describe how proteins were physically and chemically loaded into a single coaxial electrospun fibre scaffold to obtain bi-phasic release profiles. Cyto-compatible polymers were used to construct the scaffold, using polyethylene oxide (PEO) for the core and polycaprolactone (PCL) reacted or mixed with (bis-aminopropyl)polyether (Jeffamine ED2003; JFA) for the shell. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP), a model protein, was loaded in the core and functionalised onto the scaffold surface by coupling of protein carboxyl groups to the available polymer amine groups. Fibre morphologies were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and functional group content was determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF SIMS). Hydrophobicity profiles of the fibres before and after protein loading were evaluated by water contact angle (WCA) and the mechanical properties of the electrospun scaffolds were determined by performing tensile tests. The electrospun fibre scaffolds generated by reacting PEO/PCL with 1,6-diaminohexane and those from mixing PEO/PCL with JFA were further characterised for protein conjugation and release. Fibres prepared by the mixed PEO/PCL/JFA system were found to be the most appropriate for the simultaneous release of protein from the core and the immobilisation of another protein on the shell of the same scaffold. Moreover, JFA enhanced scaffold properties in terms of porosity and elasticity. Finally, we successfully demonstrated the cytocompatibility and cell response to protein-loaded and -conjugated scaffolds using HepG2 cells. Enhanced cell attachment (2.5 fold) was demonstrated using bovine serum albumin (BSA)-conjugated scaffolds, and increased metabolic activity observed with retinoic acid (RA)-loaded scaffolds (2.7 fold).
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Affiliation(s)
- Inchirah Adala
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Jopeth Ramis
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | | | | | - Mahetab H Amer
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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33
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Conte C, Monteiro PF, Gurnani P, Stolnik S, Ungaro F, Quaglia F, Clarke P, Grabowska A, Kavallaris M, Alexander C. Multi-component bioresponsive nanoparticles for synchronous delivery of docetaxel and TUBB3 siRNA to lung cancer cells. Nanoscale 2021; 13:11414-11426. [PMID: 34160534 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr02179f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Bioresponsive nanoparticles (NPs) are of interest for anticancer nanomedicines, owing to the possibility to 'design in' selective modulation of drug release at target sites. Here we describe the double emulsion formulation of redox-responsive NPs based on modified polyethylene glycol (PEG)-co-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) block copolymers and oligo (β-aminoesters) (OBAE), both of which contained disulfide linkages, for the co-delivery of a cytotoxic small molecule drug and a nucleic acid. In particular, we focused our attention on docetaxel (DTX) and a siRNA against TUBB3, a gene that encodes for βIII-tubulin, in order to have a synergistic effect in the treatment of lung cancer. Spherical NPs of around 150 nm with negative zeta potential and high loading efficiencies of both drugs were obtained. Stability and release studies showed "on demand" drug release under reducing conditions. Unloaded NPs containing PEG-disulfide-PLGA and OBAE were well-tolerated by lung cancer cells, thus masking the intrinsic cytotoxicity of OBAE, while for intracellular siRNA delivery, redox responsive NPs demonstrated a higher cell internalization with a preferential cytoplasmic accumulation of siRNA, with a subsequent fast gene-silencing efficiency. The viability of cells treated with combined DTX/TUBB3-siRNA NPs significantly decreased as compared to NPs loaded only with DTX, thus showing an efficient combined anticancer effect, due to a substantial reduction of β-tubulin expression. Finally, in an in vivo feasibility study employing an orthotopic lung cancer model, NPs formulated with an anti-luciferase siRNA distributed throughout the lungs following oro-tracheal administration, and demonstrated effective gene knockdown and no apparent cytotoxicity. Taken together, these results show that the double emulsion formulated redox responsive PEG-PLGA and OBAE systems represent a promising new therapeutic approach for the local combined chemo- and gene-therapy of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Conte
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK. and Drug Delivery Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Patrícia F Monteiro
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Pratik Gurnani
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Snow Stolnik
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Francesca Ungaro
- Drug Delivery Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Fabiana Quaglia
- Drug Delivery Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Philip Clarke
- The BioDiscovery Institute and Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Anna Grabowska
- The BioDiscovery Institute and Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Maria Kavallaris
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia and ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology and Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia and School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia 2052
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
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Brunato S, Mastrotto F, Bellato F, Bastiancich C, Travanut A, Garofalo M, Mantovani G, Alexander C, Preat V, Salmaso S, Caliceti P. PEG-polyaminoacid based micelles for controlled release of doxorubicin: Rational design, safety and efficacy study. J Control Release 2021; 335:21-37. [PMID: 33989691 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A library of amphiphilic monomethoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG) terminating polyaminoacid co-polymers able to self-assemble into colloidal systems was screened for the delivery and controlled release of doxorubicin (Doxo). mPEG-Glu/Leu random co-polymers were generated by Ring Opening Polymerization from 5 kDa mPEG-NH2 macroinitiator using 16:0:1, 8:8:1, 6:10:1, 4:12:1 γ-benzyl glutamic acid carboxy anhydride monomer/leucine N-carboxy anhydride monomer/PEG molar ratios. Glutamic acid was selected for chemical conjugation of Doxo, while leucine units were introduced in the composition of the polyaminoacid block as spacer between adjacent glutamic repeating units to minimize the steric hindrance that could impede the Doxo conjugation and to promote the polymer self-assembly by virtue of the aminoacid hydrophobicity. The benzyl ester protecting the γ-carboxyl group of glutamic acid was quantitatively displaced with hydrazine to yield mPEG5kDa-b-(hydGlum-r-Leun). Doxo was conjugated to the diblock co-polymers through pH-sensitive hydrazone bond. The Doxo derivatized co-polymers obtained with a 16:0:1, 8:8:1, 6:10:1 Glu/Leu/PEG ratios self-assembled into 30-40 nm spherical nanoparticles with neutral zeta-potential and CMC in the range of 4-7 μM. At pH 5.5, mimicking endosome environment, the carriers containing leucine showed a faster Doxo release than at pH 7.4, mimicking the blood conditions. Doxo-loaded colloidal formulations showed a dose dependent cytotoxicity on two cancer cell lines, CT26 murine colorectal carcinoma and 4T1 murine mammary carcinoma with IC50 slightly higher than those of free Doxo. The carrier assembled with the polymer containing 6:10:1 hydGlu/Leu/PEG molar ratio {mPEG5kDa-b-[(Doxo-hydGlu)6-r-Leu10]} was selected for subsequent in vitro and in vivo investigations. Confocal imaging on CT26 cell line showed that intracellular fate of the carrier involves a lysosomal trafficking pathway. The intratumor or intravenous injection to CT26 and 4T1 subcutaneous tumor bearing mice yielded higher antitumor activity compared to free Doxo. Furthermore, mPEG5kDa-b-[(Doxo-hydGlu)6-r-Leu10] displayed a better safety profile when compared to commercially available Caelyx®.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Brunato
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Mastrotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Federica Bellato
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Chiara Bastiancich
- Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Avenue Mounier 73, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alessandra Travanut
- Molecular Therapeutics and Formulations Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Mariangela Garofalo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mantovani
- Molecular Therapeutics and Formulations Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Molecular Therapeutics and Formulations Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Veronique Preat
- Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Avenue Mounier 73, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stefano Salmaso
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Paolo Caliceti
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
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Petch JE, Gurnani P, Yilmaz G, Mastrotto F, Alexander C, Heeb S, Cámara M, Mantovani G. Combining Inducible Lectin Expression and Magnetic Glyconanoparticles for the Selective Isolation of Bacteria from Mixed Populations. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2021; 13:19230-19243. [PMID: 33852268 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c00907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The selective isolation of bacteria from mixed populations has been investigated in varied applications ranging from differential pathogen identification in medical diagnostics and food safety to the monitoring of microbial stress dynamics in industrial bioreactors. Selective isolation techniques are generally limited to the confinement of small populations in defined locations, may be unable to target specific bacteria, or rely on immunomagnetic separation, which is not universally applicable. In this proof-of-concept work, we describe a novel strategy combining inducible bacterial lectin expression with magnetic glyconanoparticles (MGNPs) as a platform technology to enable selective bacterial isolation from cocultures. An inducible mutant of the type 1 fimbriae, displaying the mannose-specific lectin FimH, was constructed in Escherichia coli allowing for "on-demand" glycan-binding protein presentation following external chemical stimulation. Binding to glycopolymers was only observed upon fimbrial induction and was specific for mannosylated materials. A library of MGNPs was produced via the grafting of well-defined catechol-terminal glycopolymers prepared by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization to magnetic nanoparticles. Thermal analysis revealed high functionalization (≥85% polymer by weight). Delivery of MGNPs to cocultures of fluorescently labeled bacteria followed by magnetic extraction resulted in efficient depletion of type 1 fimbriated target cells from wild-type or afimbriate E. coli. Extraction efficiency was found to be dependent on the molecular weight of the glycopolymers utilized to engineer the nanoparticles, with MGNPs decorated with shorter Dopa-(ManAA)50 mannosylated glycopolymers found to perform better than those assembled from a longer Dopa-(ManAA)200 analogue. The extraction efficiency of fimbriated E. coli was also improved when the counterpart strain did not harbor the genetic apparatus for the expression of the type 1 fimbriae. Overall, this work suggests that the modulation of the genetic apparatus encoding bacterial surface-associated lectins coupled with capture through MGNPs could be a versatile tool for the extraction of bacteria from mixed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua E Petch
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
- Nottingham University Biodiscovery Institute, National Biofilms Innovation Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Pratik Gurnani
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Gokhan Yilmaz
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Francesca Mastrotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Stephan Heeb
- Nottingham University Biodiscovery Institute, National Biofilms Innovation Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Miguel Cámara
- Nottingham University Biodiscovery Institute, National Biofilms Innovation Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Giuseppe Mantovani
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
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Saviano F, Lovato T, Russo A, Russo G, Bouton CR, Shattock RJ, Alexander C, Quaglia F, Blakney AK, Gurnani P, Conte C. Ornithine-derived oligomers and dendrimers for in vitro delivery of DNA and ex vivo transfection of skin cells via saRNA. J Mater Chem B 2021; 8:4940-4949. [PMID: 32463058 DOI: 10.1039/d0tb00942c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapies are undergoing a renaissance, primarily due to their potential for applications in vaccination for infectious diseases and cancers. Although the biology of these technologies is rapidly evolving, delivery strategies need to be improved to overcome the poor pharmacokinetics and cellular transport of nucleic acids whilst maintaining patient safety. In this work, we describe the divergent synthesis of biodegradable cationic dendrimers based on the amino acid ornithine as non-viral gene delivery vectors and evaluate their potential as delivery vectors for DNA and RNA. The dendrimers effectively complexed model nucleic acids at lower N/P ratios than polyethyleneimine and outperformed it in DNA transfection experiments with ratios above 5. Remarkably, all dendrimer polyplexes at N/P = 2 achieved up to 7-fold higher protein content over an optimized PEI formulation when used for transfections with self-amplifying RNA (saRNA). Finally, transfection studies utilizing human skin explants revealed an increase of cells producing protein from 2% with RNA alone to 12% with dendrimer polyplexes, attributed to expression enrichment predominantly in epithelial cells, fibroblasts and leukocytes, with minor enrichment in NK cells, T cells, monocytes, and B cells. Overall, this study indicates the clear potential of ornithine dendrimers as safe and effective delivery vectors for both DNA and RNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Saviano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Tatiana Lovato
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Annapina Russo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Giulia Russo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Clément R Bouton
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, School of Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, UK.
| | - Robin J Shattock
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, School of Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, UK.
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Fabiana Quaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Anna K Blakney
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, School of Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, UK.
| | - Pratik Gurnani
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Claudia Conte
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
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Vallières C, Alexander C, Avery SV. Potentiated inhibition of Trichoderma virens and other environmental fungi by new biocide combinations. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:2867-2875. [PMID: 33738552 PMCID: PMC8007513 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11211-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Fungi cause diverse, serious socio-economic problems, including biodeterioration of valuable products and materials that spawns a biocides industry worth ~$11 billion globally. To help combat environmental fungi that commonly colonise material products, this study tested the hypothesis that combination of an approved fungicide with diverse agents approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) could reveal potent combinatorial activities with promise for fungicidal applications. The strategy to use approved compounds lowers potential development risks for any effective combinations. A high-throughput assay of 1280 FDA-approved compounds was conducted to find those that potentiate the effect of iodopropynyl-butyl-carbamate (IPBC) on the growth of Trichoderma virens; IPBC is one of the two most widely used Biocidal Products Regulations–approved fungicides. From this library, 34 compounds in combination with IPBC strongly inhibited fungal growth. Low-cost compounds that gave the most effective growth inhibition were tested against other environmental fungi that are standard biomarkers for resistance of synthetic materials to fungal colonisation. Trifluoperazine (TFZ) in combination with IPBC enhanced growth inhibition of three of the five test fungi. The antifungal hexetidine (HEX) potentiated IPBC action against two of the test organisms. Testable hypotheses on the mechanisms of these combinatorial actions are discussed. Neither IPBC + TFZ nor IPBC + HEX exhibited a combinatorial effect against mammalian cells. These combinations retained strong fungal growth inhibition properties after incorporation to a polymer matrix (alginate) with potential for fungicide delivery. The study reveals the potential of such approved compounds for novel combinatorial applications in the control of fungal environmental opportunists. Key points • Search with an approved fungicide to find new fungicidal synergies in drug libraries. • New combinations inhibit growth of key environmental fungi on different matrices. • The approach enables a more rapid response to demand for new biocides. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00253-021-11211-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Vallières
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Cameron Alexander
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Simon V Avery
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
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Simpson JD, Monteiro PF, Ediriweera GR, Prior AR, Sonderegger SE, Bell CA, Fletcher NL, Alexander C, Thurecht KJ. Fluorophore Selection and Incorporation Contribute to Permeation and Distribution Behaviors of Hyperbranched Polymers in Multi-Cellular Tumor Spheroids and Xenograft Tumor Models. ACS Appl Bio Mater 2021; 4:2675-2685. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c01616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D. Simpson
- Centre for Advanced Imaging (CAI), ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science & Technology (CBNS), ARC Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology (CIBIT), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Patrícia F. Monteiro
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Gayathri R. Ediriweera
- Centre for Advanced Imaging (CAI), ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science & Technology (CBNS), ARC Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology (CIBIT), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Amber R. Prior
- Centre for Advanced Imaging (CAI), ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science & Technology (CBNS), ARC Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology (CIBIT), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Stefan E. Sonderegger
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Craig A. Bell
- Centre for Advanced Imaging (CAI), ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science & Technology (CBNS), ARC Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology (CIBIT), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Nicholas L. Fletcher
- Centre for Advanced Imaging (CAI), ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science & Technology (CBNS), ARC Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology (CIBIT), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Cameron Alexander
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Kristofer J. Thurecht
- Centre for Advanced Imaging (CAI), ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science & Technology (CBNS), ARC Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology (CIBIT), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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Vasey CE, Cavanagh RJ, Taresco V, Moloney C, Smith S, Rahman R, Alexander C. Polymer Pro-Drug Nanoparticles for Sustained Release of Cytotoxic Drugs Evaluated in Patient-Derived Glioblastoma Cell Lines and In Situ Gelling Formulations. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13020208. [PMID: 33546301 PMCID: PMC7913572 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13020208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common, malignant and aggressive brain tumour in adults. Despite the use of multimodal treatments, involving surgery, followed by concomitant radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the median survival for patients remains less than 15 months from diagnosis. Low penetration of drugs across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a dose-limiting factor for systemic GBM therapies, and as a result, post-surgical intracranial drug delivery strategies are being developed to ensure local delivery of drugs within the brain. Here we describe the effects of PEGylated poly(lactide)-poly(carbonate)-doxorubicin (DOX) nanoparticles (NPs) on the metabolic activity of primary cancer cell lines derived from adult patients following neurosurgical resection, and the commercially available GBM cell line, U87. The results showed that non-drug-loaded NPs were well tolerated at concentrations of up to 100 µg/mL while tumour cell-killing effects were observed for the DOX-NPs at the same concentrations. Further experiments evaluated the release of DOX from polymer-DOX conjugate NPs when incorporated in a thermosensitive in situ gelling poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA/PEG) matrix paste, in order to simulate the clinical setting of a locally injected formulation for GBM following surgical tumour resection. These assays demonstrated drug release from the polymer pro-drugs, when in PLGA/PEG matrices of two formulations, over clinically relevant time scales. These findings encourage future in vivo assessment of the potential capability of polymer-drug conjugate NPs to penetrate brain parenchyma efficaciously, when released from existing interstitial delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Vasey
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Robert J Cavanagh
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Vincenzo Taresco
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Cara Moloney
- School of Medicine, BioDiscovery Institute-3, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Stuart Smith
- School of Medicine, BioDiscovery Institute-3, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Ruman Rahman
- School of Medicine, BioDiscovery Institute-3, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Cameron Alexander
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
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40
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Ruiter FAA, Sidney LE, Kiick KL, Segal JI, Alexander C, Rose FRAJ. The electrospinning of a thermo-responsive polymer with peptide conjugates for phenotype support and extracellular matrix production of therapeutically relevant mammalian cells. Biomater Sci 2021; 8:2611-2626. [PMID: 32239020 DOI: 10.1039/c9bm01965k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Current cell expansion methods for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications rely on the use of enzymatic digestion passaging and 2D platforms. However, this enzymatic treatment significantly reduces cell quality, due to the destruction of important cell-surface proteins. In addition, culture in 2D results in undesired de-differentiation of the cells caused by the lack of 3D similarity to the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) environment. Research has led to the development of thermo-responsive surfaces for the continuous culture of cells. These thermo-responsive materials properties can be used to passage cells from the surface when the cell culture temperature is reduced. Here we report the development of a PLA/thermo-responsive (PDEGMA) blend 3D electrospun fibre-based scaffold to create an enzymatic-free 3D cell culture platform for the expansion of mammalian cells with the desired phenotype for clinical use. Human corneal stromal cells (hCSCs) were used as an exemplar as they have been observed to de-differentiate to an undesirable myo-fibroblastic phenotype when cultured by conventional 2D cell culture methods. Scaffolds were functionalised with a cell adherence peptide sequence GGG-YIGSR by thiol-ene chemistry to improve cell adherence and phenotype support. This was obtained by functionalising the thermo-responsive polymer with a thiol (PDEGMA/PDEGSH) by co-polymerisation. These incorporated thiols react with the norbornene acid functionalised peptide (Nor-GGG-YIGSR) under UV exposure. Presence of the thiol in the scaffold and subsequent peptide attachment on the scaffolds were confirmed by fluorescence labelling, ToF-SIMS and XPS analysis. The biocompatibility of the peptide containing scaffolds was assessed by the adhesion, proliferation and immuno-staining of hCSCs. Significant increase in hCSC adherence and proliferation was observed on the peptide containing scaffolds. Immuno-staining showed maintained expression of the desired phenotypic markers ALDH, CD34 and CD105, while showing no or low expression of the undesired phenotype marker α-SMA. This desired expression was observed to be maintained after thermo-responsive passaging and higher when cells were cultured on PLA scaffolds with 10 wt% PDEGMA/4 mol% PDEGS-Nor-GGG-YIGSR. This paper describes the fabrication and application of a first generation, biocompatible peptide conjugated thermo-responsive fibrous scaffold. The ease of fabrication, successful adherence and expansion of a therapeutically relevant cell type makes these scaffolds a promising new class of materials for the application of cell culture expansion platforms in the biomaterials and tissue engineering field.
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Affiliation(s)
- F A A Ruiter
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, UK.
| | - L E Sidney
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, UK.
| | - K L Kiick
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, USA.
| | - J I Segal
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, UK.
| | - C Alexander
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, UK.
| | - F R A J Rose
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, UK.
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Al-Natour MA, Alazzo A, Ghaemmaghami AM, Kim DH, Alexander C. Corrigendum to 'LC-MS metabolomics comparisons of cancer cell and macrophage responses to methotrexate and polymer-encapsulated methotrexate' [International Journal of Pharmaceutics: X Volume 1 (2019) 100036]. Int J Pharm X 2020; 2:100044. [PMID: 33376977 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpx.2020.100044] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpx.2019.100036.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ahmad Al-Natour
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG72RD, UK.,Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy & Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ali Alazzo
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG72RD, UK.,College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Amir M Ghaemmaghami
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG72RD, UK
| | - Dong-Hyun Kim
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG72RD, UK
| | - Cameron Alexander
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG72RD, UK
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McCrorie P, Vasey CE, Smith SJ, Marlow M, Alexander C, Rahman R. Biomedical engineering approaches to enhance therapeutic delivery for malignant glioma. J Control Release 2020; 328:917-931. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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43
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Travanut A, Monteiro PF, Oelmann S, Howdle SM, Grabowska AM, Clarke PA, Ritchie AA, Meier MAR, Alexander C. Synthesis of Passerini-3CR Polymers and Assembly into Cytocompatible Polymersomes. Macromol Rapid Commun 2020; 42:e2000321. [PMID: 33249682 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202000321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The versatility of the Passerini three component reaction (Passerini-3CR) is herein exploited for the synthesis of an amphiphilic diblock copolymer, which self-assembles into polymersomes. Carboxy-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether is reacted with AB-type bifunctional monomers and tert-butyl isocyanide in a single process via Passerini-3CR. The resultant diblock copolymer (P1) is obtained in good yield and molar mass dispersity and is well tolerated in model cell lines. The Passerini-3CR versatility and reproducibility are shown by the synthesis of P2, P3, and P4 copolymers. The ability of the Passerini P1 polymersomes to incorporate hydrophilic molecules is verified by loading doxorubicin hydrochloride in P1DOX polymersomes. The flexibility of the synthesis is further demonstrated by simple post-functionalization with a dye, Cyanine-5 (Cy5). The obtained P1-Cy5 polymersomes rapidly internalize in 2D cell monolayers and penetrate deep into 3D spheroids of MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells. P1-Cy5 polymersomes injected systemically in healthy mice are well tolerated and no visible adverse effects are seen under the conditions tested. These data demonstrate that new, biodegradable, biocompatible polymersomes having properties suitable for future use in drug delivery can be easily synthesized by the Passerini-3CR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Travanut
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Boots Science Building, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Patrícia F Monteiro
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Boots Science Building, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Stefan Oelmann
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Materialwissenschaftliches Zentrum, Straße am Forum 7, Building 30.48, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Steven M Howdle
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Philip A Clarke
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Alison A Ritchie
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Michael A R Meier
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Materialwissenschaftliches Zentrum, Straße am Forum 7, Building 30.48, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Cameron Alexander
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Boots Science Building, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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Greco C, Catania R, Balacco DL, Taresco V, Musumeci F, Alexander C, Huett A, Schenone S. Synthesis and Antibacterial Evaluation of New Pyrazolo[3,4- d]pyrimidines Kinase Inhibitors. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25225354. [PMID: 33207806 PMCID: PMC7696985 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25225354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines represent an important class of heterocyclic compounds well-known for their anticancer activity exerted by the inhibition of eukaryotic protein kinases. Recently, pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines have become increasingly attractive for their potential antimicrobial properties. Here, we explored the activity of a library of in-house pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines, targeting human protein kinases, against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and their interaction with ampicillin and kanamycin, representing important classes of clinically used antibiotics. Our results represent a first step towards the potential application of dual active pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine kinase inhibitors in the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Greco
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genova, Italy; (C.G.); (F.M.)
| | - Rosa Catania
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK;
| | - Dario Leonardo Balacco
- School of Dentistry, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B5 7EG, UK;
| | - Vincenzo Taresco
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Francesca Musumeci
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genova, Italy; (C.G.); (F.M.)
| | - Cameron Alexander
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Alan Huett
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK;
- Correspondence: (A.H.); (S.S.)
| | - Silvia Schenone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genova, Italy; (C.G.); (F.M.)
- Correspondence: (A.H.); (S.S.)
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Abstract
With the spread of drug resistance, new antimicrobials are urgently needed. Here, we set out to tackle this problem by high-throughput exploration for novel antifungal synergies among combinations of approved, nonantifungal drugs; a novel strategy exploiting the potential of alternative targets, low chemicals usage and low development risk. We screened the fungal pathogen Candida albicans by combining a small panel of nonantifungal drugs (all in current use for other clinical applications) with 1280 compounds from an approved drug library. Screens at sublethal concentrations of the antibiotic paromomycin (PM), the antimalarial primaquine (PQ), or the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen (IF) revealed a total of 17 potential strong, synergistic interactions with the library compounds. Susceptibility testing with the most promising combinations corroborated marked synergies [fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) indices ≤0.5] between PM + β-escin, PQ + celecoxib, and IF + pentamidine, reducing the MICs of PM, PQ, and IF in C. albicans by >64-, 16-, and 8-fold, respectively. Paromomycin + β-escin and PQ + celecoxib were effective also against C. albicans biofilms, azole-resistant clinical isolates, and other fungal pathogens. Actions were specific, as no synergistic effect was observed in mammalian cells. Mode of action was investigated for one of the combinations, revealing that PM + β-escin synergistically increase the error-rate of mRNA translation and suggesting a different molecular target to current antifungals. The study unveils the potential of the described combinatorial strategy in enabling acceleration of drug-repurposing discovery for combatting fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Vallières
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Nishant Singh
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Cameron Alexander
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Simon V. Avery
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
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Monteiro PF, Travanut A, Conte C, Alexander C. Reduction-responsive polymers for drug delivery in cancer therapy-Is there anything new to discover? Wiley Interdiscip Rev Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2020; 13:e1678. [PMID: 33155421 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Among various types of stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems, reduction-responsive polymers have attracted great interest. In general, these systems have high stability in systemic circulation, however, they can respond quickly to differences in the concentrations of reducing species in specific physiological sites associated with a pathology. This is a particularly relevant strategy to target diseases in which hypoxic regions are present, as polymers which are sensitive to in-situ expressed antioxidant species can, through a local response, release a therapeutic at high concentration in the targeted site, and thus, improve the selectivity and efficacy of the treatment. At the same time, such reduction-responsive materials can also decrease the toxicity and side effects of certain drugs. To date, polymers containing disulfide linkages are the most investigated of the class of reduction-responsive nanocarriers, however, other groups such as selenide and diselenide have also been used for the same purpose. In this review article, we discussed the rationale behind the development of reduction-responsive polymers as drug delivery systems and highlight examples of recent progress. We include the most popular design methods to generate reduction-responsive polymeric carriers and their applications in cancer therapy, and question what areas may still need to be explored in a field with already a very large number of research articles. Finally, we consider the main challenges associated with the clinical translation of these nanocarriers and the future perspectives in this area. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Claudia Conte
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
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Brunato S, Mastrotto F, Bellato F, Garofalo M, Göddenhenrich T, Mantovani G, Alexander C, Gross S, Salmaso S, Caliceti P. Thermosensitive "Smart" Surfaces for Biorecognition Based Cell Adhesion and Controlled Detachment. Macromol Biosci 2020; 21:e2000277. [PMID: 33146950 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202000277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The biorecognition-based control of attachment/detachment of MCF-7 cancer cells from polymer-coated surfaces is demonstrated. A glass surface is coated with a thermoresponsive statistical copolymer of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylamide) [p(NIPAm-co-Am)], which is end-capped with the Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (GRGDS) peptide, and the hydrophilic polymer poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of p(NIPAm-co-Am) (38 °C), the copolymers are in the extended conformation, allowing for accessibility of the GRGDS peptides to membrane-associated integrins thus enabling cell attachment. Above the LCST, the p(NIPAm-co-Am) polymers collapse into globular conformations, resulting in the shielding of the GRGDS peptides into the PEG brush with consequent inaccessibility to cell-surface integrins, causing cell detachment. The surface coating is carried out by a multi-step procedure that included: glass surface amination with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane; reaction of mPEG5kDa -N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) and p(NIPam-co-Am)15.1kDa -bis-NHS with the surface aminopropyl groups and conjugation of GRGDS to the carboxylic acid termini of p(NIPam-co-Am)15.1kDa -COOH. A range of spectrophotometric, surface, and microscopy assays confirmed the identity of the polymer-coated substrates. Competition studies prove that MCF-7 cancer cells are attached via peptide recognition at the coated surfaces according to the mPEG5kDa /p(NIPam-co-Am)15.1kDa -GRGDS molar ratio. These data suggest the system can be exploited to modulate cell integrin/GRGDS binding for controlled cell capture and release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Brunato
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 5, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | - Francesca Mastrotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 5, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | - Federica Bellato
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 5, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | - Mariangela Garofalo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 5, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | - Thomas Göddenhenrich
- Institute of Physics, Giessen University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 16, Giessen, 35392, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Mantovani
- Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Silvia Gross
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 1, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | - Stefano Salmaso
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 5, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | - Paolo Caliceti
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 5, Padova, 35131, Italy
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Abstract
The world faces a severe and acute public health emergency due to the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Healthcare workers are in the front line of the COVID-19 outbreak response and are exposed to the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection daily. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is their main defense against viral contamination; gloves, visors, face masks, and gown materials are designed to eliminate viral transfer from infected patients. Here, we review research investigating the stability of SARS-CoV-2 and similar viruses on surfaces and highlight opportunities for materials that can actively reduce SARS-CoV-2 surface contamination and associated transmission and improve PPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Xue
- Division of Advanced Materials and Healthcare Technologies, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Jonathan K Ball
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
- Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
- Centre for Research on Global Virus Infections, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Morgan R Alexander
- Division of Advanced Materials and Healthcare Technologies, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
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Pearce AK, Anane‐Adjei AB, Cavanagh RJ, Monteiro PF, Bennett TM, Taresco V, Clarke PA, Ritchie AA, Alexander MR, Grabowska AM, Alexander C. Effects of Polymer 3D Architecture, Size, and Chemistry on Biological Transport and Drug Delivery In Vitro and in Orthotopic Triple Negative Breast Cancer Models. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e2000892. [PMID: 33073536 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202000892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The size, shape, and underlying chemistries of drug delivery particles are key parameters which govern their ultimate performance in vivo. Responsive particles are desirable for triggered drug delivery, achievable through architecture change and biodegradation to control in vivo fate. Here, polymeric materials are synthesized with linear, hyperbranched, star, and micellar-like architectures based on 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylamide (HPMA), and the effects of 3D architecture and redox-responsive biodegradation on biological transport are investigated. Variations in "stealth" behavior between the materials are quantified in vitro and in vivo, whereby reduction-responsive hyperbranched polymers most successfully avoid accumulation within the liver, and none of the materials target the spleen or lungs. Functionalization of selected architectures with doxorubicin (DOX) demonstrates enhanced efficacy over the free drug in 2D and 3D in vitro models, and enhanced efficacy in vivo in a highly aggressive orthotopic breast cancer model when dosed over schedules accounting for the biodistribution of the carriers. These data show it is possible to direct materials of the same chemistries into different cellular and physiological regions via modulation of their 3D architectures, and thus the work overall provides valuable new insight into how nanoparticle architecture and programmed degradation can be tailored to elicit specific biological responses for drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda K. Pearce
- School of Chemistry University of Birmingham Edgbaston B15 2TT UK
- School of Pharmacy University of Nottingham Nottingham NG72RD UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Vincenzo Taresco
- School of Pharmacy University of Nottingham Nottingham NG72RD UK
| | - Phil A. Clarke
- School of Medicine University of Nottingham Nottingham NG72RD UK
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50
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Sivaram AJ, Wardiana A, Alcantara S, Sonderegger SE, Fletcher NL, Houston ZH, Howard CB, Mahler SM, Alexander C, Kent SJ, Bell CA, Thurecht KJ. Controlling the Biological Fate of Micellar Nanoparticles: Balancing Stealth and Targeting. ACS Nano 2020; 14:13739-13753. [PMID: 32936613 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c06033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Integrating nanomaterials with biological entities has led to the development of diagnostic tools and biotechnology-derived therapeutic products. However, to optimize the design of these hybrid bionanomaterials, it is essential to understand how controlling the biological interactions will influence desired outcomes. Ultimately, this knowledge will allow more rapid translation from the bench to the clinic. In this paper, we developed a micellar system that was assembled using modular antibody-polymer amphiphilic materials. The amphiphilic nature was established using either poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) or a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) from an antibody as the hydrophile and a thermoresponsive polymer (poly(oligoethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) as the hydrophobe. By varying the ratios of these components, a series of nanoparticles with different antibody content was self-assembled, where the surface presentation of targeting ligand was carefully controlled. In vitro and in vivo analysis of these systems identified a mismatch between the optimal targeting ligand density to achieve maximum cell association in vitro compared to tumor accumulation in vivo. For this system, we determined an optimum antibody density for both longer circulation and enhanced targeting to tumors that balanced stealthiness of the particle (to evade immune recognition as determined in both mouse models and in whole human blood) with enhanced accumulation achieved through receptor binding on tumor cells in solid tumors. This approach provides fundamental insights into how different antibody densities affect the interaction of designed nanoparticles with both target cells and immune cells, thereby offering a method to probe the intricate interplay between increased targeting efficiency and the subsequent immune response to nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal J Sivaram
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology and ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Andri Wardiana
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Sheilajen Alcantara
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Stefan E Sonderegger
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Nicholas L Fletcher
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology and ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Zachary H Houston
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology and ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Christopher B Howard
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Biopharmaceutical Innovation, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Stephen M Mahler
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Biopharmaceutical Innovation, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Cameron Alexander
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J Kent
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Craig A Bell
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology and ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Kristofer J Thurecht
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology and ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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