1
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Mapfumo P, Reichel LS, Leer K, Egger J, Dzierza A, Peneva K, Fischer D, Traeger A. Harnessing Guanidinium and Imidazole Functional Groups: A Dual-Charged Polymer Strategy for Enhanced Gene Delivery. ACS Macro Lett 2024; 13:1000-1007. [PMID: 39052525 PMCID: PMC11340021 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.4c00321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Histidine and arginine are two amino acids that exhibit beneficial properties for gene delivery. In particular, the imidazole group of histidine facilitates endosomal release, while the guanidinium group of arginine promotes cellular entry. Consequently, a dual-charged copolymer library based on these amino acids was synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The content of the N-acryloyl-l-histidine (His) monomer was systematically increased, while maintaining consistent levels of methyl N-acryloyl-l-argininate hydrochloride (ArgOMe) or N-(4-guanidinobutyl)acrylamide hydrochloride (GBAm). The resulting polymers formed stable, nanosized polyplexes when complexed with nucleic acids. Remarkably, candidates with increased His content exhibited reduced cytotoxicity profiles and enhanced transfection efficiency, particularly retaining this performance level at lower pDNA concentrations. Furthermore, endosomal release studies revealed that increased His content improved endosomal release, while ArgOMe improved cellular entry. These findings underscore the potential of customized dual-charged copolymers and the synergistic effects of His and ArgOMe/GBAm in enhancing gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prosper
P. Mapfumo
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Liên S. Reichel
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Katharina Leer
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Jan Egger
- Division
of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstr. 4, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Dzierza
- Division
of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstr. 4, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kalina Peneva
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena
Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich
Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Center
for Energy and Environmental Chemistry Jena (CEEC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Dagmar Fischer
- Jena
Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich
Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Division
of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstr. 4, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- FAU NeW -
Research Center New Bioactive Compounds, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 10, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja Traeger
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena
Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich
Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
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2
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Jerca FA, Muntean C, Remaut K, Jerca VV, Raemdonck K, Hoogenboom R. Cationic amino-acid functionalized polymethacrylamide vectors for siRNA transfection based on modification of poly(2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline). J Control Release 2023; 364:687-699. [PMID: 37935258 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Poly(2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline) (PiPOx) is a functional polymer showing great potential for the development of smart biomaterials. The straightforward synthesis and post-polymerization functionalization of PiPOx offers many opportunities for tailoring the properties of the polymer towards biomaterials. In this study we report for the first time PiPOx-based cationic charged polymethacrylamides with amino acid side chains that can complex siRNA and promote transfection in vitro. Therefore, PiPOx was fully modified via ring opening addition reactions with the carboxylic acid groups of a series of N-Boc-L-amino acids and their reaction kinetics were investigated. Based on the determined kinetic constants, another series of PiPOx-based copolymers with balanced hydrophilic/hydrophobic content of N-Boc-L-amino acids were obtained via one-pot modification reaction with two different N-Boc-L-amino acids. The N-Boc protected homopolymers and related copolymers were deprotected to obtain (co)polymers with the targeted side chain cationic charged units. The (co)polymers' structures were fully investigated via FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and TGA-DSC-MS analysis. The polarimetry measurements revealed that the homopolymers retain their chiroptical properties after post-modification, and a sign inversion is noticed from (L) N-Boc-protected analogues to (D) for the TFA cationic charged homopolymers. Generally, cationically charged homopolymers with hydrophilic amino acids on the side chain showed efficient complexation of siRNA, but poor transfection while cationic copolymers having both tryptophan and valine or proline side chains revealed moderate siRNA binding, high transfection efficiency (> 90% of the cells) and potent gene silencing with IC50 values down to 5.5 nM. Particularly, these cationic copolymers showed higher gene silencing potency as compared to the commercial JetPRIME® reference, without reducing cell viability in the concentration range used for transfection, making this a very interesting system for in vitro siRNA transfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florica Adriana Jerca
- Smart Organic Materials Group, "Costin D. Nenitzescu" Institute of Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry, Romanian Academy, 202B Spl. Independentei CP 35-108, 060023 Bucharest, Romania; Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Cristina Muntean
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Remaut
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Valentin Victor Jerca
- Smart Organic Materials Group, "Costin D. Nenitzescu" Institute of Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry, Romanian Academy, 202B Spl. Independentei CP 35-108, 060023 Bucharest, Romania; Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Koen Raemdonck
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Richard Hoogenboom
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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3
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Surface Design Options in Polymer- and Lipid-Based siRNA Nanoparticles Using Antibodies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213929. [PMID: 36430411 PMCID: PMC9692731 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213929] [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] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi) could represent a breakthrough in the therapy of all diseases that arise from a gene defect or require the inhibition of a specific gene expression. In particular, small interfering RNA (siRNA) offers an attractive opportunity to achieve a new milestone in the therapy of human diseases. The limitations of siRNA, such as poor stability, inefficient cell uptake, and undesired immune activation, as well as the inability to specifically reach the target tissue in the body, can be overcome by further developments in the field of nanoparticulate drug delivery. Therefore, types of surface modified siRNA nanoparticles are presented and illustrate how a more efficient and safer distribution of siRNA at the target site is possible by modifying the surface properties of nanoparticles with antibodies. However, the development of such efficient and safe delivery strategies is currently still a major challenge. In consideration of that, this review article aims to demonstrate the function and targeted delivery of siRNA nanoparticles, focusing on the surface modification via antibodies, various lipid- and polymer-components, and the therapeutic effects of these delivery systems.
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4
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Tryptophan, more than just an interfacial amino acid in the membrane activity of cationic cell-penetrating and antimicrobial peptides. Q Rev Biophys 2022; 55:e10. [PMID: 35979810 DOI: 10.1017/s0033583522000105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Trp is unique among the amino acids since it is involved in many different types of noncovalent interactions such as electrostatic and hydrophobic ones, but also in π-π, π-cation, π-anion and π-ion pair interactions. In membranotropic peptides and proteins, Trp locates preferentially at the water-membrane interface. In antimicrobial or cell-penetrating peptides (AMPs and CPPs respectively), Trp is well-known for its strong role in the capacity of these peptides to interact and affect the membrane organisation of both bacteria and animal cells at the level of the lipid bilayer. This essential amino acid can however be involved in other types of interactions, not only with lipids, but also with other membrane partners, that are crucial to understand the functional roles of membranotropic peptides. This review is focused on this latter less known role of Trp and describes in details, both in qualitative and quantitative ways: (i) the physico-chemical properties of Trp; (ii) its effect in CPP internalisation; (iii) its importance in AMP activity; (iv) its role in the interaction of AMPs with glycoconjugates or lipids in bacteria membranes and the consequences on the activity of the peptides; (v) its role in the interaction of CPPs with negatively charged polysaccharides or lipids of animal membranes and the consequences on the activity of the peptides. We intend to bring highlights of the physico-chemical properties of Trp and describe its extensive possibilities of interactions, not only at the well-known level of the lipid bilayer, but with other less considered cell membrane components, such as carbohydrates and the extracellular matrix. The focus on these interactions will allow the reader to reevaluate reported studies. Altogether, our review gathers dedicated studies to show how unique are Trp properties, which should be taken into account to design future membranotropic peptides with expected antimicrobial or cell-penetrating activity.
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5
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Soni GK, Wangoo N, Cokca C, Peneva K, Sharma RK. Ultrasensitive aptasensor for arsenic detection using quantum dots and guanylated Poly(methacrylamide). Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1209:339854. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2022.339854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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6
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Rabiee N, Bagherzadeh M, Ghadiri AM, Kiani M, Ahmadi S, Jajarmi V, Fatahi Y, Aldhaher A, Tahriri M, Webster TJ, Mostafavi E. Calcium-based nanomaterials and their interrelation with chitosan: optimization for pCRISPR delivery. JOURNAL OF NANOSTRUCTURE IN CHEMISTRY 2022; 12:919-932. [PMID: 34580605 PMCID: PMC8457547 DOI: 10.1007/s40097-021-00446-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED There have been numerous advancements in the early diagnosis, detection, and treatment of genetic diseases. In this regard, CRISPR technology is promising to treat some types of genetic issues. In this study, the relationship between calcium (due to its considerable physicochemical properties) and chitosan (as a natural linear polysaccharide) was investigated and optimized for pCRISPR delivery. To achieve this, different forms of calcium, such as calcium nanoparticles (CaNPs), calcium phosphate (CaP), a binary blend of calcium and chitosan including CaNPs/Chitosan and CaP/Chitosan, as well as their tertiary blend including CaNPs-CaP/Chitosan, were prepared via both routine and green procedures using Salvia hispanica to reduce toxicity and increase nanoparticle stability (with a yield of 85%). Such materials were also applied to the human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cell line for pCRISPR delivery. The results were optimized using different characterization techniques demonstrating acceptable binding with DNA (for both CaNPs/Chitosan and CaNPs-CaP/Chitosan) significantly enhancing green fluorescent protein (EGFP) (about 25% for CaP/Chitosan and more than 14% for CaNPs-CaP/Chitosan). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40097-021-00446-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navid Rabiee
- Department of Chemistry, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Mahsa Kiani
- Department of Chemistry, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Ahmadi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Jajarmi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yousef Fatahi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14155-6451 Iran
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Nanotechnology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14155-6451 Iran
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, 15875-4413 Iran
| | - Abdullah Aldhaher
- Department of Chemistry, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Thomas J. Webster
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Ebrahim Mostafavi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
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7
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Hausig F, Sobotta FH, Richter F, Harz DO, Traeger A, Brendel JC. Correlation between Protonation of Tailor-Made Polypiperazines and Endosomal Escape for Cytosolic Protein Delivery. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:35233-35247. [PMID: 34283557 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c00829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Responsive polymers, which become protonated at decreasing pH, are considered a milestone in the development of synthetic cell entry vectors. Exact correlations between their properties and their ability to escape the endosome, however, often remain elusive due to hydrophobic interactions or limitations in the design of water-soluble materials with suitable basicity. Here, we present a series of well-defined, hydrophilic polypiperazines, where systematic variation of the amino moiety facilitates an unprecedented fine-tuning of the basicity or pKa value within the physiologically relevant range (pH 6-7.4). Coincubation of HEK 293T cells with various probes, including small fluorophores or functioning proteins, revealed a rapid increase of endosomal release for polymers with pKa values above 6.5 or 7 in serum-free or serum-containing media, respectively. Similarly, cytotoxic effects became severe at increased pKa values (>7). Although the window for effective transport appears narrow, the discovered correlations offer a principal guideline for the design of effective polymers for endosomal escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Hausig
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Fabian H Sobotta
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Friederike Richter
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Dominic O Harz
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Anja Traeger
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Johannes C Brendel
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
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8
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Cokca C, Hack FJ, Costabel D, Herwig K, Hülsmann J, Then P, Heintzmann R, Fischer D, Peneva K. PEGylation of Guanidinium and Indole Bearing Poly(methacrylamide)s - Biocompatible Terpolymers for pDNA Delivery. Macromol Biosci 2021; 21:e2100146. [PMID: 34310046 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202100146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
This study describes the first example for shielding of a high performing terpolymer that consists of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA), N-(3-guanidinopropyl)methacrylamide (GPMA), and N-(2-indolethyl)methacrylamide monomers (IEMA) by block copolymerization of a polyethylene glycol derivative - poly(nona(ethylene glycol)methyl ether methacrylate) (P(MEO9 MA)) via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The molecular weight of P(MEO9 MA) is varied from 3 to 40 kg mol-1 while the comonomer content of HPMA, GPMA, and IEMA is kept comparable. The influence of P(MEO9 MA) block with various molecular weights is investigated over cytotoxicity, plasmid DNA (pDNA) binding, and transfection efficiency of the resulting polyplexes. Overall, the increase in molecular weight of P(MEO9 MA) block demonstrates excellent biocompatibility with higher cell viability in L-929 cells and an efficient binding to pDNA at N/P ratio of 2. The significant transfection efficiency in CHO-K1 cells at N/P ratio 20 is obtained for block copolymers with molecular weight of P(MEO9 MA) up to 10 kg mol-1 . Moreover, a fluorescently labeled analogue of P(MEO9 MA), bearing perylene monoimide methacrylamide (PMIM), is introduced as a comonomer in RAFT polymerization. Polyplexes consisting of labeled block copolymer with 20 kg mol-1 of P(MEO9 MA) and pDNA are incubated in Hela cells and investigated through structured illumination microscopy (SIM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceren Cokca
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstrasse 8, Jena, 07743, Germany
| | - Franz J Hack
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstrasse 8, Jena, 07743, Germany
| | - Daniel Costabel
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstrasse 8, Jena, 07743, Germany
| | - Kira Herwig
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstrasse 8, Jena, 07743, Germany
| | - Juliana Hülsmann
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstrasse 8, Jena, 07743, Germany
| | - Patrick Then
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Albert Einstein Str. 9, Jena, 07745, Germany
| | - Rainer Heintzmann
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Albert Einstein Str. 9, Jena, 07745, Germany.,Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Helmholtzweg 4, Jena, 07743, Germany
| | - Dagmar Fischer
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstrasse 4, Erlangen, 91058, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, Jena, 07743, Germany
| | - Kalina Peneva
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstrasse 8, Jena, 07743, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, Jena, 07743, Germany
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9
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Hango CR, Backlund CM, Davis HC, Posey ND, Minter LM, Tew GN. Non-Covalent Carrier Hydrophobicity as a Universal Predictor of Intracellular Protein Activity. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:2850-2863. [PMID: 34156837 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, extensive optimization of polymeric cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) mimics (CPPMs) by our group has generated a substantial library of broadly effective carriers which circumvent the need for covalent conjugation often required by CPPs. In this study, design rules learned from CPPM development were applied to reverse-engineer the first library of simple amphiphilic block copolypeptides for non-covalent protein delivery, namely, poly(alanine-block-arginine), poly(phenylalanine-block-arginine), and poly(tryptophan-block-arginine). This new CPP library was screened for enhanced green fluorescent protein and Cre recombinase delivery alongside a library of CPPMs featuring equivalent side-chain configurations. Due to the added hydrophobicity imparted by the polymer backbone as compared to the polypeptide backbone, side-chain functionality was not a universal predictor of carrier performance. Rather, overall carrier hydrophobicity predicted the top performers for both internalization and activity of protein cargoes, regardless of backbone identity. Furthermore, comparison of protein uptake and function revealed carriers which facilitated high gene recombination despite remarkably low Cre internalization, leading us to formalize the concept of intracellular availability (IA) of the delivered cargo. IA, a measure of cargo activity per quantity of cargo internalized, provides valuable insight into the physical relationship between cellular internalization and bioavailability, which can be affected by bottlenecks such as endosomal escape and cargo release. Importantly, carriers with maximal IA existed within a narrow hydrophobicity window, more hydrophilic than those exhibiting maximal cargo uptake. Hydrophobicity may be used as a scaffold-independent predictor of protein uptake, function, and IA, enabling identification of new, effective carriers which would be overlooked by uptake-based screening methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Hango
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Coralie M Backlund
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Hazel C Davis
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Nicholas D Posey
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Lisa M Minter
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States.,Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, Untied States
| | - Gregory N Tew
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States.,Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States.,Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, Untied States
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10
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Solomun JI, Cinar G, Mapfumo P, Richter F, Moek E, Hausig F, Martin L, Hoeppener S, Nischang I, Traeger A. Solely aqueous formulation of hydrophobic cationic polymers for efficient gene delivery. Int J Pharm 2021; 593:120080. [PMID: 33246046 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.120080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cationic polymers are promising gene delivery vectors due to their ability to bind and protect genetic material. The introduction of hydrophobic moieties into cationic polymers can further improve the vector efficiency, but common formulations of hydrophobic polymers involve harsh conditions such as organic solvents, impairing intactness and loading efficiency of the genetic material. In this study, a mild, aqueous formulation method for the encapsulation of high amounts of genetic material is presented. A well-defined pH-responsive hydrophobic copolymer, i.e. poly((n-butylmethacrylate)-co-(methylmethacrylate)-co-(2-(dimethylamino) ethylmethacrylate)), (PBMD) was synthesized by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Exploiting the pH-dependent solubility behavior of the polymer, stable pDNA loaded nanoparticles were prepared and characterized using analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). This novel formulation approach showed high transfection efficiencies in HEK293T cells, while requiring 5- to 10-fold less pDNA compared to linear polyethylenimine (LPEI), in particular at short incubation times and in serum-containing media. Furthermore, the formulation was successfully adopted for siRNA and mRNA encapsulation and the commercially approved polymer Eudragit® E(PO/100). Overall, the aqueous formulation approach, accompanied by a tailor-made hydrophobic polymer and detailed physicochemical and application studies, led to improved gene delivery vectors with high potential for further applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana I Solomun
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Gizem Cinar
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Prosper Mapfumo
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Friederike Richter
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Moek
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Franziska Hausig
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Liam Martin
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Stephanie Hoeppener
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany; Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Ivo Nischang
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany; Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Anja Traeger
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany; Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany.
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Hack FJ, Cokca C, Städter S, Hülsmann J, Peneva K, Fischer D. Indole, Phenyl, and Phenol Groups: The Role of the Comonomer on Gene Delivery in Guanidinium Containing Methacrylamide Terpolymers. Macromol Rapid Commun 2020; 42:e2000580. [PMID: 33274813 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202000580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
This report highlights the importance of hydrophobic groups mimicking the side chains of aromatic amino acids, which are tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine, in guanidinium bearing poly(methacrylamide)s for the design of non-viral gene delivery agents. Guanidinium containing methacrylamide terpolymers are prepared by aqueous reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (aRAFT) polymerization with different hydrophobic monomers, N-(2-indolethyl)methacrylamide (IEMA), N-phenethylmethacrylamide (PhEMA), or N-(4-hydroxyphenethyl)methacrylamide (PhOHEMA) by aiming similar contents. The well-defined polymers are obtained with a molar mass of ≈15 000 g mol-1 and ≈1.1 dispersity. All terpolymers demonstrate almost comparable in vitro cell viability and hemocompatibility profiles independent of the type of side chain. Although they all form positively charged, enzymatically stable polyplexes with plasmid DNA smaller than 200 nm, the incorporation of the IEMA monomer improve these parameters by demonstrating a higher DNA binding affinity and forming nanoassemblies of about 100 nm. These physicochemical characteristics are correlated with increased transfection rates in CHO-K1 cells dependent on the type of the monomer and the nitrogen to phosphate (N/P) ratio of the polyplexes, as determined by luciferase reporter gene assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz J Hack
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstrasse 8, Jena, D-07743, Germany
| | - Ceren Cokca
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstrasse 8, Jena, D-07743, Germany
| | - Sebastian Städter
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstrasse 8, Jena, D-07743, Germany
| | - Juliana Hülsmann
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstrasse 8, Jena, D-07743, Germany
| | - Kalina Peneva
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstrasse 8, Jena, D-07743, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, Jena, D-07743, Germany
| | - Dagmar Fischer
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstrasse 8, Jena, D-07743, Germany
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Richter F, Martin L, Leer K, Moek E, Hausig F, Brendel JC, Traeger A. Tuning of endosomal escape and gene expression by functional groups, molecular weight and transfection medium: a structure-activity relationship study. J Mater Chem B 2020; 8:5026-5041. [PMID: 32319993 DOI: 10.1039/d0tb00340a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The use of genetic material by non-viral transfer systems is still in its initial stages, but there are high expectations for the development of targeted therapies. However, nucleic acids cannot enter cells without help, they must be well protected to prevent degradation and overcome a variety of biological barriers, the endosomal barrier being one of the greatest cellular challenges. Herein, the structure-property-relationship was investigated in detail, using well-defined polymers. Polyacrylamides were synthesized via RAFT polymerization resulting in a polymer library of (i) different cationic groups as aminoethyl acrylamide (AEAm), dimethylaminoethyl acrylamide (DMAEAm), dimethylaminopropyl acrylamide (DMAPAm) and guanidinopropyl acrylamide (GPAm); (ii) different degree of polymerization; and investigated (iii) in different cell culture settings. The influence of molar mass and cationic moiety on complex formation with pDNA, cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency of the polymers were investigated. The systematic approach identified a pH-independent guanidinium-containing homopolymer (PGPAm89) as the polymer with the highest transfection efficiency and superior endosomal release under optimal conditions. Since PGPAm89 is not further protonated inside endosomes, common escape theories appear unsuitable. Therefore, the interaction with bis(monoacryloylglycerol)phosphate, a lipid specific for endosomal vesicles, was investigated. Our research suggests that the interactions between amines and lipids may be more relevant than anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Richter
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.
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