1
|
Bianco S, Hasan M, Ahmad A, Richards SJ, Dietrich B, Wallace M, Tang Q, Smith AJ, Gibson MI, Adams DJ. Mechanical release of homogenous proteins from supramolecular gels. Nature 2024; 631:544-548. [PMID: 39020036 PMCID: PMC11254749 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07580-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
A long-standing challenge is how to formulate proteins and vaccines to retain function during storage and transport and to remove the burdens of cold-chain management. Any solution must be practical to use, with the protein being released or applied using clinically relevant triggers. Advanced biologic therapies are distributed cold, using substantial energy, limiting equitable distribution in low-resource countries and placing responsibility on the user for correct storage and handling. Cold-chain management is the best solution at present for protein transport but requires substantial infrastructure and energy. For example, in research laboratories, a single freezer at -80 °C consumes as much energy per day as a small household1. Of biological (protein or cell) therapies and all vaccines, 75% require cold-chain management; the cost of cold-chain management in clinical trials has increased by about 20% since 2015, reflecting this complexity. Bespoke formulations and excipients are now required, with trehalose2, sucrose or polymers3 widely used, which stabilize proteins by replacing surface water molecules and thereby make denaturation thermodynamically less likely; this has enabled both freeze-dried proteins and frozen proteins. For example, the human papilloma virus vaccine requires aluminium salt adjuvants to function, but these render it unstable against freeze-thaw4, leading to a very complex and expensive supply chain. Other ideas involve ensilication5 and chemical modification of proteins6. In short, protein stabilization is a challenge with no universal solution7,8. Here we designed a stiff hydrogel that stabilizes proteins against thermal denaturation even at 50 °C, and that can, unlike present technologies, deliver pure, excipient-free protein by mechanically releasing it from a syringe. Macromolecules can be loaded at up to 10 wt% without affecting the mechanism of release. This unique stabilization and excipient-free release synergy offers a practical, scalable and versatile solution to enable the low-cost, cold-chain-free and equitable delivery of therapies worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Bianco
- Department of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Muhammad Hasan
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Ashfaq Ahmad
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Sarah-Jane Richards
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Bart Dietrich
- Department of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Matthew Wallace
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Qiao Tang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Andrew J Smith
- Diamond Light Source Ltd, Diamond House, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
| | - Matthew I Gibson
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Dave J Adams
- Department of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xiao H, Ren GL, Hu JH, Chen JH, Yang X, Xiao X, Li Q, Yang HP. Cucurbit[8]uril-Based Supramolecular Probe for the Detection of 3-Nitrotyrosine in Human Serum and Plasma. ACS Sens 2024; 9:424-432. [PMID: 38214465 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c02211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
The biomarker 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) is widely recognized as an indicator of renal oxidative stress injury, making its detection crucial for the early identification of renal insufficiency. This study presents the design and synthesis of a tetraphenylstyrene imidazole derivative (TIPE-MI), which is utilized to create a supramolecular probe in conjunction with cucurbit[8]uril (Q[8]) through host-guest interactions. The resulting supramolecular self-assembly exhibits excellent optical properties and has been employed for the specific detection of 3-NT through fluorescence quenching. The introduction of 3-NT resulted in a decreased fluorescence intensity of the yellow fluorescent probe, which gradually transitioned from bright yellow to light yellow and then became colorless as the 3-NT concentration was increased. A portable detection platform was devised to augment the efficiency of detection. In order to facilitate biological applications, we have substantiated the probe's exceptional precision in detecting 3-NT in biological samples, encompassing human serum and plasma. The probe also exhibited negligible cytotoxicity. The accumulation of the probe in renal cells elicited a fluorescence signal, thereby indicating the prospective viability of this system for visual detection with renal cytocompatibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Xiao
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Metabolism and Inflammatory Diseases, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Guo-Lian Ren
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Metabolism and Inflammatory Diseases, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Jian-Hang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Macrocyclic and Supramolecular Chemistry of Guizhou Province, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jia-Huan Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Metabolism and Inflammatory Diseases, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Xia Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Metabolism and Inflammatory Diseases, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Xin Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Macrocyclic and Supramolecular Chemistry of Guizhou Province, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Qiu Li
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Metabolism and Inflammatory Diseases, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Hai-Ping Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Metabolism and Inflammatory Diseases, Chongqing 400014, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jitaru SC, Enache AC, Cojocaru C, Drochioiu G, Petre BA, Gradinaru VR. Self-Assembly of a Novel Pentapeptide into Hydrogelated Dendritic Architecture: Synthesis, Properties, Molecular Docking and Prospective Applications. Gels 2024; 10:86. [PMID: 38391416 PMCID: PMC10887771 DOI: 10.3390/gels10020086] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, ultrashort oligopeptides consisting of fewer than eight amino acids represent a cutting-edge frontier in materials science, particularly in the realm of hydrogel formation. By employing solid-phase synthesis with the Fmoc/tBu approach, a novel pentapeptide, FEYNF-NH2, was designed, inspired by a previously studied sequence chosen from hen egg-white lysozyme (FESNF-NH2). Qualitative peptide analysis was based on reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), while further purification was accomplished using solid-phase extraction (SPE). Exact molecular ion confirmation was achieved by matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF MS) using two different matrices (HCCA and DHB). Additionally, the molecular ion of interest was subjected to tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) employing collision-induced dissociation (CID) to confirm the synthesized peptide structure. A combination of research techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), fluorescence analysis, transmission electron microscopy, polarized light microscopy, and Congo red staining assay, were carefully employed to glean valuable insights into the self-assembly phenomena and gelation process of the modified FEYNF-NH2 peptide. Furthermore, molecular docking simulations were conducted to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pentapeptide's supramolecular assembly formation and intermolecular interactions. Our study provides potential insights into amyloid research and proposes a novel peptide for advancements in materials science. In this regard, in silico studies were performed to explore the FEYNF peptide's ability to form polyplexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania-Claudia Jitaru
- Faculty of Chemistry, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University, 11 Carol I Bd., 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Andra-Cristina Enache
- "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41-A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania
| | - Corneliu Cojocaru
- "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41-A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania
| | - Gabi Drochioiu
- Faculty of Chemistry, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University, 11 Carol I Bd., 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Brindusa-Alina Petre
- Faculty of Chemistry, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University, 11 Carol I Bd., 700506 Iasi, Romania
- TRANSCEND-Regional Institute of Oncology, 700483 Iasi, Romania
| | - Vasile-Robert Gradinaru
- Faculty of Chemistry, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University, 11 Carol I Bd., 700506 Iasi, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Browne D, Briggs F, Asuri P. Role of Polymer Concentration on the Release Rates of Proteins from Single- and Double-Network Hydrogels. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16970. [PMID: 38069293 PMCID: PMC10707672 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Controlled delivery of proteins has immense potential for the treatment of various human diseases, but effective strategies for their delivery are required before this potential can be fully realized. Recent research has identified hydrogels as a promising option for the controlled delivery of therapeutic proteins, owing to their ability to respond to diverse chemical and biological stimuli, as well as their customizable properties that allow for desired delivery rates. This study utilized alginate and chitosan as model polymers to investigate the effects of hydrogel properties on protein release rates. The results demonstrated that polymer properties, concentration, and crosslinking density, as well as their responses to pH, can be tailored to regulate protein release rates. The study also revealed that hydrogels may be combined to create double-network hydrogels to provide an additional metric to control protein release rates. Furthermore, the hydrogel scaffolds were also found to preserve the long-term function and structure of encapsulated proteins before their release from the hydrogels. In conclusion, this research demonstrates the significance of integrating porosity and response to stimuli as orthogonal control parameters when designing hydrogel-based scaffolds for therapeutic protein release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Prashanth Asuri
- Department of Bioengineering, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA 95053, USA; (D.B.); (F.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Saji VS. Recent Updates on Supramolecular-Based Drug Delivery - Macrocycles and Supramolecular Gels. CHEM REC 2022; 22:e202200053. [PMID: 35510981 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202200053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Supramolecules-based drug delivery has attracted significant recent research attention as it could enhance drug solubility, retention time, targeting, and stimuli responsiveness. Among the different supramolecules and assemblies, the macrocycles and the supramolecular hydrogels are the two important categories investigated to a greater extent. Here, we provide the most recent advancements in these categories. Under macrocycles, reports on drug delivery by cyclodextrins, cucurbiturils, calixarenes/pillararenes, crown ethers and porphyrins are detailed. The second category discusses the supramolecular hydrogels of macrocycles/polymers and low molecular weight gelators. The updated information provided could be helpful to advance R & D in this vital area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viswanathan S Saji
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Advanced Materials, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lyu Y, Azevedo HS. Supramolecular Hydrogels for Protein Delivery in Tissue Engineering. Molecules 2021; 26:873. [PMID: 33562215 PMCID: PMC7914635 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26040873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic proteins, such as growth factors (GFs), have been used in tissue engineering (TE) approaches for their ability to provide signals to cells and orchestrate the formation of functional tissue. However, to be effective and minimize off-target effects, GFs should be delivered at the target site with temporal control. In addition, protein drugs are typically sensitive water soluble macromolecules with delicate structure. As such, hydrogels, containing large amounts of water, provide a compatible environment for the direct incorporation of proteins within the hydrogel network, while their release rate can be tuned by engineering the network chemistry and density. Being formed by transient crosslinks, afforded by non-covalent interactions, supramolecular hydrogels offer important advantages for protein delivery applications. This review describes various types of supramolecular hydrogels using a repertoire of diverse building blocks, their use for protein delivery and their further application in TE contexts. By reviewing the recent literature on this topic, the merits of supramolecular hydrogels are highlighted as well as their limitations, with high expectations for new advances they will provide for TE in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Helena S. Azevedo
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK;
| |
Collapse
|