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Subramaniam S, Akay M, Anastasio MA, Bailey V, Boas D, Bonato P, Chilkoti A, Cochran JR, Colvin V, Desai TA, Duncan JS, Epstein FH, Fraley S, Giachelli C, Grande-Allen KJ, Green J, Guo XE, Hilton IB, Humphrey JD, Johnson CR, Karniadakis G, King MR, Kirsch RF, Kumar S, Laurencin CT, Li S, Lieber RL, Lovell N, Mali P, Margulies SS, Meaney DF, Ogle B, Palsson B, A. Peppas N, Perreault EJ, Rabbitt R, Setton LA, Shea LD, Shroff SG, Shung K, Tolias AS, van der Meulen MC, Varghese S, Vunjak-Novakovic G, White JA, Winslow R, Zhang J, Zhang K, Zukoski C, Miller MI. Grand Challenges at the Interface of Engineering and Medicine. IEEE OPEN JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 5:1-13. [PMID: 38415197 PMCID: PMC10896418 DOI: 10.1109/ojemb.2024.3351717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades Biomedical Engineering has emerged as a major discipline that bridges societal needs of human health care with the development of novel technologies. Every medical institution is now equipped at varying degrees of sophistication with the ability to monitor human health in both non-invasive and invasive modes. The multiple scales at which human physiology can be interrogated provide a profound perspective on health and disease. We are at the nexus of creating "avatars" (herein defined as an extension of "digital twins") of human patho/physiology to serve as paradigms for interrogation and potential intervention. Motivated by the emergence of these new capabilities, the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, the Departments of Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University and Bioengineering at University of California at San Diego sponsored an interdisciplinary workshop to define the grand challenges that face biomedical engineering and the mechanisms to address these challenges. The Workshop identified five grand challenges with cross-cutting themes and provided a roadmap for new technologies, identified new training needs, and defined the types of interdisciplinary teams needed for addressing these challenges. The themes presented in this paper include: 1) accumedicine through creation of avatars of cells, tissues, organs and whole human; 2) development of smart and responsive devices for human function augmentation; 3) exocortical technologies to understand brain function and treat neuropathologies; 4) the development of approaches to harness the human immune system for health and wellness; and 5) new strategies to engineer genomes and cells.
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Mohindra P, Zhong JX, Fang Q, Cuylear DL, Huynh C, Qiu H, Gao D, Kharbikar BN, Huang X, Springer ML, Lee RJ, Desai TA. Local decorin delivery via hyaluronic acid microrods improves cardiac performance, ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction. NPJ Regen Med 2023; 8:60. [PMID: 37872196 PMCID: PMC10593781 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-023-00336-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) remains a global public health burden and often results following myocardial infarction (MI). Following injury, cardiac fibrosis forms in the myocardium which greatly hinders cellular function, survival, and recruitment, thus severely limits tissue regeneration. Here, we leverage biophysical microstructural cues made of hyaluronic acid (HA) loaded with the anti-fibrotic proteoglycan decorin to more robustly attenuate cardiac fibrosis after acute myocardial injury. Microrods showed decorin incorporation throughout the entirety of the hydrogel structures and exhibited first-order release kinetics in vitro. Intramyocardial injections of saline (n = 5), microrods (n = 7), decorin microrods (n = 10), and free decorin (n = 4) were performed in male rat models of ischemia-reperfusion MI to evaluate therapeutic effects on cardiac remodeling and function. Echocardiographic analysis demonstrated that rats treated with decorin microrods (5.21% ± 4.29%) exhibited significantly increased change in ejection fraction (EF) at 8 weeks post-MI compared to rats treated with saline (-4.18% ± 2.78%, p < 0.001) and free decorin (-3.42% ± 1.86%, p < 0.01). Trends in reduced end diastolic volume were also identified in decorin microrod-treated groups compared to those treated with saline, microrods, and free decorin, indicating favorable ventricular remodeling. Quantitative analysis of histology and immunofluorescence staining showed that treatment with decorin microrods reduced cardiac fibrosis (p < 0.05) and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy (p < 0.05) at 8 weeks post-MI compared to saline control. Together, this work aims to contribute important knowledge to guide rationally designed biomaterial development that may be used to successfully treat cardiovascular diseases.
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Levy ES, Kim AS, Werlin E, Chen M, Sansbury BE, Spite M, Desai TA, Conte MS. Tissue factor targeting peptide enhances nanoparticle binding and delivery of a synthetic specialized pro-resolving lipid mediator to injured arteries. JVS Vasc Sci 2023; 4:100126. [PMID: 38045567 PMCID: PMC10692706 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvssci.2023.100126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPM) such as resolvin D1 (RvD1) attenuate inflammation and exhibit vasculo-protective properties. Methods We investigated poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-based nanoparticles (NP), containing a peptide targeted to tissue factor (TF) for delivery of 17R-RvD1 and a synthetic analog 17-R/S-benzo-RvD1 (benzo-RvD1) using in vitro and in vivo models of acute vascular injury. NPs were characterized in vitro by size, drug loading, drug release, TF binding, and vascular smooth muscle cell migration assays. NPs were also characterized in a rat model of carotid angioplasty. Results PLGA NPs based on a 75/25 lactic to glycolic acid ratio demonstrated optimal loading (507.3 pg 17R-RvD1/mg NP; P = ns) and release of RvD1 (153.1 pg 17R-RvD1/mg NP; P < .05). NPs incorporating the targeting peptide adhered to immobilized TF with greater avidity than NPs with scrambled peptide (50 nM: 41.6 ± 0.52 vs 32.66 ± 0.34; 100 nM: 35.67 ± 0.95 vs 23.5 ± 0.39; P < .05). NPs loaded with 17R-RvD1 resulted in a trend toward blunted vascular smooth muscle cell migration in a scratch assay. In a rat model of carotid angioplasty, 16-fold more NPs were present after treatment with TF-targeted NPs compared with scrambled NPs (P < .01), with a corresponding trend toward higher tissue levels of 17R-RvD1 (P = .06). Benzo-RvD1 was also detectable in arteries treated with targeted NP delivery and accumulated at 10 times higher levels than NP loaded with 17R-RvD1. There was a trend toward decreased CD45 immunostaining in vessels treated with NP containing benzo-RvD1 (0.76 ± 0.38 cells/mm2 vs 122.1 ± 22.26 cells/mm2; P = .06). There were no significant differences in early arterial inflammatory and cytokine gene expression by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Conclusions TF-targeting peptides enhanced NP-mediated delivery of SPM to injured artery. TF-targeted delivery of SPMs may be a promising therapeutic approach to attenuate the vascular injury response.
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Cosgriff-Hernandez EM, Aguado BA, Akpa B, Fleming GC, Moore E, Porras AM, Boyle PM, Chan DD, Chesler N, Christman KL, Desai TA, Harley BAC, Hudalla GA, Killian ML, Maisel K, Maitland KC, Peyton SR, Pruitt BL, Stabenfeldt SE, Stevens KR, Bowden AK. Equitable hiring strategies towards a diversified faculty. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:961-968. [PMID: 37580521 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01076-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
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Chendke GS, Kharbikar BN, Ashe S, Faleo G, Sneddon JB, Tang Q, Hebrok M, Desai TA. Replenishable prevascularized cell encapsulation devices increase graft survival and function in the subcutaneous space. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10520. [PMID: 37476069 PMCID: PMC10354771 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Beta cell replacement therapy (BCRT) for patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) improves blood glucose regulation by replenishing the endogenous beta cells destroyed by autoimmune attack. Several limitations, including immune isolation, prevent this therapy from reaching its full potential. Cell encapsulation devices used for BCRT provide a protective physical barrier for insulin-producing beta cells, thereby protecting transplanted cells from immune attack. However, poor device engraftment posttransplantation leads to nutrient deprivation and hypoxia, causing metabolic strain on transplanted beta cells. Prevascularization of encapsulation devices at the transplantation site can help establish a host vascular network around the implant, increasing solute transport to the encapsulated cells. Here, we present a replenishable prevascularized implantation methodology (RPVIM) that allows for the vascular integration of replenishable encapsulation devices in the subcutaneous space. Empty encapsulation devices were vascularized for 14 days, after which insulin-producing cells were inserted without disrupting the surrounding vasculature. The RPVIM devices were compared with nonprevascularized devices (Standard Implantation Methodology [SIM]) and previously established prevascularized devices (Standard Prevascularization Implantation Methodology [SPVIM]). Results show that over 75% of RPVIM devices containing stem cell-derived insulin-producing beta cell clusters showed a signal after 28 days of implantation in subcutaneous space. Notably, not only was the percent of RPVIM devices showing signal significantly greater than SIM and SPVIM devices, but the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests and histological analyses showed that encapsulated stem-cell derived insulin-producing beta cell clusters retained their function in the RPVIM devices, which is crucial for the successful management of T1D.
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Nurunnabi M, Desai TA. Biomaterials for Oral Medicine. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:2816-2818. [PMID: 37303162 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
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Rivera KO, Cuylear DL, Duke VR, O’Hara KM, Zhong JX, Elghazali NA, Finbloom JA, Kharbikar BN, Kryger AN, Miclau T, Marcucio RS, Bahney CS, Desai TA. Encapsulation of β-NGF in injectable microrods for localized delivery accelerates endochondral fracture repair. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1190371. [PMID: 37284244 PMCID: PMC10241161 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1190371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Currently, there are no non-surgical FDA-approved biological approaches to accelerate fracture repair. Injectable therapies designed to stimulate bone healing represent an exciting alternative to surgically implanted biologics, however, the translation of effective osteoinductive therapies remains challenging due to the need for safe and effective drug delivery. Hydrogel-based microparticle platforms may be a clinically relevant solution to create controlled and localized drug delivery to treat bone fractures. Here, we describe poly (ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA)-based microparticles, in the shape of microrods, loaded with beta nerve growth factor (β-NGF) for the purpose of promoting fracture repair. Methods: Herein, PEGDMA microrods were fabricated through photolithography. PEGDMA microrods were loaded with β-NGF and in vitro release was examined. Subsequently, bioactivity assays were evaluated in vitro using the TF-1 tyrosine receptor kinase A (Trk-A) expressing cell line. Finally, in vivo studies using our well-established murine tibia fracture model were performed and a single injection of the β-NGF loaded PEGDMA microrods, non-loaded PEGDMA microrods, or soluble β-NGF was administered to assess the extent of fracture healing using Micro-computed tomography (µCT) and histomorphometry. Results: In vitro release studies showed there is significant retention of protein within the polymer matrix over 168 hours through physiochemical interactions. Bioactivity of protein post-loading was confirmed with the TF-1 cell line. In vivo studies using our murine tibia fracture model show that PEGDMA microrods injected at the site of fracture remained adjacent to the callus for over 7 days. Importantly, a single injection of β-NGF loaded PEGDMA microrods resulted in improved fracture healing as indicated by a significant increase in the percent bone in the fracture callus, trabecular connective density, and bone mineral density relative to soluble β-NGF control indicating improved drug retention within the tissue. The concomitant decrease in cartilage fraction supports our prior work showing that β-NGF promotes endochondral conversion of cartilage to bone to accelerate healing. Discussion: We demonstrate a novel and translational method wherein β-NGF can be encapsulated within PEGDMA microrods for local delivery and that β-NGF bioactivity is maintained resulting in improved bone fracture repair.
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Stevens KR, Desai TA. Centering Margins in Organ Assembly. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2300146. [PMID: 37169719 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
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Finbloom JA, Raghavan P, Kwon M, Kharbikar BN, Yu MA, Desai TA. Codelivery of synergistic antimicrobials with polyelectrolyte nanocomplexes to treat bacterial biofilms and lung infections. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade8039. [PMID: 36662850 PMCID: PMC9858510 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade8039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial biofilm infections, particularly those of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), have high rates of antimicrobial tolerance and are commonly found in chronic wound and cystic fibrosis lung infections. Combination therapeutics that act synergistically can overcome antimicrobial tolerance; however, the delivery of multiple therapeutics at relevant dosages remains a challenge. We therefore developed a nanoscale drug carrier for antimicrobial codelivery by combining approaches from polyelectrolyte nanocomplex (NC) formation and layer-by-layer electrostatic self-assembly. This strategy led to NC drug carriers loaded with tobramycin antibiotics and antimicrobial silver nanoparticles (AgTob-NCs). AgTob-NCs displayed synergistic enhancements in antimicrobial activity against both planktonic and biofilm PA cultures, with positively charged NCs outperforming negatively charged formulations. NCs were evaluated in mouse models of lung infection, leading to reduced bacterial burden and improved survival outcomes. This approach therefore shows promise for nanoscale therapeutic codelivery to treat recalcitrant bacterial infections.
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Cuylear D, Elghazali NA, Kapila SD, Desai TA. Calcium Phosphate Delivery Systems for Regeneration and Biomineralization of Mineralized Tissues of the Craniofacial Complex. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:810-828. [PMID: 36652561 PMCID: PMC9906782 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Calcium phosphate (CaP)-based materials have been extensively used for mineralized tissues in the craniofacial complex. Owing to their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and inherent osteoconductive nature, their use as delivery systems for drugs and bioactive factors has several advantages. Of the three mineralized tissues in the craniofacial complex (bone, dentin, and enamel), only bone and dentin have some regenerative properties that can diminish due to disease and severe injuries. Therefore, targeting these regenerative tissues with CaP delivery systems carrying relevant drugs, morphogenic factors, and ions is imperative to improve tissue health in the mineralized tissue engineering field. In this review, the use of CaP-based microparticles, nanoparticles, and polymer-induced liquid precursor (PILPs) amorphous CaP nanodroplets for delivery to craniofacial bone and dentin are discussed. The use of these various form factors to obtain either a high local concentration of cargo at the macroscale and/or to deliver cargos precisely to nanoscale structures is also described. Finally, perspectives on the field using these CaP materials and next steps for the future delivery to the craniofacial complex are presented.
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Lykins WR, Bernards DA, Schlesinger EB, Wisniewski K, Desai TA. Tuning polycaprolactone degradation for long acting implantables. POLYMER 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2022.125473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Zhong JX, Raghavan P, Desai TA. Harnessing Biomaterials for Immunomodulatory-Driven Tissue Engineering. REGENERATIVE ENGINEERING AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022; 9:224-239. [PMID: 37333620 PMCID: PMC10272262 DOI: 10.1007/s40883-022-00279-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Abstract The immune system plays a crucial role during tissue repair and wound healing processes. Biomaterials have been leveraged to assist in this in situ tissue regeneration process to dampen the foreign body response by evading or suppressing the immune system. An emerging paradigm within regenerative medicine is to use biomaterials to influence the immune system and create a pro-reparative microenvironment to instigate endogenously driven tissue repair. In this review, we discuss recent studies that focus on immunomodulation of innate and adaptive immune cells for tissue engineering applications through four biomaterial-based mechanisms of action: biophysical cues, chemical modifications, drug delivery, and sequestration. These materials enable augmented regeneration in various contexts, including vascularization, bone repair, wound healing, and autoimmune regulation. While further understanding of immune-material interactions is needed to design the next generation of immunomodulatory biomaterials, these materials have already demonstrated great promise for regenerative medicine. Lay Summary The immune system plays an important role in tissue repair. Many biomaterial strategies have been used to promote tissue repair, and recent work in this area has looked into the possibility of doing repair by tuning. Thus, we examined the literature for recent works showcasing the efficacy of these approaches in animal models of injuries. In these studies, we found that biomaterials successfully tuned the immune response and improved the repair of various tissues. This highlights the promise of immune-modulating material strategies to improve tissue repair.
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Murrow LM, Weber RJ, Caruso JA, McGinnis CS, Phong K, Gascard P, Rabadam G, Borowsky AD, Desai TA, Thomson M, Tlsty T, Gartner ZJ. Mapping hormone-regulated cell-cell interaction networks in the human breast at single-cell resolution. Cell Syst 2022; 13:644-664.e8. [PMID: 35863345 PMCID: PMC9590200 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone across menstrual cycles and during pregnancy regulates breast development and modifies cancer risk. How these hormones impact each cell type in the breast remains poorly understood because they act indirectly through paracrine networks. Using single-cell analysis of premenopausal breast tissue, we reveal a network of coordinated transcriptional programs representing the tissue-level response to changing hormone levels. Our computational approach, DECIPHER-seq, leverages person-to-person variability in breast composition and cell state to uncover programs that co-vary across individuals. We use differences in cell-type proportions to infer a subset of programs that arise from direct cell-cell interactions regulated by hormones. Further, we demonstrate that prior pregnancy and obesity modify hormone responsiveness through distinct mechanisms: obesity reduces the proportion of hormone-responsive cells, whereas pregnancy dampens the direct response of these cells to hormones. Together, these results provide a comprehensive map of the cycling human breast.
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Abstract
The successful transplantation of stem cells has the potential to transform regenerative medicine approaches and open promising avenues to repair, replace, and regenerate diseased, damaged, or aged tissues. However, pre-/post-transplantation issues of poor cell survival, retention, cell fate regulation, and insufficient integration with host tissues constitute significant challenges. The success of stem cell transplantation depends upon the coordinated sequence of stem cell renewal, specific lineage differentiation, assembly, and maintenance of long-term function. Advances in biomaterials can improve pre-/post-transplantation outcomes by integrating biophysiochemical cues and emulating tissue microenvironments. This review highlights leading biomaterials-based approaches for enhancing stem cell transplantation.
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Meher N, Seo K, Wang S, Bidkar AP, Fogarty M, Dhrona S, Huang X, Tang R, Blaha C, Evans MJ, Raleigh DR, Jun YW, VanBrocklin HF, Desai TA, Wilson DM, Ozawa T, Flavell RR. Synthesis and Preliminary Biological Assessment of Carborane-Loaded Theranostic Nanoparticles to Target Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:54739-54752. [PMID: 34752058 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c16383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is an encouraging therapeutic modality for cancer treatment. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a cell membrane protein that is abundantly overexpressed in prostate cancer and can be targeted with radioligand therapies to stimulate clinical responses in patients. In principle, a spatially targeted neutron beam together with specifically targeted PSMA ligands could enable prostate cancer-targeted BNCT. Thus, we developed and tested PSMA-targeted poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA-b-PEG) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with carborane and tethered to the radiometal chelator deferoxamine B (DFB) for simultaneous positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and selective delivery of boron to prostate cancer. Monomeric PLGA-b-PEGs were covalently functionalized with either DFB or the PSMA ligand ACUPA. Different nanoparticle formulations were generated by nanoemulsification of the corresponding unmodified and DFB- or ACUPA-modified monomers in varying percent fractions. The nanoparticles were efficiently labeled with 89Zr and were subjected to in vitro and in vivo evaluation. The optimized DFB(25)ACUPA(75) NPs exhibited strong in vitro binding to PSMA in direct binding and competition radioligand binding assays in PSMA(+) PC3-Pip cells. [89Zr]DFB(25) NPs and [89Zr]DFB(25)ACUPA(75) NPs were injected to mice with bilateral PSMA(-) PC3-Flu and PSMA(+) PC3-Pip dual xenografts. The NPs demonstrated twofold superior accumulation in PC3-Pip tumors to that of PC3-Flu tumors with a tumor/blood ratio of 25; however, no substantial effect of the ACUPA ligands was detected. Moreover, fast release of carborane from the NPs was observed, resulting in a low boron delivery to tumors in vivo. In summary, these data demonstrate the synthesis, characterization, and initial biological assessment of PSMA-targeted, carborane-loaded PLGA-b-PEG nanoparticles and establish the foundation for future efforts to enable their best use in vivo.
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Mofidfar M, Abdi B, Ahadian S, Mostafavi E, Desai TA, Abbasi F, Sun Y, Manche EE, Ta CN, Flowers CW. Drug delivery to the anterior segment of the eye: A review of current and future treatment strategies. Int J Pharm 2021; 607:120924. [PMID: 34324989 PMCID: PMC8579814 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Research in the development of ophthalmic drug formulations and innovative technologies over the past few decades has been directed at improving the penetration of medications delivered to the eye. Currently, approximately 90% of all ophthalmic drug formulations (e.g. liposomes, micelles) are applied as eye drops. The major challenge of topical eye drops is low bioavailability, need for frequent instillation due to the short half-life, poor drug solubility, and potential side effects. Recent research has been focused on improving topical drug delivery devices by increasing ocular residence time, overcoming physiological and anatomical barriers, and developing medical devices and drug formulations to increase the duration of action of the active drugs. Researchers have developed innovative technologies and formulations ranging from sub-micron to macroscopic size such as prodrugs, enhancers, mucus-penetrating particles (MPPs), therapeutic contact lenses, and collagen corneal shields. Another approach towards the development of effective topical drug delivery is embedding therapeutic formulations in microdevices designed for sustained release of the active drugs. The goal is to optimize the delivery of ophthalmic medications by achieving high drug concentration with prolonged duration of action that is convenient for patients to administer.
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Kharbikar BN, Zhong JX, Cuylear DL, Perez CA, Desai TA. Theranostic biomaterials for tissue engineering. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2021; 19. [PMID: 35529078 PMCID: PMC9075690 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2021.100299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Tissue engineering strategies, notably biomaterials, can be modularly designed and tuned to match specific patient needs. Although many challenges within tissue engineering remain, the incorporation of diagnostic strategies to create theranostic (combined therapy and diagnostic) biomaterials presents a unique platform to provide dual monitoring and treatment capabilities and advance the field toward personalized technologies. In this review, we summarize recent developments in this young field of regenerative theranostics and discuss the clinical potential and outlook of these systems from a tissue engineering perspective. As the need for precision and personalized medicines continues to increase to address diseases in all tissues in a patient-specific manner, we envision that such theranostic platforms can serve these needs.
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Kharbikar BN, Chendke GS, Desai TA. Modulating the foreign body response of implants for diabetes treatment. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 174:87-113. [PMID: 33484736 PMCID: PMC8217111 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes Mellitus is a group of diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels due to patients' inability to produce sufficient insulin. Current interventions often require implants that can detect and correct high blood glucose levels with minimal patient intervention. However, these implantable technologies have not reached their full potential in vivo due to the foreign body response and subsequent development of fibrosis. Therefore, for long-term function of implants, modulating the initial immune response is crucial in preventing the activation and progression of the immune cascade. This review discusses the different molecular mechanisms and cellular interactions involved in the activation and progression of foreign body response (FBR) and fibrosis, specifically for implants used in diabetes. We also highlight the various strategies and techniques that have been used for immunomodulation and prevention of fibrosis. We investigate how these general strategies have been applied to implants used for the treatment of diabetes, offering insights on how these devices can be further modified to circumvent FBR and fibrosis.
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Mohindra P, Desai TA. Micro- and nanoscale biophysical cues for cardiovascular disease therapy. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2021; 34:102365. [PMID: 33571682 PMCID: PMC8217090 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2021.102365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
After cardiovascular injury, numerous pathological processes adversely impact the homeostatic function of cardiomyocyte, macrophage, fibroblast, endothelial cell, and vascular smooth muscle cell populations. Subsequent malfunctioning of these cells may further contribute to cardiovascular disease onset and progression. By modulating cellular responses after injury, it is possible to create local environments that promote wound healing and tissue repair mechanisms. The extracellular matrix continuously provides these mechanosensitive cell types with physical cues spanning the micro- and nanoscale to influence behaviors such as adhesion, morphology, and phenotype. It is therefore becoming increasingly compelling to harness these cell-substrate interactions to elicit more native cell behaviors that impede cardiovascular disease progression and enhance regenerative potential. This review discusses recent in vitro and preclinical work that have demonstrated the therapeutic implications of micro- and nanoscale biophysical cues on cell types adversely affected in cardiovascular diseases - cardiomyocytes, macrophages, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells.
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Dittloff KT, Iezzi A, Zhong JX, Mohindra P, Desai TA, Russell B. Transthyretin amyloid fibrils alter primary fibroblast structure, function, and inflammatory gene expression. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2021; 321:H149-H160. [PMID: 34018852 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00073.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Age-related wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis (wtATTR) is characterized by systemic deposition of amyloidogenic fibrils of misfolded transthyretin (TTR) in the connective tissue of many organs. In the heart, this leads to cardiac dysfunction, which is a significant cause of age-related heart failure. The hypothesis tested is that TTR affects cardiac fibroblasts in ways that may contribute to fibrosis. When primary cardiac fibroblasts were cultured on TTR-deposited substrates, the F-actin cytoskeleton was disorganized, focal adhesion formation was decreased, and nuclear shape was flattened. Fibroblasts had faster collective and single-cell migration velocities on TTR-deposited substrates. In addition, fibroblasts cultured on microposts with TTR deposition had reduced attachment and increased proliferation above untreated. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of fibroblasts grown on glass covered with TTR showed significant upregulation of inflammatory genes after 48 h, indicative of progression in TTR-based diseases. Together, results suggest that TTR deposited in tissue extracellular matrix may affect the structure, function, and gene expression of cardiac fibroblasts. As therapies for wtATTR are cost-prohibitive and only slow disease progression, better understanding of cellular maladaptation may elucidate novel therapeutic targets.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Transthyretin (TTR) cardiac amyloidosis involves deposition of fibrils of misfolded TTR in the aging human heart, leading to cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. Our novel in vitro studies show that TTR fibrils alter primary cardiac fibroblast cytoskeletal and nuclear structure and focal adhesion formation. Furthermore, both fibrillar and tetrameric TTR significantly increased cellular migration velocity and caused upregulation of inflammatory genes determined by transcriptomic RNA and protein analysis. These findings may suggest new therapeutic approaches.
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Huang X, Tang Q, Lim WA, Desai TA. Precise control of immune modulation using DNA scaffold-mediated biomaterial functionalization. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.206.supp.26.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Synthetic materials displaying multi-modal ligands with exact chemiophysical properties for immune modulation are valuable research tools and a promising therapeutic platform. However, precise chemical conjugation of multiple proteins on biomaterial surfaces is challenging. Through DNA hybridization-mediated biomolecule loading, we achieved high density and precise ratiometric control of multiple ligands on nano-/micro-particles. We found increasing ratios of anti-CD3 to anti-CD28, 1:5, 1:3, 1:1, 3:1 to 5:1, on microparticles yielded a linear increase of ex vivo expansion of primary human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells until reaching a plateau at 3:1 ratio. For CD8+ T cells, the ratio of 3:1 resulted in the highest percentage of central memory cells, 51.4 ± 7.2% vs. 14.4 ± 7.6% for 1:5 ratio (n = 5 donors). Particle surface presentation of IL-2 using an anti-IL-2 antibody (in trans to CD3/28 particles) yielded ~3 fold more ex vivo expansion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in 14 days when compared to the equivalent dose of soluble IL-2. Using intratumoral injection of microparticles presenting a ligand for a synthetic Notch receptor, we locally induced chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) expression on systemically infused engineered T cells and observed CAR T cell killing of the injected tumors, while sparing the uninjected identical tumors in the contralateral flank. These results highlight the potential of this platform in achieving better control of therapeutic cell manufacture and local tuning of immunotherapies. Ongoing work is using DNA origami-mediated patterning to dissect spatial requirements of various T cell activating ligands to better understand critical parameters of T cell activation with the goal to improve the design of immunotherapies.
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22
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Finbloom JA, Cao Y, Desai TA. Bioinspired Polymeric High Aspect Ratio Particles with Asymmetric Janus Functionalities. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2021; 1:2000057. [PMID: 33997858 PMCID: PMC8115014 DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202000057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymeric particles with intricate morphologies and properties have been developed based on bioinspired designs for applications in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and drug delivery. However, the fabrication of particles with asymmetric functionalities remains a challenge. Janus polymeric particles are an emerging class of material with asymmetric functionalities; however, they are predominantly spherical in morphology, made from non-biocompatible materials, and made using specialized fabrication techniques. We therefore set out to fabricate nonspherical Janus particles inspired by high aspect ratio filamentous bacteriophage using polycaprolactone polymers and standard methods. Janus high aspect ratio particles (J-HARPs) were fabricated with a nanotemplating technique to create branching morphologies selectively at one edge of the particle. J-HARPs were fabricated with maleimide handles and modified with biomolecules such as proteins and biotin. Regioselective modification was observed at the tips of J-HARPs, likely owing to the increased surface area of the branching regions. Biotinylated J-HARPs demonstrated cancer cell biotin receptor targeting, as well as directional crosslinking with spherical particles via biotin-streptavidin interactions. Lastly, maleimide J-HARPs were functionalized during templating to contain amines exclusively at the branching regions and were dual-labeled orthogonally, demonstrating spatially separated bioconjugation. Thus, J-HARPs represent a new class of bioinspired Janus material with excellent regional control over biofunctionalization.
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Lykins WR, Hansen ME, Sun X, Advincula R, Finbloom JA, Jain AK, Zala Y, Ma A, Desai TA. Impact of Microdevice Geometry on Transit and Retention in the Murine Gastrointestinal Tract. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021. [PMID: 33914503 PMCID: PMC10389692 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Oral protein delivery technologies often depend on encapsulating or enclosing the protein cargo to protect it against pH-driven degradation in the stomach or enzymatic digestion in the small intestine. An emergent methodology is to encapsulate therapeutics in microscale, asymmetric, planar microparticles, referred to as microdevices. Previous work has shown that, compared to spherical particles, planar microdevices have longer residence times in the GI tract, but it remains unclear how specific design choices (e.g., material selection, particle diameter) impact microdevice behavior in vivo. Recent advances in microdevice fabrication through picoliter printing have expanded the range of device sizes that can be fabricated in a rapid manner. However, relatively little work has explored how device size governs their behavior in the intestinal environment. In this study, we probe the impact of geometry of planar microdevices on their transit and accumulation in the murine GI tract. Additionally, we present a strategy to label, image, and quantify these distributions in intact tissue in a continuous manner, enabling a more detailed understanding of device distribution and transit kinetics than previously possible. We show that smaller particles (194.6 ± 7 μm.diameter) tend to empty from the stomach faster than midsize (293.2 ± 7 μm.diameter) and larger devices (440.9 ± 9 μm.diameter) and that larger devices distribute more broadly in the GI tract and exit slower than other geometries. In general, we observed an inverse correlation between device diameter and GI transit rate. These results inform the future design of drug delivery systems, using particle geometry as an engineering design parameter to control device accumulation and distribution in the GI tract. Additionally, our image analysis process provides greater insight into the tissue level distribution and transit of particle populations. Using this technique, we demonstrate that microdevices act and translocate independently, as opposed to transiting in one homogeneous mass, meaning that target sites will likely be exposed to devices multiple times over the course of hours post administration. This imaging technique and associated findings enable data-informed design of future particle delivery systems, allowing orthogonal control of transit and distribution kinetics in vivo independent of material and cargo selection.
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Levy ES, Chang R, Zamecnik CR, Dhariwala MO, Fong L, Desai TA. Multi-Immune Agonist Nanoparticle Therapy Stimulates Type I Interferons to Activate Antigen-Presenting Cells and Induce Antigen-Specific Antitumor Immunity. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:1014-1025. [PMID: 33541072 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunity is mediated by a delicate orchestration between the innate and adaptive immune system both systemically and within the tumor microenvironment. Although several adaptive immunity molecular targets have been proven clinically efficacious, stand-alone innate immunity targeting agents have not been successful in the clinic. Here, we report a nanoparticle optimized for systemic administration that combines immune agonists for TLR9, STING, and RIG-I with a melanoma-specific peptide to induce antitumor immunity. These immune agonistic nanoparticles (iaNPs) significantly enhance the activation of antigen-presenting cells to orchestrate the development and response of melanoma-sensitized T-cells. iaNP treatment not only suppressed tumor growth in an orthotopic solid tumor model, but also significantly reduced tumor burden in a metastatic animal model. This combination biomaterial-based approach to coordinate innate and adaptive anticancer immunity provides further insights into the benefits of stimulating multiple activation pathways to promote tumor regression, while also offering an important platform to effectively and safely deliver combination immunotherapies for cancer.
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Huang X, Williams JZ, Chang R, Li Z, Burnett CE, Hernandez-Lopez R, Setiady I, Gai E, Patterson DM, Yu W, Roybal KT, Lim WA, Desai TA. DNA scaffolds enable efficient and tunable functionalization of biomaterials for immune cell modulation. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 16:214-223. [PMID: 33318641 PMCID: PMC7878327 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-020-00813-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Biomaterials can improve the safety and presentation of therapeutic agents for effective immunotherapy, and a high level of control over surface functionalization is essential for immune cell modulation. Here, we developed biocompatible immune cell-engaging particles (ICEp) that use synthetic short DNA as scaffolds for efficient and tunable protein loading. To improve the safety of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies, micrometre-sized ICEp were injected intratumorally to present a priming signal for systemically administered AND-gate CAR-T cells. Locally retained ICEp presenting a high density of priming antigens activated CAR T cells, driving local tumour clearance while sparing uninjected tumours in immunodeficient mice. The ratiometric control of costimulatory ligands (anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies) and the surface presentation of a cytokine (IL-2) on ICEp were shown to substantially impact human primary T cell activation phenotypes. This modular and versatile biomaterial functionalization platform can provide new opportunities for immunotherapies.
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