Enhancement of magnetofection efficiency using chitosan coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and calf thymus DNA

Interfacial interactions between DNA and polysaccharide-coated magnetic nanoparticles: Insight from simulations and experiments

In this work we examine the structural and energetic stability and the interactions between dextran-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and a DNA oligonucleotide at ionic strength conditions that are relevant to physiological gene delivery processes. All-atom Molecular Dynamics simulations provided information at the atomic-level regarding the mechanisms responsible for the physical adsorption of Dextran on the magnetic surface and the conditions under which a successful DNA-Dextran complexation can be accomplished. Coulombic interactions were found to play the main role for the formation of the Dextran interfacial layer onto the magnetic surface while hydrogen bonding between the Dextran molecules enhanced the structural integrity of this layer. The Dextran-DNA complexation was also driven by electrostatic interactions between the two moieties. An increase of the salt concentration was found to promote DNA complexation with the DX-coated magnetic nanoparticles, through the modification of the Coulombic interactions between the DX and DNA chains, which worked synergistically with the increase in hydrogen bonding between the two macromolecules. Comparison of the behavior of the coated with the uncoated magnetic nanoparticles, highlighted the significant role of the DX interfacial layer on the DNA association to the magnetic surface. Relevant experimental results provided complementary information for the coated nanoparticle/DNA interactions at different (larger) length scales. A good qualitative agreement was found between the simulation and experimental findings. This study demonstrates that tailoring the nanoparticle coating and ionic strength can optimize the delivery of DNA by fine-tuning the favorable interfacial forces and thus the DNA/MNP binding stability.

SPIONs: Superparamagnetic iron oxide-based nanoparticles for the delivery of microRNAi-therapeutics in cancer

Non-coding RNA (ncRNA)-based therapeutics that induce RNA interference (RNAi), such as microRNAs (miRNAs), have drawn considerable attention as a novel class of targeted cancer therapeutics because of their capacity to specifically target oncogenes/protooncogenes that regulate key signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis, tumor growth and progression, metastasis, cell survival, proliferation, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. However, clinical translation of miRNA-based therapeutics, in particular, has been challenging due to the ineffective delivery of ncRNA molecules into tumors and their uptake into cancer cells. Recently, superparamagnetic iron oxide-based nanoparticles (SPIONs) have emerged as highly effective and efficient for the delivery of therapeutic RNAs to malignant tissues, as well as theranostic (therapy and diagnostic) applications, due to their excellent biocompatibility, magnetic responsiveness, broad functional surface modification, safety, and biodistribution profiles. This review highlights recent advances in the use of SPIONs for the delivery of ncRNA-based therapeutics with an emphasis on their synthesis and coating strategies. Moreover, the advantages and current limitations of SPIONs and their future perspectives are discussed.

Inorganic nanoparticle-integrated mesenchymal stem cells: A potential biological agent for multifaceted applications

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapies are flourishing. MSCs could be used as potential therapeutic agents for regenerative medicine due to their own repair function. Meanwhile, the natural predisposition toward inflammation or injury sites makes them promising carriers for targeted drug delivery. Inorganic nanoparticles (INPs) are greatly favored for their unique properties and potential applications in biomedical fields. Current research has integrated INPs with MSCs to enhance their regenerative or antitumor functions. This model also allows the in vivo fate tracking of MSCs in multiple imaging modalities, as many INPs are also excellent contrast agents. Thus, INP-integrated MSCs would be a multifunctional biologic agent with great potential. In this review, the current roles performed by the integration of INPs with MSCs, including (i) enhancing their repair and regeneration capacity via the improvement of migration, survival, paracrine, or differentiation properties, (ii) empowering tumor-killing ability through agent loaded or hyperthermia, and (iii) conferring traceability are summarized. An introduction of INP-integrated MSCs for simultaneous treatment and tracking is also included. The promising applications of INP-integrated MSCs in future treatments are emphasized and the challenges to their clinical translation are discussed.

A comparative study of iron nanoflower and nanocube in terms of antibacterial properties

It is known that heavy metal containing nanomaterials can easily prevent the formation of microbial cultures. The emergence of new generation epidemic diseases in the last 2 years has increased the importance of both personal and environmental hygiene. For this reason, in addition to preventing the spread of diseases, studies on alternative disinfectant substances are also carried out. In this study, the antibacterial activity of nanoflower and nanocube, which are easily synthesized and nanoparticle species containing iron, were compared. The antioxidant abilities of new synthesized NF@FeO(OH) and NC@α-Fe2O3 were tested by DPPH scavenging activity assay. The highest DPPH inhibition was achieved with NC@α-Fe2O3 as 71.30% at 200 mg/L. NF@FeO(OH) and NC@α-Fe2O3 demonstrated excellent DNA cleavage ability. The antimicrobial capabilities of NF@FeO(OH) and NC@α-Fe2O3 were analyzed with micro dilution procedure. In 500 mg/L, the antimicrobial activity was 100%. In addition to these, the biofilm inhibition of NF@FeO(OH) and NC@α-Fe2O3 were investigated against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa and it was found that they showed significant antibiofilm inhibition. It is suggested that additional studies can be continued to be developed and used as an antibacterial according to the results of the nanoparticles after various toxicological test systems.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13204-023-02822-5.

Estimating the two graph dextran-stearic acid-spermine polymers based on iron oxide nanoparticles as carrier for gene delivery

Non-viral gene carriers have shown noticeable potential in gene delivery because of limited side effects, biocompatibility, simplicity, and the ability to take advantage of electrostatic interactions. However, the low transfection rate of non-viral vectors under physiological conditions is controversial. This study aimed to decrease the transfection time using a static magnetic field. We used self-assembled cationic polysaccharides based on dextran-stearic acid-spermine (DSASP) conjugates associated with Fe₃ O₄ superparamagnetic nanoparticles to investigate their potential as gene carriers to promote the target delivery. Our findings illustrate that the magnetic nanoparticles are spherical with a positive surface charge and exhibit superparamagnetic behavior. The DSASP-pDNA/Fe₃ O₄ complexes offered a strong pDNA condensation, protection against DNase degradation, and significant cell viability in HEK 293T cells. Our results demonstrated that although conjugation of stearic acid could play a role in transfection efficiency, DSASP magnetic carriers with more spermine derivatives showed better affinity between the amphiphilic polymer and the negatively charged cell membrane.

New Insights into Biocompatible Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: A Potential Booster of Gene Delivery to Stem Cells

Gene delivery to stem cells is a critical issue of stem cells-based therapies, still facing ongoing challenges regarding efficiency and safety. Recent advances in the controlled synthesis of biocompatible magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have provided a powerful nanotool for assisting gene delivery to stem cells. However, this field is still at an early stage, with well-designed and scalable IONPs synthesis highly desired. Furthermore, the potential risks or bioeffects of IONPs on stem cells are not completely figured out. Therefore, in this review, the updated researches focused on the gene delivery to stem cells using various designed IONPs are highlighted. Additionally, the impacts of the physicochemical properties of IONPs, as well as the magnetofection systems on the gene delivery performance and biocompatibility are summarized. Finally, challenges attributed to the potential impacts of IONPs on the biologic behaviors of stem cells and the large-scale productions of uniform IONPs are emphasized. The principles and challenges summarized in this review provide a general guidance for the rational design of IONPs-assisted gene delivery to stem cells.

Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of magnetic Fe3O4 and APTS coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles: physicochemical investigations of interaction with DNA

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) especially iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) NPs have quite extensively been used for in vivo delivery of biomolecules and drugs because of their high bioconjugation efficiency. In this study, Fe₃O₄ NPs and (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTS) coated Fe₃O₄ NPs were synthesized and their interaction with Calf thymus (Ct) DNA has been studied in order to understand their usage in biomedical applications. Hydrothermal method was used for the NPs synthesis. Characterization of NPs was done using techniques like UV-Visible spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, FE-SEM, EDAX, Zeta Sizer and powder XRD. Further, interaction studies of NPs with Ct-DNA were investigated using various physicochemical techniques. In UV-Visible studies, hypochromicity with binding constant 3.2 × 10⁵ M^-1 was observed. Binding constants calculated using fluorescence studies were found to be k = 3.2 × 10⁴ M^-1, 2.9 × 10⁴ M^-1 at 293 and 323 K respectively. Results of UV-Visible and fluorescence studies were in correlation with other techniques like UV-T_M and CD. All studies suggested alteration in DNA conformation on interaction with surface engineered Fe₃O₄ NPs, stabilizing DNA-NPs conjugate via partial intercalation and electrostatic interactions. This study may facilitate our understanding regarding the physicochemical properties and DNA-binding ability of APTS-Fe₃O₄ NPs for their further application in magnetosensitive biosensing and drug delivery. Iron oxide based magnetic nanoparticles are well known for their excellent bio-conjugation efficiency and therefore APTS-Fe₃O₄ NPs were synthesized via very simple and benign hydrothermal method. Further, the interaction of APTS-Fe₃O₄ NPs with calf thymus DNA was studied using various physicochemical techniques to explore their potential in biomedical applications.

High payload and targeted release of anthracyclines by aptamer-tethered DNA nanotrains - Thermodynamic and release kinetic study

As one of the most promising drug delivery carriers, self-assembled DNA nanostructures are characterized of well-defined sizes, excellent biocompatibility, high drug loading and ability to control drug release. Studying the interactions between anticancer drugs and DNA nanostructures can help to associate microstructure-drug loading-release rate-therapeutic effect. Herein AS1411 aptamer-tethered DNA nanotrains (AS1411NTrs) were constructed and used as anthracyclines carrier with high payload for targeted delivery. The bindings of doxorubicin (DOX), epirubicin (EPI), and daunorubicin (DAU) to AS1411NTrs were investigated by isothermal titration calorimetry and fluorescence spectroscopy, and thermodynamic parameters were obtained. The high drug payload capacity of AS1411NTrs was verified by the large number of binding sites (~20). The binding mode was determined by differential scanning calorimetry and potassium iodide (KI) quenching experiments. The release experiment data showed that DNase I facilitated drug release and the release followed the first-order kinetic model. MTT cell viability assay demonstrated that the drug-loaded AS1411NTrs had significantly higher cytotoxicity against target HeLa cells than normal human liver L02 cells. These findings revealed that AS1411NTrs had high payload and targeted release capacity for DOX, EPI, and DAU. This result can provide a theoretical basis for constructing reasonable DNA nanostructures based on drug carriers.

Orthogonal test design for the optimization of superparamagnetic chitosan plasmid gelatin microspheres that promote vascularization of artificial bone

The optimal conditions for the preparation of superparamagnetic chitosan plasmid (pReceiver‐M29‐VEGF165/DH5a) gelatin microspheres (SPCPGMs) were determined. Then, the performance of the SPCPGMs during neovascularization was evaluated in vivo. The SPCPGMs were prepared through a cross‐linking curing method and then filled into the hollow scaffold of an artificial bone. Neovascularization at the bone defect position was histologically examined in samples collected 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after the operation. The cellular magnetofection rate of superparamagnetic chitosan nanoparticles/plasmid (pReceiver‐M29‐VEGF165/DH5a) complexes reached 1–3% under static magnetic field (SMF). Meanwhile, the optimal conditions for SPCPGM fabrication were 20% Fe₃O₄ (w/v), 4 mg of plasmid, 5.3 mg of glutaraldehyde, and 500 rpm of emulsification rotate speed. Under oscillating magnetic fields (OMFs), 4–6 μg of plasmids was released daily for 21 days. Under the combined application of SMF and OMF, evident neovascularization occurred at the bone defect position 6 weeks after the operation. This result is expected to provide a new type of angiogenesis strategy for the research of bone tissue engineering.

Chitosan for gene delivery: Methods for improvement and applications

Gene therapy is a promising strategy for treating challenging diseases. The successful delivery of genes is a critical step for gene therapy. However, concerns about immunogenicity and toxicity are the main obstacles against the widespread use of effective viral systems. Therefore, nonviral vectors are regarded as good alternatives to viral vectors. Chitosan is a natural cationic polysaccharide that could be used to create nonviral gene delivery vectors. Various methods have been developed to improve the properties of chitosan related to gene delivery. This review introduces the features of chitosan in gene delivery, summarizes current progress toward methods promoting the properties of chitosan related to gene delivery, and presents different applications of chitosan in gene delivery vectors. Finally, future prospects of gene vectors based on chitosan are discussed.

Exploring the potential of environment friendly silver nanoparticles for DNA interaction: Physicochemical approach

Nanosilver, being the most prominent nanoproduct has diverse bio-medical applications and hence the effects associated with their exposure need to be investigated in detail. The interaction of metal nanoparticles with DNA has become a matter of interest, as their effect on structural integrity, synthesis and replication could be explored through it. Present work aims at the facile synthesis and characterization of spherical silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Epipremnum aureum leaves extract. Nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), High Resolution X-ray Diffraction (HR-XRD) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) studies. The interaction of AgNPs with Calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was investigated using different spectroscopic techniques like UV-Visible spectroscopy, UV-thermal melting, Circular Dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopic studies. Fluorescence results suggest van der Waals and H-bonding interactions, which are predominantly responsible for the interaction of AgNPs with CT-DNA. Circular dichroism and thermal melting studies are pointing towards the groove binding of AgNPs to CT-DNA. DNA duplex destabilization was confirmed by the decreased thermal melting temperature of CT-DNA on addition of AgNPs. Present study might open up new vistas for the study of unusual kind of DNA binders, which can destabilize DNA and may further be used for various biomedical applications.

Advanced physical techniques for gene delivery based on membrane perforation

Gene delivery as a promising and valid tool has been used for treating many serious diseases that conventional drug therapies cannot cure. Due to the advancement of physical technology and nanotechnology, advanced physical gene delivery methods such as electroporation, magnetoporation, sonoporation and optoporation have been extensively developed and are receiving increasing attention, which have the advantages of briefness and nontoxicity. This review introduces the technique detail of membrane perforation, with a brief discussion for future development, with special emphasis on nanoparticles mediated optoporation that have developed as an new alternative transfection technique in the last two decades. In particular, the advanced physical approaches development and new technology are highlighted, which intends to stimulate rapid advancement of perforation techniques, develop new delivery strategies and accelerate application of these techniques in clinic.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications: A Perspective on Synthesis, Drugs, Antimicrobial Activity, and Toxicity

Medical applications and biotechnological advances, including magnetic resonance imaging, cell separation and detection, tissue repair, magnetic hyperthermia and drug delivery, have strongly benefited from employing iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) due to their remarkable properties, such as superparamagnetism, size and possibility of receiving a biocompatible coating. Ongoing research efforts focus on reducing drug concentration, toxicity, and other side effects, while increasing efficacy of IONPs-based treatments. This review highlights the methods of synthesis and presents the most recent reports in the literature regarding advances in drug delivery using IONPs-based systems, as well as their antimicrobial activity against different microorganisms. Furthermore, the toxicity of IONPs alone and constituting nanosystems is also addressed.

Block copolymer conjugated Au-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles as vectors for enhancing colloidal stability and cellular uptake

BACKGROUND

Polymer surface-modified inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) provide a multifunctional platform for assisting gene delivery. Rational structure design for enhancing colloidal stability and cellular uptake is an important strategy in the development of safe and highly efficient gene vectors.

RESULTS

Heterogeneous Au-coated Fe3O4 (Fe3O4@Au) NPs capped by polyethylene glycol-b-poly1-(3-aminopropyl)-3-(2-methacryloyloxy propylimidazolium bromine) (PEG-b-PAMPImB-Fe3O4@Au) were prepared for DNA loading and magnetofection assays. The Au outer shell of the NPs is an effective platform for maintaining the superparamagnetism of Fe3O4 and for PEG-b-PAMPImB binding via Au-S covalent bonds. By forming an electrostatic complex with DNA at the inner PAMPImB shell, the magnetic nanoplexes offer steric protection from the outer corona PEG, thereby promoting high colloidal stability. Transfection efficiency assays in human esophageal cancer cells (EC109) show that the nanoplexes have high transfection efficiency at a short incubation time in the presence of an external magnetic field, due to increased cellular internalization via magnetic acceleration. Finally, after transfection with the magnetic nanoplexes EC109 cells acquire magnetic properties, thus allowing for selective separation of transfected cells.

CONCLUSION

Precisely engineered architectures based on neutral-cationic block copolymer-conjugated heterogeneous NPs provide a valuable strategy for improving the applicability and efficacy of synthesized vectors.