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Noske S, Karimov M, Krüger M, Lilli B, Ewe A, Aigner A. Spray-drying of PEI-/PPI-based nanoparticles for DNA or siRNA delivery. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 199:114297. [PMID: 38641228 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114297] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Spray-drying of nucleic acid-based drugs designed for gene therapy or gene knockdown is associated with many advantages including storage stability and handling as well as the possibility of pulmonary application. The encapsulation of nucleic acids in nanoparticles prior to spray-drying is one strategy for obtaining efficient formulations. This, however, strongly relies on the definition of optimal nanoparticles, excipients and spray-drying conditions. Among polymeric nanoparticles, polyethylenimine (PEI)-based complexes with or without chemical modifications have been described previously as very efficient for gene or oligonucleotide delivery. The tyrosine-modification of linear or branched low molecular weight PEIs, or of polypropylenimine (PPI) dendrimers, has led to high complex stability, improved cell uptake and transfection efficacy as well as high biocompatibility. In this study, we identify optimal spray-drying conditions for PEI-based nanoparticles containing large plasmid DNA or small siRNAs, and further explore the spray-drying of nanoparticles containing chemically modified polymers. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), but not trehalose or lactose, is particularly well-suited as excipient, retaining or even enhancing transfection efficacies compared to fresh complexes. A big mesh size is critically important as well, while the variation of the spray-drying temperature plays a minor role. Upon spray-drying, microparticles in a ∼ 3.3 - 8.5 µm size range (laser granulometry) are obtained, dependent on the polymers. Upon their release from the spray-dried material, the nanoparticles show increased sizes and markedly altered zeta potentials as compared to their fresh counterparts. This may contribute to their high efficacy that is seen also after prolonged storage of the spray-dried material. We conclude that these spray-dried systems offer a great potential for the preparation of nucleic acid drug storage forms with facile reconstitution, as well as for their direct pulmonary application as dry powder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Noske
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Härtelstraße 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Karimov
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Härtelstraße 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Krüger
- Institute of Anatomy, Leipzig University, Liebigstraße 13, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Bettina Lilli
- Institute of Chemical Technology, Leipzig University, Linnéstraße 3, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexander Ewe
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Härtelstraße 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Achim Aigner
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Härtelstraße 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany.
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Liu J, Han Y, Zhao M, Wang L, Hu H, Chen D. Unlocking the power of immunotherapy: Combinatorial delivery of plasmid IL-15 and gemcitabine to synergistically remodeling the tumor microenvironment. Int J Pharm 2024; 655:124027. [PMID: 38554742 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124027] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a promising clinical treatment strategy in recent years. Unfortunately, the satisfactory antitumor therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy is limited by intricate immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (ITM). To remodel the ITM and alleviate the immune evasion, we constructed FA-PEG-modified liposomes to deliver plasmid IL-15 (pIL-15) and gemcitabine (GEM) (FPCL@pIL-15 + FPGL), respectively. The FPCL@pIL-15 (150 nm) and FPGL (120 nm) exhibited symmetrically spherical structures as well as desirable penetration and accumulation on tumor tissue depending on folic acid (FA) specialized targeting function. The transfected expression of IL-15 efficiently fosters the proliferation and co-activation of Natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+T cells through binding to IL-15R. FPGL upregulated the expression of Natural killer group 2 member D ligands (NKG2DLs) and reinforced recognition by NK cells to alleviate the immune evasion, and simultaneously promoted activation of CD8+T cells through immunogenic cell death (ICD) effects. More importantly, the combinatorial administration achieved intended anti-tumor efficacy in the subcutaneous 4T1 tumor model. In essence, we demonstrated that combining FPCL@pIL-15 with FPGL synergistically stimulates and mobilizes the immune system to reverse the ITM and trigger an anti-tumor immune response, indicating a tremendous potential for application in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, PR China
| | - Yanyan Han
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, PR China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, PR China
| | - Leyuan Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, PR China
| | - Haiyang Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, PR China.
| | - Dawei Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, PR China.
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Supe S, Upadhya A, Dighe V, Singh K. Development and Characterization of Modified Chitosan Lipopolyplex for an Effective siRNA Delivery. AAPS PharmSciTech 2024; 25:13. [PMID: 38191947 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-023-02728-z] [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: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxicity, speedy degradation, and limited cellular absorption are the foremost features influencing the successful delivery of RNAs. Chitosan (Cs) is a polymer that offers an advantage due to its bio-compatibility and biodegradable nature, making it an ideal polycationic vector for delivering siRNA. In this study, chitosan has been modified with arginine in order to increase its encapsulation of siRNA and improve cellular absorption. It was discovered that arginine and guanidino moieties could transport through membranes of cells and play an important part in membrane permeability. FTIR and 13C NMR were used to characterize the complex. These chitosan-arginine (CsAr) siRNA complexes are further encapsulated in anionic DPPC/cholesterol liposomes to combine the effects of liposome-chitosan-arginine complexes called lipopolyplexes (LCAr). Formed LCAr were investigated for their lipid/CsAr-siRNA ratios, size, zeta-potential, heparin, and serum RNase stability by agarose gel retardation, and cell uptake efficiency compared to their "parent" polyplexes. Results revealed complete lipidation of CsAr-siRNA polyplexes at lipid mass ratio 10 resulting in lipopolyplexes in the 120 to 230nm range. Polyplex entrapped ~70% of siRNA, whereas lipidation increases siRNA encapsulation to ~95%. Developed LCAr showed ~4 times less hemolytic potential as compared to the parent polyplexes at the highest siRNA dose. The CsAr-siRNA and its lipid-coated form showed enhanced cellular association as compared to the marketed Lipofectamine 2000 proving its effectiveness in siRNA delivery. CsAr-liposome conjugation is simple and safe, and serves as a robust carrier for gene transport in physiological situations without compromising transfection efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibani Supe
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Mumbai, 400056, Maharashtra, India
| | - Archana Upadhya
- Maharashtra Educational Society's H. K. College of Pharmacy, H. K. College Campus, Mumbai, 400102, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vikas Dighe
- National Centre for Preclinical Reproductive and Genetic Toxicology ICMR, National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, J.M.Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kavita Singh
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Mumbai, 400056, Maharashtra, India.
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A Review of Different Types of Liposomes and Their Advancements as a Form of Gene Therapy Treatment for Breast Cancer. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031498. [PMID: 36771161 PMCID: PMC9920768 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer incidence and mortality rates have increased exponentially during the last decade, particularly among female patients. Current therapies, including surgery and chemotherapy, have significant negative physical and mental impacts on patients. As a safer alternative, gene therapy utilising a therapeutic gene with the potential to treat various ailments is being considered. Delivery of the gene generally utilises viral vectors. However, immunological reactions and even mortality have been recorded as side effects. As a result, non-viral vectors, such as liposomes, a system composed of lipid bilayers formed into nanoparticles, are being studied. Liposomes have demonstrated tremendous potential due to their limitless ability to combine many functions into a system with desirable characteristics and functionality. This article discusses cationic, anionic, and neutral liposomes with their stability, cytotoxicity, transfection ability, cellular uptake, and limitation as a gene carrier suitable for gene therapy specifically for cancer. Due to the more practical approach of employing electrostatic contact with the negatively charged nucleic acid and the cell membrane for absorption purposes, cationic liposomes appear to be more suited for formulation for gene delivery and therapy for breast cancer treatment. As the other alternatives have numerous complicated additional modifications, attachments need to be made to achieve a functional gene therapy system for breast cancer treatment, which were also discussed in this review. This review aimed to increase understanding and build a viable breast cancer gene therapy treatment strategy.
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Li Y, Wu P, Zhu M, Liang M, Zhang L, Zong Y, Wan M. High-Performance Delivery of a CRISPR Interference System via Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles Combined with Ultrasound-Mediated Microbubble Destruction for Tumor-Specific Gene Repression. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2203082. [PMID: 36591868 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202203082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The dCas9-based CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) system efficiently silences genes without causing detectable off-target activity, thus showing great potential for the treatment of cancer at the transcriptional level. However, due to the large size of the commonly used CRISPRi system, effective delivery of the system has been a challenge that hinders its application in the clinic. Herein, a combination of pH-responsive lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (PLPNs) and ultrasound-mediated microbubble destruction (UMMD) is used for the delivery of the CRISPRi system. The core-shell structure of PLPNs can effectively be loaded with the CRISPRi plasmid, and increases the time spent in the circulating in vivo, and "actively target" cancer cells. Moreover, the combination of PLPNs with UMMD achieves a higher cellular uptake of the CRISPRi plasmid in vitro and retention in vivo. Furthermore, when PLPNs loaded with a CRISPRi plasmid that targets microRNA-10b (miR-10b) are used in combination with UMMD, it results in the effective repression of miR-10b in breast cancer, simultaneous disturbance of multiple cell migration and invasion-related signaling pathways, and a significant inhibition of lung metastasis. Thus, the established system presents a versatile, highly efficient, and safe strategy for delivery of the CRISPRi system both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Pengying Wu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Mingting Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Meiling Liang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Yujin Zong
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Mingxi Wan
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
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Karimov M, Scherer M, Franke H, Ewe A, Aigner A. Analysis of polymeric nanoparticle properties for siRNA/DNA delivery in a tumor xenograft tissue slice air-liquid interface model. Biotechnol J 2022; 18:e2200415. [PMID: 36541426 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202200415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Classical two-dimensional (2D) cell culture as a drug or nanoparticle test system only poorly recapitulates in vivo conditions. Animal studies are costly, ethically controversial, and preclude large-scale testing. METHODS AND RESULTS We established a three-dimensional (3D) tissue slice air-liquid interface (ALI) culture model for nanoparticle testing. We developed an optimized procedure for the reproducible generation of large sets of tissue slices from tumor xenografts that retain their tissue architecture. When used for the analysis of nanoparticles based on chemically modified polyethylenimines (PEIs) to deliver siRNA or DNA, differences in transfection efficacy and cytotoxicity between nanoparticles were observed more clearly than in 2D cell culture. While nanoparticle efficacies between cell culture and the tissue slice model overall correlated, the tissue slice model also identified particularly suitable candidates whose efficacy was underestimated in 2D cell culture and had already been shown in previous in vivo studies. CONCLUSION The ex vivo 3D tissue slice ALI culture model is a powerful system that allows the effective evaluation of biological nanoparticle efficacy and biocompatibility in an intact tissue environment. It is comparably inexpensive, time-saving, and follows the 3R principle, while allowing the identification of critical nanoparticle properties and optimal candidates for in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Karimov
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marlene Scherer
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Heike Franke
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexander Ewe
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Achim Aigner
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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Jia X, Bai X, Yang X, Wang L, Lu Y, Zhu L, Zhao Y, Cheng W, Shu M, Mei Q, Jin S. VCAM-1-binding peptide targeted cationic liposomes containing NLRP3 siRNA to modulate LDL transcytosis as a novel therapy for experimental atherosclerosis. Metabolism 2022; 135:155274. [PMID: 35917895 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2022.155274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activation of NLRP3 inflammasome accelerates the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Here, we evaluated the effects of inflammation on the expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome in endothelial cells (ECs). METHODS The effect of TNF-α on transcytosis of LDL was measured. VCAM-1 binding peptide targeting cationic liposomes (PCLs) were prepared as siRNA vectors. Methylated NLRP3 siRNA was encapsulated into the PCLs to knock down NLRP3 in vitro and in vivo. In rats with partial carotid ligation, TNF-α-induced LDL retention in the carotid artery endothelium was observed. In ApoE-/- mice, NLRP3 siRNA-PCLs were injected intravenously to observe their effect on the formation of atherosclerosis. RESULTS Our results showed that TNF-α upregulated NLRP3 in ECs, promoting the assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome and processing of pro-IL-1β into IL-1β. Moreover, TNF-α accelerated LDL transcytosis in ECs. Knockdown of NLRP3 prevented TNF-α-induced NLPR3 inflammasome/IL-1β signaling and LDL transcytosis. Using optimized cationic liposomes to encapsulate methylated NLRP3 siRNA, resulting in targeting of VCAM-1-expressing ECs, to knockdown NLRP3, TNF-α-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and LDL transcytosis were prevented. Using the partial carotid ligation as an atherosclerosis rat model, we found that local administration of NLRP3 siRNA-PCLs efficiently knocked down NLPR3 expression in the carotid endothelium and dramatically attenuated the deposition of atherogenic LDL in carotid ECs in TNF-α-challenged rats. Furthermore, NLRP3 siRNA-PCLs were injected intravenously in ApoE-/- mice, resulting in reduced plaque formation. CONCLUSION These findings established a novel strategy for targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome using NLRP3 siRNA-PCLs to interrupt LDL transcytosis, representing a potential novel therapy for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Jia
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430077, China; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The 2nd Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital) of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Xiangli Bai
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430077, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, the Key Laboratory of Drug Target Researches and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, the Key Laboratory of Drug Target Researches and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yajing Lu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430077, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430077, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430077, China
| | - Wenzhuo Cheng
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430077, China
| | - Meng Shu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430077, China
| | - Qiyong Mei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China.
| | - Si Jin
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430077, China; Department of Pharmacology, the Key Laboratory of Drug Target Researches and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
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Zeng L, Shi W, Wang H, Cheng X, Chen T, Wang LL, Lan J, Sun W, Liu M, Zhang X, Zhang J, Chen J. Codelivery of π-π Stacked Dual Anticancer Drugs Based on Aloe-Derived Nanovesicles for Breast Cancer Therapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:27686-27702. [PMID: 35675505 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c06546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
To overcome the low efficacy of conventional monotherapeutic approaches that use a single drug, functional nanocarriers loaded with an amalgamation of anticancer drugs have been promising in cancer therapy. Herein, aloe-derived nanovesicles (gADNVs) are modified with an active integrin-targeted peptide (Arg-Gly-Asp, RGD) by the postinsertion technique to deliver indocyanine green (ICG) and doxorubicin (DOX) for efficient breast cancer therapy. We presented for the first time that the π-π stacking interaction can turn the "competitive" relationship of ICG and DOX inside gADNVs into a "cooperative" relationship and enhance their loading efficiency. The dual-drug codelivery nanosystem, denoted as DIARs, was well stable and leakproof, exhibiting high tumor-targeting capability both in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, this nanosystem showed significant inhibition of cell growth and migration and induced cell apoptosis with the combination of phototherapy and chemotherapy. Intravenous administration of DIARs exhibited high therapeutic efficacy in a 4T1 tumor-bearing mouse model and exhibited no obvious damage to other organs. Overall, our DIAR nanosystem constitutively integrated the natural and economical gADNVs, π-π stacking interaction based on efficient drug loading, and tumor-targeted RGD modification to achieve an effective combination therapy for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lupeng Zeng
- The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
| | - Wanhua Shi
- The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
| | - Huaying Wang
- The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
| | - Xin Cheng
- The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
| | - Tingting Chen
- The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
| | - Liang Liang Wang
- The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
| | - Jianming Lan
- The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
| | - Weiming Sun
- The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
| | - Meicen Liu
- Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University, Longyan, Fujian 364000, P. R. China
| | - Xi Zhang
- The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, P. R. China
| | - Jinghua Chen
- The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
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VCAM-1 Targeted Lipopolyplexes as Vehicles for Efficient Delivery of shRNA-Runx2 to Osteoblast-Differentiated Valvular Interstitial Cells; Implications in Calcific Valve Disease Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073824. [PMID: 35409184 PMCID: PMC8998716 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a progressive inflammatory disorder characterized by extracellular matrix remodeling and valvular interstitial cells (VIC) osteodifferentiation leading to valve leaflets calcification and impairment movement. Runx2, the master transcription factor involved in VIC osteodifferentiation, modulates the expression of other osteogenic molecules. Previously, we have demonstrated that the osteoblastic phenotypic shift of cultured VIC is impeded by Runx2 silencing using fullerene (C60)-polyethyleneimine (PEI)/short hairpin (sh)RNA-Runx2 (shRunx2) polyplexes. Since the use of polyplexes for in vivo delivery is limited by their instability in the plasma and the non-specific tissue interactions, we designed and obtained targeted, lipid-enveloped polyplexes (lipopolyplexes) suitable for (1) systemic administration and (2) targeted delivery of shRunx2 to osteoblast-differentiated VIC (oVIC). Vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 expressed on the surface of oVIC was used as a target, and a peptide with high affinity for VCAM-1 was coupled to the surface of lipopolyplexes encapsulating C60-PEI/shRunx2 (V-LPP/shRunx2). We report here that V-LPP/shRunx2 lipopolyplexes are cyto- and hemo-compatible and specifically taken up by oVIC. These lipopolyplexes are functional as they downregulate the Runx2 gene and protein expression, and their uptake leads to a significant decrease in the expression of osteogenic molecules (OSP, BSP, BMP-2). These results identify V-LPP/shRunx2 as a new, appropriately directed vehicle that could be instrumental in developing novel strategies for blocking the progression of CAVD using a targeted nanomedicine approach.
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Jerzykiewicz J, Czogalla A. Polyethyleneimine-Based Lipopolyplexes as Carriers in Anticancer Gene Therapies. MATERIALS 2021; 15:ma15010179. [PMID: 35009324 PMCID: PMC8746209 DOI: 10.3390/ma15010179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed rapidly growing interest in application of gene therapies for cancer treatment. However, this strategy requires nucleic acid carriers that are both effective and safe. In this context, non-viral vectors have advantages over their viral counterparts. In particular, lipopolyplexes—nanocomplexes consisting of nucleic acids condensed with polyvalent molecules and enclosed in lipid vesicles—currently offer great promise. In this article, we briefly review the major aspects of developing such non-viral vectors based on polyethyleneimine and outline their properties in light of anticancer therapeutic strategies. Finally, examples of current in vivo studies involving such lipopolyplexes and possibilities for their future development are presented.
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The biological applications of DNA nanomaterials: current challenges and future directions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:351. [PMID: 34620843 PMCID: PMC8497566 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00727-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA, a genetic material, has been employed in different scientific directions for various biological applications as driven by DNA nanotechnology in the past decades, including tissue regeneration, disease prevention, inflammation inhibition, bioimaging, biosensing, diagnosis, antitumor drug delivery, and therapeutics. With the rapid progress in DNA nanotechnology, multitudinous DNA nanomaterials have been designed with different shape and size based on the classic Watson-Crick base-pairing for molecular self-assembly. Some DNA materials could functionally change cell biological behaviors, such as cell migration, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, autophagy, and anti-inflammatory effects. Some single-stranded DNAs (ssDNAs) or RNAs with secondary structures via self-pairing, named aptamer, possess the ability of targeting, which are selected by systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) and applied for tumor targeted diagnosis and treatment. Some DNA nanomaterials with three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures and stable structures are investigated as drug carrier systems to delivery multiple antitumor medicine or gene therapeutic agents. While the functional DNA nanostructures have promoted the development of the DNA nanotechnology with innovative designs and preparation strategies, and also proved with great potential in the biological and medical use, there is still a long way to go for the eventual application of DNA materials in real life. Here in this review, we conducted a comprehensive survey of the structural development history of various DNA nanomaterials, introduced the principles of different DNA nanomaterials, summarized their biological applications in different fields, and discussed the current challenges and further directions that could help to achieve their applications in the future.
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Ren S, Guo L, Wang C, Ru J, Yang Y, Wang Y, Sun C, Cui H, Zhao X, Guo H. Construction of an Effective Delivery System for DNA Vaccines Using Biodegradable Polylactic Acid Based Microspheres. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2021; 17:971-980. [PMID: 34082882 DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2021.3081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Nanotechnology represents a new impetus for biomedical research applications, especially using nanotechnology to formulate microspheres or nanospheres based delivery system for treatment of infectious diseases in animals. In this work, polylactic acid (PLA) microspheres with an average size of 156 nm were prepared by combining emulsion polymerization coupled with emulsion-solvent evaporation. Coating with polyethylenimine (PEI) polymers increased the surface charges of the resulting PLA/PEI microspheres, thus enabled plasmid DNA to adsorb tightly to the microspheres. As expected, the plasmid DNA was successfully transferred into the pig kidney-15 cells with high transfection efficiency. In addition, the protection rate of PLA/PEI microspheres loaded with DNA vaccine against foot-and-mouth disease in guinea pigs reached 87.5%, which was significantly higher than that of the pure DNA vaccine group. These results indicated that PLA/PEI microspheres were expected to be an effective delivery system for DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaikai Ren
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Liang Guo
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Chunxin Wang
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Jiaxi Ru
- Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, P. R. China
| | - Yunqi Yang
- Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, P. R. China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Changjiao Sun
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Haixin Cui
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Xiang Zhao
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Huichen Guo
- Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, P. R. China
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13
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Li D, Gao C, Kuang M, Xu M, Wang B, Luo Y, Teng L, Xie J. Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Systems of RNAi in Cancer Therapy. Molecules 2021; 26:2380. [PMID: 33921892 PMCID: PMC8073355 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) can mediate gene-silencing by knocking down the expression of a target gene via cellular machinery with much higher efficiency in contrast to other antisense-based approaches which represents an emerging therapeutic strategy for combating cancer. Distinct characters of nanoparticles, such as distinctive size, are fundamental for the efficient delivery of RNAi therapeutics, allowing for higher targeting and safety. In this review, we present the mechanism of RNAi and briefly describe the hurdles and concerns of RNAi as a cancer treatment approach in systemic delivery. Furthermore, the current nanovectors for effective tumor delivery of RNAi therapeutics are classified, and the characteristics of different nanocarriers are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diedie Li
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (D.L.); (C.G.); (M.K.); (M.X.); (B.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Chengzhi Gao
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (D.L.); (C.G.); (M.K.); (M.X.); (B.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Meiyan Kuang
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (D.L.); (C.G.); (M.K.); (M.X.); (B.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Minhao Xu
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (D.L.); (C.G.); (M.K.); (M.X.); (B.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Ben Wang
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (D.L.); (C.G.); (M.K.); (M.X.); (B.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yi Luo
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (D.L.); (C.G.); (M.K.); (M.X.); (B.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Lesheng Teng
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China;
| | - Jing Xie
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (D.L.); (C.G.); (M.K.); (M.X.); (B.W.); (Y.L.)
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14
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Yu AM, Choi YH, Tu MJ. RNA Drugs and RNA Targets for Small Molecules: Principles, Progress, and Challenges. Pharmacol Rev 2020; 72:862-898. [PMID: 32929000 PMCID: PMC7495341 DOI: 10.1124/pr.120.019554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-based therapies, including RNA molecules as drugs and RNA-targeted small molecules, offer unique opportunities to expand the range of therapeutic targets. Various forms of RNAs may be used to selectively act on proteins, transcripts, and genes that cannot be targeted by conventional small molecules or proteins. Although development of RNA drugs faces unparalleled challenges, many strategies have been developed to improve RNA metabolic stability and intracellular delivery. A number of RNA drugs have been approved for medical use, including aptamers (e.g., pegaptanib) that mechanistically act on protein target and small interfering RNAs (e.g., patisiran and givosiran) and antisense oligonucleotides (e.g., inotersen and golodirsen) that directly interfere with RNA targets. Furthermore, guide RNAs are essential components of novel gene editing modalities, and mRNA therapeutics are under development for protein replacement therapy or vaccination, including those against unprecedented severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus pandemic. Moreover, functional RNAs or RNA motifs are highly structured to form binding pockets or clefts that are accessible by small molecules. Many natural, semisynthetic, or synthetic antibiotics (e.g., aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, macrolides, oxazolidinones, and phenicols) can directly bind to ribosomal RNAs to achieve the inhibition of bacterial infections. Therefore, there is growing interest in developing RNA-targeted small-molecule drugs amenable to oral administration, and some (e.g., risdiplam and branaplam) have entered clinical trials. Here, we review the pharmacology of novel RNA drugs and RNA-targeted small-molecule medications, with a focus on recent progresses and strategies. Challenges in the development of novel druggable RNA entities and identification of viable RNA targets and selective small-molecule binders are discussed. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: With the understanding of RNA functions and critical roles in diseases, as well as the development of RNA-related technologies, there is growing interest in developing novel RNA-based therapeutics. This comprehensive review presents pharmacology of both RNA drugs and RNA-targeted small-molecule medications, focusing on novel mechanisms of action, the most recent progress, and existing challenges.
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MESH Headings
- Aptamers, Nucleotide/pharmacology
- Aptamers, Nucleotide/therapeutic use
- Betacoronavirus
- COVID-19
- Chemistry Techniques, Analytical/methods
- Chemistry Techniques, Analytical/standards
- Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
- Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy
- Drug Delivery Systems/methods
- Drug Development/organization & administration
- Drug Discovery
- Humans
- MicroRNAs/pharmacology
- MicroRNAs/therapeutic use
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/pharmacology
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/therapeutic use
- Pandemics
- Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy
- RNA/adverse effects
- RNA/drug effects
- RNA/pharmacology
- RNA, Antisense/pharmacology
- RNA, Antisense/therapeutic use
- RNA, Messenger/drug effects
- RNA, Messenger/pharmacology
- RNA, Ribosomal/drug effects
- RNA, Ribosomal/pharmacology
- RNA, Small Interfering/pharmacology
- RNA, Small Interfering/therapeutic use
- RNA, Viral/drug effects
- Ribonucleases/metabolism
- Riboswitch/drug effects
- SARS-CoV-2
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California (A.-M.Y., Y.H.C., M.-J.T.) and College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang-si, Gyonggi-do, Republic of Korea (Y.H.C.)
| | - Young Hee Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California (A.-M.Y., Y.H.C., M.-J.T.) and College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang-si, Gyonggi-do, Republic of Korea (Y.H.C.)
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California (A.-M.Y., Y.H.C., M.-J.T.) and College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang-si, Gyonggi-do, Republic of Korea (Y.H.C.)
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15
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Capella Roca B, Lao NT, Clynes M, Doolan P. Investigation and circumvention of transfection inhibition by ferric ammonium citrate in serum-free media for Chinese hamster ovary cells. Biotechnol Prog 2019; 36:e2954. [PMID: 31850663 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
While reliable transfection methods are essential for Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line engineering, reduced transfection efficiencies have been observed in several commercially prepared media. In this study, we aimed to assess common media additives that impede efficiency mediated by three chemical transfection agents: liposomal-based (Lipofectamine 2000), polymer-based (TransIT-X2), and lipopolyplex-based (TransIT-PRO). An in-house GFP-expressing vector and serum-free medium (BCR-F12: developed for the purposes of this study) were used to analyze transient transfection efficiencies of three CHO cell lines (CHO-K1, DG44, DP12). Compared to a selection of commercially available media, BCR-F12 displayed challenges associated with transfection in vendor-prepared formulations, with no detection when liposomal-based methods were used, reduced (<3%) efficiency observed when polymer-based methods were used and only limited efficiency (25%) with lipopolyplexes. Following a stepwise removal protocol, ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) was identified as the critical factor impeding transfection, with transfection enabled with the liposomal- and polymer-based methods and a 1.3- to 7-fold increased lipopolyplex efficiency observed in all cell lines in FAC-depleted media (-FAC), although lower viabilities were observed. Subsequent early addition of FAC (0.5-5 hr post-transfection) revealed 0.5 hr post-transfection as the optimal time to supplement in order to achieve transfection efficiencies similar to -FAC medium while retaining optimal cellular viabilities. In conclusion, FAC was observed to interfere with DNA transfection acting at early stages in all transfection agents and all cell lines studied, and a practical strategy to circumvent this problem is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Capella Roca
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland.,SSPC-SFI Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Nga T Lao
- National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Martin Clynes
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland.,SSPC-SFI Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Padraig Doolan
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
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16
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Extracellular vesicle (ECV)-modified polyethylenimine (PEI) complexes for enhanced siRNA delivery in vitro and in vivo. J Control Release 2019; 319:63-76. [PMID: 31866504 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (ECVs) are secreted cell-derived membrane particles involved in intercellular signaling and cell-cell communication. By transporting various bio-macromolecules, ECVs and in particular exosomes are relevant in various (patho-) physiological processes. ECVs are also released by cancer cells and can confer pro-tumorigenic effects. Their target cell tropism, effects on proliferation rates, natural stability in blood and immunotolerance makes ECVs particularly interesting as delivery vehicles. Polyethylenimines (PEIs) are linear or branched polymers which are capable of forming non-covalent complexes with small RNA molecules including siRNAs or antimiRs, for their delivery in vitro and in vivo. This study explores for the first time the combination of PEI-based nanoparticles with naturally occurring ECVs from different cell lines, for the delivery of small RNAs. ECV-modified PEI/siRNA complexes are analyzed by electron microscopy vs. ECV or complex alone. On the functional side, we demonstrate increased knockdown efficacy and storage stability of PEI/siRNA complexes upon their modification with ECVs. This is paralleled by enhanced tumor cell-inhibition by ECV-modified PEI/siRNA complexes targeting Survivin. Pre-treatment with various inhibitors of cellular internalization reveals alterations in cellular uptake mechanisms and biological activities of PEI/siRNA complexes upon their ECV modification. Extending our studies towards PEI-complexed antimiRs against miR-155 or miR-1246, dose-dependent cellular and molecular effects are enhanced in ECV-modified complexes, based on the de-repression of direct miRNA target genes. Differences between ECVs from different cell lines are observed regarding their capacity of enhancing PEI/siRNA efficacies, independent of the target cell line for transfection. Finally, an in vivo therapy study in mice bearing s.c. PC3 prostate carcinoma xenografts reveals marked inhibition of tumor growth upon treatment with ECVPC3-modified PEI/siSurvivin complexes, based on profound target gene knockdown. We conclude that ECV-modification enhances the activity of PEI-based complexes, by altering pivotal physicochemical and biological nanoparticle properties.
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17
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Ewe A, Noske S, Karimov M, Aigner A. Polymeric Nanoparticles Based on Tyrosine-Modified, Low Molecular Weight Polyethylenimines for siRNA Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2019; 11:pharmaceutics11110600. [PMID: 31726756 PMCID: PMC6920781 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11110600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A major hurdle for exploring RNA interference (RNAi) in a therapeutic setting is still the issue of in vivo delivery of small RNA molecules (siRNAs). The chemical modification of polyethylenimines (PEIs) offers a particularly attractive avenue towards the development of more efficient non-viral delivery systems. Here, we explore tyrosine-modified polyethylenimines with low or very low molecular weight (P2Y, P5Y, P10Y) for siRNA delivery. In comparison to their respective parent PEI, they reveal considerably increased knockdown efficacies and very low cytotoxicity upon tyrosine modification, as determined in different reporter and wildtype cell lines. The delivery of siRNAs targeting the anti-apoptotic oncogene survivin or the serine/threonine-protein kinase PLK1 (polo-like kinase 1; PLK-1) oncogene reveals strong inhibitory effects in vitro. In a therapeutic in vivo setting, profound anti-tumor effects in a prostate carcinoma xenograft mouse model are observed upon systemic application of complexes for survivin or PLK1 knockdown, in the absence of in vivo toxicity. We thus demonstrate the tyrosine-modification of (very) low molecular weight PEIs for generating efficient nanocarriers for siRNA delivery in vitro and in vivo, present data on their physicochemical and biological properties, and show their efficacy as siRNA therapeutic in vivo, in the absence of adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ewe
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology, Leipzig University, 04107 Leipzig, Germany; (A.E.); (S.N.); (M.K.)
| | - Sandra Noske
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology, Leipzig University, 04107 Leipzig, Germany; (A.E.); (S.N.); (M.K.)
- Faculty of Chemistry, Technical University Kaiserslautern, 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Michael Karimov
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology, Leipzig University, 04107 Leipzig, Germany; (A.E.); (S.N.); (M.K.)
| | - Achim Aigner
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology, Leipzig University, 04107 Leipzig, Germany; (A.E.); (S.N.); (M.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)341-9724661
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Lu M, Zhao X, Xing H, Liu H, Lang L, Yang T, Xun Z, Wang D, Ding P. Cell-free synthesis of connexin 43-integrated exosome-mimetic nanoparticles for siRNA delivery. Acta Biomater 2019; 96:517-536. [PMID: 31284098 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Exosomes are naturally secreted nanovesicles that have emerged as a promising therapeutic nanodelivery platform, due to their specific composition and biological properties. However, challenges like considerable complexity, low isolation yield, drug payload, and potential safety concerns substantially reduce their pharmaceutical acceptability. Given that the nano-bio-interface is a crucial factor for nanocarrier behavior and function, modification of synthetic nanoparticles with the intrinsic hallmarks of exosomes' membrane to create exosome mimetics could allow for siRNA delivery in a safer and more efficient manner. Herein, connexin 43 (Cx43)-embedded, exosome-mimicking lipid bilayers coated chitosan nanoparticles (Cx43/L/CS NPs) were constructed by using cell-free (CF) synthesis systems with plasmids encoding Cx43 in the presence of lipid-coated CS NPs (L/CS NPs). The integration of de novo synthesized Cx43 into the lipid bilayers of L/CS NPs occurred cotranslationally during one-pot reaction and, more importantly, the integrated Cx43 was functionally active in transport. In addition to considerably lower cytotoxicity (<four-fold) than cationic Lipo 2000, the obtained Cx43/L/CS-siRNA NPs showed feasible cellular uptake and silencing efficacy that was significantly higher than free siRNA and CS-siRNA NPs. By using a gap junction (GJ) inhibitor, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, we demonstrated that Cx43 facilitated the delivery of siRNA into Cx43-expressing U87 MG cells. Additionally, the cellular entry of Cx43/L/CS-siRNA NPs may rely on different endocytic mechanisms, depending on the types of recipient cells. However, Cx43/L/CS-siRNA NPs still exhibited far from adequate delivery efficiency compared with transfection reagent Lipo 2000. Taken together, our study provides a brand new strategy to construct Cx43-functionalized, exosome-mimetic nanoparticles, which may further encourage the establishment of more biomimetic nanocarriers with higher biocompatibility and delivery efficiency. SIGNIFICANCE OF STATEMENT: The major issue to move RNA interference (RNAi) therapy from bench to bedside is the lack of safe and efficient delivery vehicles. Given the certain advantages and limitations of exosomes and synthetic nanocarriers, a promising strategy is to facilitate positive feedbacks between the two fields, in which the superiority of exosomes regarding special membrane composition beneficial for cytoplasmic delivery and the better pharmaceutical acceptance of synthetic nanocarriers could be combined. In this study, we reported to construct Cx43-integrated, exosome-mimetic lipid bilayers coated nanoparticles by using CF synthesis technique. The obtained Cx43/L/CS-siRNA NPs were characterized by desirable cytotoxicity profile and feasible delivery efficiency. This study provides a new avenue and insights for the synthesis of more biocompatible and effective bio-mimetic siRNA delivery platforms.
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19
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Therapeutic Targeting of Stat3 Using Lipopolyplex Nanoparticle-Formulated siRNA in a Syngeneic Orthotopic Mouse Glioma Model. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11030333. [PMID: 30857197 PMCID: PMC6468565 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), WHO grade IV, is the most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. The median survival time using standard therapy is only 12–15 months with a 5-year survival rate of around 5%. Thus, new and effective treatment modalities are of significant importance. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) is a key signaling protein driving major hallmarks of cancer and represents a promising target for the development of targeted glioblastoma therapies. Here we present data showing that the therapeutic application of siRNAs, formulated in nanoscale lipopolyplexes (LPP) based on polyethylenimine (PEI) and the phospholipid 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), represents a promising new approach to target Stat3 in glioma. We demonstrate that the LPP-mediated delivery of siRNA mediates efficient knockdown of Stat3, suppresses Stat3 activity and limits cell growth in murine (Tu2449) and human (U87, Mz18) glioma cells in vitro. In a therapeutic setting, intracranial application of the siRNA-containing LPP leads to knockdown of STAT3 target gene expression, decreased tumor growth and significantly prolonged survival in Tu2449 glioma-bearing mice compared to negative control-treated animals. This is a proof-of-concept study introducing PEI-based lipopolyplexes as an efficient strategy for therapeutically targeting oncoproteins with otherwise limited druggability.
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20
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Jilek JL, Zhang QY, Tu MJ, Ho PY, Duan Z, Qiu JX, Yu AM. Bioengineered Let-7c Inhibits Orthotopic Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Improves Overall Survival with Minimal Immunogenicity. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 14:498-508. [PMID: 30753993 PMCID: PMC6370598 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, warranting better therapies. Restoration of tumor-suppressive microRNAs depleted in hepatocellular carcinoma represents a new therapeutic strategy. Herein, we sought to identify a potent microRNA (miRNA) agent that could alleviate HCC tumor burden and improve survival. Among a collection of bioengineered noncoding RNA molecules produced through bacterial fermentation, we identified let-7c agent as the most potent inhibitor of HCC cell viability. Bioengineered let-7c selectively modulated target gene expression (Lin-28 homolog B [LIN28B], AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 3B [ARID3B], B cell lymphoma-extra large [Bcl-xl], and c-Myc) in HCC cells, and consequently induced apoptosis and inhibited tumorsphere growth. When formulated with liposomal-branched polyethylenimine polyplex, bioengineered let-7c exhibited serum stability up to 24 h. Furthermore, liposomal polyplex-formulated let-7c could effectively reduce tumor burden and progression in orthotopic HCC mouse models, while linear polyethyleneimine-formulated let-7c to a lower degree, as revealed by live animal and ex vivo tissue imaging studies. This was also supported by reduced serum α-fetoprotein and bilirubin levels in let-7c-treated mice. In addition, lipopolyplex-formulated let-7c extended overall survival of HCC tumor-bearing mice and elicited no or minimal immune responses in healthy immunocompetent mice and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. These results demonstrate that bioengineered let-7c is a promising molecule for advanced HCC therapy, and liposomal polyplex is a superior modality for in vivo RNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph L Jilek
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Qian-Yu Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Pui Yan Ho
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Zhijian Duan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Jing-Xin Qiu
- Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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21
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Chen W, Deng W, Xu X, Zhao X, Vo JN, Anwer AG, Williams TC, Cui H, Goldys EM. Photoresponsive endosomal escape enhances gene delivery using liposome-polycation-DNA (LPD) nanovectors. J Mater Chem B 2018; 6:5269-5281. [PMID: 32254764 DOI: 10.1039/c8tb00994e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Lipid-based nanocarriers with stimuli responsiveness have been utilized as controlled release systems for gene/drug delivery applications. In our work, by taking advantage of the high complexation capability of polycations and the light triggered properties, we designed a novel photoresponsive liposome-polycation-DNA (LPD) platform. This LPD carrier incorporates verteporfin (VP) in lipid bilayers and the complex of polyethylenimine (PEI)/plasmid DNA (pDNA) encoding EGFP (polyplex) in the central cavities of the liposomes. The liposomes were formulated with cationic lipids, PEGylated neutral lipids and cholesterol molecules, which improve their stability and cellular uptake in the serum-containing media. We evaluated the nanocomplex stability by monitoring size changes over six days, and the cellular uptake of the nanocomplex by imaging the intracellular route. We also demonstrated that light triggered the cytoplasmic release of pDNA upon irradiation with a 690 nm LED light source. Furthermore, this light triggered mechanism has been studied at the subcellular level. The activated release is driven by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from VP after light illumination. These ROS oxidize and destabilize the liposomal and endolysosomal membranes, leading to the release of pDNA into the cytosol and subsequent gene transfer activities. Light-triggered endolysosomal escape of pDNA at different time points was confirmed by a quantitative analysis of colocalization between pDNA and endolysosomes. The increased expression of the reporter EGFP in human colorectal cancer cells was also quantified after light illumination at various time points. The efficiency of this photo-induced gene transfection was demonstrated to be more than double compared to non-irradiated controls. Additionally, we observed a reduced cytotoxicity of the LPDs compared with the polyplexes alone. This study has thus shown that light-triggered and biocompatible LPDs enable an improved control of efficient gene delivery, which will be beneficial for future gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Chen
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP), Department of Physics and Astronomy, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
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Zhang QY, Ho PY, Tu MJ, Jilek JL, Chen QX, Zeng S, Yu AM. Lipidation of polyethylenimine-based polyplex increases serum stability of bioengineered RNAi agents and offers more consistent tumoral gene knockdown in vivo. Int J Pharm 2018; 547:537-544. [PMID: 29894758 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2018.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Recently we have established a novel approach to produce bioengineered noncoding RNA agents (BERAs) in living cells that carry target RNAi molecules (e.g., siRNA and miRNA) and thus act as "prodrugs". Using GFP-siRNA-loaded BERA (BERA/GFP-siRNA) as a model molecule, this study was to define the in vitro and in vivo knockdown efficiency of BERAs delivered by liposome-polyethylenimine nanocomplex (lipopolyplex or LPP). Compared to in vivo-jetPEI® (IVJ-PEI) and polyplex formulations, LPP offered greater protection of BERA/GFP-siRNA against degradation by serum RNases. Particle sizes and zeta potentials of LPP nanocomplex remained stable over 28 days when stored at 4 °C. Furthermore, comparable levels of BERA/GFP-siRNA were delivered by LPP and IVJ-PEI to luciferase/GFP-expressing human SK-Hep1-Luc-GFP or A549-Luc-GFP cells, which were selectively processed into target GFP-siRNA and subsequently knocked down GFP mRNA and protein levels. In addition, LPP-carried BERA/GFP-siRNA was successfully delivered into xenograft tumors and offered more consistent knockdown of tumoral GFP mRNA level in an orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) SK-Hep1-Luc-GFP xenograft mouse model, while IVJ-PEI formulation showed larger variation. These findings demonstrated that lipidation of polyplexes improved serum stability of biologic RNAi molecules, which was efficiently delivered to orthotopic HCC tissues to knock down target gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Yu Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Pui Yan Ho
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Joseph L Jilek
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Qiu-Xia Chen
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Su Zeng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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Yang W, Yang L, Xia Y, Cheng L, Zhang J, Meng F, Yuan J, Zhong Z. Lung cancer specific and reduction-responsive chimaeric polymersomes for highly efficient loading of pemetrexed and targeted suppression of lung tumor in vivo. Acta Biomater 2018; 70:177-185. [PMID: 29410335 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the worldwide leading and fast-growing malignancies. Pemetrexed disodium (PEM, Alimta®), a small hydrophilic drug, is currently used for treating lung cancer patients. However, PEM suffers from issues like fast elimination, low bioavailability, poor tumor cell selectivity and penetration. Here, we report on lung cancer specific CSNIDARAC (CC9) peptide-functionalized reduction-responsive chimaeric polymersomes (CC9-RCPs) for efficient encapsulation and targeted delivery of PEM to H460 human lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. PEM-loaded CC9-RCPs (PEM-CC9-RCPs) was obtained from co-self-assembly of poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(trimethylene carbonate-co-dithiolane trimethylene carbonate)-b-polyethylenimine (PEG-P(TMC-DTC)-PEI) and CC9-functionalized PEG-P(TMC-DTC) in the presence of PEM followed by self-crosslinking. PEM-CC9-RCPs displayed an optimal CC9 density of 9.0% in targeting H460 cells, a high PEM loading content of 14.2 wt%, a small hydrodynamic size of ca. 60 nm and glutathione-triggered PEM release. MTT assays showed that PEM-CC9-RCPs was 2.6- and 10- fold more potent to H460 cells than the non-targeting PEM-RCPs and free PEM controls, respectively. Interestingly, PEM-CC9-RCPs exhibited 22-fold longer circulation time and 9.1-fold higher accumulation in H460 tumor than clinical formulation Alimta®. Moreover, CC9-RCPs showed obviously better tumor penetration than RCPs. Remarkably, PEM-CC9-RCPs at 12.5 mg PEM equiv./kg effectively suppressed growth of H460 xenografts and significantly prolonged mouse survival time as compared to PEM-RCPs and Alimta® controls. These lung cancer specific and reduction-responsive chimaeric polymersomes provide a unique pemetrexed nanoformulation for targeted lung cancer therapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Multitargeted antifolate agent pemetrexed (PEM, Alimta®) is currently used for treating lung cancer patients and has low side-effects. However, PEM suffers from issues like fast elimination, low bioavailability, poor tumor cell selectivity and penetration. Scarce work on targeted delivery of PEM has been reported, partly because most conventional nanocarriers show a low and instable loading for hydrophilic, negatively charged drugs like PEM. Herewith, we report on lung cancer specific CSNIDARAC (CC9) peptide-functionalized reduction-responsive chimaeric polymersomes (CC9-RCPs) which showed efficient PEM encapsulation (14.2 wt%, 60 nm) and targeted delivery of PEM to H460 human lung cancer cells, leading to effective suppression of H460 tumor xenografts and significantly prolonged survival rates of mice than Alimta®. To the best of our knowledge, this represents a first report on targeted nanosystems that are capable of efficient loading and targeted delivery of PEM to lung tumors.
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Schulze J, Kuhn S, Hendrikx S, Schulz-Siegmund M, Polte T, Aigner A. Spray-Dried Nanoparticle-in-Microparticle Delivery Systems (NiMDS) for Gene Delivery, Comprising Polyethylenimine (PEI)-Based Nanoparticles in a Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Matrix. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2018; 14:e1701810. [PMID: 29430833 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201701810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based therapies rely on efficient formulations for nucleic acid protection and delivery. As nonviral strategies, polymeric and lipid-based nanoparticles have been introduced; however, biological efficacy and biocompatibility as well as poor storage properties due to colloidal instability and their unavailability as ready-to-use systems are still major issues. Polyethylenimine is the most widely explored and promising candidate for gene delivery. Polyethylenimine-based polyplexes and their combination with liposomes, lipopolyplexes, are efficient for DNA or siRNA delivery in vitro and in vivo. In this study, a highly potent spray-dried nanoparticle-in-microparticle delivery system is presented for the encapsulation of polyethylenimine-based polyplexes and lipopolyplexes into poly(vinyl alcohol) microparticles, without requiring additional stabilizing agents. This easy-to-handle gene delivery device allows prolonged nanoparticle storage and protection at ambient temperature. Biological analyses reveal further advantages regarding profoundly reduced cytotoxicity and enhanced transfection efficacies of polyethylenimine-based nanoparticles from the nanoparticle-in-microparticle delivery system over their freshly prepared counterparts, as determined in various cell lines. Importantly, this nanoparticle-in-microparticle delivery system is demonstrated as ready-to-use dry powder to be an efficient device for the inhalative delivery of polyethylenimine-based lipopolyplexes in vivo, as shown by transgene expression in mice after only one administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Schulze
- Rudolf Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Haertelstrasse 16 - 18, Leipzig, D-04107, Germany
| | - Stephanie Kuhn
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig - UFZ, Leipzig, D-04318, Germany
| | - Stephan Hendrikx
- Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, D-04107, Germany
| | - Michaela Schulz-Siegmund
- Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, D-04107, Germany
| | - Tobias Polte
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig - UFZ, Leipzig, D-04318, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, D-04103, Germany
| | - Achim Aigner
- Rudolf Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Haertelstrasse 16 - 18, Leipzig, D-04107, Germany
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Wu P, Chen H, Jin R, Weng T, Ho JK, You C, Zhang L, Wang X, Han C. Non-viral gene delivery systems for tissue repair and regeneration. J Transl Med 2018; 16:29. [PMID: 29448962 PMCID: PMC5815227 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-018-1402-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Critical tissue defects frequently result from trauma, burns, chronic wounds and/or surgery. The ideal treatment for such tissue loss is autografting, but donor sites are often limited. Tissue engineering (TE) is an inspiring alternative for tissue repair and regeneration (TRR). One of the current state-of-the-art methods for TRR is gene therapy. Non-viral gene delivery systems (nVGDS) have great potential for TE and have several advantages over viral delivery including lower immunogenicity and toxicity, better cell specificity, better modifiability, and higher productivity. However, there is no ideal nVGDS for TRR, hence, there is widespread research to improve their properties. This review introduces the basic principles and key aspects of commonly-used nVGDSs. We focus on recent advances in their applications, current challenges, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Wu
- Department of Burns & Wound Care Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Haojiao Chen
- Department of Burns & Wound Care Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Ronghua Jin
- Department of Burns & Wound Care Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Tingting Weng
- Department of Burns & Wound Care Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Jon Kee Ho
- Department of Burns & Wound Care Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Chuangang You
- Department of Burns & Wound Care Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Liping Zhang
- Department of Burns & Wound Care Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Xingang Wang
- Department of Burns & Wound Care Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
| | - Chunmao Han
- Department of Burns & Wound Care Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
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Water-Soluble Polymer Assists N-Methyl-D-Aspartic Acid Receptor 2B siRNA Delivery to Relieve Chronic Inflammatory Pain In Vitro and In Vivo. Pain Res Manag 2018; 2018:7436060. [PMID: 29623145 PMCID: PMC5829431 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7436060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Revised: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We constructed a water-soluble lipopolymer (WSLP) as a nonviral gene carrier to deliver siRNA targeting NR2B. The cytotoxicity and serum stability of WSLP loaded with siRNA were evaluated, and the knockdown efficiency of WSLP/NR2B-siRNA in PC12 cells was examined. The results showed that WSLP could protect the loading siRNAs from enzymatic degradation in serum and exhibit low cytotoxicity to cells. After transfection, WSLP/NR2B-siRNA complexes reduced the NR2B transcriptional level by 50% and protein level by 55% compared to control siRNA. Moreover, 3 days after intrathecal injection of WSLP/NR2B-siRNA complexes into rats, the NR2B protein expression decreased significantly to 58%, compared to control treatment (p < 0.01). Injection of WSLP with scrambled siRNA or of polyethylenimine (PEI) with NR2B-siRNA did not show this inhibitory effect. Additionally, injection of WSLP/NR2B-siRNA complexes significantly relieved inflammatory pain in rats at 3, 4, and 5 days with reduced MWT and decreased TWL scores, while injection of WSLP with scrambled siRNA or of PEI with NR2B-siRNA did not. These results demonstrated that WSLP can efficiently deliver siRNA targeting NR2B to PC12 cells and relieve pain in rats with chronic inflammatory pain.
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27
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Lipid coated chitosan-DNA nanoparticles for enhanced gene delivery. Int J Pharm 2018; 535:473-479. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2017.11.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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28
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Ewe A, Höbel S, Heine C, Merz L, Kallendrusch S, Bechmann I, Merz F, Franke H, Aigner A. Optimized polyethylenimine (PEI)-based nanoparticles for siRNA delivery, analyzed in vitro and in an ex vivo tumor tissue slice culture model. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2017; 7:206-216. [PMID: 27334279 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-016-0306-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The non-viral delivery of small RNA molecules like siRNAs still poses a major bottleneck for their successful application in vivo. This is particularly true with regard to crossing physiological barriers upon systemic administration. We have previously established polyethylenimine (PEI)-based complexes for therapeutic RNA formulation. These nanoplexes mediate full RNA protection against nucleolytic degradation, delivery to target tissues as well as cellular uptake, intracellular release and therapeutic efficacy in preclinical in vivo models. We herein present data on different polyplex modifications for the defined improvement of physicochemical and biological nanoparticle properties and for targeted delivery. (i) By non-covalent modifications of PEI polyplexes with phospholipid liposomes, ternary complexes ("lipopolyplexes") are obtained that combine the favorable features of PEI and lipid systems. Decreased cytotoxicity and highly efficient delivery of siRNA is achieved. Some lipopolyplexes also allow prolonged storage, thus providing formulations with higher stability. (ii) Novel tyrosine modifications of low molecular weight PEI offer further improvement of stability, biocompatibility, and knockdown efficacy of resulting nanoparticles. (iii) For ligand-mediated uptake, the shielding of surface charges is a critical requirement. This is achieved by PEI grafting with polyethylene glycol (PEG), prior to covalent coupling of anti-HER1 antibodies (Erbitux®) as ligand for targeted delivery and uptake. Beyond tumor cell culture, analyses are extended towards tumor slice cultures from tumor xenograft tissues which reflect more realistically the in vivo situation. The determination of siRNA-mediated knockdown of endogenous target genes, i.e., the oncogenic survival factor survivin and the oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase HER2, reveals nanoparticle penetration and biological efficacy also under intact tissue and stroma conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ewe
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Leipzig University, Haertelstrasse 16 - 18, D-04107, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sabrina Höbel
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Leipzig University, Haertelstrasse 16 - 18, D-04107, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Claudia Heine
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lea Merz
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sonja Kallendrusch
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ingo Bechmann
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Felicitas Merz
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Biophysics, GSI Helmholtz Center for Heavy Ion Research, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Heike Franke
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Achim Aigner
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Leipzig University, Haertelstrasse 16 - 18, D-04107, Leipzig, Germany.
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Tumor-selective lipopolyplex encapsulated small active RNA hampers colorectal cancer growth in vitro and in orthotopic murine. Biomaterials 2017; 141:13-28. [PMID: 28666099 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Small active RNA (saRNA)-induced gene activation (RNAa) is a novel strategy to treat cancer. Our previous work proved that the p21-saRNA-322 successfully hindered colorectal cancer growth by activating p21 gene. However, the barrier for successful saRNA therapy is lack of efficient drug delivery. In the present study, a rectal delivery system entitled p21-saRNA-322 encapsulated tumor-selective lipopolyplex (TSLPP-p21-saRNA-322) which consist of PEI/p21-saRNA-322 polyplex core and hyaluronan (HA) modulated lipid shell was developed to treat colorectal cancer. Our results showed that this system maintained at the rectum for more than 6 h and preferentially accumulated at tumor site. CD44 knock down experiment instructed that the superb cellular uptake of TSLPP-p21-saRNA-322 attributed to HA-CD44 recognition. An orthotopic model of bio-luminescence human colorectal cancer in mice was developed using microsurgery and TSLPP-p21-saRNA-322 demonstrated a superior antitumor efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Our results provide preclinical proof-of-concept for a novel method to treat colorectal cancer by rectal administration of TSLPP formulated p21-saRNA-322.
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30
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Greco CT, Andrechak JC, Epps TH, Sullivan MO. Anionic Polymer and Quantum Dot Excipients to Facilitate siRNA Release and Self-Reporting of Disassembly in Stimuli-Responsive Nanocarrier Formulations. Biomacromolecules 2017; 18:1814-1824. [PMID: 28441861 PMCID: PMC5672795 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.7b00265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The incorporation of anionic excipients into polyplexes is a promising strategy for modulating siRNA binding versus release and integrating diagnostic capabilities; however, specific design criteria and structure-function relationships are needed to facilitate the development of nanocarrier-based theranostics. Herein, we incorporated poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and quantum dot (QD) excipients into photolabile siRNA polyplexes to increase gene silencing efficiencies by up to 100% and enable self-reporting of nanocarrier disassembly. Our systematic approach identified the functional relationships between gene silencing and key parameters such as excipient loading fractions and molecular weights that facilitated the establishment of design rules for optimization of nanocarrier efficacy. For example, we found that PAA molecular weights ∼10-20× greater than that of the coencapsulated siRNA exhibited the most efficient release and silencing. Furthermore, siRNA release assays and RNAi modeling allowed us to generate a PAA "heat map" that predicted gene silencing a priori as a function of PAA molecular weight and loading fraction. QDs further promoted selective siRNA release and provided visual as well as Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based monitoring of the dynamic changes in nanostructure in situ. Moreover, even with the addition of anionic components, our formulations exhibited substantially improved stability and shelf life relative to typical formulations, with complete stability after a week of storage and full activity in the presence of serum. Taken together, this study enabled synergistic improvements in siRNA release and diagnostic capabilities, along with the development of mechanistic insights that are critical for advancing the translation of nucleic acid theranostics into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad T Greco
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and §Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware , Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Jason C Andrechak
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and §Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware , Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Thomas H Epps
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and §Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware , Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Millicent O Sullivan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and §Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware , Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
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Mel’nikov PA, Baklaushev VP, Gabashvili AN, Nukolova NV, Kuznetsov II, Cherepanov SA, Koshkin FA, Leopol’d AV, Chekhonin VP. Internalization of Vectorized Liposomes Loaded with Plasmid DNA in C6 Glioma Cells. Bull Exp Biol Med 2017; 163:114-122. [DOI: 10.1007/s10517-017-3750-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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32
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Sustained delivery of siRNA poly- and lipopolyplexes from porous macromer-crosslinked gelatin gels. Int J Pharm 2017; 526:178-187. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2017.04.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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33
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Chen W, Deng W, Goldys EM. Light-Triggerable Liposomes for Enhanced Endolysosomal Escape and Gene Silencing in PC12 Cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017. [PMID: 28624212 PMCID: PMC5423320 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Liposomes are an effective gene and/or drug delivery system, widely used in biomedical applications including gene therapy and chemotherapy. Here, we designed a photo-responsive liposome (lipVP) loaded with a photosensitizer verteporfin (VP). This photosensitizer is clinically approved for photodynamic therapy (PDT). LipVP was employed as a DNA carrier for pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) receptor 1 (PAC1R) gene knockdown in PC12 cells. This has been done by incorporating PAC1R antisense oligonucleotides inside the lipVP cavity. Cells that have taken up the lipVP were exposed to light from a UV light source. As a result of this exposure, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were generated from VP, destabilizing the endolysosomal membranes and enhancing the liposomal release of antisense DNA into the cytoplasm. Endolysosomal escape of DNA was documented at different time points based on quantitative analysis of colocalization between fluorescently labeled DNA and endosomes and lysosomes. The released antisense oligonucleotides were found to silence PAC1R mRNA. The efficiency of this photo-induced gene silencing was demonstrated by a 74% ± 5% decrease in PAC1R fluorescence intensity. Following the light-induced DNA transfer into cells, cell differentiation with exposure to two kinds of PACAP peptides was observed to determine the cell phenotypic change after PAC1R gene knockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Chen
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Wei Deng
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Ewa M Goldys
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
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34
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Ewe A, Panchal O, Pinnapireddy SR, Bakowsky U, Przybylski S, Temme A, Aigner A. Liposome-polyethylenimine complexes (DPPC-PEI lipopolyplexes) for therapeutic siRNA delivery in vivo. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2017; 13:209-218. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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35
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Merz L, Höbel S, Kallendrusch S, Ewe A, Bechmann I, Franke H, Merz F, Aigner A. Tumor tissue slice cultures as a platform for analyzing tissue-penetration and biological activities of nanoparticles. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2016; 112:45-50. [PMID: 27864052 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2016.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The success of therapeutic nanoparticles depends, among others, on their ability to penetrate a tissue for actually reaching the target cells, and their efficient cellular uptake in the context of intact tissue and stroma. Various nanoparticle modifications have been implemented for altering physicochemical and biological properties. Their analysis, however, so far mainly relies on cell culture experiments which only poorly reflect the in vivo situation, or is based on in vivo experiments that are often complicated by whole-body pharmacokinetics and are rather tedious especially when analyzing larger nanoparticle sets. For the more precise analysis of nanoparticle properties at their desired site of action, efficient ex vivo systems closely mimicking in vivo tissue properties are needed. In this paper, we describe the setup of organotypic tumor tissue slice cultures for the analysis of tissue-penetrating properties and biological activities of nanoparticles. As a model system, we employ 350μm thick slice cultures from different tumor xenograft tissues, and analyze modified or non-modified polyethylenimine (PEI) complexes as well as their lipopolyplex derivatives for siRNA delivery. The described conditions for tissue slice preparation and culture ensure excellent tissue preservation for at least 14days, thus allowing for prolonged experimentation and analysis. When using fluorescently labeled siRNA for complex visualization, fluorescence microscopy of cryo-sectioned tissue slices reveals different degrees of nanoparticle tissue penetration, dependent on their surface charge. More importantly, the determination of siRNA-mediated knockdown efficacies of an endogenous target gene, the oncogenic survival factor Survivin, reveals the possibility to accurately assess biological nanoparticle activities in situ, i.e. in living cells in their original environment. Taken together, we establish tumor (xenograft) tissue slices for the accurate and facile ex vivo assessment of important biological nanoparticle properties. Beyond the quantitative analysis of nanoparticle tissue-penetration, the excellent tissue preservation and cell viability also allows for the evaluation of biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Merz
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sabrina Höbel
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Alexander Ewe
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ingo Bechmann
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Heike Franke
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Felicitas Merz
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Achim Aigner
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Germany.
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Schulze J, Hendrikx S, Schulz-Siegmund M, Aigner A. Microparticulate poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel formulations for embedding and controlled release of polyethylenimine (PEI)-based nanoparticles. Acta Biomater 2016; 45:210-222. [PMID: 27592816 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.08.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based therapeutics offer enormous potential in the treatment of various pathologies. For DNA or RNA delivery, nanoparticle systems based on lipids or polymers have been developed. However, colloidal instability in solution, poor storage properties especially as dry powder and little stability against an aggressive environment, e.g. after oral application, are major issues. Furthermore, there is an urgent need for sustained release systems that allow for fine-tuned, long-term temporal and spatial nanoparticle release. In this paper, we describe the embedding of polymeric nanoparticles for gene delivery, namely polyethylenimine (PEI)-based polyplexes and their corresponding liposome-modified analogues (lipopolyplexes), into microparticulate poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels. Various parameters are modified, and major differences are found. PVA is explored with two different molecular weights and at different concentrations, furthermore different emulsifiers and acetone for extraction are employed, and the protocol is performed with or without repetitive freeze/thaw cycles for physical PVA crosslinking. We thereby establish Nanoparticles-in-Microparticle Delivery Systems (NiMDS) that are extensively characterized and shown to allow prolonged storage as easy-to-handle formulation (dry powder) without loss of nanoparticle activity. Unexpectedly, the nanoparticles' PVA encapsulation/release alters important physicochemical nanoparticle properties and biological activities in a favourable way. Furthermore, we also demonstrate the nanoparticle release to be dependent on the microstructure of the PVA matrix, which is determined by the degree of physical crosslinking through a defined number of freeze/thaw cycles. We show that these defined physically crosslinked PVA hydrogels thus represent sustained release devices for fine-tuned, long-term nanoparticle release in possible therapeutic applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The present paper for the first time describes the embedding of polymeric PEI-based polyplexes and lipopolyplexes into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels, to establish novel Nanoparticles-in-Microparticle Delivery Systems (NiMDS). Through modification of various parameters including different PVA molecular weights and concentrations, different emulsifiers and defined numbers of freeze-thaw cycles for physical PVA crosslinking, sustained release devices are also obtained. Beyond favourable alterations of important physicochemical/biological nanoparticle properties and the possibility for prolonged storage as easy-to-handle formulation (dry powder), we show that these NiMDS also allow the tailormade, fine-tuned, long-term release of fully active nanoparticles in possible therapeutic applications.
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Rezaee M, Oskuee RK, Nassirli H, Malaekeh-Nikouei B. Progress in the development of lipopolyplexes as efficient non-viral gene delivery systems. J Control Release 2016; 236:1-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2016] [Revised: 06/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Gene delivery to neuroblastoma cells by poly (l-lysine)-grafted low molecular weight polyethylenimine copolymers. Biologicals 2016; 44:212-218. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2016.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Revised: 12/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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A novel tyrosine-modified low molecular weight polyethylenimine (P10Y) for efficient siRNA delivery in vitro and in vivo. J Control Release 2016; 230:13-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Yu K, Zhao J, Yu C, Sun F, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Lee RJ, Teng L, Li Y. Role of Four Different Kinds of Polyethylenimines (PEIs) in Preparation of Polymeric Lipid Nanoparticles and Their Anticancer Activity Study. J Cancer 2016; 7:872-82. [PMID: 27162547 PMCID: PMC4860805 DOI: 10.7150/jca.13855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
A series of polyethylenimines-coated poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide)/lipid nanoparticles (PPLs) were fabricated for delivering paclitaxel via a simple nano-precipitation method. Four kinds of polyethylenimines (PEIs) (800 Da-, 2000 Da- and 25 kDa-branched PEIs, and 25 kDa-linear PEI) were selected as a polymeric coating for the nanoparticles. The PPLs were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects towards tumor cells. The nanoparticles were uniform spheres with particle sizes ranging from 135.8 to 535.9 nm and zeta potentials between 13.5 and 45.4 mV. The content of lipids and PEIs were optimized at lipids content from 0 to 40% and PEI content from 2.5% to 10%, respectively. At 20% lipid content and 5% PEI content, the formulation was found to be optimal. In vitro experiments showed that 25 kDa-branched PEI coated PLGA/lipid nanoparticles (25k-bPPLs) had higher cytotoxicity than other PPLs in several cancer cell lines. Meanwhile, 25k-bPPLs maintained high cellular delivery efficiency without excessive toxicity, which was confirmed by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry analyses. Furthermore, 25k-bPPLs displayed excellent colloidal stability in pH 7.4 PBS. In conclusion, 25k-bPPLs are promising drug delivery vehicles for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kongtong Yu
- 1. School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130012, China
| | - Jinlong Zhao
- 1. School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130012, China
| | - Changhui Yu
- 1. School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130012, China
| | - Fengying Sun
- 1. School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130012, China
| | - Yan Liu
- 1. School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130012, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- 1. School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130012, China
| | - Robert J Lee
- 1. School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130012, China.; 2. College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Lesheng Teng
- 1. School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130012, China.; 3. State Key Laboratory of Long-acting and Targeting Drug Delivery System, Yantai 264000, China
| | - Youxin Li
- 1. School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130012, China.; 3. State Key Laboratory of Long-acting and Targeting Drug Delivery System, Yantai 264000, China
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Chen W, Li H, Liu Z, Yuan W. Lipopolyplex for Therapeutic Gene Delivery and Its Application for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2016; 8:68. [PMID: 27092073 PMCID: PMC4820442 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2016.00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipopolyplex is a core-shell structure composed of nucleic acid, polycation and lipid. As a non-viral gene delivery vector, lipopolyplex combining the advantages of polyplex and lipoplex has shown superior colloidal stability, reduced cytotoxicity, extremely high gene transfection efficiency. Following intravenous administration, there are many strategies based on lipopolyplex to overcome the complex biological barriers in systemic gene delivery including condensation of nucleic acids into nanoparticles, long circulation, cell targeting, endosomal escape, release to cytoplasm and entry into cell nucleus. Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and severely influences the patients' life quality. Current gene therapy clinical trials for PD employing viral vectors didn't achieve satisfactory efficacy. However, lipopolyplex may become a promising alternative approach owing to its stability in blood, ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and specific targeting to diseased brain cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai JiaoTong University Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenguo Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine Shanghai, China
| | - Weien Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai JiaoTong University Shanghai, China
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Ewe A, Aigner A. Cationic Lipid-Coated Polyplexes (Lipopolyplexes) for DNA and Small RNA Delivery. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1445:187-200. [PMID: 27436320 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3718-9_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The delivery of nucleic acids (NA) like DNA for cell transfection or siRNAs for gene knockdown is of major interest for in vitro studies as well as for applications in vivo. The same is true for other small RNA molecules like miRNAs or miRNA inhibitors (antimiRs). Important nonviral gene delivery vectors include liposomes and cationic polymers. With regard to cationic polymers, polyethylenimines (PEIs) are well established for the delivery of NA, by acting as nanoscale delivery platforms (polyplexes). Their combination with liposomes comprising different phospholipids leads to the formation of lipopolyplexes and can further improve their efficacy and biocompatibility, by combining the favorable properties of lipid systems (high stability, efficient cellular uptake, low cytotoxicity) and PEI (NA condensation, facilitated endosomal release).In this chapter, optimal lipopolyplex compositions containing different liposomes and certain branched or linear low-molecular weight PEIs are given. This also includes optimal parameters for lipopolyplex generation, based on various PEIs, N/P ratios, lipids, lipid/PEI ratios, and preparation conditions.Importantly, certain lipopolyplexes retain their biological activity and physicochemical integrity upon prolonged storage at room temperature (RT), in the presence of serum and upon nebulization, thus extending their usefulness toward various applications in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ewe
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Härtelstrasse 16-18, 04107, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Achim Aigner
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Härtelstrasse 16-18, 04107, Leipzig, Germany.
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Singh Y, Tomar S, Khan S, Meher JG, Pawar VK, Raval K, Sharma K, Singh PK, Chaurasia M, Surendar Reddy B, Chourasia MK. Bridging small interfering RNA with giant therapeutic outcomes using nanometric liposomes. J Control Release 2015; 220:368-387. [PMID: 26528900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The scope of RNAi based therapeutics is unquestionable. However, if we dissect the current trend of clinical trials for afore mentioned drug class, some stark trends appear: 1) naked siRNA only exerts influence in topical mode whilst systemic delivery requires a carrier and 2) even after two decades of extensive efforts, not even a single siRNA containing product is commercially available. It was therefore felt that a perspective simplifying the unique intricacies of working with a merger of siRNA and liposomes from a pharmaceutical viewpoint could draw the attention of a wider array of interested researchers. We begin from the beginning and attempt to conduit the gap between theoretical logic and experimental/actual constraints. This, in turn could stimulate the next generation of investigators, gearing them to tackle the conundrum, which is siRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuvraj Singh
- Pharmaceutics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Sandeep Tomar
- Pharmaceutics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Shariq Khan
- Pharmaceutics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Jaya Gopal Meher
- Pharmaceutics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Vivek K Pawar
- Pharmaceutics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Kavit Raval
- Pharmaceutics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Komal Sharma
- Pharmaceutics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Pankaj K Singh
- Pharmaceutics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Mohini Chaurasia
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Lucknow, UP 226028, India
| | - B Surendar Reddy
- Pharmaceutics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Manish K Chourasia
- Pharmaceutics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India.
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Banik BL, Fattahi P, Brown JL. Polymeric nanoparticles: the future of nanomedicine. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2015; 8:271-99. [PMID: 26314803 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) are one of the most studied organic strategies for nanomedicine. Intense interest lies in the potential of polymeric NPs to revolutionize modern medicine. To determine the ideal nanosystem for more effective and distinctly targeted delivery of therapeutic applications, particle size, morphology, material choice, and processing techniques are all research areas of interest. Utilizations of polymeric NPs include drug delivery techniques such as conjugation and entrapment of drugs, prodrugs, stimuli-responsive systems, imaging modalities, and theranostics. Cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases are fields impacted by NP technologies that push scientific boundaries to the leading edge of transformative advances for nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L Banik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Pouria Fattahi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Justin L Brown
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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Müller LK, Landfester K. Natural liposomes and synthetic polymeric structures for biomedical applications. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 468:411-8. [PMID: 26315266 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.08.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In the last decades, the development and design of drug delivery systems have attracted great attention. Especially siRNA carriers have been of special interest since discovered as suitable tool for gene silencing. Self-assembled structures consisting of amphiphilic molecules are the most investigated carriers with regards to siRNA delivery. Liposomes as drug vehicles already found their way into clinical use, as they are highly biocompatible and their colloidal stability and circulation time in blood can be significantly enhanced by PEGylation. Fully synthetic polymersomes inspired by these natural structures provide enhanced stability and offer a wide range of modification-possibilities. Therefore, their design as carrier vehicles has become of great interest. This mini-review highlights the possibilities of using polymeric vesicles for potential drug delivery and gives a brief overview of their potential regarding fine-tuning towards targeted delivery or triggered drug release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Müller
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Katharina Landfester
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
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Polyethylenimine coated plasmid DNA-surfactant complexes as potential gene delivery systems. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2015; 133:156-63. [PMID: 26099970 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Revised: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Nanometer scaled particles have been prepared from strong association between plasmid DNA (pcDNA3-FLAG-p53) and oppositely charged surfactants. Although these particles present suitable properties for gene delivery purposes, their cytotoxicity could compromise their use in gene therapy applications. To ensure biocompatibility of this potential gene delivery system, the nanoparticles were coated with polyethylenimine (PEI) with various molar ratios of PEI nitrogen to plasmid DNA phosphate groups. This led to a drastic increase in the cell viability of the particles, and in addition particle characteristics such as size, surface charge and loading efficiency, have also been enhanced as a result of the PEI coating process. The dissolution or swelling/deswelling behaviour displayed by these particulate vehicles could be tailored and monitored in time, to promote the controlled and sustained release of plasmid DNA. Moreover, we show that both the surfactant alkyl chain length and the ratio of nitrogen to phosphate groups are important parameters for controlling the plasmid DNA release. Overall, the developed plasmid DNA carriers have the potential as a new nanoplatform to be further explored for advances in the gene therapy field.
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Germershaus O, Nultsch K. Localized, non-viral delivery of nucleic acids: Opportunities, challenges and current strategies. Asian J Pharm Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2014.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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48
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Ewe A, Jansen de Salazar A, Lemmnitzer K, Marsch M, Aigner A, Geyer A. Regioselektive Ringöffnungspolymerisation einer Polyhydroxycarbonsäure zu einem nanoskaligen Trägermaterial mit pH-abhängiger Stabilität und verzögerter Wirkstofffreisetzung. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201412055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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49
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Naeem S, Kiew LV, Chung LY, Fui KS, Misran MB. A Comparative Approach for the Preparation and Physicochemical Characterization of Lecithin Liposomes Using Chloroform and Non-Halogenated Solvents. J SURFACTANTS DETERG 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11743-015-1689-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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50
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Efimova AA, Sybachin AV, Chvalun SN, Kulebyakina AI, Kozlova EV, Yaroslavov AA. Biodegradable multi-liposomal containers. POLYMER SCIENCE SERIES B 2015. [DOI: 10.1134/s1560090415020050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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