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Moreira L, Guimarães NM, Santos RS, Loureiro JA, Pereira MDC, Azevedo NF. Oligonucleotide probes for imaging and diagnosis of bacterial infections. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024:1-20. [PMID: 38830823 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2024.2344574] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The rise of infectious diseases as a public health concern has necessitated the development of rapid and precise diagnostic methods. Imaging techniques like nuclear and optical imaging provide the ability to diagnose infectious diseases within the body, eliminating delays caused by sampling and pre-enrichments of clinical samples and offering spatial information that can aid in a more informed diagnosis. Traditional molecular probes are typically created to image infected tissue without accurately identifying the pathogen. In contrast, oligonucleotides can be tailored to target specific RNA sequences, allowing for the identification of pathogens, and even generating antibiotic susceptibility profiles by focusing on drug resistance genes. Despite the benefits that nucleic acid mimics (NAMs) have provided in terms of stabilizing oligonucleotides, the inadequate delivery of these relatively large molecules into the cytoplasm of bacteria remains a challenge for widespread use of this technology. This review summarizes the key advancements in the field of oligonucleotide probes for in vivo imaging, highlighting the most promising delivery systems described in the literature for developing optical imaging through in vivo hybridization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Moreira
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Miguel Guimarães
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Sobral Santos
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Angélica Loureiro
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria do Carmo Pereira
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Filipe Azevedo
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Mondal P, Roy S, Dey J, Dasgupta SB. Impact of Linker Groups on Self-Assembly, Gene Transfection, Antibacterial Activity, and In Vitro Cytotoxicity of Cationic Bolaamphiphiles. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:1703-1712. [PMID: 38433388 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c01142] [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] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Cationic bolaamphiphiles have gained significant attention in various research fields, including materials science, drug delivery, and gene therapy, due to their unique properties and potential applications. The objective of the current research is to develop more effective cationic bolaamphiphiles. Thus, we have designed and synthesized two cationic bolaamphiphiles (-(CH2)12(2,3-dihydroxy-N,N-dimethyl-N-(3-ureidopropyl)propan-1-aminium chloride))2 (C12(DDUPPAC)2)) and (-(CH2)12(N-(3-(carbamoyloxy)propyl)-2,3-dihydroxy-N,N-dimethylpropan-1-aminium chloride)2 (C12(CPDDPAC)2) containing urea and urethane linkages, respectively. We have investigated their self-assembly properties in water using several techniques, including surface tension, electrical conductivity, fluorescence probe, calorimetry, dynamic light scattering, and atomic force microscopy. Their biological applications, e.g., in vitro gene transfection, antibacterial activity, and cytotoxicity, were studied. Both bolaamphiphiles were observed to produce aggregates larger than spherical micelles above a relatively low critical aggregation concentration (cac). The calorimetric experiments suggested the thermodynamically favorable spontaneous aggregation of both bolaforms in water. The results of interaction studies led to the conclusion that C12(CPDDPAC)2 binds DNA with a greater affinity than C12(DDUPPAC)2. Also, C12(CPDDPAC)2 is found to act as a more efficient gene transfection vector than C12(DDUPPAC)2 in 264.7 cell lines. The in vitro cytotoxicity assay using MTT, however, revealed that neither of the bolaamphiphiles was toxic, even at higher quantities. Additionally, both bolaforms show beneficial antibacterial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pabitra Mondal
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Sadhana Roy
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Joykrishna Dey
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Somdeb Bose Dasgupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
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Moreira L, Guimarães NM, Santos RS, Loureiro JA, Pereira MC, Azevedo NF. Promising strategies employing nucleic acids as antimicrobial drugs. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102122. [PMID: 38333674 PMCID: PMC10850860 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern because it causes microorganisms to develop resistance to drugs commonly used to treat infections. This results in increased difficulty in treating infections, leading to higher mortality rates and significant economic effects. Investing in new antimicrobial agents is, therefore, necessary to prevent and control AMR. Antimicrobial nucleic acids have arisen as potential key players in novel therapies for AMR infections. They have been designed to serve as antimicrobials and to act as adjuvants to conventional antibiotics or to inhibit virulent mechanisms. This new category of antimicrobial drugs consists of antisense oligonucleotides and oligomers, DNAzymes, and transcription factor decoys, differing in terms of structure, target molecules, and mechanisms of action. They are synthesized using nucleic acid analogs to enhance their resistance to nucleases. Because bacterial envelopes are generally impermeable to oligonucleotides, delivery into the cytoplasm typically requires the assistance of nanocarriers, which can affect their therapeutic potency. Given that numerous factors contribute to the success of these antimicrobial drugs, this review aims to provide a summary of the key advancements in the use of oligonucleotides for treating bacterial infections. Their mechanisms of action and the impact of factors such as nucleic acid design, target sequence, and nanocarriers on the antimicrobial potency are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Moreira
- LEPABE–Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology, and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE–Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno M. Guimarães
- LEPABE–Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology, and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE–Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita S. Santos
- LEPABE–Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology, and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE–Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana A. Loureiro
- LEPABE–Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology, and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE–Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria C. Pereira
- LEPABE–Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology, and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE–Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno F. Azevedo
- LEPABE–Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology, and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE–Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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Vemuri GN, Hughes JR, Iovine PM. Synthesis and characterization of terpene-derived cationic bolaamphiphiles. Tetrahedron 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2022.133008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Jiang X, Li W, Chen X, Wang C, Guo R, Hong W. On-Demand Multifunctional Electrostatic Complexation for Synergistic Eradication of MRSA Biofilms. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:10200-10211. [PMID: 35179370 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c00658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Recently, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) severely threatened the public health, especially when the biofilms developed. Although the biofilm eradication capability of nanoparticles (NPs) has been proposed and confirmed, efficient biofilm penetration and retention are still a big challenge. To solve this problem, a multifunctional electrostatic complexation (denoted as TDZ-G4@CA) was constructed for biofilm combination therapy. TDZ-G4@CA was composed of a TDZ-grafted amino-ended poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (TDZ-PAMAM) as the inner core and cis-aconitic anhydride-modified d-tyrosine (CA-Tyr) wrapped outside via electrostatic interaction. In our design, TDZ-G4@CA could simultaneously reduce the particle size and reverse the surface charge under an acidic microenvironment, which was designed for efficient biofilm penetration and retention. Meanwhile, the on-demand two-step sequential delivery of biofilm dispersal and antibacterial agents was also obtained. The acid responsiveness of TDZ-G4@CA triggered the immediate release of d-Tyr to damage the matrix of the biofilm. Subsequently, TDZ-G4 could penetrate over the depth of the biofilm and bind tightly to MRSA, which could enhance the permeability of the bacterial membrane for TDZ internalization. Additionally, TDZ exhibited a sustained-release pattern as a response to lipase to maintain an effective bactericidal concentration for a long time. As expected, in vitro experiments demonstrated that surface charge/particle size-adaptive TDZ-G4@CA with a sequential delivery strategy exhibited intensive infiltration in the biofilm matrix and excellent biofilm eradication capabilities. Afterward, in vivo experimental results also confirmed the prolonged circulation time and comprehensive therapeutic efficacy of TDZ-G4@CA against MRSA-induced subcutaneous abscess without any systemic side effects. Based on the comprehensive evaluation of the therapeutic outcome, the electrostatic complexation (TDZ-G4@CA) can serve as a promising strategy for enhanced antibiotic therapy for combating biofilm-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong New Drug Loading & Release Technology and Preparation Engineering Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai 264003, P. R. China
| | - Wenting Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong New Drug Loading & Release Technology and Preparation Engineering Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai 264003, P. R. China
| | - Xiangjun Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong New Drug Loading & Release Technology and Preparation Engineering Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai 264003, P. R. China
| | - Changrong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong New Drug Loading & Release Technology and Preparation Engineering Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai 264003, P. R. China
| | - Rong Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong New Drug Loading & Release Technology and Preparation Engineering Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai 264003, P. R. China
| | - Wei Hong
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong New Drug Loading & Release Technology and Preparation Engineering Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai 264003, P. R. China
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Guo R, Li K, Tian B, Wang C, Chen X, Jiang X, He H, Hong W. Elaboration on the architecture of pH-sensitive surface charge-adaptive micelles with enhanced penetration and bactericidal activity in biofilms. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:232. [PMID: 34362397 PMCID: PMC8344171 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-00980-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Biofilm formation is one of the main reasons for persistent bacterial infections. Recently, pH-sensitive copolymers have fascinated incredible attention to tackle biofilm-related infections. However, the proper incorporation of pH-sensitive segments in the polymer chains, which could significantly affect the biofilms targeting ability, has not been particularly investigated. Herein, we synthesized three types of pH-sensitive copolymers based on poly (β-amino ester) (PAE), poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), PAE-PLA-mPEG (A-L-E), PLA-PAE-mPEG (L-A-E) and PLA-PEG-PAE (L-E-A) to address this issue. Results The three copolymers could self-assemble into micelles (MA-L-E, ML-A-E and ML-E-A) in aqueous medium. Compared with MA-L-E and ML-A-E, placing the PAE at the distal PEG end of PLA-PEG to yield PLA-PEG-PAE (ML-E-A) was characterized with proper triggering pH, fully biofilm penetration, and high cell membrane binding affinity. Further loaded with Triclosan (TCS), ML-E-A/TCS could efficiently kill the bacteria either in planktonic or biofilm mode. We reasoned that PAE segments would be preferentially placed near the surface and distant from the hydrophobic PLA segments. This would increase the magnitude of surface charge-switching capability, as the cationic PAE+ would easily disassociate from the inner core without conquering the additional hydrophobic force arising from covalent linkage with PLA segments, and rapidly rise to the outermost layer of the micellar surface due to the relative hydrophilicity. This was significant in that it could enable the micelles immediately change its surface charge where localized acidity occurred, and efficiently bind themselves to the bacterial surface where they became hydrolyzed by bacterial lipases to stimulate release of encapsulated TCS even a relatively short residence time to prevent rapid wash-out. In vivo therapeutic performance of ML-E-A/TCS was evaluated on a classical biofilm infection model, implant-related biofilm infection. The result suggested that ML-E-A/TCS was effective for the treatment of implant-related biofilm infection, which was proved by the efficient clearance of biofilm-contaminated catheters and the recovery of surrounding infected tissues. Conclusions In summary, elaboration on the architecture of pH-sensitive copolymers was the first step to target biofilm. The ML-E-A structure may represent an interesting future direction in the treatment of biofilm-relevant infections associated with acidity. Graphic abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-021-00980-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong New Drug Loading and Release Technology and Preparation Engineering Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai, 264003, People's Republic of China
| | - Keke Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong New Drug Loading and Release Technology and Preparation Engineering Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai, 264003, People's Republic of China
| | - Baocheng Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong New Drug Loading and Release Technology and Preparation Engineering Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai, 264003, People's Republic of China
| | - Changrong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong New Drug Loading and Release Technology and Preparation Engineering Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai, 264003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangjun Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong New Drug Loading and Release Technology and Preparation Engineering Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai, 264003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong New Drug Loading and Release Technology and Preparation Engineering Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai, 264003, People's Republic of China
| | - Huayu He
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong New Drug Loading and Release Technology and Preparation Engineering Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai, 264003, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Hong
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong New Drug Loading and Release Technology and Preparation Engineering Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai, 264003, People's Republic of China.
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Bakare OO, Gokul A, Wu R, Niekerk LA, Klein A, Keyster M. Biomedical Relevance of Novel Anticancer Peptides in the Sensitive Treatment of Cancer. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1120. [PMID: 34439786 PMCID: PMC8394746 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The global increase in cancer mortality and economic losses necessitates the cautious quest for therapeutic agents with compensatory advantages over conventional therapies. Anticancer peptides (ACPs) are a subset of host defense peptides, also known as antimicrobial peptides, which have emerged as therapeutic and diagnostic candidates due to several compensatory advantages over the non-specificity of the current treatment regimens. This review aimed to highlight the ravaging incidence of cancer, the use of ACPs in cancer treatment with their mechanisms, ACP discovery and delivery methods, and the limitations for their use. This would create awareness for identifying more ACPs with better specificity, accuracy and sensitivity towards the disease. It would also promote their efficacious utilization in biotechnology, medical sciences and molecular biology to ease the severity of the disease and enable the patients living with these conditions to develop an accommodating lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olalekan Olanrewaju Bakare
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa; (R.W.); (L.-A.N.)
| | - Arun Gokul
- Department of Plant Sciences, Qwaqwa Campus, University of the Free State, Phuthaditjhaba 9866, South Africa;
| | - Ruomou Wu
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa; (R.W.); (L.-A.N.)
| | - Lee-Ann Niekerk
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa; (R.W.); (L.-A.N.)
| | - Ashwil Klein
- Plant Omics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa;
| | - Marshall Keyster
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa; (R.W.); (L.-A.N.)
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Chen X, Guo R, Wang C, Li K, Jiang X, He H, Hong W. On-demand pH-sensitive surface charge-switchable polymeric micelles for targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms development. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:99. [PMID: 33836750 PMCID: PMC8034112 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-00845-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilm is the complicated clinical issues, which usually results in bacterial resistance and reduce the therapeutic efficacy of antibiotics. Although micelles have been drawn attention in treatment of the biofilms, the micelles effectively permeate and retain in biofilms still facing a big challenge. In this study, we fabricated on-demand pH-sensitive surface charge-switchable azithromycin (AZM)-encapsulated micelles (denoted as AZM-SCSMs), aiming to act as therapeutic agent for treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) biofilms. The AZM-SCSMs was composed of poly(l-lactide)-polyetherimide-hyd-methoxy polyethylene glycol (PLA-PEI-hyd-mPEG). It was noteworthy that the pH-sensitive acylhydrazone bond could be cleaved in acidic biofilm microenvironment, releasing the secondary AZM-loaded cationic micelles based on PLA-PEI (AZM-SCMs) without destroying the micellar integrity, which could tailor drug-bacterium interaction using micelles through electrostatic attraction. The results proved that positively charged AZM-SCMs could facilitate the enhanced penetration and retention inside biofilms, improved binding affinity with bacterial membrane, and added drug internalization, thus characterized as potential anti-biofilm agent. The excellent in vivo therapeutic performance of AZM-SCSMs was confirmed by the targeting delivery to the infected tissue and reduced bacterial burden in the abscess-bearing mice model. This study not only developed a novel method for construction non-depolymerized pH-sensitive SCSMs, but also provided an effective means for the treatment of biofilm-related infections. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjun Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong New Drug Loading & Release Technology and Preparation Engineering Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai, 264003, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong New Drug Loading & Release Technology and Preparation Engineering Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai, 264003, People's Republic of China
| | - Changrong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong New Drug Loading & Release Technology and Preparation Engineering Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai, 264003, People's Republic of China
| | - Keke Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong New Drug Loading & Release Technology and Preparation Engineering Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai, 264003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong New Drug Loading & Release Technology and Preparation Engineering Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai, 264003, People's Republic of China
| | - Huayu He
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong New Drug Loading & Release Technology and Preparation Engineering Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai, 264003, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Hong
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong New Drug Loading & Release Technology and Preparation Engineering Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai, 264003, People's Republic of China.
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Mai B, Gao Y, Li M, Jia M, Liu S, Wang X, Zhang K, Liu Q, Wang P. Tailoring the cationic lipid composition of lipo-DVDMS augments the phototherapy efficiency of burn infection. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:2053-2066. [PMID: 33470996 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01895c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Increase in infections with Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a serious global challenge in healthcare. Sinoporphyrin sodium (DVDMS) combined with photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) can effectively eradicate Gram-positive organisms. However, the poor penetration of DVDMS into the Gram-negative bacterial cell membrane and bacterial biofilm greatly limits the photo-inspired antimicrobial activity. This study optimized the cationic lipid-mediated nano-DVDMS delivery to improve the cellular uptake, and evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of cationic DVDMS-liposome (CDL)-provoked PACT in both P. aeruginosa and its multidrug resistant strain. The results showed that the positively charged liposome modification promoted the enrichment of DVDMS in Gram-negative bacteria. CDL-PACT-produced ROS and caused bacterial death, accompanied by the decreased expression levels of virulence factor-related genes. The P. aeruginosa-infected burn model indicated satisfactory bacterial eradication and accelerated wound healing after CDL-PACT, in addition to gradually increasing bFGF, VEGF, TGF-β1 and Hyp levels and reducing TNF-α and IL-6, with no detectable side-effects. Overall, these findings provide fundamental knowledge that enables the design of feasible and efficient PACT treatments, including biophysical membrane permeabilization and photodynamic eradication, which are promising to overcome the infection and resistance of highly opportunistic Gram-negative bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingjie Mai
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Ministry of Education, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, Shaanxi, China.
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Hughes JR, Miller AS, Wallace CE, Vemuri GN, Iovine PM. Biomedically Relevant Applications of Bolaamphiphiles and Bolaamphiphile-Containing Materials. Front Chem 2021; 8:604151. [PMID: 33553103 PMCID: PMC7855593 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.604151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Bolaamphiphiles (BAs) are structurally segmented molecules with rich assembly characteristics and diverse physical properties. Interest in BAs as standalone active agents or as constituents of more complex therapeutic formulations has increased substantially in recent years. The preorganized amphiphilicity of BAs allows for a range of biological activities including applications that rely on multivalency. This review summarizes BA-related research in biomedically relevant areas. In particular, we review BA-related literature in four areas: gene delivery, antimicrobial materials, hydrogels, and prodrugs. We also discuss several distinguishing characteristics of BAs that impact their utility as biomedically relevant compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Peter M. Iovine
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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Xu W, He W, Du Z, Zhu L, Huang K, Lu Y, Luo Y. Funktionelle Nukleinsäure‐Nanomaterialien: Entwicklung, Eigenschaften und Anwendungen. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201909927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality Department of Nutrition and Health, and College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering China Agricultural University Beijing 100083 China
| | - Wanchong He
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality Department of Nutrition and Health, and College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering China Agricultural University Beijing 100083 China
| | - Zaihui Du
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality Department of Nutrition and Health, and College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering China Agricultural University Beijing 100083 China
| | - Liye Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality Department of Nutrition and Health, and College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering China Agricultural University Beijing 100083 China
| | - Kunlun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality Department of Nutrition and Health, and College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering China Agricultural University Beijing 100083 China
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Chemistry University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Urbana Illinois 61801 USA
| | - Yunbo Luo
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality Department of Nutrition and Health, and College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering China Agricultural University Beijing 100083 China
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Xu W, He W, Du Z, Zhu L, Huang K, Lu Y, Luo Y. Functional Nucleic Acid Nanomaterials: Development, Properties, and Applications. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 60:6890-6918. [PMID: 31729826 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201909927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Functional nucleic acid (FNA) nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary field between nucleic acid biochemistry and nanotechnology that focuses on the study of interactions between FNAs and nanomaterials and explores the particular advantages and applications of FNA nanomaterials. With the goal of building the next-generation biomaterials that combine the advantages of FNAs and nanomaterials, the interactions between FNAs and nanomaterials as well as FNA self-assembly technologies have established themselves as hot research areas, where the target recognition, response, and self-assembly ability, combined with the plasmon properties, stability, stimuli-response, and delivery potential of various nanomaterials can give rise to a variety of novel fascinating applications. As research on the structural and functional group features of FNAs and nanomaterials rapidly develops, many laboratories have reported numerous methods to construct FNA nanomaterials. In this Review, we first introduce some widely used FNAs and nanomaterials along with their classification, structure, and application features. Then we discuss the most successful methods employing FNAs and nanomaterials as elements for creating advanced FNA nanomaterials. Finally, we review the extensive applications of FNA nanomaterials in bioimaging, biosensing, biomedicine, and other important fields, with their own advantages and drawbacks, and provide our perspective about the issues and developing trends in FNA nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, and College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Wanchong He
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, and College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Zaihui Du
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, and College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Liye Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, and College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Kunlun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, and College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, 61801, USA
| | - Yunbo Luo
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, and College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
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Montis C, Joseph P, Magnani C, Marín-Menéndez A, Barbero F, Estrada AR, Nepravishta R, Angulo J, Checcucci A, Mengoni A, Morris CJ, Berti D. Multifunctional nanoassemblies target bacterial lipopolysaccharides for enhanced antimicrobial DNA delivery. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2020; 195:111266. [PMID: 32739771 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2020.111266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The development of new therapeutic strategies against multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacteria is a major challenge for pharmaceutical research. In this respect, it is increasingly recognized that an efficient treatment for resistant bacterial infections should combine antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we explore the multifunctional therapeutic potential of nanostructured self-assemblies from a cationic bolaamphiphile, which target bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) and associates with an anti-bacterial nucleic acid to form nanoplexes with therapeutic efficacy against Gram-negative bacteria. To understand the mechanistic details of these multifunctional antimicrobial-anti-inflammatory properties, we performed a fundamental study, comparing the interaction of these nanostructured therapeutics with synthetic biomimetic bacterial membranes and live bacterial cells. Combining a wide range of experimental techniques (Confocal Microscopy, Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy, Microfluidics, NMR, LPS binding assays), we demonstrate that the LPS targeting capacity of the bolaamphiphile self-assemblies, comparable to that exerted by Polymixin B, is a key feature of these nanoplexes and one that permits entry of therapeutic nucleic acids in Gram-negative bacteria. These findings enable a new approach to the design of efficient multifunctional therapeutics with combined antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects and have therefore the potential to broadly impact fundamental and applied research on self-assembled nano-sized antibacterials for antibiotic resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Montis
- Department of Chemistry and CSGI, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Pierre Joseph
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Chiara Magnani
- Department of Chemistry and CSGI, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Jesus Angulo
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Alice Checcucci
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Mengoni
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Debora Berti
- Department of Chemistry and CSGI, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Mendozza M, Caselli L, Montis C, Orazzini S, Carretti E, Baglioni P, Berti D. Inorganic nanoparticles modify the phase behavior and viscoelastic properties of non-lamellar lipid mesophases. J Colloid Interface Sci 2019; 541:329-338. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2019.01.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Mamusa M, Salvatore A, Berti D. Structural Modifications of DPPC Bilayers upon Inclusion of an Antibacterial Cationic Bolaamphiphile. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2018; 34:8952-8961. [PMID: 29976066 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b01689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains has fostered fundamental research to develop alternative antimicrobial strategies. Among the several systems proposed so far, the association complexes (nanoplexes) formed by transcription factor decoys (TFDs), i.e., short oligonucleotides targeting a crucial bacterial transcription factor, and a bolaform cationic amphiphile, 10,10'-(dodecane-1,12-diyl)-bis-(9-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridinium) chloride (12-bis-THA), have demonstrated their potential in vitro and in vivo. The application of these nanoplexes is hampered by a scarce colloidal stability, which can be addressed by including the bolaamphiphile in a liposomal carrier, which is then associated to the TFD. The present study reports an investigation on the effects of 12-bis-THA on the structure of synthetic lipid bilayers to assess the morphology of the mixed assemblies, gain insight into the location of the host within the bilayer, and determine the loading capacity of the carrier. Our results demonstrate that 12-bis-THA promptly inserts within 1,2-dipalmitoyl- sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) bilayers, bending its C-12 spacer chain to adopt a conelike shape and shifting the gel-liquid crystalline transition of the chains to lower temperatures. The host liposomal structure is retained for a bolaamphiphile concentration of up to 3.2% mol to DPPC, whereas higher concentrations lead to the destabilization by means of a detergency-like mechanism, with the simultaneous existence of different lamellar-based structures, such as liposomes, bicelles, and rafts, in which DPPC and 12-bis-THA could be present in different molar ratios. Overall, these results shed light on the interaction of the bolaamphiphile with a lipid bilayer and provide valuable insight to better formulate the antimicrobial amphiphile in liposomal carriers to circumvent the colloidal instability of nanoplexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mamusa
- CSGI and Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" , University of Florence , Sesto Fiorentino (FI) 50019 , Italy
| | - A Salvatore
- CSGI and Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" , University of Florence , Sesto Fiorentino (FI) 50019 , Italy
| | - D Berti
- CSGI and Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" , University of Florence , Sesto Fiorentino (FI) 50019 , Italy
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Hibbitts A, O'Leary C. Emerging Nanomedicine Therapies to Counter the Rise of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 11:E321. [PMID: 29473883 PMCID: PMC5849018 DOI: 10.3390/ma11020321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In a recent report, the World Health Organisation (WHO) classified antibiotic resistance as one of the greatest threats to global health, food security, and development. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains at the core of this threat, with persistent and resilient strains detectable in up to 90% of S. aureus infections. Unfortunately, there is a lack of novel antibiotics reaching the clinic to address the significant morbidity and mortality that MRSA is responsible for. Recently, nanomedicine strategies have emerged as a promising therapy to combat the rise of MRSA. However, these approaches have been wide-ranging in design, with few attempts to compare studies across scientific and clinical disciplines. This review seeks to reconcile this discrepancy in the literature, with specific focus on the mechanisms of MRSA infection and how they can be exploited by bioactive molecules that are delivered by nanomedicines, in addition to utilisation of the nanomaterials themselves as antibacterial agents. Finally, we discuss targeting MRSA biofilms using nano-patterning technologies and comment on future opportunities and challenges for MRSA treatment using nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Hibbitts
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
- Trinity Centre of Bioengineering, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Cian O'Leary
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
- Trinity Centre of Bioengineering, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
- School of Pharmacy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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Marín-Barba M, Gavilán H, Gutiérrez L, Lozano-Velasco E, Rodríguez-Ramiro I, Wheeler GN, Morris CJ, Morales MP, Ruiz A. Unravelling the mechanisms that determine the uptake and metabolism of magnetic single and multicore nanoparticles in a Xenopus laevis model. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:690-704. [PMID: 29242877 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr06020c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Multicore superparamagnetic nanoparticles have been proposed as ideal tools for some biomedical applications because of their high magnetic moment per particle, high specific surface area and long term colloidal stability. Through controlled aggregation and packing of magnetic cores it is possible to obtain not only single-core but also multicore and hollow spheres with internal voids. In this work, we compare toxicological properties of single and multicore nanoparticles. Both types of particles showed moderate in vitro toxicity (MTT assay) tested in Hep G2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) and Caco-2 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma) cells. The influence of surface chemistry in their biological behavior was also studied after functionalization with O,O'-bis(2-aminoethyl) PEG (2000 Da). For the first time, these nanoparticles were evaluated in a Xenopus laevis model studying their whole organism toxicity and their impact upon iron metabolism. The degree of activation of the metabolic pathway depends on the size and surface charge of the nanoparticles which determine their uptake. The results also highlight the potential of Xenopus laevis model bridging the gap between in vitro cell-based assays and rodent models for toxicity assessment to develop effective nanoparticles for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Marín-Barba
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7TJ, UK
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Hegarty JP, Stewart DB. Advances in therapeutic bacterial antisense biotechnology. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2017; 102:1055-1065. [PMID: 29209794 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-017-8671-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Antisense therapeutics are a biotechnological form of antibiotic therapy using chemical analogues of short single-stranded nucleic acid sequences modified to form stable oligomers. These molecules are termed antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) because their sequence is complementary, via Watson-Crick specific base pairing, to their target messenger RNA (mRNA). ASOs modify gene expression in this sequence-dependent manner by binding to its complementary mRNA and inhibiting its translation into protein through steric blockage and/or through RNase degradation of the ASO/RNA duplex. The widespread use of conventional antibiotics has led to the increasing emergence of multiple drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria. There is an urgent need to develop alternative therapeutic strategies to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with bacterial infections, and until recently, the use of ASOs as therapeutic agents has been essentially limited to eukaryotic cells, with ASOs as antibacterials having been largely unexplored primarily due to the poor uptake efficiency of antisense molecules by bacteria. There are conceptual advantages to bacterial antisense antibiotic therapies, including a sequence-dependent approach that allows for a rational design to multiple specific molecular targets. This review summarizes the current knowledge of antisense bacterial biotechnology and highlights the recent progress and the current obstacles in their development for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Hegarty
- College of Medicine, Department of Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, 500 University Drive, H137, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA
| | - David B Stewart
- College of Medicine, Department of Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, 500 University Drive, H137, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA.
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Mamusa M, Barbero F, Montis C, Cutillo L, Gonzalez-Paredes A, Berti D. Inclusion of oligonucleotide antimicrobials in biocompatible cationic liposomes: A structural study. J Colloid Interface Sci 2017; 508:476-487. [PMID: 28865342 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2017.08.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Transcription factor decoys (TFD) are short oligonucleotides designed to block essential genetic pathways in bacteria and defeat resistant infections. TFD protection in biological fluids and their delivery to the site of infection require formulation in appropriate delivery systems. In this work, we build on a classical phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylethanolamine (POPC/DOPE) scaffold to design TFD-loaded cationic liposomes by combining the DNA-complexing abilities of a bolaamphiphile, (1,1'-(dodecane-1,12-diyl)-bis-(9-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridinium) chloride (12-bis-THA), with the biocompatible cationic lipid ethyl-phosphatidylcholine (DPePC). The goal is to perform a structural study to determine the impact of the bolaamphiphile and TFD incorporation on the liposome structure, the capacity for TFD encapsulation, and the colloidal stability in saline media and cell culture environments. EXPERIMENTS The systems are characterized by means of dynamic light scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering, and ζ-potential measurements, to provide a clear picture of the liposome structure. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy is used to assess the compaction of the oligonucleotide in a psi form, while steady-state fluorescence and fluorescence correlation spectroscopies give insight into the entrapment rate and distribution of the TFD in the liposomes. FINDINGS We found that the combination of the two cationic species, 12-bis-THA and DPePC, allows encapsulation of 90% of the TFD. Results of CD experiments revealed that the TFD is condensed, therefore likely protected from the lytic action of serum nucleases. Finally, the systems showed colloidal stability in aqueous dispersion with ionic strength comparable to biologically relevant media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Mamusa
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy.
| | | | - Costanza Montis
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Laura Cutillo
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | | | - Debora Berti
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
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