Gradient Retention Factor Concept Applied to Method Development for Peptide Analysis by Means of RP-HPLC

Using the van Deemter model, the efficiency of three stationary phase systems in the analysis of a mixture of synthetic peptides was evaluated: (i) monolithic, (ii) packed, and (iii) core-shell columns, and it was shown that the efficiency of the monolithic column is superior to the others, specifically using it, the lowest values of H _min (0.03 and 0.1 mm) were obtained, and additionally its efficiency was not significantly affected by increasing the flow. Using the concept of the gradient retention factor (k*), a method for chromatographic separation of a peptide complex mixture was designed, implemented, and optimized and then transferred from a packed column to a monolithic one. The results showed that it was possible to separate all components of the mixture using both evaluated columns; moreover, the analysis time was reduced from 70 to 10 min, conserving the critical pair resolution (1.4), by the transfer method using the k* concept. The method developed was tested against a mixture of doping peptides, showing that this method is efficient for separating peptides of various natures. This investigation is very useful for the development of methods for the analysis of complex peptide mixtures since it provides a systematic approach that can be extrapolated to different types of columns and instrumentation.

Progress in tumour-targeted drug delivery based on cell-penetrating peptides

Since the discovery of cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) in the 1980s, they have played a unique role in various fields owing to their excellent and unique cell membrane penetration function. In particular, in the treatment of tumours, CPPS have been used to deliver several types of 'cargos' to cancer cells. To address the insufficient targeting ability, non-selectivity, and blood instability, activatable cell-penetrating peptides, which can achieve targeted drug delivery in tumour treatment, enhance curative effects, and reduce toxicity have been developed. This study reviews the application of different cell-penetrating peptides in tumour-targeted delivery, overcoming multidrug resistance, organelle targeting, tumour imaging, and diagnosis, and summarises the different mechanisms of activatable cell-penetrating peptides in detail.

BF2-Oxasmaragdyrin Nanoparticles: A Non-toxic, Photostable, Enhanced Non-radiative Decay-Assisted Efficient Photothermal Cancer Theragnostic Agent

Photothermal therapy (PTT), a simple and minimally invasive procedure, is an attractive option for cancer therapy. To date, inorganic agents have been widely employed as photothermal agents; however, organic molecules may provide a solution to rapid metabolic/in vivo clearance. Herein, we prepared lipid (S 75)-stabilized meso-tritolyl-BF₂-oxasmaragdyrin nanoparticles (TBSNPs) using thin-film hydration and homogenization. Assessment of the physicochemical properties of the TBSNPs reveals the formation of particles of size <12 nm stabilized within the lipid matrix. The TBSNPs exhibit near infrared fluorescence (NIRF) being accompanied by an increase in non-radiative decay, leading to excellent photothermal properties. In vitro studies demonstrate excellent biocompatibility, hemocompatibility, cellular internalization, and photothermal efficacy (p = 0.0004). Extensive in vivo assessment of TBSNPs also highlights the non-toxic nature of the material and passive tumor homing. The strong NIRF exhibited by the material is exploited for whole-body imaging in the rodent model. The novel material also shows excellent photothermal efficacy (p = 0.0002) in a 4T1 xenograft mice model. The organic nature of the material coupled with its small size and strong NIRF provides an advantage for bio-elimination and potential clinical image-guided therapy over the inorganic counterparts.