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Racaniello GF, Silvestri T, Pistone M, D'Amico V, Arduino I, Denora N, Lopedota AA. Innovative Pharmaceutical Techniques for Paediatric Dosage Forms: A Systematic Review on 3D Printing, Prilling/Vibration and Microfluidic Platform. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:1726-1748. [PMID: 38582283 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The production of paediatric pharmaceutical forms represents a unique challenge within the pharmaceutical industry. The primary goal of these formulations is to ensure therapeutic efficacy, safety, and tolerability in paediatric patients, who have specific physiological needs and characteristics. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in attention towards this area, driven by the need to improve drug administration to children and ensure optimal and specific treatments. Technological innovation has played a crucial role in meeting these requirements, opening new frontiers in the design and production of paediatric pharmaceutical forms. In particular, three emerging technologies have garnered considerable interest and attention within the scientific and industrial community: 3D printing, prilling/vibration, and microfluidics. These technologies offer advanced approaches for the design, production, and customization of paediatric pharmaceutical forms, allowing for more precise dosage modulation, improved solubility, and greater drug acceptability. In this review, we delve into these cutting-edge technologies and their impact on the production of paediatric pharmaceutical forms. We analyse their potential, associated challenges, and recent developments, providing a comprehensive overview of the opportunities that these innovative methodologies offer to the pharmaceutical sector. We examine different pharmaceutical forms generated using these techniques, evaluating their advantages and disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Teresa Silvestri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, D. Montesano St. 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Pistone
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Vita D'Amico
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Arduino
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Nunzio Denora
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125, Bari, Italy.
| | - Angela Assunta Lopedota
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
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2
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Salehi S, Boddohi S, Adel Ghiass M, Behmanesh M. Microfluidic preparation and optimization of (Kollicoat ® IR-b-PCL) polymersome for co-delivery of Nisin-Curcumin in breast cancer application. Int J Pharm 2024; 660:124371. [PMID: 38908809 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124371] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
This work aimed to develop amphiphilic nanocarriers such as polymersome based diblock copolymer of Kollicoat ® IR -block-poly(ε-caprolactone) (Kollicoat ® IR-b-PCL) for potential co-delivery of Nisin (Ni) and Curcumin (CUR) for treatment of breast cancer. To generate multi-layered nanocarriers of uniform size and morphology, microfluidics was used as a new technology. In order to characterise and optimize polymersome, design of experiments (Design-Expert) software with three levels full factorial design (3-FFD) method was used. Finally, the optimized polymersome was produced with a spherical morphology, small particle size (dH < 200 nm), uniform size distribution (PDI < 0.2), and high drug loading efficiency (Ni 78 % and CUR 93 %). Furthermore, the maximum release of Ni and CUR was found to be roughly 60 % and 80 % in PBS, respectively. Cytotoxicity assays showed a slight cytotoxicity of Ni and CUR -loaded polymersome (N- Ni /CUR) towards normal cells while demonstrating inhibitory activity against cancer cells compared to the free drugs. Also, the apoptosis assays and cellular uptake confirmed the obtained results from cytotoxic analysis. In general, this study demonstrated a microfluidic approach for preparation and optimization of polymersome for co-delivery of two drugs into cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Salehi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheil Boddohi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Adel Ghiass
- Tissue Engineering Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehrdad Behmanesh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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3
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Bi D, Wilhelmy C, Unthan D, Keil IS, Zhao B, Kolb B, Koning RI, Graewert MA, Wouters B, Zwier R, Bussmann J, Hankemeier T, Diken M, Haas H, Langguth P, Barz M, Zhang H. On the Influence of Fabrication Methods and Materials for mRNA-LNP Production: From Size and Morphology to Internal Structure and mRNA Delivery Performance In Vitro and In Vivo. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2401252. [PMID: 38889433 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202401252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) remains the most advanced platform for messenger RNA (mRNA) delivery. To date, mRNA LNPs synthesis is mostly performed by mixing lipids and mRNA with microfluidics. In this study, a cost-effective microfluidic setup for synthesizing mRNA LNPs is developed. It allows to fine-tune the LNPs characteristics without compromising LNP properties. It is compared with a commercial device (NanoAssemblr) and ethanol injection and the influence of manufacturing conditions on the performance of mRNA LNPs is investigated. LNPs prepared by ethanol injection exhibit broader size distributions and more inhomogeneous internal structure (e.g., bleb-like substructures), while other LNPs show uniform structure with dense cores. Small angel X-ray scattering (SAXS) data indicate a tighter interaction between mRNA and lipids within LNPs synthesized by custom device, compared to LNPs produced by NanoAssemblr. Interestingly, the better transfection efficiency of polysarcosine (pSar)-modified LNPs correlates with a higher surface roughness than that of PEGylated ones. The manufacturing approach, however, shows modest influence on mRNA expression in vivo. In summary, the home-developed cost-effective microfluidic device can synthesize LNPs and represents a potent alternative to NanoAssemblr. The preparation methods show notable effect on LNPs' structure but a minor influence on mRNA delivery in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Bi
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Christoph Wilhelmy
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Dennis Unthan
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Isabell Sofia Keil
- TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University GmbH, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Bonan Zhao
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Bastian Kolb
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Roman I Koning
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2300 RC, The Netherlands
| | - Melissa A Graewert
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Hamburg Outstation c/o DESY, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bert Wouters
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Raphaël Zwier
- Leiden Institute of Physics Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Bussmann
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Hankemeier
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Mustafa Diken
- TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University GmbH, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Heinrich Haas
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter Langguth
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Barz
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Heyang Zhang
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
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4
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Akar S, Fardindoost S, Hoorfar M. High throughput microfluidics-based synthesis of PEGylated liposomes for precise size control and efficient drug encapsulation. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2024; 238:113926. [PMID: 38677154 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.113926] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
The low scalability and reproducibility of existing synthesis methods have hindered the translation of liposome nanoparticles as carriers for targeted drug delivery from conventional laboratory techniques to mass production. To this end, in this study, we present a high-throughput microfluidics-based approach for the synthesis of PEGylated liposomes with a primary focus on achieving precise size control and efficient encapsulation of hydrophobic drug molecules. In this platform, liposomes were self-assembled through a controllable mixing of lipids (EYPC, cholesterol, and DSPE-PEG 2000) dissolved in ethanol and an aqueous solution. The key parameters, including the chip design, total flow rate, flow rate ratio, lipid concentrations, as well as variations in buffer (HEPES and NaCl) and solvent composition (commercial and reagent-grade ethanol) were explored in detail. Through comprehensive parametric studies, we gained valuable insights into the influence of these variables on the size distribution of liposomes and succeeded in producing highly reproducible liposomes ranging from approximately 60 nm (corresponding to small unilamellar vesicles) to 150 nm (representing large unilamellar vesicles), all while maintaining a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 0.2. To assess the encapsulation efficiency of hydrophobic drug molecules, Nile red (NR) was employed as a surrogate. We meticulously examined the impact of NR concentration on the drug encapsulation process, resulting in up to 74% drug encapsulation efficiency within the PEGylated liposomes. This research offers crucial advances in liposome synthesis and drug delivery, providing a high-throughput, controllable method for PEGylated liposomes with potential in pharmaceutical and biomedical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Akar
- School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Somayeh Fardindoost
- School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Mina Hoorfar
- School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
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5
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Xu H, Wang Z, Wei W, Li T, Duan X. Microfluidic confined acoustic streaming vortex for liposome synthesis. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:2802-2810. [PMID: 38693825 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00184b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Liposomes have garnered significant attention owing to their favorable characteristics as promising carriers. Microfluidic based hydrodynamic flow focusing, or micro-mixing approaches enable precise control of liposome size during their synthesis due to the comparable size scale. However, current microfluidic approaches still have issues such as high flow rate dependency, complex chip structures, and ease of clogging. Herein, we present a novel microfluidic platform for size-tunable liposome synthesis based on an ultra-high-frequency acoustic resonator. By designing the shape and orientation of the acoustic resonator in the three-phase laminar flow, it combined the features of both hydrodynamic flow focusing and rapid micro-mixing. The distribution of lipid precursor solution in laminar flow and the mixing conditions could be regulated by the confined acoustic streaming vortex. We successfully synthesize liposomes with adjustable sizes and narrow size distributions. Notably, this platform regulates the product size by adjusting only the input power, which is less dependent on the flow rate. Furthermore, the vortex-like fluid flow generated along the device edge effectively prevents precipitation due to excessive lipid concentration or contact with the wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, College of Precision Instruments and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Zhaoxun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, College of Precision Instruments and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Wei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, College of Precision Instruments and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Tiechuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, College of Precision Instruments and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Xuexin Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, College of Precision Instruments and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
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6
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Nele V, Campani V, Alia Moosavian S, De Rosa G. Lipid nanoparticles for RNA delivery: Self-assembling vs driven-assembling strategies. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 208:115291. [PMID: 38514018 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115291] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Among non-viral vectors, lipid nanovectors are considered the gold standard for the delivery of RNA therapeutics. The success of lipid nanoparticles for RNA delivery, with three products approved for human use, has stimulated further investigation into RNA therapeutics for different pathologies. This requires decoding the pathological intracellular processes and tailoring the delivery system to the target tissue and cells. The complexity of the lipid nanovectors morphology originates from the assembling of the lipidic components, which can be elicited by various methods able to drive the formation of nanoparticles with the desired organization. In other cases, pre-formed nanoparticles can be mixed with RNA to induce self-assembly and structural reorganization into RNA-loaded nanoparticles. In this review, the most relevant lipid nanovectors and their potentialities for RNA delivery are described on the basis of the assembling mechanism and of the particle architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Nele
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Virginia Campani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Seyedeh Alia Moosavian
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Rosa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49 80131 Naples, Italy.
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7
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Maeki M, Kimura N, Okada Y, Shimizu K, Shibata K, Miyazaki Y, Ishida A, Yonezawa K, Shimizu N, Shinoda W, Tokeshi M. Understanding the effects of ethanol on the liposome bilayer structure using microfluidic-based time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering and molecular dynamics simulations. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2024; 6:2166-2176. [PMID: 38633055 PMCID: PMC11019499 DOI: 10.1039/d3na01073b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are essential carrier particles in drug delivery systems, particularly in ribonucleic acid delivery. In preparing lipid-based nanoparticles, microfluidic-based ethanol injection may produce precisely size-controlled nanoparticles. Ethanol is critical in LNP formation and post-treatment processes and affects liposome size, structure, lamellarity, and drug-loading efficiency. However, the effects of time-dependent changes in the ethanol concentration on the structural dynamics of liposomes are not clearly understood. Herein, we investigated ethanol-induced lipid bilayer changes in liposomes on a time scale from microseconds to tens of seconds using a microfluidic-based small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurement system coupled with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The time-resolved SAXS measurement system revealed that single unilamellar liposomes were converted to multilamellar liposomes within 0.8 s of contact with ethanol, and the d-spacing was decreased from 6.1 (w/o ethanol) to 4.4 nm (80% ethanol) with increasing ethanol concentration. We conducted 1 μs MD simulations to understand the molecular-level structural changes in the liposomes. The MD simulations revealed that the changes in the lamellar structure caused by ethanol at the molecular level could explain the structural changes in the liposomes observed via time-resolved SAXS. Therefore, the post-treatment process to remove residual ethanol is critical in liposome formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Maeki
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku Sapporo 060-8628 Japan +81-11-706-6745 +81-11-706-6773 +81-11-706-6744
- JST PRESTO 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi Saitama 332-0012 Japan
- Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK) Tsukuba Ibaraki 305-0801 Japan
| | - Niko Kimura
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku Sapporo 060-8628 Japan
| | - Yuto Okada
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku Sapporo 060-8628 Japan
| | - Kazuki Shimizu
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku Sapporo 060-8628 Japan
| | - Kana Shibata
- Department of Materials Chemistry, Nagoya University Chikusa-ku Nagoya 464-8603 Japan
| | - Yusuke Miyazaki
- Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Okayama 700-8530 Japan
| | - Akihiko Ishida
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku Sapporo 060-8628 Japan +81-11-706-6745 +81-11-706-6773 +81-11-706-6744
| | - Kento Yonezawa
- Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK) Tsukuba Ibaraki 305-0801 Japan
| | - Nobutaka Shimizu
- Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK) Tsukuba Ibaraki 305-0801 Japan
| | - Wataru Shinoda
- Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Okayama 700-8530 Japan
| | - Manabu Tokeshi
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku Sapporo 060-8628 Japan +81-11-706-6745 +81-11-706-6773 +81-11-706-6744
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8
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Chiesa E, Caimi A, Bellotti M, Giglio A, Conti B, Dorati R, Auricchio F, Genta I. Effect of Micromixer Design on Lipid Nanocarriers Manufacturing for the Delivery of Proteins and Nucleic Acids. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:507. [PMID: 38675169 PMCID: PMC11054535 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipid-based nanocarriers have emerged as helpful tools to deliver sensible biomolecules such as proteins and oligonucleotides. To have a fast and robust microfluidic-based nanoparticle synthesis method, the setup of versatile equipment should allow for the rapid transfer to scale cost-effectively while ensuring tunable, precise and reproducible nanoparticle attributes. The present work aims to assess the effect of different micromixer geometries on the manufacturing of lipid nanocarriers taking into account the influence on the mixing efficiency by changing the fluid-fluid interface and indeed the mass transfer. Since the geometry of the adopted micromixer varies from those already published, a Design of Experiment (DoE) was necessary to identify the operating (total flow, flow rate ratio) and formulation (lipid concentration, lipid molar ratios) parameters affecting the nanocarrier quality. The suitable application of the platform was investigated by producing neutral, stealth and cationic liposomes, using DaunoXome®, Myocet®, Onivyde® and Onpattro® as the benchmark. The effect of condensing lipid (DOTAP, 3-10-20 mol%), coating lipids (DSPE-PEG550 and DSPE-PEG2000), as well as structural lipids (DSPC, eggPC) was pointed out. A very satisfactory encapsulation efficiency, always higher than 70%, was successfully obtained for model biomolecules (myoglobin, short and long nucleic acids).
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Chiesa
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (E.C.); (A.G.); (B.C.); (R.D.)
| | - Alessandro Caimi
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.C.); (M.B.)
| | - Marco Bellotti
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.C.); (M.B.)
| | - Alessia Giglio
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (E.C.); (A.G.); (B.C.); (R.D.)
| | - Bice Conti
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (E.C.); (A.G.); (B.C.); (R.D.)
| | - Rossella Dorati
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (E.C.); (A.G.); (B.C.); (R.D.)
| | - Ferdinando Auricchio
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.C.); (M.B.)
| | - Ida Genta
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (E.C.); (A.G.); (B.C.); (R.D.)
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9
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Mehraji S, DeVoe DL. Microfluidic synthesis of lipid-based nanoparticles for drug delivery: recent advances and opportunities. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1154-1174. [PMID: 38165786 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00821e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidic technologies are revolutionizing the synthesis of nanoscale lipid particles and enabling new opportunities for the production of lipid-based nanomedicines. By harnessing the benefits of microfluidics for controlling diffusive and advective transport within microfabricated flow cells, microfluidic platforms enable unique capabilities for lipid nanoparticle synthesis with precise and tunable control over nanoparticle properties. Here we present an assessment of the current state of microfluidic technologies for lipid-based nanoparticle and nanomedicine production. Microfluidic techniques are discussed in the context of conventional production methods, with an emphasis on the capabilities of microfluidic systems for controlling nanoparticle size and size distribution. Challenges and opportunities associated with the scaling of manufacturing throughput are discussed, together with an overview of emerging microfluidic methods for lipid nanomedicine post-processing. The impact of additive manufacturing on current and future microfluidic platforms is also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sima Mehraji
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Don L DeVoe
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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10
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Dzhumashev D, Anton-Joseph S, Morel VJ, Timpanaro A, Bordon G, Piccand C, Aleandri S, Luciani P, Rössler J, Bernasconi M. Rapid liposomal formulation for nucleolin targeting to rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 194:49-61. [PMID: 38029941 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common pediatric soft tissue sarcoma. More effective and less toxic therapies are urgently needed for high-risk patients. Peptide-guided targeted drug delivery can increase the therapeutic index of encapsulated drugs and improve patients' well-being. To apply this strategy to RMS, we identified the peptide F3 in a screening for peptides binding to RMS cells surface. F3 binds to nucleolin, which is present on the surface of RMS cells and is abundantly expressed at the mRNA level in RMS patients' biopsies compared to healthy tissues. We developed a rapid microfluidic formulation of F3-decorated PEGylated liposomes and remote loading of the chemotherapeutic drug vincristine. Size, surface charge, drug loading and retention of targeted and control liposomes were studied. Enhanced cellular binding and uptake were observed in three different nucleolin-positive RMS cell lines. Importantly, F3-functionalized liposomes loaded with vincristine were up to 11 times more cytotoxic than non-targeted liposomes for RMS cell lines. These results demonstrate that F3-functionalized liposomes are promising for targeted drug delivery to RMS and warrant further in vivo investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dzhangar Dzhumashev
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stenija Anton-Joseph
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Victoria J Morel
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Timpanaro
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Bordon
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Piccand
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Simone Aleandri
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Paola Luciani
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jochen Rössler
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michele Bernasconi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland.
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11
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Mossburg KJ, Shepherd SJ, Barragan D, O NH, Berkow EK, Maidment PSN, Berrios DNR, Hsu JC, Siedlik MJ, Yadavali S, Mitchell MJ, Issadore D, Cormode DP. Towards the Clinical Translation of a Silver Sulfide Nanoparticle Contrast Agent: Large Scale Production with a Highly Parallelized Microfluidic Chip. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.02.569706. [PMID: 38106126 PMCID: PMC10723277 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.02.569706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasmall silver sulfide nanoparticles (Ag 2 S-NP) have been identified as promising contrast agents for a number of modalities and in particular for dual-energy mammography. These Ag 2 S-NP have demonstrated marked advantages over clinically available agents with the ability to generate higher contrast with high biocompatibility. However, current synthesis methods are low-throughput and highly time-intensive, limiting the possibility of large animal studies or eventual clinical use of this potential imaging agent. We herein report the use of a scalable silicon microfluidic system (SSMS) for the large-scale synthesis of Ag 2 S-NP. Using SSMS chips with 1 channel, 10 parallelized channels, and 256 parallelized channels, we determined that the Ag 2 S-NP produced were of similar quality as measured by core size, concentration, UV-visible spectrometry, and in vitro contrast generation. Moreover, by combining parallelized chips with increasing reagent concentration, we were able to increase output by an overall factor of 3,400. We also found that in vivo imaging contrast generation was consistent across synthesis methods and confirmed renal clearance of the ultrasmall nanoparticles. Finally, we found best-in-class clearance of the Ag 2 S-NP occurred within 24 hours. These studies have identified a promising method for the large-scale production of Ag 2 S-NP, paving the way for eventual clinical translation.
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12
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Behnke M, Klemm P, Dahlke P, Shkodra B, Beringer-Siemers B, Czaplewska JA, Stumpf S, Jordan PM, Schubert S, Hoeppener S, Vollrath A, Werz O, Schubert US. Ethoxy acetalated dextran nanoparticles for drug delivery: A comparative study of formulation methods. Int J Pharm X 2023; 5:100173. [PMID: 36908303 PMCID: PMC9995288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpx.2023.100173] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dextran-based polymers, such as ethoxy acetalated dextran (Ace-DEX), are increasingly becoming the focus of research as they offer great potential for the development of polymer-based nanoparticles as drug delivery vehicles. Their major advantages are the facile synthesis, straightforward particle preparation and the pH-dependent degradation of the particles that can be fine-tuned by the degree of acetalation of the polymer. In this study we have shown that Ace-DEX can not only compete against the commonly used and FDA-approved polymer poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), but even has the potential to outperform it in its encapsulation properties, e.g., for the herein used anti-inflammatory leukotriene biosynthesis inhibitor BRP-187. We used three different methods (microfluidics, batch nanoprecipitation and emulsion solvent evaporation) for the preparation of BRP-187-loaded Ace-DEX nanoparticles to investigate the influence of the formulation technique on the physicochemical properties of the particles. Finally, we evaluated which production method offers the greatest potential for achieving the demands for a successful translation from research into pharmaceutical production by fulfilling the basic requirements, such as reaching a high loading capacity of the particles and excellent reproducibility while being simple and affordable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira Behnke
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Paul Klemm
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Philipp Dahlke
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 14, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Blerina Shkodra
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Baerbel Beringer-Siemers
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Justyna Anna Czaplewska
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Steffi Stumpf
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Paul M Jordan
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 14, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Stephanie Schubert
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Stephanie Hoeppener
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Antje Vollrath
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Oliver Werz
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 14, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Ulrich S Schubert
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
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13
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Strelkova Petersen DM, Chaudhary N, Arral ML, Weiss RM, Whitehead KA. The mixing method used to formulate lipid nanoparticles affects mRNA delivery efficacy and organ tropism. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2023; 192:126-135. [PMID: 37838143 PMCID: PMC10826902 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
mRNA is a versatile drug molecule with therapeutic applications ranging from protein replacement therapies to in vivo gene engineering. mRNA delivery is often accomplished using lipid nanoparticles, which are formulated via mixing of aqueous and organic solutions. Although this has historically been accomplished by manual mixing for bench scale science, microfluidic mixing is required for scalable continuous manufacturing and batch to batch control. Currently, there is limited understanding on how the mixing process affects mRNA delivery efficacy, particularly in regard to tropism. To address this knowledge gap, we examined the influence of the type of mixing and microfluidic mixing parameters on the performance of lipid nanoparticles in mice. This was accomplished with a Design of Experiment approach using four nanoparticle formulations with varied ionizable lipid chemistry. We found that each formulation required unique optimization of mixing parameters, with the total delivery efficacy of each lipid nanoparticle generated with microfluidics ranging from 100-fold less to 4-fold more than manually mixed LNPs. Further, mixing parameters influenced organ tropism, with the most efficacious formulations disproportionately increasing liver delivery compared to other organs. These data suggest that mixing parameters for lipid nanoparticle production may require optimization for each unique chemical formulation, complicating translational efforts. Further, microfluidic parameters must be chosen carefully to balance overall mRNA delivery efficacy with application-specific tropism requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria M Strelkova Petersen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000, Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Namit Chaudhary
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000, Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Mariah L Arral
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000, Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Ryan M Weiss
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000, Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kathryn A Whitehead
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000, Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000, Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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14
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Chen J, Spoljaric S, Calatayud-Sanchez A, Alvarez-Braña Y, Caruso F. Engineering Metal-Phenolic Network Nanoparticles via Microfluidics. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:48050-48059. [PMID: 37812166 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c11889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics opens new avenues for materials engineering, as it enables scalable synthesis and provides highly controllable environments for reactions. Herein, we leverage microfluidics to engineer the properties of (bioactive) metal-phenolic network nanoparticles (MPN NPs), an emerging and highly modular nanoparticle platform for the incorporation and delivery of bioactive cargo. By varying the microfluidics operating parameters (flow rate ratio, total flow rate, temperature) and NP composition, we assemble MPN NPs, which consist of poly(ethylene glycol), biomacromolecules, metal ions, and polyphenols. Compared to MPN NPs prepared via bulk assembly, the microfluidics-assembled MPN NPs possess a broader tunable size range (i.e., ∼40-330 nm vs ∼45-220 nm for bulk-assembled NPs) and a higher (by ∼30%) protein loading. The bulk-assembled MPN NPs show pH-responsive protein release behavior (e.g., ∼50% at pH 7; ∼25% at pH 9; 48 h). Likewise, the MPN NPs prepared via microfluidics at a flow rate ratio of 1:1 display similar pH-responsive protein release behavior. For the microfluidics-assembled MPN NPs, protein release is also dependent on temperature (e.g., 30% at 4 °C, and ∼50% at 20 and 37 °C). Furthermore, assembly at a 1:1 flow rate ratio overall enables greater tunability of protein release profiles than that at higher flow rate ratios. While bulk-assembled NPs display a higher degree of cell association, NPs assembled via both strategies can be internalized by cells after 24 h. These findings provide new insights into engineering the properties of metal-organic materials via microfluidics, which is expected to advance their development and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingqu Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Steve Spoljaric
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Alba Calatayud-Sanchez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Microfluidics Cluster UPV/EHU, Analytical Microsystems & Materials for Lab-on-a-Chip (AMMa-LOAC) Group, Analytical Chemistry Department, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa 48940, Spain
- Microfluidics Cluster UPV/EHU, BIOMICs Microfluidics Group, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz 01006, Spain
| | - Yara Alvarez-Braña
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Microfluidics Cluster UPV/EHU, Analytical Microsystems & Materials for Lab-on-a-Chip (AMMa-LOAC) Group, Analytical Chemistry Department, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa 48940, Spain
- Microfluidics Cluster UPV/EHU, BIOMICs Microfluidics Group, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz 01006, Spain
| | - Frank Caruso
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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15
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Orabi M, Lo JF. Emerging Advances in Microfluidic Hydrogel Droplets for Tissue Engineering and STEM Cell Mechanobiology. Gels 2023; 9:790. [PMID: 37888363 PMCID: PMC10606214 DOI: 10.3390/gels9100790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogel droplets are biodegradable and biocompatible materials with promising applications in tissue engineering, cell encapsulation, and clinical treatments. They represent a well-controlled microstructure to bridge the spatial divide between two-dimensional cell cultures and three-dimensional tissues, toward the recreation of entire organs. The applications of hydrogel droplets in regenerative medicine require a thorough understanding of microfluidic techniques, the biocompatibility of hydrogel materials, and droplet production and manipulation mechanisms. Although hydrogel droplets were well studied, several emerging advances promise to extend current applications to tissue engineering and beyond. Hydrogel droplets can be designed with high surface-to-volume ratios and a variety of matrix microstructures. Microfluidics provides precise control of the flow patterns required for droplet generation, leading to tight distributions of particle size, shape, matrix, and mechanical properties in the resultant microparticles. This review focuses on recent advances in microfluidic hydrogel droplet generation. First, the theoretical principles of microfluidics, materials used in fabrication, and new 3D fabrication techniques were discussed. Then, the hydrogels used in droplet generation and their cell and tissue engineering applications were reviewed. Finally, droplet generation mechanisms were addressed, such as droplet production, droplet manipulation, and surfactants used to prevent coalescence. Lastly, we propose that microfluidic hydrogel droplets can enable novel shear-related tissue engineering and regeneration studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joe F. Lo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 4901 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI 48128, USA;
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16
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He Y, Grandi DD, Chandradoss S, LuTheryn G, Cidonio G, Nunes Bastos R, Pereno V, Carugo D. Rapid Production of Nanoscale Liposomes Using a 3D-Printed Reactor-In-A-Centrifuge: Formulation, Characterisation, and Super-Resolution Imaging. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1763. [PMID: 37763926 PMCID: PMC10535575 DOI: 10.3390/mi14091763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Nanoscale liposomes have been extensively researched and employed clinically for the delivery of biologically active compounds, including chemotherapy drugs and vaccines, offering improved pharmacokinetic behaviour and therapeutic outcomes. Traditional laboratory-scale production methods often suffer from limited control over liposome properties (e.g., size and lamellarity) and rely on laborious multistep procedures, which may limit pre-clinical research developments and innovation in this area. The widespread adoption of alternative, more controllable microfluidic-based methods is often hindered by complexities and costs associated with device manufacturing and operation, as well as the short device lifetime and the relatively low liposome production rates in some cases. In this study, we demonstrated the production of liposomes comprising therapeutically relevant lipid formulations, using a cost-effective 3D-printed reactor-in-a-centrifuge (RIAC) device. By adjusting formulation- and production-related parameters, including the concentration of polyethylene glycol (PEG), temperature, centrifugation time and speed, and lipid concentration, the mean size of the produced liposomes could be tuned in the range of 140 to 200 nm. By combining selected experimental parameters, the method was capable of producing liposomes with a therapeutically relevant mean size of ~174 nm with narrow size distribution (polydispersity index, PDI ~0.1) at a production rate of >8 mg/min. The flow-through method proposed in this study has potential to become an effective and versatile laboratory-scale approach to simplify the synthesis of therapeutic liposomal formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqing He
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK;
| | - Davide De Grandi
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBME), Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PJ, UK;
| | - Stanley Chandradoss
- Oxford Nanoimaging Limited (ONI), Oxford OX2 8TA, UK; (S.C.); (R.N.B.); (V.P.)
| | - Gareth LuTheryn
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), The Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, Oxford OX3 7HE, UK;
| | - Gianluca Cidonio
- 3D Microfluidic Biofabrication Laboratory, Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science—CLN2S, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | | | - Valerio Pereno
- Oxford Nanoimaging Limited (ONI), Oxford OX2 8TA, UK; (S.C.); (R.N.B.); (V.P.)
| | - Dario Carugo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK;
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), The Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, Oxford OX3 7HE, UK;
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17
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Chehelgerdi M, Chehelgerdi M. The use of RNA-based treatments in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:106. [PMID: 37420174 PMCID: PMC10401791 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01807-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past several decades, mRNA vaccines have evolved from a theoretical concept to a clinical reality. These vaccines offer several advantages over traditional vaccine techniques, including their high potency, rapid development, low-cost manufacturing, and safe administration. However, until recently, concerns over the instability and inefficient distribution of mRNA in vivo have limited their utility. Fortunately, recent technological advancements have mostly resolved these concerns, resulting in the development of numerous mRNA vaccination platforms for infectious diseases and various types of cancer. These platforms have shown promising outcomes in both animal models and humans. This study highlights the potential of mRNA vaccines as a promising alternative approach to conventional vaccine techniques and cancer treatment. This review article aims to provide a thorough and detailed examination of mRNA vaccines, including their mechanisms of action and potential applications in cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, the article will analyze the current state of mRNA vaccine technology and highlight future directions for the development and implementation of this promising vaccine platform as a mainstream therapeutic option. The review will also discuss potential challenges and limitations of mRNA vaccines, such as their stability and in vivo distribution, and suggest ways to overcome these issues. By providing a comprehensive overview and critical analysis of mRNA vaccines, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of this innovative approach to cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
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18
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Vogelaar A, Marcotte S, Cheng J, Oluoch B, Zaro J. Use of Microfluidics to Prepare Lipid-Based Nanocarriers. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041053. [PMID: 37111539 PMCID: PMC10144662 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid-based nanoparticles (LBNPs) are an important tool for the delivery of a diverse set of drug cargoes, including small molecules, oligonucleotides, and proteins and peptides. Despite their development over the past several decades, this technology is still hindered by issues with the manufacturing processes leading to high polydispersity, batch-to-batch and operator-dependent variability, and limits to the production volumes. To overcome these issues, the use of microfluidic techniques in the production of LBNPs has sharply increased over the past two years. Microfluidics overcomes many of the pitfalls seen with conventional production methods, leading to reproducible LBNPs at lower costs and higher yields. In this review, the use of microfluidics in the preparation of various types of LBNPs, including liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, and solid lipid nanoparticles for the delivery of small molecules, oligonucleotides, and peptide/protein drugs is summarized. Various microfluidic parameters, as well as their effects on the physicochemical properties of LBNPs, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Vogelaar
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Samantha Marcotte
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Jiaqi Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Benazir Oluoch
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Jennica Zaro
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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19
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Matoori S. Vesicular Diagnostics: A Spotlight on Lactate- and Ammonia-Sensing Systems. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:1315-1322. [PMID: 36917016 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Liposomes are a highly successful drug delivery system with over 15 FDA-approved formulations. Beyond delivering drugs, lipid and polymer vesicles have successfully been used for diagnostic applications. These applications range from more traditional uses, such as releasing diagnostic agents in a controlled manner, to leveraging the unique membrane properties to separate analytes and provide isolated reaction compartments in complex biological matrices. In this Spotlight on Applications, I highlight the complexities in the development and translation of diagnostic vesicles with two case studies, a liposomal reaction compartment for lactate sensing and a transmembrane pH-gradient polymersome for ammonia sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Matoori
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4, Canada
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20
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Mendonça MCP, Kont A, Kowalski PS, O'Driscoll CM. Design of lipid-based nanoparticles for delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103505. [PMID: 36708760 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The successful development of nonviral delivery systems for nucleic acids has been reported extensively over the past number of years. Among them, lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) represent the most advanced platform. This review provides an overview of the state-of-the-art in LNP technology, focusing on the delivery of a range of nucleic acids. Recent advances in the development of an efficient and safe lipid-based system are critically analyzed with a particular emphasis on the rationale behind the design of LNPs and on attempts to elucidate the resulting molecular assembly and structure, their interactions with cellular proteins and biodistribution. In addition, manufacturing methods including microfluidics and their potential to influence stability and scale-up are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ayse Kont
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
| | - Piotr S Kowalski
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
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21
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Alternative biological sources for extracellular vesicles production and purification strategies for process scale-up. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 63:108092. [PMID: 36608746 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are phospholipidic bi-layer enclosed nanoparticles secreted naturally by all cell types. They are attracting increasing attention in the fields of nanomedicine, nutraceutics and cosmetics as biocompatible carriers for drug delivery, with intrinsic properties beneficial to human health. Scientific work now focuses on developing techniques for isolating EVs that can translate into industrial-scale production and meet rigorous clinical requirements. The science of EVs is ongoing, and many pitfalls must be addressed, such as the requirement for standard, reproducible, inexpensive, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) adherent EV processing techniques. Researchers are exploring the use of alternative sources to EVs derived from mammalian cultures, such as plant EVs, as well as the use of bacteria, algae and milk. Regarding the downstream processing of EVs, many alternative techniques to the ultracentrifugation (UC) protocols most commonly used in the laboratory are emerging. In the context of process scale-up, membrane-based processes for isolation and purification of EVs are the most promising, either as stand-alone processes or in combination with chromatographic techniques. This review discusses current trends on EVs source selection and EVs downstream processing techniques, with a focus on plant-derived EVs and membrane-based techniques for EVs enrichment.
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22
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Jin Y, Tomeh MA, Zhang P, Su M, Zhao X, Cai Z. Microfluidic fabrication of photo-responsive Ansamitocin P-3 loaded liposomes for the treatment of breast cancer. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:3780-3795. [PMID: 36723377 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr06215a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Ansamitocin P-3 (AP-3) is a promising anticancer agent. However, its low solubility has limited its biomedical applications. The preparation of liposomal formulations for the delivery of low solubility drugs using the microfluidic platform has attracted increasing attention in the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive and efficient strategy for the treatment of cancers, making photodynamic liposomes one of the most promising drug delivery systems (DDSs). In this study, a recently developed microfluidic device (swirl mixer) was used for the manufacturing of temperature-sensitive liposomes (TSL) that can be activated by near-infrared stimulation for the treatment of breast cancer. Changing the processing parameters of the microfluidic system allowed for optimizing the properties of the produced liposomes (e.g., particle size and size distribution). For the first time, the anticancer drug AP-3 and the photosensitizer indocyanine green (ICG) were encapsulated into TSL (AP-3/ICG@TSL) during microfluidic processing. The results show that AP-3/ICG@TSL are biocompatible and can significantly reduce the toxicity of AP-3 to normal tissues. After infrared laser irradiation, the heat generated from ICG not only resulted in the cancer cell toxicity, but also facilitated the release of AP-3 in tumor cells. AP-3/ICG@TSL with infrared laser irradiation was found to be able to significantly inhibit the growth of MCF-7 multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs) in vitro and MCF-7 tumors subcutaneously inoculated in nude mice as an in vivo model. In addition, it also showed no signs of damage to other organs. The current results demonstrated that the AP-3/ICG@TSL fabricated using the microfluidic swirl mixer is a promising DDS for breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Jin
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China.
- Department of Pharmacy, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Mhd Anas Tomeh
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
| | - Peng Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
| | - Mingzhu Su
- Department of Pharmacy, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Xiubo Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
| | - Zhiqiang Cai
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China.
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23
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Agha A, Waheed W, Stiharu I, Nerguizian V, Destgeer G, Abu-Nada E, Alazzam A. A review on microfluidic-assisted nanoparticle synthesis, and their applications using multiscale simulation methods. NANOSCALE RESEARCH LETTERS 2023; 18:18. [PMID: 36800044 PMCID: PMC9936499 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-023-03792-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed an increased interest in the development of nanoparticles (NPs) owing to their potential use in a wide variety of biomedical applications, including drug delivery, imaging agents, gene therapy, and vaccines, where recently, lipid nanoparticle mRNA-based vaccines were developed to prevent SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19. NPs typically fall into two broad categories: organic and inorganic. Organic NPs mainly include lipid-based and polymer-based nanoparticles, such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymersomes, dendrimers, and polymer micelles. Gold and silver NPs, iron oxide NPs, quantum dots, and carbon and silica-based nanomaterials make up the bulk of the inorganic NPs. These NPs are prepared using a variety of top-down and bottom-up approaches. Microfluidics provide an attractive synthesis alternative and is advantageous compared to the conventional bulk methods. The microfluidic mixing-based production methods offer better control in achieving the desired size, morphology, shape, size distribution, and surface properties of the synthesized NPs. The technology also exhibits excellent process repeatability, fast handling, less sample usage, and yields greater encapsulation efficiencies. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the microfluidic-based passive and active mixing techniques for NP synthesis, and their latest developments. Additionally, a summary of microfluidic devices used for NP production is presented. Nonetheless, despite significant advancements in the experimental procedures, complete details of a nanoparticle-based system cannot be deduced from the experiments alone, and thus, multiscale computer simulations are utilized to perform systematic investigations. The work also details the most common multiscale simulation methods and their advancements in unveiling critical mechanisms involved in nanoparticle synthesis and the interaction of nanoparticles with other entities, especially in biomedical and therapeutic systems. Finally, an analysis is provided on the challenges in microfluidics related to nanoparticle synthesis and applications, and the future perspectives, such as large-scale NP synthesis, and hybrid formulations and devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahman Agha
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Waqas Waheed
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- System on Chip Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | | | | | - Ghulam Destgeer
- Department of Electrical Engineering, School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Eiyad Abu-Nada
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Anas Alazzam
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- System on Chip Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
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24
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Obeid MA, Haifawi S, Khadra I. The impact of solvent selection on the characteristics of niosome nanoparticles prepared by microfluidic mixing. Int J Pharm X 2023; 5:100168. [PMID: 36852395 PMCID: PMC9957746 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpx.2023.100168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to assess the impact of solvent selection on the characteristics of niosomes prepared by microfluidic mixing. To achieve this, niosomes were manufactured using bench-scale microfluidic mixing systems by changing the type of aqueous and/or organic solvents used to prepare the particles. Niosomes were prepared using different non-ionic surfactants and cholesterol compositions with different solvents and evaluated to investigate the influence of organic and aqueous solvents on the particle's physiochemical characteristics. Here we demonstrated that the solvent selection is a key factor to be considered during the preparation of niosomes with microfluidic mixing. The type of organic solvent was shown to significantly affect the size and the size distribution of the prepared particles. In general, niosome size increased with increasing organic solvent polarity, without affecting the niosomes stability. Moreover, changing the aqueous solvent used to hydrate the lipid components significantly (p < 0.05) affected the characteristics of the prepared niosomes in terms of particles size, size distribution, and surface charge. This impact of solvent selection on the final product is dependent on the lipid components where niosomes prepared with different compositions will have different characteristics when changing the type of organic and/or aqueous solvents. The apparent encapsulation efficiency of quinine as a model hydrophobic drug was subsequently shown to be significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the type of the organic solvent used to prepare the niosomes, while the impact of the organic solvent had less impact on the apparent encapsulation of atenolol as a model hydrophilic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad A. Obeid
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Saja Haifawi
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ibrahim Khadra
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, G4 0RE Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Corresponding authors.
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25
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Seo H, Jeon L, Kwon J, Lee H. High-Precision Synthesis of RNA-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2203033. [PMID: 36737864 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202203033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The recent development of RNA-based therapeutics in delivering nucleic acids for gene editing and regulating protein translation has led to the effective treatment of various diseases including cancer, inflammatory and genetic disorder, as well as infectious diseases. Among these, lipid nanoparticles (LNP) have emerged as a promising platform for RNA delivery and have shed light by resolving the inherent instability issues of naked RNA and thereby enhancing the therapeutic potency. These LNP consisting of ionizable lipid, helper lipid, cholesterol, and poly(ethylene glycol)-anchored lipid can stably enclose RNA and help them release into the cells' cytosol. Herein, the significant progress made in LNP research starting from the LNP constituents, formulation, and their diverse applications is summarized first. Moreover, the microfluidic methodologies which allow precise assembly of these newly developed constituents to achieve LNP with controllable composition and size, high encapsulation efficiency as well as scalable production are highlighted. Furthermore, a short discussion on current challenges as well as an outlook will be given on emerging approaches to resolving these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanjin Seo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Korea
| | - Leekang Jeon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Korea
| | - Jaeyeong Kwon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Korea
| | - Hyomin Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Korea
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26
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Sommonte F, Arduino I, Iacobazzi RM, Tiboni M, Catalano F, Marotta R, Di Francesco M, Casettari L, Decuzzi P, Lopedota AA, Denora N. Microfluidic assembly of "Turtle-Like" shaped solid lipid nanoparticles for lysozyme delivery. Int J Pharm 2023; 631:122479. [PMID: 36509224 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
After two decades of research in the field of nanomedicine, nanoscale delivery systems for biologicals are becoming clinically relevant tools. Microfluidic-based fabrication processes are replacing conventional techniques based on precipitation, emulsion, and homogenization. Here, the focus is on solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for the encapsulation and delivery of lysozyme (LZ) as a model biologic. A thorough analysis was conducted to compare conventional versus microfluidic-based production techniques, using a 3D-printed device. The efficiency of the microfluidic technique in producing LZ-loaded SLNs (LZ SLNs) was demonstrated: LZ SLNs were found to have a lower size (158.05 ± 4.86 nm vs 180.21 ± 7.46 nm) and higher encapsulation efficacy (70.15 ± 1.65 % vs 53.58 ± 1.13 %) as compared to particles obtained with conventional methods. Cryo-EM studies highlighted a peculiar turtle-like structure on the surface of LZ SLNs. In vitro studies demonstrated that LZ SLNs were suitable to achieve a sustained release over time (7 days). Enzymatic activity of LZ entrapped into SLNs was challenged on Micrococcus lysodeikticus cultures, confirming the stability and potency of the biologic. This systematic analysis demonstrates that microfluidic production of SLNs can be efficiently used for encapsulation and delivery of complex biological molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Sommonte
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Orabona St. 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Arduino
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Orabona St. 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Iacobazzi
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Orabona St. 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Mattia Tiboni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza del Rinascimento 6, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Federico Catalano
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Morego St. 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberto Marotta
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Morego St. 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Martina Di Francesco
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Casettari
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza del Rinascimento 6, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Paolo Decuzzi
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Angela Assunta Lopedota
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Orabona St. 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Nunzio Denora
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Orabona St. 4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
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27
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Gouveia MG, Wesseler JP, Ramaekers J, Weder C, Scholten PBV, Bruns N. Polymersome-based protein drug delivery - quo vadis? Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:728-778. [PMID: 36537575 PMCID: PMC9890519 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00106c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Protein-based therapeutics are an attractive alternative to established therapeutic approaches and represent one of the fastest growing families of drugs. While many of these proteins can be delivered using established formulations, the intrinsic sensitivity of proteins to denaturation sometimes calls for a protective carrier to allow administration. Historically, lipid-based self-assembled structures, notably liposomes, have performed this function. After the discovery of polymersome-based targeted drug-delivery systems, which offer manifold advantages over lipid-based structures, the scientific community expected that such systems would take the therapeutic world by storm. However, no polymersome formulations have been commercialised. In this review article, we discuss key obstacles for the sluggish translation of polymersome-based protein nanocarriers into approved pharmaceuticals, which include limitations imparted by the use of non-degradable polymers, the intricacies of polymersome production methods, and the complexity of the in vivo journey of polymersomes across various biological barriers. Considering this complex subject from a polymer chemist's point of view, we highlight key areas that are worthy to explore in order to advance polymersomes to a level at which clinical trials become worthwhile and translation into pharmaceutical and nanomedical applications is realistic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micael G Gouveia
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
| | - Justus P Wesseler
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
| | - Jobbe Ramaekers
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
| | - Christoph Weder
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Philip B V Scholten
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Nico Bruns
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Straße 4, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
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28
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Fluorescent Multifunctional Organic Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery and Bioimaging: A Tutorial Review. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14112498. [PMID: 36432688 PMCID: PMC9698844 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONs) are a large family of nanostructures constituted by organic components that emit light in different spectral regions upon excitation, due to the presence of organic fluorophores. FONs are of great interest for numerous biological and medical applications, due to their high tunability in terms of composition, morphology, surface functionalization, and optical properties. Multifunctional FONs combine several functionalities in a single nanostructure (emission of light, carriers for drug-delivery, functionalization with targeting ligands, etc.), opening the possibility of using the same nanoparticle for diagnosis and therapy. The preparation, characterization, and application of these multifunctional FONs require a multidisciplinary approach. In this review, we present FONs following a tutorial approach, with the aim of providing a general overview of the different aspects of the design, preparation, and characterization of FONs. The review encompasses the most common FONs developed to date, the description of the most important features of fluorophores that determine the optical properties of FONs, an overview of the preparation methods and of the optical characterization techniques, and the description of the theoretical approaches that are currently adopted for modeling FONs. The last part of the review is devoted to a non-exhaustive selection of some recent biomedical applications of FONs.
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29
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Han JY, La Fiandra JN, DeVoe DL. Microfluidic vortex focusing for high throughput synthesis of size-tunable liposomes. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6997. [PMID: 36384946 PMCID: PMC9668976 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34750-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Control over vesicle size during nanoscale liposome synthesis is critical for defining the pharmaceutical properties of liposomal nanomedicines. Microfluidic technologies capable of size-tunable liposome generation have been widely explored, but scaling these microfluidic platforms for high production throughput without sacrificing size control has proven challenging. Here we describe a microfluidic-enabled process in which highly vortical flow is established around an axisymmetric stream of solvated lipids, simultaneously focusing the lipids while inducing rapid convective and diffusive mixing through application of the vortical flow field. By adjusting the individual buffer and lipid flow rates within the system, the microfluidic vortex focusing technique is capable of generating liposomes with precisely controlled size and low size variance, and may be operated up to the laminar flow limit for high throughput vesicle production. The reliable formation of liposomes as small as 27 nm and mass production rates over 20 g/h is demonstrated, offering a path toward production-scale liposome synthesis using a single continuous-flow vortex focusing device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Yeon Han
- grid.164295.d0000 0001 0941 7177Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD USA ,grid.164295.d0000 0001 0941 7177Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD USA ,grid.256155.00000 0004 0647 2973Present Address: Department of Bionanotechnology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si, South Korea
| | - Joseph N. La Fiandra
- grid.164295.d0000 0001 0941 7177Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD USA
| | - Don L. DeVoe
- grid.164295.d0000 0001 0941 7177Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD USA ,grid.164295.d0000 0001 0941 7177Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD USA ,grid.164295.d0000 0001 0941 7177Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD USA
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30
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Lopes C, Cristóvão J, Silvério V, Lino PR, Fonte P. Microfluidic production of mRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles for vaccine applications. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2022; 19:1381-1395. [PMID: 36223174 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2022.2135502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During past years, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as promising carriers for RNA delivery, with several clinical trials focusing on both infectious diseases and cancer. More recently, the success of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines for the treatment of severe diseases such as acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is partially justified by the development of LNPs encapsulating mRNA for efficient cytosolic delivery. AREAS COVERED This review examines the production and formulation of LNPs by using microfluidic devices, the status of mRNA-loaded LNPs therapeutics and explores spray drying process, as a promising dehydration process to enhance LNP stability and provide alternative administration routes. EXPERT OPINION Microfluidic techniques for preparation of LNPs based on organic solvent injection method promotes the generation of stable, uniform, and monodispersed nanoparticles enabling higher encapsulation efficiency. In particular, the application of microfluidics for the fabrication of mRNA-loaded LNPs is based on rapid mixing of small volumes of ethanol solution containing lipids and aqueous solution containing mRNA. Control of operating parameters and formulation has enabled the optimization of nanoparticle physicochemical characteristics and encapsulation efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Lopes
- iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal.,Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal.,Hovione Farmaciência S.A., R&D Analytical Development, Lumiar Campus, Building R,1649-038 Lisbon, Portugal.,Hovione Farmaciência S.A., R&D Inhalation and Advance Drug Delivery, Lumiar Campus, Building R, 1649-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Cristóvão
- Hovione Farmaciência S.A., R&D Inhalation and Advance Drug Delivery, Lumiar Campus, Building R, 1649-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Vânia Silvério
- Institute of Systems and Computer Engineering for Microsystems and Nanotechnologies, INESC MN, 1000-029 Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Physics, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paulo Roque Lino
- Hovione Farmaciência S.A., R&D Inhalation and Advance Drug Delivery, Lumiar Campus, Building R, 1649-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro Fonte
- iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal.,Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal.,Center of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal.,Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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31
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Santhanes D, Wilkins A, Zhang H, John Aitken R, Liang M. Microfluidic formulation of lipid/polymer hybrid nanoparticles for plasmid DNA (pDNA) delivery. Int J Pharm 2022; 627:122223. [PMID: 36155792 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122223] [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: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Lipid/polymer hybrid nanoparticles loaded with red fluorescent protein (RFP) encoded plasmid DNA (pDNA) was formulated using poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), cationic lipid DC-cholesterol and surfactant mPEG2000- DSPE. A lipid/ polymer ratio of 1: 10 at 1 mg/mL surfactant concentration was found to be optimal for producing nanoparticles with diameters of 100-120 nm that remained stable upon ultracentrifugation. The production of lipid/ polymer hybrid nanoparticles was investigated using microfluidics with a toroidal mixer design. Our results showed that the flow parameters significantly influenced the physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles and loading of pDNA was only achieved at flow rate ratio (FRR) of 3: 1. The pDNA associated with nanoparticles was demonstrated to be structurally intact using gel electrophoresis, and the encapsulation efficiency (EE) was measured to be ∼65%. The prepared hybrid nanoparticles resulted in 20% of transfection efficacy in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293T). This study demonstrated the potential of microfluidics in the development of hybrid nanoparticles for pDNA delivery, thus facilitating the clinical translation of DNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diviya Santhanes
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Alex Wilkins
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Huiming Zhang
- Electron Microscopy and X-ray Unit, Research and Innovation Division, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Robert John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Mingtao Liang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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32
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Comparison of Physicochemical Properties of LipoParticles as mRNA Carrier Prepared by Automated Microfluidic System and Bulk Method. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061297. [PMID: 35745869 PMCID: PMC9229904 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Polymeric and/or lipid platforms are promising tools for nucleic acid delivery into cells. We previously reported a lipid–polymer nanocarrier, named LipoParticles, consisting of polylactic acid nanoparticles surrounded by cationic lipids, and allowing the addition of mRNA and cationic LAH4-1 peptide at their surface. Although this mRNA platform has shown promising results in vitro in terms of mRNA delivery and translation, the bulk method used to prepare LipoParticles relies on a multistep and time-consuming procedure. Here, we developed an automated process using a microfluidic system to prepare LipoParticles, and we compared it to the bulk method in terms of morphology, physicochemical properties, and ability to vectorize and deliver mRNA in vitro. LipoParticles prepared by microfluidic presented a smaller size and more regular spherical shape than bulk method ones. In addition, we showed that the total lipid content in LipoParticles was dependent on the method of preparation, influencing their ability to complex mRNA. LipoParticles decorated with two mRNA/LAHA-L1 ratios (1/20, 1/5) could efficiently transfect mouse DC2.4 cells except for the automated 1/5 assay. Moreover, the 1/5 mRNA/LAHA-L1 ratio drastically reduced cell toxicity observed in 1/20 ratio assays. Altogether, this study showed that homogeneous LipoParticles can be produced by microfluidics, which represents a promising platform to transport functional mRNA into cells.
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33
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A Historical Review of Brain Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061283. [PMID: 35745855 PMCID: PMC9229021 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The history of brain drug delivery is reviewed beginning with the first demonstration, in 1914, that a drug for syphilis, salvarsan, did not enter the brain, due to the presence of a blood-brain barrier (BBB). Owing to restricted transport across the BBB, FDA-approved drugs for the CNS have been generally limited to lipid-soluble small molecules. Drugs that do not cross the BBB can be re-engineered for transport on endogenous BBB carrier-mediated transport and receptor-mediated transport systems, which were identified during the 1970s-1980s. By the 1990s, a multitude of brain drug delivery technologies emerged, including trans-cranial delivery, CSF delivery, BBB disruption, lipid carriers, prodrugs, stem cells, exosomes, nanoparticles, gene therapy, and biologics. The advantages and limitations of each of these brain drug delivery technologies are critically reviewed.
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34
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Zheng H, Tao H, Wan J, Lee KY, Zheng Z, Leung SSY. Preparation of Drug-Loaded Liposomes with Multi-Inlet Vortex Mixers. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061223. [PMID: 35745796 PMCID: PMC9227628 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The multi-inlet vortex mixer (MIVM) has emerged as a novel bottom-up technology for solid nanoparticle preparation. However, its performance in liposome preparation remains unknown. Here, two key process parameters (aqueous/organic flow rate ratio (FRR) and total flow rate (TFR)) of MIVM were investigated for liposome preparation. For this study, two model drugs (lysozyme and erythromycin) were chosen for liposome encapsulation as the representative hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, respectively. In addition, two modified MIVMs, one with herringbone-patterned straight inlets and one with zigzag inlets, were designed to further improve the mixing efficiency, aiming to achieve better drug encapsulation. Data showed that FRR played an important role in liposome size control, and a size of <200 nm was achieved by FRR higher than 3:1. Moreover, increasing TFR (from 1 to 100 mL/min) could further decrease the size at a given FRR. However, similar regularities in controlling the encapsulation efficiency (EE%) were only noted in erythromycin-loaded liposomes. Modified MIVMs improved the EE% of lysozyme-loaded liposomes by 2~3 times at TFR = 40 mL/min and FRR = 3:1, which was consistent with computational fluid dynamics simulations. In summary, the good performance of MIVM in the control of particle size and EE% makes it a promising tool for liposome preparation, especially for hydrophobic drug loading, at flexible production scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huangliang Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; (H.Z.); (K.Y.L.)
| | - Hai Tao
- Center for Turbulence Control, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; (H.T.); (J.W.)
| | - Jinzhao Wan
- Center for Turbulence Control, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; (H.T.); (J.W.)
| | - Kei Yan Lee
- School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; (H.Z.); (K.Y.L.)
| | - Zhanying Zheng
- Center for Turbulence Control, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; (H.T.); (J.W.)
- Correspondence: (Z.Z.); (S.S.Y.L.)
| | - Sharon Shui Yee Leung
- School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; (H.Z.); (K.Y.L.)
- Correspondence: (Z.Z.); (S.S.Y.L.)
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35
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Maged A, Abdelbaset R, Mahmoud AA, Elkasabgy NA. Merits and advances of microfluidics in the pharmaceutical field: design technologies and future prospects. Drug Deliv 2022; 29:1549-1570. [PMID: 35612293 PMCID: PMC9154770 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2022.2069878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidics is used to manipulate fluid flow in micro-channels to fabricate drug delivery vesicles in a uniform tunable size. Thanks to their designs, microfluidic technology provides an alternative and versatile platform over traditional formulation methods of nanoparticles. Understanding the factors that affect the formulation of nanoparticles can guide the proper selection of microfluidic design and the operating parameters aiming at producing nanoparticles with reproducible properties. This review introduces the microfluidic systems' continuous flow (single-phase) and segmented flow (multiphase) and their different mixing parameters and mechanisms. Furthermore, microfluidic approaches for efficient production of nanoparticles as surface modification, anti-fouling, and post-microfluidic treatment are summarized. The review sheds light on the used microfluidic systems and operation parameters applied to prepare and fine-tune nanoparticles like lipid, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based nanoparticles as well as cross-linked nanoparticles. The approaches for scale-up production using microfluidics for clinical or industrial use are also highlighted. Furthermore, the use of microfluidics in preparing novel micro/nanofluidic drug delivery systems is presented. In conclusion, the characteristic vital features of microfluidics offer the ability to develop precise and efficient drug delivery nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Maged
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt.,Pharmaceutical Factory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reda Abdelbaset
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Azza A Mahmoud
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nermeen A Elkasabgy
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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36
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Xu R, Tomeh MA, Ye S, Zhang P, Lv S, You R, Wang N, Zhao X. Novel microfluidic swirl mixers for scalable formulation of curcumin loaded liposomes for cancer therapy. Int J Pharm 2022; 622:121857. [PMID: 35623489 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Liposomes have been widely used in nanomedicine for the delivery of hydrophobic and hydrophilic anticancer agents. The most common applications of these formulations are vaccines and anticancer formulations (e.g., mRNA, small molecule drugs). However, large-scale production with precise control of size and size distribution of the lipid-based drug delivery systems (DDSs) is one of the major challenges in the pharmaceutical industry. In this study, we used newly designed microfluidic swirl mixers with simple 3D mixing chamber structures to prepare liposomes at a larger scale (up to 320 mL/min or 20 L/h) than the commercially available devices. This design demonstrated high productivity and better control of liposome size and polydispersity index (PDI) than conventional liposome preparation methods. The microfluidic swirl mixer devices were used to produce curcumin-loaded liposomes under different processing conditions which were later characterized and studied in vitro to evaluate their efficiency as DDSs. The obtained results demonstrated that the liposomes can effectively deliver curcumin into cancer cells. Therefore, the microfluidic swirl mixers are promising devices for reproducible and scalable manufacturing of DDSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruicheng Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
| | - Mhd Anas Tomeh
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
| | - Siyuan Ye
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
| | - Songwei Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
| | - Rongrong You
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
| | - Nan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
| | - Xiubo Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK.
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37
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Prakash G, Shokr A, Willemen N, Bashir SM, Shin SR, Hassan S. Microfluidic fabrication of lipid nanoparticles for the delivery of nucleic acids. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 184:114197. [PMID: 35288219 PMCID: PMC9035142 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy has emerged as a potential platform for treating several dreaded and rare diseases that would not have been possible with traditional therapies. Viral vectors have been widely explored as a key platform for gene therapy due to their ability to efficiently transport nucleic acid-based therapeutics into the cells. However, the lack of precision in their delivery has led to several off-target toxicities. As such, various strategies in the form of non-viral gene delivery vehicles have been explored and are currenlty employed in several therapies including the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. In this review, we discuss the opportunities lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) present for efficient gene delivery. We also discuss various synthesis strategies via microfluidics for high throughput fabrication of non-viral gene delivery vehicles. We conclude with the recent applications and clinical trials of these vehicles for the delivery of different genetic materials such as CRISPR editors and RNA for different medical conditions ranging from cancer to rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyan Prakash
- Department of Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ahmed Shokr
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Niels Willemen
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Showkeen Muzamil Bashir
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Lab, Division of Veterinary Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Srinagar 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Su Ryon Shin
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Shabir Hassan
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, P.O 127788, United Arab Emirates.
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38
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Matthew SAL, Rezwan R, Perrie Y, Seib FP. Volumetric Scalability of Microfluidic and Semi-Batch Silk Nanoprecipitation Methods. Molecules 2022; 27:2368. [PMID: 35408763 PMCID: PMC9000471 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Silk fibroin nanoprecipitation by organic desolvation in semi-batch and microfluidic formats provides promising bottom-up routes for manufacturing narrow polydispersity, spherical silk nanoparticles. The translation of silk nanoparticle production to pilot, clinical, and industrial scales can be aided through insight into the property drifts incited by nanoprecipitation scale-up and the identification of critical process parameters to maintain throughout scaling. Here, we report the reproducibility of silk nanoprecipitation on volumetric scale-up in low-shear, semi-batch systems and estimate the reproducibility of chip parallelization for volumetric scale-up in a high shear, staggered herringbone micromixer. We showed that silk precursor feeds processed in an unstirred semi-batch system (mixing time > 120 s) displayed significant changes in the nanoparticle physicochemical and crystalline properties following a 12-fold increase in volumetric scale between 1.8 and 21.9 mL while the physicochemical properties stayed constant following a further 6-fold increase in scale to 138 mL. The nanoparticle physicochemical properties showed greater reproducibility after a 6-fold volumetric scale-up when using lower mixing times of greater similarity (8.4 s and 29.4 s) with active stirring at 400 rpm, indicating that the bulk mixing time and average shear rate should be maintained during volumetric scale-up. Conversely, microfluidic manufacture showed high between-batch repeatability and between-chip reproducibility across four participants and microfluidic chips, thereby strengthening chip parallelization as a production strategy for silk nanoparticles at pilot, clinical, and industrial scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saphia A. L. Matthew
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (S.A.L.M.); (Y.P.)
| | - Refaya Rezwan
- Department of Pharmacy, State University of Bangladesh, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh;
- School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Yvonne Perrie
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (S.A.L.M.); (Y.P.)
| | - F. Philipp Seib
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (S.A.L.M.); (Y.P.)
- EPSRC Future Manufacturing Research Hub for Continuous Manufacturing and Advanced Crystallisation (CMAC), University of Strathclyde, Technology and Innovation Centre, 99 George Street, Glasgow G1 1RD, UK
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39
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Webb C, Ip S, Bathula NV, Popova P, Soriano SKV, Ly HH, Eryilmaz B, Nguyen Huu VA, Broadhead R, Rabel M, Villamagna I, Abraham S, Raeesi V, Thomas A, Clarke S, Ramsay EC, Perrie Y, Blakney AK. Current Status and Future Perspectives on MRNA Drug Manufacturing. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:1047-1058. [PMID: 35238565 PMCID: PMC8905930 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic launched an unprecedented global effort to rapidly develop vaccines to stem the spread of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines were developed quickly by companies that were actively developing mRNA therapeutics and vaccines for other indications, leading to two mRNA vaccines being not only the first SARS-CoV-2 vaccines to be approved for emergency use but also the first mRNA drugs to gain emergency use authorization and to eventually gain full approval. This was possible partly because mRNA sequences can be altered to encode nearly any protein without significantly altering its chemical properties, allowing the drug substance to be a modular component of the drug product. Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology required to protect the ribonucleic acid (RNA) and mediate delivery into the cytoplasm of cells is likewise modular, as are technologies and infrastructure required to encapsulate the RNA into the LNP. This enabled the rapid adaptation of the technology to a new target. Upon the coattails of the clinical success of mRNA vaccines, this modularity will pave the way for future RNA medicines for cancer, gene therapy, and RNA engineered cell therapies. In this review, trends in the publication records and clinical trial registrations are tallied to show the sharp intensification in preclinical and clinical research for RNA medicines. Demand for the manufacturing of both the RNA drug substance (DS) and the LNP drug product (DP) has already been strained, causing shortages of the vaccine, and the rise in development and translation of other mRNA drugs in the coming years will exacerbate this strain. To estimate demand for DP manufacturing, the dosing requirements for the preclinical and clinical studies of the two approved mRNA vaccines were examined. To understand the current state of mRNA-LNP production, current methods and technologies are reviewed, as are current and announced global capacities for commercial manufacturing. Finally, a vision is rationalized for how emerging technologies such as self-amplifying mRNA, microfluidic production, and trends toward integrated and distributed manufacturing will shape the future of RNA manufacturing and unlock the potential for an RNA medicine revolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Webb
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and
Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street,
Glasgow G4 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Shell Ip
- Precision NanoSystems Inc,
655 West Kent Avenue North Unit 50, Vancouver, British Columbia V6P 6T7,
Canada
| | - Nuthan V. Bathula
- Michael Smith Laboratories & School of Biomedical
Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2185 East Mall,
Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Petya Popova
- Michael Smith Laboratories & School of Biomedical
Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2185 East Mall,
Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Shekinah K. V. Soriano
- Michael Smith Laboratories & School of Biomedical
Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2185 East Mall,
Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Han Han Ly
- Michael Smith Laboratories & School of Biomedical
Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2185 East Mall,
Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Burcu Eryilmaz
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and
Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street,
Glasgow G4 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Viet Anh Nguyen Huu
- Precision NanoSystems Inc,
655 West Kent Avenue North Unit 50, Vancouver, British Columbia V6P 6T7,
Canada
| | - Richard Broadhead
- Precision NanoSystems Inc,
655 West Kent Avenue North Unit 50, Vancouver, British Columbia V6P 6T7,
Canada
| | - Martin Rabel
- Precision NanoSystems Inc,
655 West Kent Avenue North Unit 50, Vancouver, British Columbia V6P 6T7,
Canada
| | - Ian Villamagna
- Precision NanoSystems Inc,
655 West Kent Avenue North Unit 50, Vancouver, British Columbia V6P 6T7,
Canada
| | - Suraj Abraham
- Precision NanoSystems Inc,
655 West Kent Avenue North Unit 50, Vancouver, British Columbia V6P 6T7,
Canada
| | - Vahid Raeesi
- Precision NanoSystems Inc,
655 West Kent Avenue North Unit 50, Vancouver, British Columbia V6P 6T7,
Canada
| | - Anitha Thomas
- Precision NanoSystems Inc,
655 West Kent Avenue North Unit 50, Vancouver, British Columbia V6P 6T7,
Canada
| | - Samuel Clarke
- Precision NanoSystems Inc,
655 West Kent Avenue North Unit 50, Vancouver, British Columbia V6P 6T7,
Canada
| | - Euan C. Ramsay
- Precision NanoSystems Inc,
655 West Kent Avenue North Unit 50, Vancouver, British Columbia V6P 6T7,
Canada
| | - Yvonne Perrie
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and
Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street,
Glasgow G4 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Anna K. Blakney
- Michael Smith Laboratories & School of Biomedical
Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2185 East Mall,
Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
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40
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Anas Tomeh M, Hawari Mansor M, Hadianamrei R, Sun W, Zhao X. Optimization of large-scale manufacturing of biopolymeric and lipid nanoparticles using microfluidic swirl mixers. Int J Pharm 2022; 620:121762. [PMID: 35472511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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41
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Zhan QW, Gao J, Li D, Huang Y. High throughput onion-like liposome formation with efficient protein encapsulation under flash antisolvent mixing. J Colloid Interface Sci 2022; 618:185-195. [PMID: 35338925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Achieving a high encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of proteins in lecithin-based liposomes has always been a challenge. Here, we use Flash Nano-Precipitation (FNP) to produce liposomes and investigated the encapsulation of model protein (Bovine Serum Albumin, BSA). Through rapid turbulent mixing, we obtained liposomes with small size, low polydispersity, and good batch repeatability at a high production rate. We demonstrated that the bilayer of liposomes prepared solely using lecithin was defective, which led to the fusion, and increased size and polydispersity. When cholesterol was added to reach a lecithin-to-cholesterol molar ratio of 5:3, a compact bilayer formed to effectively inhibit liposome fusion. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of BSA was as high as ∼ 68% and ∼ 6% in lecithin-cholesterol liposome, respectively, far exceeding the values reported in the literature. Further study by Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D) revealed that the highly effective encapsulation was due to the rapid mutual adsorption between BSA and defective/curved lecithin double layers during the liposome formation. Such rapid mutual adsorption leads to the layer-by-layer assembly and formation of onion-like compact liposome structure as revealed by Cryo-TEM. This simple FNP method provides a scalable manufacturing approach for liposomes with efficient protein encapsulation. The revealed adsorption mechanism between protein and lecithin bilayers could also serve as a guide for similar studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang-Wei Zhan
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Jun Gao
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Dongcui Li
- InCipirit Tech (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Huang
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China.
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42
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Sato W, Zajkowski T, Moser F, Adamala KP. Synthetic cells in biomedical applications. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 14:e1761. [PMID: 34725945 PMCID: PMC8918002 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cells are engineered vesicles that can mimic one or more salient features of life. These features include directed localization, sense-and-respond behavior, gene expression, metabolism, and high stability. In nanomedicine, many of these features are desirable capabilities of drug delivery vehicles but are difficult to engineer. In this focus article, we discuss where synthetic cells offer unique advantages over nanoparticle and living cell therapies. We review progress in the engineering of the above life-like behaviors and how they are deployed in nanomedicine. Finally, we assess key challenges synthetic cells face before being deployed as drugs and suggest ways to overcome these challenges. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid-Based Structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wakana Sato
- 1 Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN US
| | - Tomasz Zajkowski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- USRA at NASA Ames Research Center, Mountain View, CA 94035
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, 600 1st Avenue, Seattle WA 98104
| | - Felix Moser
- Synlife, Inc., One Kendall Square Suite B4401, Cambridge, MA 20139
| | - Katarzyna P. Adamala
- 1 Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN US
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43
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Matthew SAL, Rezwan R, Kaewchuchuen J, Perrie Y, Seib FP. Mixing and flow-induced nanoprecipitation for morphology control of silk fibroin self-assembly. RSC Adv 2022; 12:7357-7373. [PMID: 35424679 PMCID: PMC8982335 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra07764c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuning silk fibroin nanoparticle morphology using nanoprecipitation for bottom-up manufacture is an unexplored field that has the potential to improve particle performance characteristics. The aim of this work was to use both semi-batch bulk mixing and micro-mixing to modulate silk nanoparticle morphology by controlling the supersaturation and shear rate during nanoprecipitation. At flow rates where the shear rate was below the critical shear rate for silk, increasing the concentration of silk in both bulk and micro-mixing processes resulted in particle populations of increased sphericity, lower size, and lower polydispersity index. At high flow rates, where the critical shear rate was exceeded, the increased supersaturation with increasing concentration was counteracted by increased rates of shear-induced assembly. The morphology could be tuned from rod-like to spherical assemblies by increasing supersaturation of the high-shear micro-mixing process, thereby supporting a role for fast mixing in the production of narrow-polydispersity silk nanoparticles. This work provides new insight into the effects of shear during nanoprecipitation and provides a framework for scalable manufacture of spherical and rod-like silk nanoparticles. Tuning silk fibroin nanoparticle morphology using nanoprecipitation for bottom-up manufacture is an unexplored field that has the potential to improve particle performance characteristics.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Saphia A L Matthew
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde 161 Cathedral Street Glasgow G4 0RE UK +44 (0)141 548 2510
| | - Refaya Rezwan
- Department of Pharmacy, ASA University Bangladesh 23/3 Bir Uttam A. N. M. Nuruzzaman Sarak Dhaka 1207 Bangladesh
| | - Jirada Kaewchuchuen
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde 161 Cathedral Street Glasgow G4 0RE UK +44 (0)141 548 2510.,Faculty of Nursing, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy Bangkok Thailand
| | - Yvonne Perrie
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde 161 Cathedral Street Glasgow G4 0RE UK +44 (0)141 548 2510
| | - F Philipp Seib
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde 161 Cathedral Street Glasgow G4 0RE UK +44 (0)141 548 2510.,EPSRC Future Manufacturing Research Hub for Continuous Manufacturing and Advanced Crystallisation (CMAC), University of Strathclyde, Technology and Innovation Centre 99 George Street Glasgow G1 1RD UK
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44
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Kabay G, Manz A, Dincer C. Microfluidic Roadmap for Translational Nanotheranostics. SMALL METHODS 2022; 6:e2101217. [PMID: 34957704 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202101217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nanotheranostic materials (NTMs) shed light on the mechanisms responsible for complex diseases such as cancer because they enable making a diagnosis, monitoring the disease progression, and applying a targeted therapy simultaneously. However, several issues such as the reproducibility and mass production of NTMs hamper their application for clinical practice. To address these issues and facilitate the clinical application of NTMs, microfluidic systems have been increasingly used. This perspective provides a glimpse into the current state-of-art of NTM research, emphasizing the methods currently employed at each development stage of NTMs and the related open problems. This work reviews microfluidic technologies used to develop NTMs, ranging from the fabrication and testing of a single NTM up to their manufacturing on a large scale. Ultimately, a step-by-step vision on the future development of NTMs for clinical practice enabled by microfluidics techniques is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gozde Kabay
- University of Freiburg, Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), 79110, Freiburg, Germany
- University of Freiburg, FIT Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Manz
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) in Europe, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Can Dincer
- University of Freiburg, Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), 79110, Freiburg, Germany
- University of Freiburg, FIT Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
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45
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Maeki M, Uno S, Niwa A, Okada Y, Tokeshi M. Microfluidic technologies and devices for lipid nanoparticle-based RNA delivery. J Control Release 2022; 344:80-96. [PMID: 35183654 PMCID: PMC8851889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In 2021, mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 were approved by the Food and Drug Administration. mRNA vaccines are important for preventing severe COVID-19 and returning to normal life. The development of RNA-delivery technology, including mRNA vaccines, has been investigated worldwide for ~30 years. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are a breakthrough technology that stably delivers RNA to target organs, and RNA-loaded LNP-based nanomedicines have been studied for the development of vaccines and nanomedicines for RNA-, gene-, and cell-based therapies. Recently, microfluidic devices and technologies have attracted attention for the production of LNPs, particularly RNA-loaded LNPs. Microfluidics provides many advantages for RNA-loaded LNP production, including precise LNP size controllability, high reproducibility, high-throughput optimization of LNP formulation, and continuous LNP-production processes. In this review, we summarize microfluidic-based RNA-loaded LNP production and its applications in RNA-based therapy and genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Maeki
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan; JST PRESTO, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan.
| | - Shuya Uno
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Ayuka Niwa
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Yuto Okada
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Manabu Tokeshi
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan.
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46
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Carvalho BG, Ceccato BT, Michelon M, Han SW, de la Torre LG. Advanced Microfluidic Technologies for Lipid Nano-Microsystems from Synthesis to Biological Application. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:141. [PMID: 35057037 PMCID: PMC8781930 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidics is an emerging technology that can be employed as a powerful tool for designing lipid nano-microsized structures for biological applications. Those lipid structures can be used as carrying vehicles for a wide range of drugs and genetic materials. Microfluidic technology also allows the design of sustainable processes with less financial demand, while it can be scaled up using parallelization to increase production. From this perspective, this article reviews the recent advances in the synthesis of lipid-based nanostructures through microfluidics (liposomes, lipoplexes, lipid nanoparticles, core-shell nanoparticles, and biomimetic nanovesicles). Besides that, this review describes the recent microfluidic approaches to produce lipid micro-sized structures as giant unilamellar vesicles. New strategies are also described for the controlled release of the lipid payloads using microgels and droplet-based microfluidics. To address the importance of microfluidics for lipid-nanoparticle screening, an overview of how microfluidic systems can be used to mimic the cellular environment is also presented. Future trends and perspectives in designing novel nano and micro scales are also discussed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna G. Carvalho
- Department of Material and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-852, Brazil; (B.G.C.); (B.T.C.)
| | - Bruno T. Ceccato
- Department of Material and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-852, Brazil; (B.G.C.); (B.T.C.)
| | - Mariano Michelon
- School of Chemical and Food Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande 96203-900, Brazil;
| | - Sang W. Han
- Center for Cell Therapy and Molecular, Department of Biophysics, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04044-010, Brazil;
| | - Lucimara G. de la Torre
- Department of Material and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-852, Brazil; (B.G.C.); (B.T.C.)
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De Grandi D, Meghdadi A, LuTheryn G, Carugo D. Facile production of quercetin nanoparticles using 3D printed centrifugal flow reactors. RSC Adv 2022; 12:20696-20713. [PMID: 35919149 PMCID: PMC9295137 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra02745c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A 3D printed reactor-in-a-centrifuge (RIAC) was developed to produce drug nanocrystals. Quercetin nanocrystals were manufactured at varying operational and formulation conditions, and had a small size (190–302 nm) and low size dispersity (PDI < 0.1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide De Grandi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Alireza Meghdadi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Gareth LuTheryn
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Dario Carugo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK
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48
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Investigation into the Use of Microfluidics in the Manufacture of Metallic Gold-Coated Iron Oxide Hybrid Nanoparticles. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11112976. [PMID: 34835738 PMCID: PMC8622423 DOI: 10.3390/nano11112976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hybrid iron oxide-gold nanoparticles are of increasing interest for applications in nanomedicine, photonics, energy storage, etc. However, they are often difficult to synthesise without experience or ‘know-how’. Additionally, standard protocols do not allow for scale up, and this is significantly hindering their future potential. In this study, we seek to determine whether microfluidics could be used as a new manufacturing process to reliably produce hybrid nanoparticles with the line of sight to their continuous manufacture and scaleup. Using a Precision Nano NanoAssemblr Benchtop® system, we were able to perform the intermediate coating steps required in order to construct hybrid nanoparticles around 60 nm in size with similar chemical and physical properties to those synthesised in the laboratory using standard processes, with Fe/Au ratios of 1:0.6 (standard) and 1:0.7 (microfluidics), indicating that the process was suitable for their manufacture with optimisation required in order to configure a continuous manufacturing plant.
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49
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Tracey SR, Smyth P, Barelle CJ, Scott CJ. Development of next generation nanomedicine-based approaches for the treatment of cancer: we've barely scratched the surface. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2253-2269. [PMID: 34709394 PMCID: PMC8589425 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Interest in nanomedicines has grown rapidly over the past two decades, owing to the promising therapeutic applications they may provide, particularly for the treatment of cancer. Personalised medicine and 'smart' actively targeted nanoparticles represent an opportunity to deliver therapies directly to cancer cells and provide sustained drug release, in turn providing overall lower off-target toxicity and increased therapeutic efficacy. However, the successful translation of nanomedicines from encouraging pre-clinical findings to the clinic has, to date, proven arduous. In this review, we will discuss the use of nanomedicines for the treatment of cancer, with a specific focus on the use of polymeric and lipid nanoparticle delivery systems. In particular, we examine approaches exploring the surface functionalisation of nanomedicines to elicit active targeting and therapeutic effects as well as challenges and future directions for nanoparticles in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon R. Tracey
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7AE, U.K
| | - Peter Smyth
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7AE, U.K
| | - Caroline J. Barelle
- Elasmogen Ltd, Liberty Building, Foresterhill Health Campus, Aberdeen AB25 2ZP, U.K
| | - Christopher J. Scott
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7AE, U.K
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50
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Logesh D, Vallikkadan MS, Leena MM, Moses J, Anandharamakrishnan C. Advances in microfluidic systems for the delivery of nutraceutical ingredients. Trends Food Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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