1
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Wu C, Liao W, Zhang Y, Yan Y. Peptide-based supramolecular hydrogels and their biotherapeutic applications. Biomater Sci 2024. [PMID: 39158039 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00865k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, supramolecular hydrogels have made groundbreaking research progress in biomedical fields such as drug delivery, biosensing, imaging analysis, and tissue engineering. Peptides, with their unique characteristics of facile preparation, low immunogenicity and easy biodegradability, are commonly used as building blocks of supramolecular hydrogels. Peptide-based supramolecular hydrogels loaded with drugs, prepared via physical means or covalent crosslinking, exhibit unique three-dimensional network structures and strong water retention capacities. These properties enhance drug bioavailability and reduce side effects, enabling drug accumulation and responsive release at disease sites, significantly improving the therapeutic efficacy. Here, we review recent advancements in peptide-based supramolecular hydrogels and their biotherapeutic applications, including chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatments, and other biological applications. This review aims to provide new inspiration for the development of biomaterials in the therapeutic field and provide more personalized options for disease treatment. Additionally, challenges and limitations in this field are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengfan Wu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, P. R. China.
| | - Wenjie Liao
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, P. R. China.
| | - Yujia Zhang
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, P. R. China.
| | - Yunfeng Yan
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, P. R. China.
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2
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Gagni P, Lodigiani G, Frigerio R, Cretich M, Gori A, Bergamaschi G. Supramolecular Hydrogels for 3D Biosensors and Bioassays. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202400974. [PMID: 38871646 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202400974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Supramolecular hydrogels play a pivotal role in many fields of biomedical research, including emerging applications in designing advanced tools for point-of-care testing, clinical diagnostics, and lab-on-chip analysis. This review outlines the growing relevance of supramolecular hydrogels in biosensing and bioassay devices, highlighting recent advancements that deliver increased sensitivity, real-time monitoring, and multiplexing capabilities through the distinctive properties of these nanomaterials. Furthermore, the exploration extends to additional applications, such as using hydrogels as three-dimensional matrices for cell-based assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Gagni
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy (SCITEC-CNR), 20131, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Lodigiani
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy (SCITEC-CNR), 20131, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Frigerio
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy (SCITEC-CNR), 20131, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Cretich
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy (SCITEC-CNR), 20131, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gori
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy (SCITEC-CNR), 20131, Milan, Italy
| | - Greta Bergamaschi
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy (SCITEC-CNR), 20131, Milan, Italy
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3
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Hua Y, Shen Y. Applications of self-assembled peptide hydrogels in anti-tumor therapy. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2024; 6:2993-3008. [PMID: 38868817 PMCID: PMC11166105 DOI: 10.1039/d4na00172a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Peptides are a class of active substances composed of a variety of amino acids with special physiological functions. The rational design of peptide sequences at the molecular level enables their folding into diverse secondary structures. This property has garnered significant attention in the biomedical sphere owing to their favorable biocompatibility, adaptable mechanical traits, and exceptional loading capabilities. Concurrently with advancements in modern medicine, the diagnosis and treatment of tumors have increasingly embraced targeted and personalized approaches. This review explores recent applications of self-assembled peptides derived from natural amino acids in chemical therapy, immunotherapy, and other adjunctive treatments. We highlighted the utilization of peptide hydrogels as delivery systems for chemotherapeutic drugs and other bioactive molecules and then discussed the challenges and prospects for their future application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hua
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University Nanjing Jiangsu 210009 China
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University Nanjing Jiangsu 210009 China
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4
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Shi Z, Gao Z, Zhuang X, Si X, Huang Z, Di Y, Ma S, Guo Z, Li C, Jin N, Huang L, Tian M, Song W, Chen X. Dynamic Covalent Hydrogel as a Single-Dose Vaccine Adjuvant for Sustained Antigen Release and Significantly Elevated Humoral Immunity. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2400886. [PMID: 38824421 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400886] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Vaccine is the most important way for fighting against infection diseases. However, multiple injections and unsatisfied immune responses are the main obstacles for current vaccine application. Herein, a dynamic covalent hydrogel (DCH) is used as a single-dose vaccine adjuvant for eliciting robust and sustained humoral immunity. By adjusting the mass ratio of the DCH gel, 10-30 d constant release of the loaded recombinant protein antigens is successfully realized, and it is proved that sustained release of antigens can significantly improve the vaccine efficacy. When loading SARS-CoV-2 RBD (Wuhan and Omicron BA.1 strains) antigens into this DCH gel, an over 32 000 times and 8000 times improvement is observed in antigen-specific antibody titers compared to conventional Aluminum adjuvanted vaccines. The universality of this DCH gel adjuvant is confirmed in a Nipah G antigen test as well as a H1N1 influenza virus antigen test, with much improved protection of C57BL/6 mice against H1N1 virus infection than conventional Aluminum adjuvanted vaccines. This sustainably released, single-dose DCH gel adjuvant provides a new promising option for designing next-generation infection vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Shi
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Zihan Gao
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130122, China
| | - Xinyu Zhuang
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130122, China
| | - Xinghui Si
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China
- Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Zichao Huang
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Yaxin Di
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130122, China
| | - Sheng Ma
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China
- Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Zhaopei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China
- Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Chang Li
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130122, China
| | - Ningyi Jin
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130122, China
| | - Leaf Huang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | - Mingyao Tian
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130122, China
| | - Wantong Song
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China
- Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Xuesi Chen
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China
- Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun, 130022, China
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5
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Najafi H, Farahavar G, Jafari M, Abolmaali SS, Azarpira N, Tamaddon AM. Harnessing the Potential of Self-Assembled Peptide Hydrogels for Neural Regeneration and Tissue Engineering. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2300534. [PMID: 38547473 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and neurosurgery procedures usually lead to neural tissue damage. Self-assembled peptide (SAP) hydrogels, a type of innovative hierarchical nanofiber-forming peptide sequences serving as hydrogelators, have emerged as a promising solution for repairing tissue defects and promoting neural tissue regeneration. SAPs possess numerous features, such as adaptable morphologies, biocompatibility, injectability, tunable mechanical stability, and mimicking of the native extracellular matrix. This review explores the capacity of neural cell regeneration and examines the critical aspects of SAPs in neuroregeneration, including their biochemical composition, topology, mechanical behavior, conductivity, and degradability. Additionally, it delves into the latest strategies involving SAPs for central or peripheral neural tissue engineering. Finally, the prospects of SAP hydrogel design and development in the realm of neuroregeneration are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haniyeh Najafi
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71468-64685, Iran
| | - Ghazal Farahavar
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71468-64685, Iran
| | - Mahboobeh Jafari
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71468-64685, Iran
| | - Samira Sadat Abolmaali
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71468-64685, Iran
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71468-64685, Iran
| | - Negar Azarpira
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71937-11351, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammad Tamaddon
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71468-64685, Iran
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71468-64685, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71468-64685, Iran
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6
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Asokan-Sheeja H, Awad K, Xu J, Le M, Nguyen JN, Nguyen N, Nguyen TP, Nguyen KT, Hong Y, Varanasi VG, Liu X, Dong H. In Situ Synthesis and Self-Assembly of Peptide-PEG Conjugates: A Facile Method for the Construction of Fibrous Hydrogels. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:2814-2822. [PMID: 38598701 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Peptide-based hydrogels have gained considerable attention as a compelling platform for various biomedical applications in recent years. Their attractiveness stems from their ability to seamlessly integrate diverse properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, easily adjustable hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, and other functionalities. However, a significant drawback is that most of the functional self-assembling peptides cannot form robust hydrogels suitable for biological applications. In this study, we present the synthesis of novel peptide-PEG conjugates and explore their comprehensive hydrogel properties. The hydrogel comprises double networks, with the first network formed through the self-assembly of peptides to create a β-sheet secondary structure. The second network is established through covalent bond formation via N-hydroxysuccinimide chemistry between peptides and a 4-arm PEG to form a covalently linked network. Importantly, our findings reveal that this hydrogel formation method can be applied to other peptides containing lysine-rich sequences. Upon encapsulation of the hydrogel with antimicrobial peptides, the hydrogel retained high bacterial killing efficiency while showing minimum cytotoxicity toward mammalian cells. We hope that this method opens new avenues for the development of a novel class of peptide-polymer hydrogel materials with enhanced performance in biomedical contexts, particularly in reducing the potential for infection in applications of tissue regeneration and drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haritha Asokan-Sheeja
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019, United States
| | - Kamal Awad
- Bone Muscle Research Center, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019, United States
| | - Jiazhu Xu
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019, United States
| | - Myan Le
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019, United States
| | - Jenny N Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019, United States
| | - Na Nguyen
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019, United States
| | - Tam P Nguyen
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019, United States
| | - Kytai T Nguyen
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019, United States
| | - Yi Hong
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019, United States
| | - Venu G Varanasi
- Bone Muscle Research Center, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019, United States
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, United States
| | - He Dong
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019, United States
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7
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Sun Z, Hu H, Zhang X, Luan X, Xi Y, Wei G, Zhang X. Recent advances in peptide-based bioactive hydrogels for nerve repair and regeneration: from material design to fabrication, functional tailoring and applications. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:2253-2273. [PMID: 38375592 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00019f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The injury of both central and peripheral nervous systems can result in neurological disorders and severe nervous diseases, which has been one of the challenges in the medical field. The use of peptide-based hydrogels for nerve repair and regeneration (NRR) provides a promising way for treating these problems, but the effects of the functions of peptide hydrogels on the NRR efficiency have been not understood clearly. In this review, we present recent advances in the material design, matrix fabrication, functional tailoring, and NRR applications of three types of peptide-based hydrogels, including pure peptide hydrogels, other component-functionalized peptide hydrogels, and peptide-modified polymer hydrogels. The case studies on the utilization of various peptide-based hydrogels for NRR are introduced and analyzed, in which the effects and mechanisms of the functions of hydrogels on NRR are illustrated specifically. In addition, the fabrication of medical NRR scaffolds and devices for pre-clinical application is demonstrated. Finally, we provide potential directions on the development of this promising topic. This comprehensive review could be valuable for readers to know the design and synthesis strategies of bioactive peptide hydrogels, as well as their functional tailoring, in order to promote their practical applications in tissue engineering, biomedical engineering, and materials science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengang Sun
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Qingdao Huangdao Central Hospital, Qingdao University Medical Group, Qingdao 266555, P. R. China
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University, 266071 Qingdao, P. R. China.
- The Department of Plastic Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, P. R. China.
| | - Huiqiang Hu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University, 266071 Qingdao, P. R. China.
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, P. R. China.
| | - Xingchao Zhang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Qingdao Huangdao Central Hospital, Qingdao University Medical Group, Qingdao 266555, P. R. China
| | - Xin Luan
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University, 266071 Qingdao, P. R. China.
| | - Yongming Xi
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, P. R. China.
| | - Gang Wei
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University, 266071 Qingdao, P. R. China.
| | - Xuanfen Zhang
- The Department of Plastic Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, P. R. China.
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8
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Sun Z, Zhao H, Ma L, Shi Y, Ji M, Sun X, Ma D, Zhou W, Huang T, Zhang D. The quest for nanoparticle-powered vaccines in cancer immunotherapy. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:61. [PMID: 38355548 PMCID: PMC10865557 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02311-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advancements in cancer treatment, this disease still poses a serious threat to public health. Vaccines play an important role in preventing illness by preparing the body's adaptive and innate immune responses to combat diseases. As our understanding of malignancies and their connection to the immune system improves, there has been a growing interest in priming the immune system to fight malignancies more effectively and comprehensively. One promising approach involves utilizing nanoparticle systems for antigen delivery, which has been shown to potentiate immune responses as vaccines and/or adjuvants. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the immunological mechanisms of cancer vaccines while focusing specifically on the recent applications of various types of nanoparticles in the field of cancer immunotherapy. By exploring these recent breakthroughs, we hope to identify significant challenges and obstacles in making nanoparticle-based vaccines and adjuvants feasible for clinical application. This review serves to assess recent breakthroughs in nanoparticle-based cancer vaccinations and shed light on their prospects and potential barriers. By doing so, we aim to inspire future immunotherapies for cancer that harness the potential of nanotechnology to deliver more effective and targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Sun
- Department of Stomatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Endodontics, East Branch of Jinan Stomatological Hospital, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Stomatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Yanli Shi
- Department of Stomatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Mei Ji
- Department of Stomatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Endodontics, Gaoxin Branch of Jinan Stomatological Hospital, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
| | - Dan Ma
- Department of Stomatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Stomatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Graeme Clark Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Dongsheng Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
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9
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Zhang Z, He C, Chen X. Designing Hydrogels for Immunomodulation in Cancer Therapy and Regenerative Medicine. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2308894. [PMID: 37909463 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202308894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The immune system not only acts as a defense against pathogen and cancer cells, but also plays an important role in homeostasis and tissue regeneration. Targeting immune systems is a promising strategy for efficient cancer treatment and regenerative medicine. Current systemic immunomodulation therapies are usually associated with low persistence time, poor targeting to action sites, and severe side effects. Due to their extracellular matrix-mimetic nature, tunable properties and diverse bioactivities, hydrogels are intriguing platforms to locally deliver immunomodulatory agents and cells, as well as provide an immunomodulatory microenvironment to recruit, activate, and expand host immune cells. In this review, the design considerations, including polymer backbones, crosslinking mechanisms, physicochemical nature, and immunomodulation-related components, of the hydrogel platforms, are focused on. The immunomodulatory effects and therapeutic outcomes in cancer therapy and tissue regeneration of different hydrogel systems are emphasized, including hydrogel depots for delivery of immunomodulatory agents, hydrogel scaffolds for cell delivery, and immunomodulatory hydrogels depending on the intrinsic properties of materials. Finally, the remained challenges in current systems and future development of immunomodulatory hydrogels are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
| | - Chaoliang He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Xuesi Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
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10
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Mohaghegh N, Ahari A, Zehtabi F, Buttles C, Davani S, Hoang H, Tseng K, Zamanian B, Khosravi S, Daniali A, Kouchehbaghi NH, Thomas I, Serati Nouri H, Khorsandi D, Abbasgholizadeh R, Akbari M, Patil R, Kang H, Jucaud V, Khademhosseini A, Hassani Najafabadi A. Injectable hydrogels for personalized cancer immunotherapies. Acta Biomater 2023; 172:67-91. [PMID: 37806376 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The field of cancer immunotherapy has shown significant growth, and researchers are now focusing on effective strategies to enhance and prolong local immunomodulation. Injectable hydrogels (IHs) have emerged as versatile platforms for encapsulating and controlling the release of small molecules and cells, drawing significant attention for their potential to enhance antitumor immune responses while inhibiting metastasis and recurrence. IHs delivering natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) offer a viable method for treating cancer. Indeed, it can bypass the extracellular matrix and gradually release small molecules or cells into the tumor microenvironment, thereby boosting immune responses against cancer cells. This review provides an overview of the recent advancements in cancer immunotherapy using IHs for delivering NK cells, T cells, APCs, chemoimmunotherapy, radio-immunotherapy, and photothermal-immunotherapy. First, we introduce IHs as a delivery matrix, then summarize their applications for the local delivery of small molecules and immune cells to elicit robust anticancer immune responses. Additionally, we discuss recent progress in IHs systems used for local combination therapy, including chemoimmunotherapy, radio-immunotherapy, photothermal-immunotherapy, photodynamic-immunotherapy, and gene-immunotherapy. By comprehensively examining the utilization of IHs in cancer immunotherapy, this review aims to highlight the potential of IHs as effective carriers for immunotherapy delivery, facilitating the development of innovative strategies for cancer treatment. In addition, we demonstrate that using hydrogel-based platforms for the targeted delivery of immune cells, such as NK cells, T cells, and dendritic cells (DCs), has remarkable potential in cancer therapy. These innovative approaches have yielded substantial reductions in tumor growth, showcasing the ability of hydrogels to enhance the efficacy of immune-based treatments. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: As cancer immunotherapy continues to expand, the mode of therapeutic agent delivery becomes increasingly critical. This review spotlights the forward-looking progress of IHs, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize localized immunotherapy delivery. By efficiently encapsulating and controlling the release of essential immune components such as T cells, NK cells, APCs, and various therapeutic agents, IHs offer a pioneering pathway to amplify immune reactions, moderate metastasis, and reduce recurrence. Their adaptability further shines when considering their role in emerging combination therapies, including chemoimmunotherapy, radio-immunotherapy, and photothermal-immunotherapy. Understanding IHs' significance in cancer therapy is essential, suggesting a shift in cancer treatment dynamics and heralding a novel period of focused, enduring, and powerful therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Mohaghegh
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA
| | - Amir Ahari
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA; Department of Surgery, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Fatemeh Zehtabi
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA
| | - Claire Buttles
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA; Indiana University Bloomington, Department of Biology, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Saya Davani
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA
| | - Hanna Hoang
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Kaylee Tseng
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA; Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90007, USA
| | - Benjamin Zamanian
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA
| | - Safoora Khosravi
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T1Z4, Canada
| | - Ariella Daniali
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA
| | - Negar Hosseinzadeh Kouchehbaghi
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA; Department of Textile Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Hafez Avenue, Tehran, Iran
| | - Isabel Thomas
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA
| | - Hamed Serati Nouri
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA; Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Danial Khorsandi
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA; Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Mohsen Akbari
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA; Laboratory for Innovations in Microengineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Rameshwar Patil
- Department of Basic Science and Neurosurgery, Division of Cancer Science, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Heemin Kang
- Materials Science and Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Vadim Jucaud
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA.
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA.
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Stepanova M, Nikiforov A, Tennikova T, Korzhikova-Vlakh E. Polypeptide-Based Systems: From Synthesis to Application in Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2641. [PMID: 38004619 PMCID: PMC10674432 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112641] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic polypeptides are biocompatible and biodegradable macromolecules whose composition and architecture can vary over a wide range. Their unique ability to form secondary structures, as well as different pathways of modification and biofunctionalization due to the diversity of amino acids, provide variation in the physicochemical and biological properties of polypeptide-containing materials. In this review article, we summarize the advances in the synthesis of polypeptides and their copolymers and the application of these systems for drug delivery in the form of (nano)particles or hydrogels. The issues, such as the diversity of polypeptide-containing (nano)particle types, the methods for their preparation and drug loading, as well as the influence of physicochemical characteristics on stability, degradability, cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, hemolysis, and immunogenicity of polypeptide-containing nanoparticles and their drug formulations, are comprehensively discussed. Finally, recent advances in the development of certain drug nanoformulations for peptides, proteins, gene delivery, cancer therapy, and antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory systems are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariia Stepanova
- Institute of Macromolecular Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Bolshoy pr. 31, 199004 St. Petersburg, Russia; (M.S.); (A.N.)
| | - Alexey Nikiforov
- Institute of Macromolecular Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Bolshoy pr. 31, 199004 St. Petersburg, Russia; (M.S.); (A.N.)
| | - Tatiana Tennikova
- Institute of Chemistry, Saint-Petersburg State University, Universitetskiy pr. 26, Petergof, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Evgenia Korzhikova-Vlakh
- Institute of Macromolecular Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Bolshoy pr. 31, 199004 St. Petersburg, Russia; (M.S.); (A.N.)
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