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Hajareh Haghighi F, Binaymotlagh R, Pintilei PS, Chronopoulou L, Palocci C. Preparation of Peptide-Based Magnetogels for Removing Organic Dyes from Water. Gels 2024; 10:287. [PMID: 38786204 DOI: 10.3390/gels10050287] [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] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Water pollution by organic dyes represents a major health and environmental issue. Despite the fact that peptide-based hydrogels are considered to be optimal absorbents for removing such contaminants, hydrogel systems often suffer from a lack of mechanical stability and complex recovery. Recently, we developed an enzymatic approach for the preparation of a new peptide-based magnetogel containing polyacrylic acid-modified γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (γ-Fe2O3NPs) that showed the promising ability to remove cationic metal ions from aqueous phases. In the present work, we tested the ability of the magnetogel formulation to remove three model organic dyes: methyl orange, methylene blue, and rhodamine 6G. Three different hydrogel-based systems were studied, including: (1) Fmoc-Phe3 hydrogel; (2) γ-Fe2O3NPs dispersed in the peptide-based gel (Fe2O3NPs@gel); and (3) Fe2O3NPs@gel with the application of a magnetic field. The removal efficiencies of such adsorbents were evaluated using two different experimental set-ups, by placing the hydrogel sample inside cuvettes or, alternatively, by placing them inside syringes. The obtained peptide magnetogel formulation could represent a valuable and environmentally friendly alternative to currently employed adsorbents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Hajareh Haghighi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Roya Binaymotlagh
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paula Stefana Pintilei
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Chronopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Binaymotlagh R, Hajareh Haghighi F, Chronopoulou L, Palocci C. Liposome-Hydrogel Composites for Controlled Drug Delivery Applications. Gels 2024; 10:284. [PMID: 38667703 PMCID: PMC11048854 DOI: 10.3390/gels10040284] [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] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Various controlled delivery systems (CDSs) have been developed to overcome the shortcomings of traditional drug formulations (tablets, capsules, syrups, ointments, etc.). Among innovative CDSs, hydrogels and liposomes have shown great promise for clinical applications thanks to their cost-effectiveness, well-known chemistry and synthetic feasibility, biodegradability, biocompatibility and responsiveness to external stimuli. To date, several liposomal- and hydrogel-based products have been approved to treat cancer, as well as fungal and viral infections, hence the integration of liposomes into hydrogels has attracted increasing attention because of the benefit from both of them into a single platform, resulting in a multifunctional drug formulation, which is essential to develop efficient CDSs. This short review aims to present an updated report on the advancements of liposome-hydrogel systems for drug delivery purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Binaymotlagh
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Farid Hajareh Haghighi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Chronopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Zikeli F, Jusic J, Palocci C, Mugnozza GS, Romagnoli M. Spray Coating of Wood with Nanoparticles from Lignin and Polylactic Glycolic Acid Loaded with Thyme Essential Oils. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:947. [PMID: 38611206 PMCID: PMC11013818 DOI: 10.3390/polym16070947] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Ensuring the longevity of wooden constructions depends heavily on the preservation process. However, several traditional preservation methods involving fossil-based compounds have become outdated because they pose a significant risk to the environment and to human health. Therefore, the use of bio-based and bioactive solutions, such as essential oils, has emerged as a more sustainable alternative in protecting wood from biotic attacks. The entrapment of essential oils in polymeric carrier matrices provides protection against oxidation and subsequent degradation or rapid evaporation, which implies the loss of their biocidal effect. In this work, lignin as well as PLGA nanoparticles containing the essential oils from two different thyme species (Thymus capitatus and T. vulgaris) were applied on beech wood samples using spray coating. The prepared coatings were investigated using FTIR imaging, SEM, as well as LSM analysis. Release experiments were conducted to investigate the release behavior of the essential oils from their respective lignin and PLGA carrier materials. The study found that lignin nanoparticles were more effective at trapping and retaining essential oils than PLGA nanoparticles, despite having larger average particle diameters and a more uneven particle size distribution. An analysis of the lignin coatings showed that they formed a uniform layer that covered most of the surface pores. PLGA nanoparticles formed a film-like layer on the cell walls, and after leaching, larger areas of native wood were evident on the wood samples treated with PLGA NPs compared to the ones coated with lignin NPs. The loading capacity and efficiency varied with the type of essential oil, while the release behaviors were similar between the two essential oil types applied in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Zikeli
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (F.Z.); (J.J.); (G.S.M.)
| | - Jasmina Jusic
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (F.Z.); (J.J.); (G.S.M.)
- Fraunhofer, Via Alessandro Volta 13A, 39100 Bozen, Italy
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC), Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Scarascia Mugnozza
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (F.Z.); (J.J.); (G.S.M.)
| | - Manuela Romagnoli
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (F.Z.); (J.J.); (G.S.M.)
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Arasi MB, De Luca G, Chronopoulou L, Pedini F, Petrucci E, Flego M, Stringaro A, Colone M, Pasquini L, Spada M, Lulli V, Perrotta MC, Calin GA, Palocci C, Biffoni M, Felicetti F, Felli N. MiR126-targeted-nanoparticles combined with PI3K/AKT inhibitor as a new strategy to overcome melanoma resistance. Mol Ther 2024; 32:152-167. [PMID: 37990493 PMCID: PMC10787166 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.11.021] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma poses significant challenges as a highly lethal disease. Despite the success of molecular targeting using BRAFV600E inhibitors (BRAFis) and immunotherapy, the emergence of early recurrence remains an issue and there is the need for novel therapeutic approaches. This study aimed at creating a targeted delivery system for the oncosuppressor microRNA 126 (miR126) and testing its effectiveness in combination with a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor for treating metastatic melanoma resistant to BRAFis. To achieve this, we synthesized chitosan nanoparticles containing a chemically modified miR126 sequence. These nanoparticles were further functionalized with an antibody specific to the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4) melanoma marker. After evaluation in vitro, the efficacy of this treatment was evaluated through an in vivo experiment using mice bearing resistant human melanoma. The co-administration of miR126 and the PI3K/AKT inhibitor in these experiments significantly reduced tumor growth and inhibited the formation of liver and lung metastases. These results provide evidence for a strategy to target an oncosuppressive nucleic acid sequence to tumor cells while simultaneously protecting it from plasma degradation. The system described in this study exhibits encouraging potential for the effective treatment of therapy-resistant metastatic melanoma while also presenting a prospective approach for other forms of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Beatrice Arasi
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele De Luca
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Chronopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; Research Center for Applied Sciences to the safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC) Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Pedini
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Petrucci
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Flego
- National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Annarita Stringaro
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marisa Colone
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Pasquini
- Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Spada
- Center of Animal Research and Welfare, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Lulli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Perrotta
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - George Adrian Calin
- Translational Molecular Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas State University, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The RNA Interference and Non-coding RNA Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas State University, Houston, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; Research Center for Applied Sciences to the safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC) Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Biffoni
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Felicetti
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Nadia Felli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Hajareh Haghighi F, Binaymotlagh R, Fratoddi I, Chronopoulou L, Palocci C. Peptide-Hydrogel Nanocomposites for Anti-Cancer Drug Delivery. Gels 2023; 9:953. [PMID: 38131939 PMCID: PMC10742474 DOI: 10.3390/gels9120953] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, but conventional anticancer drugs have side effects, mainly due to their non-specific distribution in the body in both cancerous and healthy cells. To address this relevant issue and improve the efficiency of anticancer drugs, increasing attention is being devoted to hydrogel drug-delivery systems for different kinds of cancer treatment due to their high biocompatibility and stability, low side effects, and ease of modifications. To improve the therapeutic efficiency and provide multi-functionality, different types of nanoparticles (NPs) can be incorporated within the hydrogels to form smart hydrogel nanocomposites, benefiting the advantages of both counterparts and suitable for advanced anticancer applications. Despite many papers on non-peptide hydrogel nanocomposites, there is limited knowledge about peptide-based nanocomposites, specifically in anti-cancer drug delivery. The aim of this short but comprehensive review is, therefore, to focus attention on the synergies resulting from the combination of NPs with peptide-based hydrogels. This review, which includes a survey of recent advances in this kind of material, does not aim to be an exhaustive review of hydrogel technology, but it instead highlights recent noteworthy publications and discusses novel perspectives to provide valuable insights into the promising synergic combination of peptide hydrogels and NPs for the design of novel anticancer drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Hajareh Haghighi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.H.H.); (R.B.); (I.F.)
| | - Roya Binaymotlagh
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.H.H.); (R.B.); (I.F.)
| | - Ilaria Fratoddi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.H.H.); (R.B.); (I.F.)
| | - Laura Chronopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.H.H.); (R.B.); (I.F.)
- Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.H.H.); (R.B.); (I.F.)
- Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Binaymotlagh R, Hajareh Haghighi F, Di Domenico EG, Sivori F, Truglio M, Del Giudice A, Fratoddi I, Chronopoulou L, Palocci C. Biosynthesis of Peptide Hydrogel-Titania Nanoparticle Composites with Antibacterial Properties. Gels 2023; 9:940. [PMID: 38131926 PMCID: PMC10742879 DOI: 10.3390/gels9120940] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The photoantibacterial properties of titania nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) are attracting much interest, but the separation of their suspension limits their application. In this study, the encapsulation of commercial TiO2NPs within self-assembling tripeptide hydrogels to form hgel-TiO2NP composites with significant photoantibacterial properties is reported. The Fmoc-Phe3 hydrogelator was synthesized via an enzymatic method. The resulting composite was characterized with DLS, ζ-potential, SAXS, FESEM-EDS and rheological measurements. Two different concentrations of TiO2NPs were used. The results showed that, by increasing the TiO2NP quantity from 5 to 10 mg, the value of the elastic modulus doubled, while the swelling ratio decreased from 63.6 to 45.5%. The antimicrobial efficacy of hgel-TiO2NPs was tested against a laboratory Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) strain and two methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) clinical isolates. Results highlighted a concentration-dependent superior antibacterial activity of hgel-TiO2NPs over TiO2NPs in the dark and after UV photoactivation. Notably, UV light exposure substantially increased the biocidal action of hgel-TiO2NPs compared to TiO2NPs. Surprisingly, in the absence of UV light, both composites significantly increased S. aureus growth relative to control groups. These findings support the role of hgel-TiO2NPs as promising biocidal agents in clinical and sanitation contexts. However, they also signal concerns about TiO2NP exposure influencing S. aureus virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Binaymotlagh
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (F.H.H.); (A.D.G.); (I.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Farid Hajareh Haghighi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (F.H.H.); (A.D.G.); (I.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Enea Gino Di Domenico
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesca Sivori
- Microbiology and Virology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (F.S.); (M.T.)
| | - Mauro Truglio
- Microbiology and Virology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (F.S.); (M.T.)
| | - Alessandra Del Giudice
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (F.H.H.); (A.D.G.); (I.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Ilaria Fratoddi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (F.H.H.); (A.D.G.); (I.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Laura Chronopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (F.H.H.); (A.D.G.); (I.F.); (C.P.)
- Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (F.H.H.); (A.D.G.); (I.F.); (C.P.)
- Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Hajareh Haghighi F, Binaymotlagh R, Chronopoulou L, Cerra S, Marrani AG, Amato F, Palocci C, Fratoddi I. Self-Assembling Peptide-Based Magnetogels for the Removal of Heavy Metals from Water. Gels 2023; 9:621. [PMID: 37623076 PMCID: PMC10454050 DOI: 10.3390/gels9080621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we present the synthesis of a novel peptide-based magnetogel obtained through the encapsulation of γ-Fe2O3-polyacrylic acid (PAA) nanoparticles (γ-Fe2O3NPs) into a hydrogel matrix, used for enhancing the ability of the hydrogel to remove Cr(III), Co(II), and Ni(II) pollutants from water. Fmoc-Phe (Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-Phenylalanine) and diphenylalanine (Phe2) were used as starting reagents for the hydrogelator (Fmoc-Phe3) synthesis via an enzymatic method. The PAA-coated magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized in a separate step, using the co-precipitation method, and encapsulated into the peptide-based hydrogel. The resulting organic/inorganic hybrid system (γ-Fe2O3NPs-peptide) was characterized with different techniques, including FT-IR, Raman, UV-Vis, DLS, ζ-potential, XPS, FESEM-EDS, swelling ability tests, and rheology. Regarding the application in heavy metals removal from aqueous solutions, the behavior of the obtained magnetogel was compared to its precursors and the effect of the magnetic field was assessed. Four different systems were studied for the separation of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions, including (1) γ-Fe2O3NPs stabilized with PAA, (γ-Fe2O3NPs); (2) Fmoc-Phe3 hydrogel (HG); (3) γ-Fe2O3NPs embedded in peptide magnetogel (γ-Fe2O3NPs@HG); and (4) γ-Fe2O3NPs@HG in the presence of an external magnetic field. To quantify the removal efficiency of these four model systems, the UV-Vis technique was employed as a fast, cheap, and versatile method. The results demonstrate that both Fmoc-Phe3 hydrogel and γ-Fe2O3NPs peptide magnetogel can efficiently remove all the tested pollutants from water. Interestingly, due to the presence of magnetic γ-Fe2O3NPs inside the hydrogel, the removal efficiency can be enhanced by applying an external magnetic field. The proposed magnetogel represents a smart multifunctional nanosystem with improved absorption efficiency and synergic effect upon applying an external magnetic field. These results are promising for potential environmental applications of γ-Fe2O3NPs-peptide magnetogels to the removal of pollutants from aqueous media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Hajareh Haghighi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.H.H.); (R.B.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.); (F.A.); (I.F.)
| | - Roya Binaymotlagh
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.H.H.); (R.B.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.); (F.A.); (I.F.)
| | - Laura Chronopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.H.H.); (R.B.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.); (F.A.); (I.F.)
- Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Cerra
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.H.H.); (R.B.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.); (F.A.); (I.F.)
| | - Andrea Giacomo Marrani
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.H.H.); (R.B.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.); (F.A.); (I.F.)
| | - Francesco Amato
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.H.H.); (R.B.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.); (F.A.); (I.F.)
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.H.H.); (R.B.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.); (F.A.); (I.F.)
- Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Fratoddi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.H.H.); (R.B.); (S.C.); (A.G.M.); (F.A.); (I.F.)
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De Angelis G, Badiali C, Chronopoulou L, Palocci C, Pasqua G. Confocal Microscopy Investigations of Biopolymeric PLGA Nanoparticle Uptake in Arabidopsis thaliana L. Cultured Cells and Plantlet Roots. Plants (Basel) 2023; 12:2397. [PMID: 37446957 DOI: 10.3390/plants12132397] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
To date, most endocytosis studies in plant cells have focused on clathrin-dependent endocytosis, while limited evidence is available on clathrin-independent pathways. Since dynamin a is a key protein both in clathrin-mediated endocytosis and in clathrin-independent endocytic processes, this study investigated its role in the uptake of poly-(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs). The experiments were performed on cultured cells and roots of Arabidopsis thaliana. Dynasore was used to inhibit the activity of dynamin-like proteins to investigate whether PLGA NPs enter plant cells through a dynamin-like-dependent or dynamin-like-independent endocytic pathway. Observations were performed by confocal microscopy using a fluorescent probe, coumarin 6, loaded in PLGA NPs. The results showed that both cells and roots of A. thaliana rapidly take up PLGA NPs. Dynasore was administered at different concentrations and exposure times in order to identify the effective ones for inhibitory activity. Treatments with dynasore did not prevent the NPs uptake, as revealed by the presence of fluorescence emission detected in the cytoplasm. At the highest concentration and the longest exposure time to dynasore, the fluorescence of NPs was not visible due to cell death. Thus, the results suggest that, because the NPs' uptake is unaffected by dynasore exposure, NPs can enter cells and roots by following a dynamin-like-independent endocytic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia De Angelis
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Badiali
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Chronopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC), Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC), Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pasqua
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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9
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Zikeli F, Vettraino AM, Biscontri M, Bergamasco S, Palocci C, Humar M, Romagnoli M. Lignin Nanoparticles with Entrapped Thymus spp. Essential Oils for the Control of Wood-Rot Fungi. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:2713. [PMID: 37376359 DOI: 10.3390/polym15122713] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
After decades of utilization of fossil-based and environmentally hazardous compounds for wood preservation against fungal attack, there is a strong need to substitute those compounds with bio-based bioactive solutions, such as essential oils. In this work, lignin nanoparticles containing four essential oils from thyme species (Thymus capitatus, Coridothymus capitatus, T. vulgaris, and T. vulgaris Demeter) were applied as biocides in in vitro experiments to test their anti-fungal effect against two white-rot fungi (Trametes versicolor and Pleurotus ostreatus) and two brown-rot fungi (Poria monticola and Gloeophyllum trabeum). Entrapment of essential oils provided a delayed release over a time frame of 7 days from the lignin carrier matrix and resulted in lower minimum inhibitory concentrations of the essential oils against the brown-rot fungi (0.30-0.60 mg/mL), while for the white-rot fungi, identical concentrations were determined compared with free essential oils (0.05-0.30 mg/mL). Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to assess the fungal cell wall changes in the presence of essential oils in the growth medium. The results regarding brown-rot fungi present a promising approach for a more effective and sustainable utilization of essential oils against this class of wood-rot fungi. In the case of white-rot fungi, lignin nanoparticles, as essential oils delivery vehicles, still need optimization in their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Zikeli
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Vettraino
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Margherita Biscontri
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Sara Bergamasco
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC), Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Miha Humar
- Department of Wood Science and Technology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Manuela Romagnoli
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
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10
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Binaymotlagh R, Chronopoulou L, Palocci C. Peptide-Based Hydrogels: Template Materials for Tissue Engineering. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:jfb14040233. [PMID: 37103323 PMCID: PMC10145623 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14040233] [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] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue and organ regeneration are challenging issues, yet they represent the frontier of current research in the biomedical field. Currently, a major problem is the lack of ideal scaffold materials' definition. As well known, peptide hydrogels have attracted increasing attention in recent years thanks to significant properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, good mechanical stability, and tissue-like elasticity. Such properties make them excellent candidates for 3D scaffold materials. In this review, the first aim is to describe the main features of a peptide hydrogel in order to be considered as a 3D scaffold, focusing in particular on mechanical properties, as well as on biodegradability and bioactivity. Then, some recent applications of peptide hydrogels in tissue engineering, including soft and hard tissues, will be discussed to analyze the most relevant research trends in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Binaymotlagh
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Chronopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC), Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC), Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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11
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Hajareh Haghighi F, Mercurio M, Cerra S, Salamone TA, Bianymotlagh R, Palocci C, Romano Spica V, Fratoddi I. Surface modification of TiO 2 nanoparticles with organic molecules and their biological applications. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:2334-2366. [PMID: 36847384 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb02576k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, titanium(IV) dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) have shown promising potential in various biological applications such as antimicrobials, drug delivery, photodynamic therapy, biosensors, and tissue engineering. For employing TiO2NPs in these fields, their nanosurface must be coated or conjugated with organic and/or inorganic agents. This modification can improve their stability, photochemical properties, biocompatibility, and even surface area for further conjugation with other molecules such as drugs, targeting molecules, polymers, etc. This review describes the organic-based modification of TiO2NPs and their potential applications in the mentioned biological fields. In the first part of this review, around 75 recent publications (2017-2022) are mentioned on the common TiO2NP modifiers including organosilanes, polymers, small molecules, and hydrogels, which improve the photochemical features of TiO2NPs. In the second part of this review, we presented 149 recent papers (2020-2022) about the use of modified TiO2NPs in biological applications, in which specific bioactive modifiers are introduced in this part with their advantages. In this review, the following information is presented: (1) the common organic modifiers for TiO2NPs, (2) biologically important modifiers and their benefits, and (3) recent publications on biological studies on the modified TiO2NPs with their achievements. This review shows the paramount significance of the organic-based modification of TiO2NPs to enhance their biological effectiveness, paving the way toward the development of advanced TiO2-based nanomaterials in nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Hajareh Haghighi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Martina Mercurio
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Sara Cerra
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Roya Bianymotlagh
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy. .,Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Romano Spica
- Department of Movement, Health and Human Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico, Piazza Lauro De Bosis, 15, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Fratoddi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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Chronopoulou L, Binaymotlagh R, Cerra S, Haghighi FH, Di Domenico EG, Sivori F, Fratoddi I, Mignardi S, Palocci C. Preparation of Hydrogel Composites Using a Sustainable Approach for In Situ Silver Nanoparticles Formation. Materials (Basel) 2023; 16:ma16062134. [PMID: 36984014 PMCID: PMC10056655 DOI: 10.3390/ma16062134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The recognized antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) characterize them as attractive nanomaterials for developing new bioactive materials less prone to the development of antibiotic resistance. In this work, we developed new composites based on self-assembling Fmoc-Phe3 peptide hydrogels impregnated with in situ prepared AgNPs. Different methodologies, from traditional to innovative and eco-sustainable, were compared. The obtained composites were characterized from a hydrodynamic, structural, and morphological point of view, using different techniques such as DLS, SEM, and rheological measurements to evaluate how the choice of the reducing agent determines the characteristics of AgNPs and how their presence within the hydrogel affects their structure and properties. Moreover, the antibacterial properties of these composites were tested against S. aureus, a major human pathogen responsible for a wide range of clinical infections. Results demonstrated that the hydrogel composites containing AgNPs (hgel@AgNPs) could represent promising biomaterials for treating S. aureus-related infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Chronopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC), Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Roya Binaymotlagh
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Cerra
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Farid Hajareh Haghighi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Enea Gino Di Domenico
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Sivori
- Microbiology and Virology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Via E. Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Fratoddi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvano Mignardi
- Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC), Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Department of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC), Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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13
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Binaymotlagh R, Del Giudice A, Mignardi S, Amato F, Marrani AG, Sivori F, Cavallo I, Di Domenico EG, Palocci C, Chronopoulou L. Green In Situ Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles-Peptide Hydrogel Composites: Investigation of Their Antibacterial Activities. Gels 2022; 8:700. [PMID: 36354608 PMCID: PMC9689897 DOI: 10.3390/gels8110700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The present paper investigated the synthesis of peptide-based hydrogel composites containing photo-generated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) obtained in the presence and absence of honey as tensile strength enhancer and hydrogel stabilizer. Fmoc-Phe and diphenylalanine (Phe2) were used as starting reagents for the hydrogelator synthesis via an enzymatic method. In particular, we developed an in situ one-pot approach for preparing AgNPs inside peptide hydrogels using a photochemical synthesis, without any toxic reducing agents, with reaction yields up to 30%. The structure and morphology of the nanohybrids were characterized with different techniques such as FESEM, UV-Vis, DLS, SAXS and XPS. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of these hybrid biomaterials was investigated on a laboratory strain and on a clinical isolate of Staphylococcus aureus. Results demonstrated that honey increased both swelling ability and also mechanical stability of the hydrogel. Finally, a higher antibacterial effect of AgNPs in the hybrid was observed in the presence of honey. In particular, AgNPs/hgel and AgNPs/hgel-honey showed an enhanced antibacterial activity (3.12 mg/L) compared to the free form of AgNPs, alone or in combination with honey (6.25 mg/L) for both S. aureus strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Binaymotlagh
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Del Giudice
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvano Mignardi
- Department of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Amato
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Giacomo Marrani
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Sivori
- Microbiology and Virology, IRCCS San Gallicano Institute, via E. Chianesi, 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cavallo
- Microbiology and Virology, IRCCS San Gallicano Institute, via E. Chianesi, 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Enea Gino Di Domenico
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Chronopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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14
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Binaymotlagh R, Chronopoulou L, Haghighi FH, Fratoddi I, Palocci C. Peptide-Based Hydrogels: New Materials for Biosensing and Biomedical Applications. Materials (Basel) 2022; 15:ma15175871. [PMID: 36079250 PMCID: PMC9456777 DOI: 10.3390/ma15175871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Peptide-based hydrogels have attracted increasing attention for biological applications and diagnostic research due to their impressive features including biocompatibility and biodegradability, injectability, mechanical stability, high water absorption capacity, and tissue-like elasticity. The aim of this review will be to present an updated report on the advancement of peptide-based hydrogels research activity in recent years in the field of anticancer drug delivery, antimicrobial and wound healing materials, 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering, and vaccines. Additionally, the biosensing applications of this key group of hydrogels will be discussed mainly focusing the attention on cancer detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Binaymotlagh
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Chronopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Farid Hajareh Haghighi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Fratoddi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-064-991-3317
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15
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Orekhova A, Palocci C, Chronopoulou L, De Angelis G, Badiali C, Petruccelli V, D’Angeli S, Pasqua G, Simonetti G. Poly-(lactic-co-glycolic) Acid Nanoparticles Entrapping Pterostilbene for Targeting Aspergillus Section Nigri. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175424. [PMID: 36080191 PMCID: PMC9458066 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175424] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Poly-(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) is a biodegradable, biosafe, and biocompatible copolymer. The Aspergillus section Nigri causes otomycosis localized in the external auditory canal. In this research, Aspergillus brasiliensis, a species belonging to the Nigri section, was tested. Coumarin 6 and pterostilbene loaded in poly-(lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles (PLGA-coumarin6-NPs and PLGA-PTB-NPs) were tested for fungal cell uptake and antifungal ability against A. brasiliensis biofilm, respectively. Moreover, the activity of PLGA-PTB-NPs in inhibiting the A. brasiliensis infection was tested using Galleria mellonella larvae. The results showed a fluorescence signal, after 50 nm PLGA-coumarin6-NPs treatment, inside A. brasiliensis hyphae and along the entire thickness of the biofilm matrix, which was indicative of an efficient NP uptake. Regarding antifungal activity, a reduction in A. brasiliensis biofilm formation and mature biofilm with PLGA-PTB-NPs has been demonstrated. Moreover, in vivo experiments showed a significant reduction in mortality of infected larvae after injection of PLGA-PTB-NPs compared to free PTB at the same concentration. In conclusion, the PLGA-NPs system can increase the bioavailability of PTB in Aspergillus section Nigri biofilm by overcoming the biofilm matrix barrier and delivering PTB to fungal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Orekhova
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC), P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Chronopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia De Angelis
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Badiali
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Petruccelli
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Simone D’Angeli
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pasqua
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Simonetti
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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16
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Chronopoulou L, Falasca F, Di Fonzo F, Turriziani O, Palocci C. siRNA Transfection Mediated by Chitosan Microparticles for the Treatment of HIV-1 Infection of Human Cell Lines. Materials 2022; 15:ma15155340. [PMID: 35955275 PMCID: PMC9369812 DOI: 10.3390/ma15155340] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Gene delivery is the basis for developing gene therapies that, in the future, may be able to cure virtually any disease, including viral infections. The use of short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting viral replication is a novel strategy for treating HIV-1 infection. In this study, we prepared chitosan particles containing siRNA tat/rev via ionotropic gelation. Chitosan-based particles were efficiently internalized by cells, as evidenced by fluorescence microscopy. The antiviral effect of chitosan-based particles was studied on the C8166 cell line infected with HIV-1 and compared with the use of commercial liposomes (ESCORT). A significant reduction in HIV replication was also observed in cells treated with empty chitosan particles, suggesting that chitosan may interfere with the early steps of the HIV life cycle and have a synergic effect with siRNA to reduce viral replication significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Falasca
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.F.); (O.T.)
| | - Federica Di Fonzo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Ombretta Turriziani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.F.); (O.T.)
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- CIABC-Centro di Ricerca per le Scienze Applicate alla Protezione dell’Ambiente e dei Beni Culturali, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0649913317
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17
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Chronopoulou L, Di Nitto A, Papi M, Parolini O, Falconi M, Teti G, Muttini A, Lattanzi W, Palmieri V, Ciasca G, Del Giudice A, Galantini L, Zanoni R, Palocci C. Biosynthesis and physico-chemical characterization of high performing peptide hydrogels@graphene oxide composites. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2021; 207:111989. [PMID: 34303114 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2021.111989] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels based on short peptide molecules are interesting biomaterials with wide present and prospective use in biotechnologies. A well-known possible drawback of these materials can be their limited mechanical performance. In order to overcome this problem, we prepared Fmoc-Phe3self-assembling peptides by a biocatalytic approach, and we reinforced the hydrogel with graphene oxide nanosheets. The formulation here proposed confers to the hydrogel additional physicochemical properties without hampering peptide self-assembly. We investigated in depth the effect of nanocarbon morphology on hydrogel properties (i.e. morphology, viscoelastic properties, stiffness, resistance to an applied stress). In view of further developments towards possible clinical applications, we have preliminarily tested the biocompatibility of the composites. Our results showed that the innovative hydrogel composite formulation based on FmocPhe3 and GO is a biomaterial with improved mechanical properties that appears suitable for the development of biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ornella Parolini
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mirella Falconi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Gabriella Teti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Aurelio Muttini
- Faculty of Bioscience and Agro-Food and Environmental Technology, University of Teramo, Italy
| | - Wanda Lattanzi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Ciasca
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy; CIABC, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy.
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18
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Nocca G, D’Avenio G, Amalfitano A, Chronopoulou L, Mordente A, Palocci C, Grigioni M. Controlled Release of 18-β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid from Core-Shell Nanoparticles: Effects on Cytotoxicity and Intracellular Concentration in HepG2 Cell Line. Materials (Basel) 2021; 14:ma14143893. [PMID: 34300811 PMCID: PMC8303372 DOI: 10.3390/ma14143893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is a pentacyclic triterpene with promising hepatoprotective and anti-Hepatocellular carcinoma effects. GA low water solubility however reduces its biodistribution and bioavailability, limiting its applications in biomedicine. In this work we used core-shell NPs made of PolyD-L-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) coated with chitosan (CS), prepared through an osmosis-based methodology, to efficiently entrap GA. NPs morphology was investigated with SEM and TEM and their GA payload was evaluated with a spectrophotometric method. GA-loaded NPs were administered to HepG2 cells and their efficiency in reducing cell viability was compared with that induced by the free drug in in vitro tests. Cell viability was evaluated by the MTT assay, as well as with Electric Cells-Substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS), that provided a real-time continuous monitoring. It was possible to correlate the toxic effect of the different forms of GA with the bioavailability of the drug, evidencing the importance of real-time tests for studying the effects of bioactive substances on cell cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Nocca
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.A.); (A.M.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.N.); (L.C.); Tel.: +39-06-3015-4215 (G.N.); +39-06-4991-3340 (L.C.)
| | - Giuseppe D’Avenio
- National Center for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (M.G.)
| | - Adriana Amalfitano
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Laura Chronopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, University La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: (G.N.); (L.C.); Tel.: +39-06-3015-4215 (G.N.); +39-06-4991-3340 (L.C.)
| | - Alvaro Mordente
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.A.); (A.M.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, University La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- CIABC-Centro di Ricerca per le Scienze Applicate alla Protezione dell’Ambiente e dei Beni Culturali, University La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Grigioni
- National Center for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (M.G.)
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Chronopoulou L, Cacciotti I, Amalfitano A, Di Nitto A, D'Arienzo V, Nocca G, Palocci C. Biosynthesis of innovative calcium phosphate/hydrogel composites: physicochemical and biological characterisation. Nanotechnology 2021; 32:095102. [PMID: 33120366 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/abc5f6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The goal of supporting and directing tissue regeneration requires the design of new, advanced materials, with features like biocompatibility, biodegradability and adequate mechanical properties. Our work was focused on developing a new injectable biomimetic composite material, based on a peptidic hydrogel and calcium phosphates with the aim of mimicking the chemical composition of natural bone tissue. Arg-Gly-Asp-grafted chitosan was used to promote cell adhesion. The obtained composite hydrogel was characterized with differential scanning calorimetry measurements, rheological analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance measurements. The biological responsiveness was assessed using the MG-63 human osteoblast cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilaria Cacciotti
- Engineering Department, Niccolò Cusano University, INSTM RU, Rome, Italy
| | - Adriana Amalfitano
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, cliniche intensivologiche e perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Giuseppina Nocca
- Dipartimento di Scienze biotecnologiche di base, cliniche intensivologiche e perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
- CIABC-Centro di Ricerca per le Scienze applicate alla Protezione dell'Ambiente e dei Beni Culturali, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Chronopoulou L, Scaramuzzo FA, Fioravanti R, di Nitto A, Cerra S, Palocci C, Fratoddi I. Noble metal nanoparticle-based networks as a new platform for lipase immobilization. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 146:790-797. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.10.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Chronopoulou L, Donati L, Bramosanti M, Rosciani R, Palocci C, Pasqua G, Valletta A. Microfluidic synthesis of methyl jasmonate-loaded PLGA nanocarriers as a new strategy to improve natural defenses in Vitis vinifera. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18322. [PMID: 31797901 PMCID: PMC6892798 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54852-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present work was to synthesize biopolymeric nanoparticles (NPs) entrapping the resistance-inductor methyl jasmonate (MeJA) to be employed as a novel and alternative strategy in integrated pest management. NPs were prepared by using a continuous flow microfluidic reactor that allows to precisely control some features that are crucial for applications such as size, polydispersion, morphology and reproducibility. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), a biopolymer largely studied for its use in biological applications, was chosen for the production of NPs entrapping MeJA, a biotic endogenous elicitor able to trigger plant’s defense responses. The effect of different fluid-dynamic conditions, PLGA molecular weight and concentration on NP properties (dimensions, polydispersion, morphology, stability) was evaluated. DLS and SEM were employed to characterize the obtained NPs. MeJA-loaded PLGA NPs ranging from 40 to 70 nm were administered to Vitis vinifera cell cultures, in order to evaluate the biological response in terms of stilbene biosynthesis. HPLC investigations showed a faster response when the elicitor was administered by PLGA NPs in comparison with free MeJA. This result demonstrates that the encapsulation in PLGA NPs significantly promotes MeJA cell uptake and the activation of MeJA-induced responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Chronopoulou
- Chemistry Department, Sapienza Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Donati
- Environmental Biology Department, Sapienza Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Bramosanti
- Chemistry Department, Sapienza Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Rosciani
- Environmental Biology Department, Sapienza Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Chemistry Department, Sapienza Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Pasqua
- Environmental Biology Department, Sapienza Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Valletta
- Environmental Biology Department, Sapienza Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
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Simonetti G, Palocci C, Valletta A, Kolesova O, Chronopoulou L, Donati L, Di Nitto A, Brasili E, Tomai P, Gentili A, Pasqua G. Anti- Candida Biofilm Activity of Pterostilbene or Crude Extract from Non-Fermented Grape Pomace Entrapped in Biopolymeric Nanoparticles. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24112070. [PMID: 31151290 PMCID: PMC6600237 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24112070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [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: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymeric nanoparticle-based carriers are promising agents to deliver drugs to cells. Vitis vinifera phenolic compounds are known for their antifungal activity against Candida albicans. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antifungal activity of pterostilbene or crude extracts from non-fermented grape pomace, entrapped in poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles (NPs), with diameters of 50 and 150 nm, on Candida biofilm. The fluorescent probe coumarin 6 was used to study the uptake of poly(lactic-co-glycolic)acid (PLGA) NPs in planktonic cells and biofilm. The green fluorescent signal of coumarin 6 was observed in Candida biofilm after 24 and 48 hours. Both pterostilbene and crude pomace extract entrapped in NPs exerted a significantly higher anti-biofilm activity compared to their free forms. The entrapment efficiency of both pterostilbene and crude pomace extract in PLGA NPs was ~90%. At 16 µg/mL, pterostilbene loaded in PLGA NPs reduced biofilm formation of 63% and reduced mature biofilm of 50%. Moreover, at 50 µg/mL, the pomace extract loaded in NPs reduced mature biofilm of 37%. These results strongly suggest that PLGA NPs are promising nanodevices for the delivery of antifungal drugs as the crude grape pomace extract, a by-product of white wine making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Simonetti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases "Sapienza" University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessio Valletta
- Department of Environmental Biology "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Olga Kolesova
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases "Sapienza" University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Laura Chronopoulou
- Department of Chemistry "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Livia Donati
- Department of Environmental Biology "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonio Di Nitto
- Department of Chemistry "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Elisa Brasili
- Department of Environmental Biology "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Pierpaolo Tomai
- Department of Chemistry "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Gentili
- Department of Chemistry "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Pasqua
- Department of Environmental Biology "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Chronopoulou L, Domenici F, Giantulli S, Brasili F, D'Errico C, Tsaouli G, Tortorella E, Bordi F, Morrone S, Palocci C, Silvestri I. PLGA based particles as "drug reservoir" for antitumor drug delivery: characterization and cytotoxicity studies. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2019; 180:495-502. [PMID: 31103709 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is commonly used to treat several tumor types, but its severe side effects, primarily cardiotoxicity, represent a major limitation for its use in clinical settings. In this study we developed and characterized biodegradable and stable poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) submicrocarriers employing an osmosis-based patented methodology, which allowed to optimize the drug loading efficiency up to 99%. Proceeding from this, we evaluated on MCF-7, a human breast cancer cell line, the ability of PLGA to promote the internalization of DOX and to improve its cytotoxicity in vitro. We found that the in vitro uptake efficiency is dramatically increased when DOX is loaded within PLGA colloidal carriers, which adhere to the cell membrane behaving as an efficient drug reservoir. In fact, the particles provide a diffusion-driven, sustained release of DOX across the cell membrane, resulting in high drug concentration. Accordingly, the cytotoxic analysis clearly showed that DOX-loaded PLGA exhibit a lower 50% inhibitory concentration than free DOX. The decay time of cell viability was successfully compared with DOX diffusion time constant from PLGA. The overall in vitro results highlight the potential of DOX-loaded PLGA particles to be employed as vectors with improved antitumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Chronopoulou
- Department of Chemistry , Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Domenici
- Department of Physics, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; Department of Chemical Science and Technology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale della ricerca scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Sabrina Giantulli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Brasili
- Department of Physics, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; Department of Chemical Science and Technology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale della ricerca scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara D'Errico
- Department of Chemistry , Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Georgia Tsaouli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Tortorella
- Department of Chemical Science and Technology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale della ricerca scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Bordi
- Department of Physics, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Morrone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry , Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Ida Silvestri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Cacciotti I, Chronopoulou L, Palocci C, Amalfitano A, Cantiani M, Cordaro M, Lajolo C, Callà C, Boninsegna A, Lucchetti D, Gallenzi P, Sgambato A, Nocca G, Arcovito A. Controlled release of 18-β-glycyrrhetic acid by nanodelivery systems increases cytotoxicity on oral carcinoma cell line. Nanotechnology 2018; 29:285101. [PMID: 29664420 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/aabecc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The topical treatment for oral mucosal diseases is often based on products optimized for dermatologic applications; consequently, a lower therapeutic effect may be present. 18-β-glycyrrhetic acid (GA) is extracted from Glycirrhiza glabra. The first aim of this study was to test the cytotoxicity of GA on PE/CA-PJ15 cells. The second aim was to propose and test two different delivery systems, i.e. nanoparticles and fibers, to guarantee a controlled release of GA in vitro. We used chitosan and poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid based nanoparticles and polylactic acid fibers. We tested both delivery systems in vitro on PE/CA-PJ15 cells and on normal human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). The morphology of GA-loaded nanoparticles (GA-NPs) and fibers (GA-FBs) was investigated by electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering; GA release kinetics was studied spectrophotometrically. MTT test was used to assess GA cytotoxicity on both cancer and normal cells. Cells were exposed to different concentrations of GA (20-500 μmol l-1) administered as free GA (GA-f), and to GA-NPs or GA-FBs. ROS production was evaluated using dichlorodihydrofluorescein as a fluorescent probe. Regarding the cytotoxic effect of GA on PE/CA-PJ15 cells, the lowest TC50 value was 200 μmol l-1 when GA was added as GA-NPs. No cytotoxic effects were observed when GA was administered to HGFs. N-acetyl Cysteine reduced mortality induced by GA-f in PE/CA-PJ15 cells. The specific effect of GA on PE/CA-PJ15 cells is mainly due to the different sensitivity of cancer cells to ROS over-production; GA-NPs and GA-FBs formulations increase, in vitro, this toxic effect on oral cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cacciotti
- Department of Engineering, University of Rome Niccolò Cusano, Via don Carlo Gnocchi 3, Roma, Italy
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Chronopoulou L, Daniele M, Perez V, Gentili A, Gasperi T, Lupi S, Palocci C. A physico-chemical approach to the study of genipin crosslinking of biofabricated peptide hydrogels. Process Biochem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Palocci C, Valletta A, Chronopoulou L, Donati L, Bramosanti M, Brasili E, Baldan B, Pasqua G. Endocytic pathways involved in PLGA nanoparticle uptake by grapevine cells and role of cell wall and membrane in size selection. Plant Cell Rep 2017; 36:1917-1928. [PMID: 28913707 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-017-2206-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
PLGA NPs' cell uptake involves different endocytic pathways. Clathrin-independent endocytosis is the main internalization route. The cell wall plays a more prominent role than the plasma membrane in NPs' size selection. In the last years, many studies on absorption and cell uptake of nanoparticles by plants have been conducted, but the understanding of the internalization mechanisms is still largely unknown. In this study, polydispersed and monodispersed poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) were synthesized, and a strategy combining the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), confocal analysis, fluorescently labeled PLGA NPs, a probe for endocytic vesicles (FM4-64), and endocytosis inhibitors (i.e., wortmannin, ikarugamycin, and salicylic acid) was employed to shed light on PLGA NP cell uptake in grapevine cultured cells and to assess the role of the cell wall and plasma membrane in size selection of PLGA NPs. The ability of PLGA NPs to cross the cell wall and membrane was confirmed by TEM and fluorescence microscopy. A strong adhesion of PLGA NPs to the outer side of the cell wall was observed, presumably due to electrostatic interactions. Confocal microscopy and treatment with endocytosis inhibitors suggested the involvement of both clathrin-dependent and clathrin-independent endocytosis in cell uptake of PLGA NPs and the latter appeared to be the main internalization pathway. Experiments on grapevine protoplasts revealed that the cell wall plays a more prominent role than the plasma membrane in size selection of PLGA NPs. While the cell wall prevents the uptake of PLGA NPs with diameters over 50 nm, the plasma membrane can be crossed by PLGA NPs with a diameter of 500-600 nm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rome La Sapienza, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Valletta
- Department of Environmental Biology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Laura Chronopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rome La Sapienza, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Donati
- Department of Environmental Biology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Bramosanti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rome La Sapienza, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Brasili
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rome La Sapienza, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Baldan
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pasqua
- Department of Environmental Biology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
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Bramosanti M, Chronopoulou L, Grillo F, Valletta A, Palocci C. Microfluidic-assisted nanoprecipitation of antiviral-loaded polymeric nanoparticles. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2017.04.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Chronopoulou L, Toumia Y, Cerroni B, Pandolfi D, Paradossi G, Palocci C. Biofabrication of genipin-crosslinked peptide hydrogels and their use in the controlled delivery of naproxen. N Biotechnol 2017; 37:138-143. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2016.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Chronopoulou L, Margheritelli S, Toumia Y, Paradossi G, Bordi F, Sennato S, Palocci C. Biosynthesis and Characterization of Cross-Linked Fmoc Peptide-Based Hydrogels for Drug Delivery Applications. Gels 2015; 1:179-193. [PMID: 30674172 PMCID: PMC6318691 DOI: 10.3390/gels1020179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Revised: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, scientific and technological interest in the synthesis of novel peptide-based hydrogel materials have grown dramatically. Applications of such materials mostly concern the biomedical field with examples covering sectors such as drug delivery, tissue engineering, and production of scaffolds for cell growth, thanks to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this work we synthesized Fmoc-Phe₃ based hydrogels of different chirality by using a biocatalytic approach. Moreover, we investigated the possibility of employing a crosslinker during the biosynthetic process and we studied and compared some chemico-physical features of both crosslinked and non-crosslinked hydrogels. In particular, we investigated the rheological properties of such materials, as well as their swelling ability, stability in aqueous medium, and their structure by SEM and AFM analysis. Crosslinked and non-crosslinked hydrogels could be formed by this procedure with comparable yields but distinct chemico-physical features. We entrapped dexamethasone within nanopolymeric particles based on PLGA coated or not with chitosan and we embedded these nanoparticles into the hydrogels. Dexamethasone release from such a nanopolymer/hydrogel system was controlled and sustained and dependent on genipin crosslinking degree. The possibility of efficiently coupling a drug delivery system to hydrogel materials seem particularly promising for tissue engineering applications, where the hydrogel could provide cells the necessary support for their growth, while nanoparticles could favor cell growth or differentiation by providing them the necessary bioactive molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Chronopoulou
- Chemistry Department, University of Rome La Sapienza, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Silvia Margheritelli
- Department of Chemical Science and Technology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Yosra Toumia
- Department of Chemical Science and Technology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Gaio Paradossi
- Department of Chemical Science and Technology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Federico Bordi
- Department of Physics, University of Rome La Sapienza and Institute for Complex-System (ISC) CNR, UOS Sapienza, P.le Aldo Moro 2, I-00185 Roma, Italy.
| | - Simona Sennato
- Department of Physics, University of Rome La Sapienza and Institute for Complex-System (ISC) CNR, UOS Sapienza, P.le Aldo Moro 2, I-00185 Roma, Italy.
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Chemistry Department, University of Rome La Sapienza, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Chronopoulou L, Amalfitano A, Palocci C, Nocca G, Callà C, Arcovito A. Dexamethasone-loaded biopolymeric nanoparticles promote gingival fibroblasts differentiation. Biotechnol Prog 2015; 31:1381-7. [DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Chronopoulou
- Dept. of Chemistry; Sapienza University of Rome; Piazzale a. Moro 5 Rome 00185 Italy
| | - Adriana Amalfitano
- Dept. of Chemistry; Sapienza University of Rome; Piazzale a. Moro 5 Rome 00185 Italy
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Dept. of Chemistry; Sapienza University of Rome; Piazzale a. Moro 5 Rome 00185 Italy
| | - Giuseppina Nocca
- Inst. of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore; L.Go F. Vito 1 Rome 00168 Italy
- Inst. of Chemistry of Molecular Recognition; C.N.R., C/O L.Go F. Vito 1 Rome 00168 Italy
| | - Cinzia Callà
- Inst. of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore; L.Go F. Vito 1 Rome 00168 Italy
| | - Alessandro Arcovito
- Inst. of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore; L.Go F. Vito 1 Rome 00168 Italy
- Centro Di Ricrca Sulle Biotecnologie Applicate Alla Cosmetologia (CRBA); Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore; L.Go F. Vito 1 Rome 00168 Italy
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Venditti I, Palocci C, Chronopoulou L, Fratoddi I, Fontana L, Diociaiuti M, Russo MV. Candida rugosa lipase immobilization on hydrophilic charged gold nanoparticles as promising biocatalysts: Activity and stability investigations. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2015; 131:93-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2015.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Bordi F, Chronopoulou L, Palocci C, Bomboi F, Di Martino A, Cifani N, Pompili B, Ascenzioni F, Sennato S. Chitosan–DNA complexes: Effect of molecular parameters on the efficiency of delivery. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2013.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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33
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Chronopoulou L, Sennato S, Bordi F, Giannella D, Di Nitto A, Barbetta A, Dentini M, Togna AR, Togna GI, Moschini S, Palocci C. Designing unconventional Fmoc-peptide-based biomaterials: structure and related properties. Soft Matter 2014; 10:1944-52. [PMID: 24651999 DOI: 10.1039/c3sm52457d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
We have recently employed L-amino acids in the lipase-catalyzed biofabrication of a class of self-assembling Fmoc-peptides that form 3-dimensional nanofiber scaffolds. Here we report that using d-amino acids, the homochiral self-assembling peptide Fmoc-D-Phe3 (Fmoc-F*F*F*) also forms a 3-dimensional nanofiber scaffold that is substantially distinguishable from its L-peptide and heterochiral peptide (F*FF and FF*F*) counterparts on the basis of their physico-chemical properties. Such chiral peptides self-assemble into ordered nanofibers with well defined fibrillar motifs. Circular dichroism and atomic force microscopy have been employed to study in depth such fibrillar peptide structures. Dexamethasone release kinetics from PLGA and CS-PLGA nanoparticles entrapped within the peptidic hydrogel matrix encourage its use for applications in drug controlled release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Chronopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy.
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Amaduzzi F, Bomboi F, Bonincontro A, Bordi F, Casciardi S, Chronopoulou L, Diociaiuti M, Mura F, Palocci C, Sennato S. Chitosan-DNA complexes: charge inversion and DNA condensation. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2013; 114:1-10. [PMID: 24161501 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2013.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [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: 03/27/2013] [Revised: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 09/14/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The design of biocompatible polyelectrolyte complexes is a promising strategy for in vivo delivery of biologically active macromolecules. Particularly, the condensation of DNA by polycations received considerable attention for its potential in gene delivery applications, where the development of safe and effective non-viral vectors remains a central challenge. Among polymeric polycations, Chitosan has recently emerged as a very interesting material for these applications. In this study, we compare the observed aggregation behavior of Chitosan-DNA complexes with the predictions of existing models for the complexation of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. By using different and complementary microscopy approaches (AFM, FESEM and TEM), light scattering and electrophoretic mobility techniques, we characterized the structures of the complexes formed at different charge ratios and Chitosan molecular weight. In good agreement with theoretical predictions, a reentrant condensation, accompanied by charge inversion, is clearly observed as the polycation/DNA charge ratio is increased. In fact, the aggregates reach their maximum size in correspondence of a value of the charge ratio where their measured net charge inverts its sign. This value does not correspond to the stoichiometric 1:1 charge ratio, but is inversely correlated with the polycation length. Distinctive "tadpole-like" aggregates are observed in excess polycation, while only globular aggregates are found in excess DNA. Close to the isoelectric point, elongated fiber-like structures appear. Within the framework of the models discussed, different apparently uncorrelated observations reported in the literature find a systematic interpretation. These results suggest that these models are useful tools to guide the design of new and more efficient polycation-based vectors for a more effective delivery of genetic material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Amaduzzi
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.zzle A. Moro, 2, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Francesca Bomboi
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.zzle A. Moro, 2, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Adalberto Bonincontro
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.zzle A. Moro, 2, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Federico Bordi
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.zzle A. Moro, 2, 00185 Roma, Italy; CNR-IPCF UOS Roma, c/o Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.zzle A. Moro, 2, 00185 Roma, Italy.
| | - Stefano Casciardi
- Dipartimento di Igiene del Lavoro, ISPESL, 00040 Monte Porzio Catone, Italy
| | - Laura Chronopoulou
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.zzle A. Moro, 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Marco Diociaiuti
- Dipartimento di Tecnologie e Salute, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, V.le Regina Elena 299, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Francesco Mura
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Base Applicate all'Ingegneria, Sapienza Università di Roma, Via A. Scarpa, 14, 00183 Roma, Italy
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.zzle A. Moro, 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Simona Sennato
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.zzle A. Moro, 2, 00185 Roma, Italy; CNR-IPCF UOS Roma, c/o Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.zzle A. Moro, 2, 00185 Roma, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Chronopoulou
- Department of Chemistry; University of Rome “La Sapienza”; Piazzale Aldo Moro 5; 00185; Rome; Italy
| | - Angelo C. Agatone
- Department of Chemistry; University of Rome “La Sapienza”; Piazzale Aldo Moro 5; 00185; Rome; Italy
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry; University of Rome “La Sapienza”; Piazzale Aldo Moro 5; 00185; Rome; Italy
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Chronopoulou L, Cutonilli A, Cametti C, Dentini M, Palocci C. PLGA-based nanoparticles: effect of chitosan in the aggregate stabilization. A dielectric relaxation spectroscopy study. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2012; 97:117-23. [PMID: 22609591 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2012.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Revised: 04/10/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Chitosan-modified polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles with average diameter of 200 nm in PBS buffer solution have been investigated by means of dielectric relaxation spectroscopy measurements in the frequency range (1 MHz-2 GHz) where interfacial polarizations occur. PLGA-based nanoparticles offer remarkable advantages in different biotechnological fields, such as their biocompatibility, easiness of administration and rather complete biodegradation. However, despite the use of these drug delivery systems is increasing, little is known about the basic process involved in the formation of complexes and in the subsequent release kinetics. In the present work, we have characterized the colloidal behavior of PLGA-based nanoparticles in the presence of oppositely charged chitosan polyelectrolyte by means of dynamic light scattering, electrophoretic mobility and radiowave dielectric relaxation measurements. In particular, we have emphasized how the presence of a coating layer at the nanoparticle surface could exert a marked slowing-down in the drug release. The consequence of this finding is briefly discussed at the light of some biological implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Chronopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Chronopoulou L, Fratoddi I, Palocci C, Venditti I, Russo MV. Osmosis based method drives the self-assembly of polymeric chains into micro- and nanostructures. Langmuir 2009; 25:11940-11946. [PMID: 19572495 DOI: 10.1021/la9016382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Polymers derived from monomers with a variety of functionalities provide materials with a vast range of properties and applications. Worldwide research has recently developed a wide number of methods suitable for the preparation of polymeric materials of nanometric dimensions, in view of the fact that, at the nanoscale level, new and unexpected properties emerge and lead to innovative applications. In this framework, we have exploited an easy method for the generation of nanostructures, regardless of the chemical structure of the pristine amorphous polymers, that is, biopolymers (e.g., polysaccharides) and synthetic, functional, and structural polymers (i.e, polystyrene, polymethylmethacrylates, polyacetylenes, and polymetallaynes). The nanostructure of these macromolecules, considered as the prototypes of various classes of polymeric materials, was achieved by using a simple and versatile procedure based on an osmotic method (OBM). Depending on the choice of solvent/nonsolvent pairs, the dialysis membrane molecular weight cutoff (MWCO), temperature, and polymer concentration, different morphologies can be obtained (e.g., spheres, sponges, disks, and fibers); also, a tuning of the nanoparticle dimensions ranging from the micro- to nanoscale has been obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Chronopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rome La Sapienza, P.le A. Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
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Palocci C, Falconi M, Chronopoulou L, Cernia E. Lipase-catalyzed regioselective acylation of tritylglycosides in supercritical carbon dioxide. J Supercrit Fluids 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.supflu.2007.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Masotti A, Bordi F, Ortaggi G, Marino F, Palocci C. A novel method to obtain chitosan/DNA nanospheres and a study of their release properties. Nanotechnology 2008; 19:055302. [PMID: 21817607 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/19/05/055302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Polysaccharides and other cationic polymers have recently been used in pharmaceutical research and industry for their properties to control the release of antibiotics, DNA, proteins, peptide drugs or vaccines, and they have also been extensively studied as non-viral DNA carriers for gene delivery and therapy. Among them, chitosan is the most used since it can promote long-term release of incorporated drugs. This work is focused on the preparation of chitosan and chitosan/DNA nanospheres by using a novel and simple osmosis-based method, recently patented. The morphology of chitosan/DNA particles is spherical (as observed by scanning electron microscopy, SEM) and the nanospheres' average diameter is 38 ± 4 nm (obtained by dynamic light scattering, DLS). With this method, DNA is incorporated with high yield (up to 30%) and the release process is gradual and prolonged in time. The novelty of the reported method resides in the general applicability to various synthetic or natural biopolymers. Solvent, temperature and membrane cut-off are the physicochemical parameters that one is able to use to control the overall osmotic process, leading to several nanostructured systems with different size and shape that may be used in several biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Masotti
- Dipartimento di Chimica, SAPIENZA Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Palocci C, Chronopoulou L, Venditti I, Cernia E, Diociaiuti M, Fratoddi I, Russo MV. Lipolytic Enzymes with Improved Activity and Selectivity upon Adsorption on Polymeric Nanoparticles. Biomacromolecules 2007; 8:3047-53. [PMID: 17803276 DOI: 10.1021/bm070374l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Nanostructured polystyrene (PS) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) were used as carriers for the preparation of bioconjugates with lipolytic enzymes, such as Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) and Pseudomonas cepacia lipase (PCL). Simple addition of the lipase solution to the polymeric nanoparticles under protein-friendly conditions (pH 7.6) led to the formation of polymer-enzyme bioconjugates. Energy filtered-transmission electron microscopy (EF-TEM) performed on immuno-gold labeled samples revealed that the enzyme preferentially binds to the polymer nanoparticles and that the binding does not affect the nanostructured features of the carriers. The studies performed on the activity of the bioconjugates pointed out that the lipases adsorbed onto polymeric nanoparticles show an improved performance in terms of activity and selectivity with respect to those shown by lipases adsorbed on the same non-nanostructured carriers. The residual activities of CRL and PCL immobilized on nanostructured PMMA and PS reached 60% and 74%, respectively. Moreover, we found that enantioselectivity and pH and thermal stability increase upon immobilization. These results highlight the fact that new protein conformers with improved enantioselectivity stabilized after adsorption on nanoparticles are obtained. On the basis of the chemical structures of the selected polymers and the slopes of the adsorption isotherms, a hydrophobic binding model for lipase/nanostructured polymers is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rome La Sapienza, P le A Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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Abstract
Highly porous, hydrophilic porous matrices were fabricated by using a high internal phase supercritical-CO2 (scCO2) emulsion templating technique. The novel aspect of the work resides in the combination of a natural biopolymer (dextran) as the building component of the matrices and of an environmentally benign solvent (supercritical-CO2) as the pore-generating phase. The synthetic route to the porous biomaterials involved the preliminary functionalization of the dextran chains with methacrylic moieties, formation of a scCO2-in-water concentrated emulsion, and curing of the external phase of the emulsion by radical polymerization. As the emulsion stabilizer a perfluoropolyether surfactant was chosen. The matrices obtained exhibit highly interconnected, trabecular morphologies. The porous biomaterial morphologies were qualitatively characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the evaluation of void and interconnect sizes was carried out on the micrographs taken with the light microscope. To tailor the morphologies of the porous structures, the influence of the volume fraction of the internal phase and of the surfactant/internal phase ratio was investigated. It was established that the variation of the volume fraction of the internal phase exerted only a limited influence on void and interconnect sizes. On the contrary the increase of surfactant concentration alters dramatically the distribution of void size, a large proportion of the void space enclosed within the matrix being attributable to voids with a diameter exceeding 100 microm. The free toxic solvent process of fabrication of the porous structures, the high water content, the expected biocompatibility, and the mechanical properties that resemble natural tissues make these porous hydrogels potentially useful for tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rome La Sapienza, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Palocci C, Falconi M, Alcaro S, Tafi A, Puglisi R, Ortuso F, Botta M, Alberghina L, Cernia E. An approach to address Candida rugosa lipase regioselectivity in the acylation reactions of trytilated glucosides. J Biotechnol 2007; 128:908-18. [PMID: 17321623 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2006.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2006] [Revised: 07/17/2006] [Accepted: 08/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Candida rugosa lipase crude preparations (CRL) catalyse the regioselective acylation of methyl 6-O-trytil beta-d-glucopyranoside in organic solvents, using vinyl acetate as acyl donor. The ratio of the two products formed, namely methyl 2-O acetyl 6-O-trytil beta-d-glucopyranoside and methyl 3-O acetyl 6-O-trytil beta-d-glucopyranoside was found to be markedly affected by the nature of the reaction medium. In hydrophobic solvents values up to 80% of the monoacetylated product in position C-3 were obtained compared to less than 30% in solvents with low hydrophobicity. Computational studies were carried out to simulate the interactions between methyl 6-O-trytil beta-d-glucopyranoside and both CRL and the solvents, in order to rationalize the experimental results.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Palocci
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza", P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy.
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Panzavolta F, Soro S, D’Amato R, Palocci C, Cernia E, Russo M. Acetylenic polymers as new immobilization matrices for lipolytic enzymes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molcatb.2004.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Rahimi H, Soro S, Rughetti A, Palocci C, Biffoni M, Barachini S, Taurino F, Cernia E, Frati L, Nuti M. Monoclonal antibodies against Candida rugosa lipase. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molcatb.2004.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Cernia E, Delfini M, Di Cocco E, Palocci C, Soro S. Investigation of lipase-catalysed hydrolysis of naproxen methyl ester: use of NMR spectroscopy methods to study substrate-enzyme interaction. Bioorg Chem 2002; 30:276-84. [PMID: 12392706 DOI: 10.1016/s0045-2068(02)00014-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
(+/-)-2-(6-Methoxy-2-naphthyl)propionic acid methyl ester (methyl ester of Naproxen), the precursor of therapeutically important nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was enantioselectively hydrolysed using as biocatalyst Candida rugosa lipase. In research aimed at studying the structure-activity relationship (SAR), NMR spectroscopy methods were employed to identify which Naproxen molecular moiety was essential to the substrate-enzyme interaction. The experimental results, in agreement with previous computer modelling studies and reported kinetic data, gave new information on the enzyme-substrate complex formation in solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Cernia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rome "La Sapienza," Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
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Manetti F, Mileto D, Corelli F, Soro S, Palocci C, Cernia E, D'Acquarica I, Lotti M, Alberghina L, Botta M. Design and realization of a tailor-made enzyme to modify the molecular recognition of 2-arylpropionic esters by Candida rugosa lipase. Biochim Biophys Acta 2000; 1543:146-58. [PMID: 11087950 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-4838(00)00185-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Within a research project aimed at probing the substrate specificity and the enantioselectivity of Candida rugosa lipase (CRL), computer modeling studies of the interactions between CRL and methyl (+/-)-2-(3-benzoylphenyl)propionate (Ketoprofen methyl ester) have been carried out in order to identify which amino acids are essential to the enzyme/substrate interaction. Different binding models of the substrate enantiomers to the active site of CRL were investigated by applying a computational protocol based on molecular docking, conformational analysis, and energy minimization procedures. The structural models of the computer generated complexes between CRL and the substrates enabled us to propose that Phe344 and Phe345, in addition to the residues constituting the catalytic triad and the oxyanion hole, are the amino acids mainly involved in the enzyme-ligand interactions. To test the importance of these residues for the enzymatic activity, site-directed mutagenesis of the selected amino acids has been performed, and the mutated enzymes have been evaluated for their conversion and selectivity capabilities toward different substrates. The experimental results obtained in these biotransformation reactions indicate that Phe344 and especially Phe345 influence CRL activity, supporting the findings of our theoretical simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Manetti
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro snc, I-53100 Siena, Italy
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Celia EC, Cernia E, D'Acquarica I, Palocci C, Soro S. High yield and optical purity in biocatalysed acylation of trans-2-phenyl-1-cyclohexanol with Candida rugosa lipase in non-conventional media. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1016/s1381-1177(99)00014-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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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