Dual-imaging enabled cancer-targeting nanoparticles

Trimetallic nanocomposites developed for efficient in vivo bimodal imaging via fluorescence and magnetic resonance

Despite several attempts, in vivo bimodal imaging still represents a challenge. Generally, it is accepted that dual-modality in imaging can improve sensitivity and spatial resolution, namely, when exploiting fluorescence (FI) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), respectively. Here, a newly developed combination of (i) protein-protected luminescent Au-Ag nanoclusters (LGSN) manifesting themselves by fluorescent emission at 705 nm and (ii) superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) embedded within the same protein and creating contrast in MR images, has been investigated in phantoms and applied for in vivo bimodal imaging of a mouse as a proof of principle. Unique LGSN-SPION nanocomposites were synthesized in a specific sequential one-pot green preparation procedure and characterized thoroughly using many physicochemical experimental techniques. The influence of LGSN-SPION samples on the viability of healthy cells (RPE-1) was tested using a calcein assay. Despite the presence of Ag (0.12 mg mL-1), high content of Au (above 0.75 mg mL-1), and moderate concentrations of Fe (0.24 mg mL-1), LGSN-SPION samples (containing approx. 15 mg mL-1 of albumin) were revealed as biocompatible (cell viability above 80%). Simultaneously, these concentration values of all components in the LGSN-SPION nanocomposite were used for achieving both MRI and fluorescence signals in phantoms as well as in a living mouse with sufficiently high resolution. Thus, the LGSN-SPION samples can serve as new efficient bimodal FI and MRI probes for in vivo imaging.

Citric Acid: A Nexus Between Cellular Mechanisms and Biomaterial Innovations

Citrate-based biodegradable polymers have emerged as a distinctive biomaterial platform with tremendous potential for diverse medical applications. By harnessing their versatile chemistry, these polymers exhibit a wide range of material and bioactive properties, enabling them to regulate cell metabolism and stem cell differentiation through energy metabolism, metabonegenesis, angiogenesis, and immunomodulation. Moreover, the recent US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance of the biodegradable poly(octamethylene citrate) (POC)/hydroxyapatite-based orthopedic fixation devices represents a translational research milestone for biomaterial science. POC joins a short list of biodegradable synthetic polymers that have ever been authorized by the FDA for use in humans. The clinical success of POC has sparked enthusiasm and accelerated the development of next-generation citrate-based biomaterials. This review presents a comprehensive, forward-thinking discussion on the pivotal role of citrate chemistry and metabolism in various tissue regeneration and on the development of functional citrate-based metabotissugenic biomaterials for regenerative engineering applications.

Advanced protein-embedded bimetallic nanocomposite optimized for in vivo fluorescence and magnetic resonance bimodal imaging

HYPOTHESIS

The development of bimodal imaging probes represents a hot topic of current research. Herein, we deal with developing an innovative bimodal contrast agent enabling fluorescence imaging (FI)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and, simultaneously, consisting of biocompatible nanostructures. Optimized synthesis of advanced protein-embedded bimetallic (APEBM) nanocomposite containing luminescent gold nanoclusters (AuNC) and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION), suitable for in vivo dual-modal FI/MR imaging is reported.

EXPERIMENTS

The APEBM nanocomposite was prepared by a specific sequential one-pot green synthetic approach that is optimized to increase metals (Au, Fe) content and, consequently, the imaging ability of the resulting nanostructures. The protein matrix, represented by serum albumin, was intentionally chosen, and used since it creates an efficient protein corona for both types of optically/magnetically-susceptible nanostructures (AuNC, SPION) and ensures biocompatibility of the resulting APEBM nanocomposite although it contains elevated metal concentrations (approx. 1 mg·mL-1 of Au, around 0.3 mg·mL-1 of Fe). In vitro and in vivo imaging was performed.

FINDINGS

Successful in vivo FI and MRI recorded in healthy mice corroborated the applicability of the APEBM nanocomposite and, simultaneously, served as a proof of concept concerning the potential future exploitation of this new FI/MRI bimodal contrast agent in preclinical and clinical practice.

Citric Acid-Based Intrinsic Band-Shifting Photoluminescent Materials

Citric acid, an important metabolite with abundant reactive groups, has been demonstrated as a promising starting material to synthesize diverse photoluminescent materials including small molecules, polymers, and carbon dots. The unique citrate chemistry enables the development of a series of citric acid-based molecules and nanomaterials with intriguing intrinsic band-shifting behavior, where the emission wavelength shifts as the excitation wavelength increases, ideal for chromatic imaging and many other applications. In this review, we discuss the concept of "intrinsic band-shifting photoluminescent materials", introduce the recent advances in citric acid-based intrinsic band-shifting materials, and discuss their potential applications such as chromatic imaging and multimodal sensing. It is our hope that the insightful and forward-thinking discussion in this review will spur the innovation and applications of the unique band-shifting photoluminescent materials.

Engineering multifunctional bioactive citrate-based biomaterials for tissue engineering

Developing bioactive biomaterials with highly controlled functions is crucial to enhancing their applications in regenerative medicine. Citrate-based polymers are the few bioactive polymer biomaterials used in biomedicine because of their facile synthesis, controllable structure, biocompatibility, biomimetic viscoelastic mechanical behavior, and functional groups available for modification. In recent years, various multifunctional designs and biomedical applications, including cardiovascular, orthopedic, muscle tissue, skin tissue, nerve and spinal cord, bioimaging, and drug or gene delivery based on citrate-based polymers, have been extensively studied, and many of them have good clinical application potential. In this review, we summarize recent progress in the multifunctional design and biomedical applications of citrate-based polymers. We also discuss the further development of multifunctional citrate-based polymers with tailored properties to meet the requirements of various biomedical applications.

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Multifunctional bioactive citrate-based biomaterials have broad applications in regenerative medicine.

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Recent advances in multifunctional design and biomedical applications of citate-based polymers are summarized.

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Future challenge of citrate-based polymers in various biomedical applications are discussed.

Biodegradable and Inherently Fluorescent pH-Responsive Nanoparticles for Cancer Drug Delivery

PURPOSE

The development of two novel pH-only and pH- and thermo-responsive theranostic nanoparticle (NP) formulations to deliver an anticancer drug and track the accumulation and therapeutic efficacy of the formulations through inherent fluorescence.

METHODS

A pH-responsive formulation was synthesized from biodegradable photoluminescent polymer (BPLP) and sodium bicarbonate (SBC) via an emulsion technique, while a thermoresponsive BPLP copolymer (TFP) and SBC were used to synthesize a dual-stimuli responsive formulation via free radical co-polymerization. Cisplatin was employed as a model drug and encapsulated during synthesis. Size, surface charge, morphology, pH-dependent fluorescence, lower critical solution temperature (LCST; TFP NPs only), cytocompatibility and in vitro uptake, drug release kinetics and anticancer efficacy were assessed.

RESULTS

While all BPLP-SBC and TFP-SBC combinations produced spherical nanoparticles of a size between 200-300 nm, optimal polymer-SBC ratios were selected for further study. Of these, the optimal BPLP-SBC formulation was found to be cytocompatible against primary Type-1 alveolar epithelial cells (AT1) up to 100 μg/mL, and demonstrated sustained drug release over 14 days, dose-dependent uptake, and marked pH-dependent A549 cancer cell killing (72 vs. 24% cell viability, at pH 7.4 vs. 6.0). The optimal TFP-SBC formulation showed excellent cytocompatibility against AT1 cells up to 500 μg/mL, sustained release characteristics, dose-dependent uptake, pH-dependent (78% at pH 7.4 vs. 64% at pH 6.0 at 37°C) and marked temperature-dependent A549 cancer cell killing (64% at 37°C vs. 37% viability at pH 6.0, 41°C).

CONCLUSIONS

In all, both formulations hold promise as inherently fluorescent, stimuli-responsive theranostic platforms for passively targeted anti-cancer therapy.

Phototherapy and optical waveguides for the treatment of infection

With rapid emergence of multi-drug resistant microbes, it is imperative to seek alternative means for infection control. Optical waveguides are an auspicious delivery method for precise administration of phototherapy. Studies have shown that phototherapy is promising in fighting against a myriad of infectious pathogens (i.e. viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa) including biofilm-forming species and drug-resistant strains while evading treatment resistance. When administered via optical waveguides, phototherapy can treat both superficial and deep-tissue infections while minimizing off-site effects that afflict conventional phototherapy and pharmacotherapy. Despite great therapeutic potential, exact mechanisms, materials, and fabrication designs to optimize this promising treatment option are underexplored. This review outlines principles and applications of phototherapy and optical waveguides for infection control. Research advances, challenges, and outlook regarding this delivery system are rigorously discussed in a hope to inspire future developments of optical waveguide-mediated phototherapy for the management of infection and beyond.

pH-responsive polymeric nanoparticles with tunable sizes for targeted drug delivery

Biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs) have shown great promise as intracellular imaging probes, nanocarriers and drug delivery vehicles. In this study, we designed and prepared amphiphilic cellulose derivatives via Schiff base reactions between 2,3-dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) and amino compounds. Polymeric NPs were facilely fabricated via the self-assembly of the as-synthesized amphiphilic macromolecules. The size distribution of the obtained NPs can be tuned by changing the amount and length of the grafted hydrophobic side-chains. Anticancer drugs (DOX) were encapsulated in the NPs and the drug-loaded NPs based on cellulose derivatives were stable in neutral and alkaline environments for at least a month. They rapidly decomposed with the efficient release of the drug in acidic tumor microenvironments. These drug-loaded NPs have the potential for application in cancer treatment.

Thermo-responsive Fluorescent Nanoparticles for Multimodal Imaging and Treatment of Cancers

Theranostic systems capable of delivering imaging and therapeutic agents at a specific target are the focus of intense research efforts in drug delivery. To overcome non-degradability and toxicity concerns of conventional theranostic systems, we formulated a novel thermo-responsive fluorescent polymer (TFP) and conjugated it on the surface of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for imaging and therapeutic applications in solid tumors. Methods: TFP-MNPs were synthesized by copolymerizing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), allylamine and a biodegradable photoluminescent polymer, and conjugating it on MNPs via a free radical polymerization reaction. Physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and vibrational sample magnetometry. Nanoparticle cytocompatibility, cellular uptake and cytotoxicity were evaluated using in vitro cell assays. Finally, in vivo imaging and therapeutic efficacy studies were performed in subcutaneous tumor xenograft mouse models. Results: TFP-MNPs of ~135 nm diameter and -31 mV ζ potential maintained colloidal stability and superparamagnetic properties. The TFP shell was thermo-responsive, fluorescent, degradable, and released doxorubicin in response to temperature changes. In vitro cell studies showed that TFP-MNPs were compatible to human dermal fibroblasts and prostate epithelial cells. These nanoparticles were also taken up by prostate and skin cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner and exhibited enhanced killing of tumor cells at 41°C. Preliminary in vivo studies showed theranostic capabilities of the nanoparticles with bright fluorescence, MRI signal, and therapeutic efficacy under magnetic targeting after systemic administration in tumor bearing mice. Conclusion: These results indicate the potential of TFP-MNPs as multifunctional theranostic nanoparticles for various biological applications, including solid cancer management.

Characterization of Photoluminescent Polylactone-Based Nanoparticles for Their Applications in Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) affect a large number of the population across the globe and are the leading cause of death worldwide. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery has currently offered novel therapeutic options to treat these diseases, yet combination of both diagnostic and therapeutic abilities is further needed to understand factors and/or mechanisms that affect the treatment in order to design better therapies to challenge CVD. Biodegradable photoluminescent polylactones (BPLPLs) enable to bridge this gap as these materials exhibit a stable, long-term intrinsic fluorescence as well as offers excellent cytocompatibility and biodegradability properties. Herein, we formulated three different BPLPL based nanoparticles (NPs), including BPLP-co-poly (L-lactic acid) (BPLPL-PLLA), BPLP-co-poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) copolymers with lactic acid and glycolic acid ratios of 75:25 (BPLPL-PLGA75:25) and 50:50 (BPLPL-PLGA50:50), and extensively evaluated their suitability as theranostic nanocarriers for CVD applications. All BPLPL based NPs were <160 nm in size and had photoluminescence characteristics and tunable release kinetics of encapsulated protein model depending on polylactones copolymerized with BPLP materials. Compared to BPLPL-PLLA NPs, BPLPL-PLGA NPs demonstrated excellent stability in various formulations including deionized water, serum, saline, and simulated body fluid over 2 days. In vitro cell studies with human umbilical vein derived endothelial cells showed dose-dependent accumulation of BPLPL-based NPs, and BPLPL-PLGA NPs presented superior compatibility with endothelial cells in terms of viability with minimal effects on cellular functions such as nitric oxide production. Furthermore, all BPLPL NPs displayed hemocompatibility with no effect on whole blood kinetic profiles, were non-hemolytic, and consisted of comparable platelet responses such as platelet adhesion and activation to those of PLGA, an FDA approved material. Overall, our results demonstrated that BPLPL-PLGA based NPs have better physical and biological properties than BPLPL-PLLA; hence they have potential to be utilized as functional nanocarriers for therapy and diagnosis of CVD.

Enabling biodegradable functional biomaterials for the management of neurological disorders

An increasing number of patients are being diagnosed with neurological diseases, but are rarely cured because of the lack of curative therapeutic approaches. This situation creates an urgent clinical need to develop effective diagnosis and treatment strategies for repair and regeneration of injured or diseased neural tissues. In this regard, biodegradable functional biomaterials provide promising solutions to meet this demand owing to their unique responsiveness to external stimulation fields, which enable neuro-imaging, neuro-sensing, specific targeting, hyperthermia treatment, controlled drug delivery, and nerve regeneration. This review discusses recent progress in the research and development of biodegradable functional biomaterials including electroactive biomaterials, magnetic materials and photoactive biomaterials for the management of neurological disorders with emphasis on their applications in bioimaging (photoacoustic imaging, MRI and fluorescence imaging), biosensing (electrochemical sensing, magnetic sensing and opical sensing), and therapy strategies (drug delivery, hyperthermia treatment, and tissue engineering). It is expected that this review will provide an insightful discussion on the roles of biodegradable functional biomaterials in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases, and lead to innovations for the design and development of the next generation biodegradable functional biomaterials.

Nanoparticle eluting-angioplasty balloons to treat cardiovascular diseases

Nanoparticles (NPs) can be used to locally deliver anti-restenosis drugs when they are infused directly to the injured arteries after intervention procedures such as angioplasty. However, the efficacy of transferring NPs via infusion to the arterial wall is limited, at least partially, due to poor NP retention on the inner artery wall. To improve NP retention, angioplasty balloons coated with drug-loaded NPs were fabricated via either layer-by-layer (LbL) electrostatic coating or acrylic-based hydrogel (AAH) coating techniques. Three types of NPs, namely poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), biodegradable photo-luminescent PLGA and urethane doped polyester were studied. The transfer efficacy of NPs from various coatings to the arterial wall were further evaluated to find the optimal coating conditions. The ex vivo NP transfer studies showed significantly more NPs being transferred to the rat arterial wall after the angioplasty procedure by the AAH coating (95% transfer efficiency) compared to that of the LbL technique (60%) and dip coating (20%) under flow conditions (10 dyn/cm²). Our results suggest that the AAH coating of drug-loaded NPs on the angioplasty balloon could potentially provide superior retention of drug-loaded NPs onto the arterial wall for a better local delivery of drug-loaded NPs to effectively treat arterial diseases.

Citrate-Based Fluorescent Biomaterials

Fluorescence imaging has emerged as a promising technique for monitoring and assessing various biologically relevant species in cells and organisms, driving the demand for effective fluorescent agents with good biocompatibility and high fluorescence performance. However, traditional fluorescent agents, such as quantum dots (QDs) and organic dyes, either suffer from toxicity concerns or poor fluorescence performance (e.g., low photobleaching-resistance). In this regard, citrate-based fluorescent biomaterials, which are synthesized from the natural and biocompatible precursor of citric acid (CA), have become competitive alternatives for fluorescence imaging owing to their biocompatibility, cost effectiveness, straightforward synthetic routes, flexible designability, as well as strong fluorescence with adjustable excitation/emission wavelengths. Accordingly, numerous citrate-based biomaterials, including carbon dots (CDs), biodegradable photoluminescent polymers (BPLPs), and small molecular fluorophores, have been developed and researched in the past few decades. This review discusses recent progress in the research and development of citrate-based fluorescent materials with emphasis on their design and synthesis considerations, material properties, fluorescence properties and mechanisms, as well as biomedical applications. It is expected that this review will provide an insightful discussion on the citrate-based fluorescent biomaterials, and lead to innovations for the next generation of fluorescent biomaterials and fluorescence-based biomedical technology.

Citrate chemistry and biology for biomaterials design

Leveraging the multifunctional nature of citrate in chemistry and inspired by its important role in biological tissues, a class of highly versatile and functional citrate-based materials (CBBs) has been developed via facile and cost-effective polycondensation. CBBs exhibiting tunable mechanical properties and degradation rates, together with excellent biocompatibility and processability, have been successfully applied in vitro and in vivo for applications ranging from soft to hard tissue regeneration, as well as for nanomedicine designs. We summarize in the review, chemistry considerations for CBBs design to tune polymer properties and to introduce functionality with a focus on the most recent advances, biological functions of citrate in native tissues with the new notion of degradation products as cell modulator highlighted, and the applications of CBBs in wound healing, nanomedicine, orthopedic, cardiovascular, nerve and bladder tissue engineering. Given the expansive evidence for citrate's potential in biology and biomaterial science outlined in this review, it is expected that citrate based materials will continue to play an important role in regenerative engineering.

In vitro cytocompatibility evaluation of poly(octamethylene citrate) monomers toward their use in orthopedic regenerative engineering

Citrate based polymer poly(octamethylene citrate) (POC) has shown promise when formulated into composite material containing up to 65 wt% hydroxylapatite (HA) for orthopedic applications. Despite significant research into POC, insufficient information about the biocompatibility of the monomers 1,8-Octanediol and Citrate used in its synthesis is available. Herein, we investigated the acute cytotoxicity, immune response, and long-term functionality of both monomers. Our results showed a cell-type dependent cytotoxicity of the two monomers: 1,8-Octanediol induced less acute toxicity to 3T3 fibroblasts than Citrate while presenting comparable cytotoxicity to MG63 osteoblast-like cells; however, Citrate demonstrated enhanced compatibility with hMSCs compared to 1,8-Octanediol. The critical cytotoxic concentration values EC30 and EC50, standard for comparing cytotoxicity of chemicals, were also provided. Additionally, Citrate showed slower and less inhibitory effects on long-term hMSC cell proliferation compared with 1,8-Octanediol. Furthermore, osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs exposure to Citrate resulted in less inhibitory effect on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) production. Neither monomer triggered undesired pro-inflammatory responses. In combination with diffusion model analysis of monomer release from cylindrical implants, based on which the maximum concentration of monomers in contact with bone tissue was estimated to be 2.2 × 10⁻⁴ mmol/L, far lower than the critical cytotoxic concentrations as well as the 1,8-Octanediol concentration (0.4 mg/mL or 2.7 mmol/L) affecting hMSCs differentiation, we provide strong evidence for the cytocompatibility of the two monomers degraded from citrate-based composites in the orthopedic setting.

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It was the first time to comprehensively evaluate the cytotoxicity of 1,8-Octanediol and Citrate.

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The effect of 1,8-Octanediol and Citrate on osteogenic differentiation was investigated.

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A diffusion model was established to estimate the in vivo monomer release and diffusion.

Flexible biodegradable citrate-based polymeric step-index optical fiber

Implanting fiber optical waveguides into tissue or organs for light delivery and collection is among the most effective ways to overcome the issue of tissue turbidity, a long-standing obstacle for biomedical optical technologies. Here, we report a citrate-based material platform with engineerable opto-mechano-biological properties and demonstrate a new type of biodegradable, biocompatible, and low-loss step-index optical fiber for organ-scale light delivery and collection. By leveraging the rich designability and processibility of citrate-based biodegradable polymers, two exemplary biodegradable elastomers with a fine refractive index difference and yet matched mechanical properties and biodegradation profiles were developed. Furthermore, we developed a two-step fabrication method to fabricate flexible and low-loss (0.4 db/cm) optical fibers, and performed systematic characterizations to study optical, spectroscopic, mechanical, and biodegradable properties. In addition, we demonstrated the proof of concept of image transmission through the citrate-based polymeric optical fibers and conducted in vivo deep tissue light delivery and fluorescence sensing in a Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat, laying the groundwork for realizing future implantable devices for long-term implantation where deep-tissue light delivery, sensing and imaging are desired, such as cell, tissue, and scaffold imaging in regenerative medicine and in vivo optogenetic stimulation.

Future of the Renal Biopsy: Time to Change the Conventional Modality Using Nanotechnology

At the present time, imaging guided renal biopsy is used to provide diagnoses in most types of primary and secondary renal diseases. It has been claimed that renal biopsy can provide a link between diagnosis of renal disease and its pathological conditions. However, sometimes there is a considerable mismatch between patient renal outcome and pathological findings in renal biopsy. This is the time to address some new diagnostic methods to resolve the insufficiency of conventional percutaneous guided renal biopsy. Nanotechnology is still in its infancy in renal imaging; however, it seems that it is the next step in renal biopsy, providing solutions to the limitations of conventional modalities.

Designed synthesis and surface engineering strategies of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) hold great promise for future biomedical applications because of their magnetic properties as well as other intrinsic properties such as low toxicity, colloidal stability, and surface engineering capability. Numerous related studies on iron oxide NPs have been conducted. Recent progress in nanochemistry has enabled fine control over the size, crystallinity, uniformity, and surface properties of iron oxide NPs. This review examines various synthetic approaches and surface engineering strategies for preparing naked and functional iron oxide NPs with different physicochemical properties. Growing interest in designed and surface-engineered iron oxide NPs with multifunctionalities was explored in in vitro/in vivo biomedical applications, focusing on their combined roles in bioseparation, as a biosensor, targeted-drug delivery, MR contrast agents, and magnetic fluid hyperthermia. This review outlines the limitations of extant surface engineering strategies and several developing strategies that may overcome these limitations. This study also details the promising future directions of this active research field.

Neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor-mediated biodegradable photoluminescent nanobubbles as ultrasound contrast agents for targeted breast cancer imaging

Targeted molecular imaging has attracted great attention in cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, most clinically used ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) are non-targeted microbubbles seldom used for cancer imaging. Here, we fabricated fluorescent nanobubbles (NBs) by encapsulation of liquid tetradecafluorohexane (C₆F₁₄) within biodegradable photoluminescent polymers (BPLPs) through an emulsion-evaporation process and conjugation of PNBL-NPY ligand for specific targeting of Y₁ receptors overexpressed in breast tumors. The developed PNBL-NPY modified NBs were uniform in size with good dispersibility and photostability, presenting good ultrasound enhancement. Further, in vitro and in vivo results indicated that the fabricated NBs exhibit high affinity and specificity to Y₁ receptor-overexpressing breast cancer cells and tumors with minimal toxicity and damage to organs. Our developed PNBL-NPY-modified NBs are novel targeted UCAs for safe, efficient and specific targeted breast cancer imaging, and may provide a new nanoplatform for early cancer diagnosis and treatment in the future.

Magnetic resonance imaging/fluorescence dual modality protocol using designed phosphonate ligands coupled to superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles

A simple and versatile methodology to tailor the surface of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), and render additional fluorescence capability to these contrast agents, is reported. The dual modality imaging protocol was developed by designing multi-functional scaffolds with a combination of orthogonal moieties for aqueous dispersion and stealth, to covalently link them to SPIONs, and carry out post-functionalization of nanoparticles. SPIONs stabilized with ligands incorporating surface-anchoring phosphonate groups, ethylene glycol backbone for aqueous dispersion, and free surface exposed OH moieties were coupled to near-infrared dye Cy5.5A. Our results demonstrate that design of multi-tasking ligands with desired combination and spatial distribution of functions provides an ideal platform to construct highly efficient dual imaging probes with balanced magnetic, optical and cell viability properties.

Sodium Acetate Coated Tenofovir-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles for Improved Physico-Chemical Properties

PURPOSE

It is hypothesized that sodium acetate (SA) can be used for in situ coating of drug loaded chitosan NPs for improved physico-chemical properties.

METHODS

Tenofovir (TFV) is used as a model drug. Uncoated chitosan NPs are prepared by ionic gelation. SA is generated in situ from half neutralization of acetic acid with sodium hydroxide, and coats chitosan NPs during freeze-drying. The NPs' physico-chemical properties [e.g., particle mean diameters (PMD) zeta potential (ζ), EE%, drug release profile, morphology] are characterized by dynamic light scattering, spectrophotometry, Korsmeyer-Peppas model, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. Melting point (MP), non-aqueous titration, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, and powder X-ray diffractometry (XRD) pattern evaluate the SA coated chitosan NPs. The NPs' cytotoxicity on macrophages Raw 264.7 is assessed by neutral red, resazurin, nitrite oxide (NO) and cytokines assays.

RESULTS

Collectively, FTIR, ζ, XRD, MP, and TEM data confirm that SA coats chitosan NPs. The PMD range is 136-348 nm (uncoated) and 171-379 nm (coated NPs). The ζ values range is +24.3-28.5 mV (uncoated) and 0.1-3.1 mV (coated NPs). The EE% ranges from 5.5 to 11.7% (uncoated NPs) and increased up to 86.3-92.7%(8-17-fold) after coating. The SA also prevents NPs aggregation during the freeze-drying and aqueous dispersion. The core-shell NPs exhibited a sustain release of TFV following anomalous transport mechanism (R(2) ~ 0.99). The coated NPs are non-cytotoxic (cell viability ~100%) and without any proinflammatory response.

CONCLUSIONS

This SA coating chitosan NPs mechanism may be useful for (i) efficient encapsulation, (ii) stabilizing colloidal dispersions, (iii) controlling the release and solubility of bioactive agents.

Ternary graphene quantum dot-polydopamine-Mn3O4 nanoparticles for optical imaging guided photodynamic therapy and T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging

Imaging-guided therapy, which bridges treatment and diagnosis, plays an important role in overcoming the limitations of classical cancer therapy. To provide a more exact location of the tumor and to reduce side effects to normal tissues, a multifunctional probe was designed to serve as both an imaging agent and a therapeutic agent. Ternary hybrid nanoparticles comprised of visible red-responsive graphene, the T₁-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agent Mn₃O₄ and a mussel-inspired linker polydopamine. The conjugation of graphene to Mn₃O₄ through polydopamine enhanced the water solubility of Mn₃O₄, enabling an efficient uptake by cancer cells as well as tumor accumulation when the nanoparticles were intravenously administered into mice. These nanoparticles, when localized at a tumor site, exhibited low cytotoxicity in the dark, while light irradiation of the cancer cells transfected with the nanoparticles resulted in significant phototherapeutic effects, apparently by generating toxic reactive oxygen species. These nanoparticles also allowed excellent T₁-weighted MR imaging in a human lung cancer xenograft model and were successfully used for combined visible red-imaging-guided photodynamic therapy and T₁-weighted MRI.

Multi-functional self-fluorescent unimolecular micelles for tumor-targeted drug delivery and bioimaging

A novel type of self-fluorescent unimolecular micelle nanoparticle (NP) formed by multi-arm star amphiphilic block copolymer, Boltron® H40 (H40, a 4th generation hyperbranched polymer)-biodegradable photo-luminescent polymer (BPLP)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) conjugated with cRGD peptide (i.e., H40-BPLP-PEG-cRGD) was designed, synthesized, and characterized. The hydrophobic BPLP segment was self-fluorescent, thereby making the unimolecular micelle NP self-fluorescent. cRGD peptides, which can effectively target αvβ3 integrin-expressing tumor neovasculature and tumor cells, were selectively conjugated onto the surface of the micelles to offer active tumor-targeting ability. This unique self-fluorescent unimolecular micelle exhibited excellent photostability and low cytotoxicity, making it an attractive bioimaging probe for NP tracking for a variety of microscopy techniques including fluorescent microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and two-photon microscopy. Moreover, this self-fluorescent unimolecular micelle NP also demonstrated excellent stability in aqueous solutions due to its covalent nature, high drug loading level, pH-controlled drug release, and passive and active tumor-targeting abilities, thereby making it a promising nanoplatform for targeted cancer theranostics.

Novel efficient fluorophores synthesized from citric acid

Citric acid was reacted with α,β-diamines, β-amino thiols and β-amino alcohols to produce fluorescent derivatives of 2-pyridone (QY up to ∼79%). The chemical structures of these compounds were confirmed by analyses of 1D, 2D NMR and ESI-MS data.

A dual stimuli responsive fluorescent probe carrier from a double hydrophilic block copolymer capped with β-cyclodextrin

A β-cyclodextrin terminated triblock copolymer with both hydrophilic temperature and pH sensitive segments was prepared and characterized in terms of self-assembling and encapsulation behaviors.

Citric acid-based hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds enhance calvarial regeneration

Citric acid-based polymer/hydroxyapatite composites (CABP-HAs) are a novel class of biomimetic composites that have recently attracted significant attention in tissue engineering. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of using two different CABP-HAs, poly (1,8-octanediol citrate)-click-HA (POC-Click-HA) and crosslinked urethane-doped polyester-HA (CUPE-HA) as an alternative to autologous tissue grafts in the repair of skeletal defects. CABP-HA disc-shaped scaffolds (65 wt.-% HA with 70% porosity) were used as bare implants without the addition of growth factors or cells to renovate 4 mm diameter rat calvarial defects (n = 72, n = 18 per group). Defects were either left empty (negative control group), or treated with CUPE-HA scaffolds, POC-Click-HA scaffolds, or autologous bone grafts (AB group). Radiological and histological data showed a significant enhancement of osteogenesis in defects treated with CUPE-HA scaffolds when compared to POC-Click-HA scaffolds. Both, POC-Click-HA and CUPE-HA scaffolds, resulted in enhanced bone mineral density, trabecular thickness, and angiogenesis when compared to the control groups at 1, 3, and 6 months post-trauma. These results show the potential of CABP-HA bare implants as biocompatible, osteogenic, and off-shelf-available options in the repair of orthopedic defects.

Polymeric nanoparticles for targeted radiosensitization of prostate cancer cells

One of the many issues of using radiosensitizers in a clinical setting is timing daily radiation treatments to coincide with peak drug concentration in target tissue. To overcome this deficit, we have synthesized a novel nanoparticle (NP) system consisting of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs conjugated with prostate cancer cell penetrating peptide-R11 and encapsulated with a potent radio-sensitizer 8-dibenzothiophen-4-yl-2-morpholin-4-yl-chromen-4-one (NU7441) to allow prostate cancer-specific targeting and sustained delivery over 3 weeks. Preliminary characterization studies showed that the R11-conjugated NPs (R11-NU7441 NPs) had an average size of about 274 ± 80 nm and were stable for up to 5 days in deionized water and serum. The NPs were cytocompatible with immortalized prostate cells (PZ-HPV-7). Further, the particles showed a bi-phasic release of encapsulated NU7441 and were taken up by PC3 prostate cancer cells in a dose- and magnetic field-dependent manner while not being taken up in nonprostate cancer cell lines. In addition, R11-NU7441 NPs were effective radiation sensitizers of prostate cancer cell lines in vitro. These results thus demonstrate the potential of R11-conjugated PLGA NPs as novel platforms for targeted radiosensitization of prostate cancer cells.

Development of intrinsically photoluminescent and photostable polylactones

A method of introducing intrinsically photo luminescent properties to biodegradable polymer is introduced, exemplified by the synthesis of intrinsically photoluminescent polylactones that enable non-invasive monitoring and tracking of material degradation in vivo in realtime, as well as the formation of theranostic nanoparticles for cancer imaging and drug delivery.

Dual-responsive polymer-coated iron oxide nanoparticles for drug delivery and imaging applications

We reported the synthesis and characterization of dual-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-acrylamide-chitosan) (PAC)-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for controlled and targeted drug delivery and imaging applications. The PAC-MNPs size was about 150nm with 70% iron mass content and excellent superparamagnetic properties. PAC-MNPs loaded with anti-cancer drug doxorubicin showed dual-responsive drug release characteristics with the maximum release of drugs at 40°C (∼78%) than at 37°C (∼33%) and at pH of 6 (∼55%) than at pH of 7.4 (∼28%) after 21 days. Further, the conjugation of prostate cancer-specific R11 peptides increased the uptake of PAC-MNPs by prostate cancer PC3 cells. The dose-dependent cellular uptake of the nanoparticles was also significantly increased with the presence of 1.3T magnetic field. The nanoparticles demonstrated cytocompatibility up to concentrations of 500μg/ml when incubated over a period of 24h with human dermal fibroblasts and normal prostate epithelial cells. Finally, pharmacokinetic studies indicated that doxorubicin-loaded PAC-MNPs caused significant prostate cancer cell death at 40°C than at 37°C, thereby confirming the temperature-dependent drug release kinetics and in vitro therapeutic efficacy. Future evaluation of in vivo therapeutic efficacy of targeted image-guided cancer therapy using R11-PAC-MNPs will reinforce a significant impact of the multifunctional PAC-MNPs on the future drug delivery systems.

Fluorescence imaging enabled biodegradable photostable polymeric micelles

Amphiphilic biodegradable photoluminescent polymers (ABPLPs) composed of a biodegradable fluorescent polymer and methoxy poly (ethyleneglycol) demonstrate intrinsic bright, tunable, and stable fluorescence emission. ABPLP micelles elicit minor cellular toxicity and can be used for cell and tissue imaging both in vitro and in vivo.

Luminescence phenomena of biodegradable photoluminescent poly(diol citrates)

The possible origin of luminescent properties of biodegradable photoluminescent polyesters (BPLPs) has been revealed by isolation and identification of luminescent agent from the hydrolyzate of BPLP. Elemental analysis, ESI-MS, (1)H, (13)C, 2D HSQC and COSY NMR spectra confirmed the chemical structure as 5-oxo-2,3-dihydro-5H-[1,3]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyridine-3,7-dicarboxylic acid (TPA).

"Green" functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles via tea polyphenol for magnetic resonance/fluorescent dual-imaging

Tea polyphenol serves as an environmentally friendly ligand-exchange molecule to synthesize multifunctional metal-doped superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles via a catechol-metal coordination interaction. The resultant particles not only exhibit excellent hydrophilicity and protein adsorption resistance, but also are applicable as magnetic resonance/fluorescent dual-imaging probes due to their high T₂ relaxivity, autofluorescence and large cellular uptake.

Magnetic-based multi-layer microparticles for endothelial progenitor cell isolation, enrichment, and detachment

Although endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are useful in many applications including cell-based therapies, their use is still limited due to issues associated with cell culture techniques like a low isolation efficiency, use of harmful proteolytic enzymes in cell cultures, and difficulty in ex vivo expansion. Here, we report a tool to simultaneously isolate, enrich, and detach EPCs without the use of harmful chemicals. In particular, we developed magnetic-based multi-layer microparticles (MLMPs) that (1) magnetically isolate EPCs via anti-CD34 antibodies to avoid the use of Ficoll and harsh shear forces; (2) provide a 3D surface for cell attachment and growth; (3) produce sequential releases of growth factors (GFs) to enrich ex vivo expansion of cells; and (4) detach cells without using trypsin. MLMPs were successful in isolating EPCs from a cell suspension and provided a sequential release of GFs for EPC proliferation and differentiation. The cell enrichment profiles indicated steady cell growth on MLMPs in comparison to commercial Cytodex3 microbeads. Further, the cells were detached from MLMPs by lowering the temperature below 32 °C. Results indicate that the MLMPs have potential to be an effective tool towards efficient cell isolation, fast expansion, and non-chemical detachment.