1
|
Dugershaw-Kurzer B, Bossart J, Buljan M, Hannig Y, Zehnder S, Gupta G, Kissling VM, Nowak-Sliwinska P, van Beijnum JR, Griffioen AW, Masjosthusmann S, Zühr E, Fritsche E, Hornung R, Rduch T, Buerki-Thurnherr T. Nanoparticles Dysregulate the Human Placental Secretome with Consequences on Angiogenesis and Vascularization. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2401060. [PMID: 38767187 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) in pregnancy is increasingly linked to adverse effects on embryo-fetal development and health later in life. However, the developmental toxicity mechanisms of NPs are largely unknown, in particular potential effects on the placental secretome, which orchestrates many developmental processes pivotal for pregnancy success. This study demonstrates extensive material- and pregnancy stage-specific deregulation of placental signaling from a single exposure of human placental explants to physiologically relevant concentrations of engineered (silica (SiO2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs) and environmental NPs (diesel exhaust particles, DEPs). This includes a multitude of secreted inflammatory, vascular, and endocrine placental factors as well as extracellular vesicle (EV)-associated proteins. Moreover, conditioned media (CM) from NP-exposed explants induce pronounced anti-angiogenic and anti-vasculogenic effects, while early neurodevelopmental processes are only marginally affected. These findings underscore the potential of metal oxide NPs and DEPs for widespread interference with the placental secretome and identify vascular morphogenesis as a sensitive outcome for the indirect developmental toxicity of different NPs. Overall, this work has profound implications for the future safety assessment of NPs for industrial, commercial, or medical applications in pregnancy, which should consider placenta-mediated toxicity by holistic secretomics approaches to ensure the development of safe nanotechnologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Battuja Dugershaw-Kurzer
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), St. Gallen, 9014, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Jonas Bossart
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), St. Gallen, 9014, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
- SIB, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Marija Buljan
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), St. Gallen, 9014, Switzerland
- SIB, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Yvette Hannig
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), St. Gallen, 9014, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Zehnder
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), St. Gallen, 9014, Switzerland
| | - Govind Gupta
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), St. Gallen, 9014, Switzerland
| | - Vera M Kissling
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), St. Gallen, 9014, Switzerland
| | - Patrycja Nowak-Sliwinska
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, 1205, Switzerland
| | - Judy R van Beijnum
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, UMC loacation Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, 1081, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan W Griffioen
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, UMC loacation Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, 1081, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Masjosthusmann
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Etta Zühr
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
- DNTOX GmbH, 40223, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - René Hornung
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen (KSSG), St. Gallen, 9007, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Rduch
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), St. Gallen, 9014, Switzerland
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen (KSSG), St. Gallen, 9007, Switzerland
| | - Tina Buerki-Thurnherr
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), St. Gallen, 9014, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Deepak V, El-Balawi L, Harris LK. Placental Drug Delivery to Treat Pre-Eclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2311165. [PMID: 38745536 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202311165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction (FGR) continue to cause unacceptably high levels of morbidity and mortality, despite significant pharmaceutical and technological advances in other disease areas. The recent pandemic has also impacted obstetric care, as COVID-19 infection increases the risk of poor pregnancy outcomes. This review explores the reasons why it lacks effective drug treatments for the placental dysfunction that underlies many common obstetric conditions and describes how nanomedicines and targeted drug delivery approaches may provide the solution to the current drug drought. The ever-increasing range of biocompatible nanoparticle formulations available is now making it possible to selectively deliver drugs to uterine and placental tissues and dramatically limit fetal drug transfer. Formulations that are refractory to placental uptake offer the possibility of retaining drugs within the maternal circulation, allowing pregnant individuals to take medicines previously considered too harmful to the developing baby. Liposomes, ionizable lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and adenoviral vectors have all been used to create efficacious drug delivery systems for use in pregnancy, although each approach offers distinct advantages and limitations. It is imperative that recent advances continue to be built upon and that there is an overdue investment of intellectual and financial capital in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Venkataraman Deepak
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
- St Mary's Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Lujain El-Balawi
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Lynda K Harris
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
- St Mary's Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cary CM, Fournier SB, Adams S, Wang X, Yurkow EJ, Stapleton PA. Single pulmonary nanopolystyrene exposure in late-stage pregnancy dysregulates maternal and fetal cardiovascular function. Toxicol Sci 2024; 199:149-159. [PMID: 38366927 PMCID: PMC11057520 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Large-scale production and waste of plastic materials have resulted in widespread environmental contamination by the breakdown product of bulk plastic materials to micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs). The small size of these particles enables their suspension in the air, making pulmonary exposure inevitable. Previous work has demonstrated that xenobiotic pulmonary exposure to nanoparticles during gestation leads to maternal vascular impairments, as well as cardiovascular dysfunction within the fetus. Few studies have assessed the toxicological consequences of maternal nanoplastic (NP) exposure; therefore, the objective of this study was to assess maternal and fetal health after a single maternal pulmonary exposure to polystyrene NP in late gestation. We hypothesized that this acute exposure would impair maternal and fetal cardiovascular function. Pregnant rats were exposed to nanopolystyrene on gestational day 19 via intratracheal instillation. 24 h later, maternal and fetal health outcomes were evaluated. Cardiovascular function was assessed in dams using vascular myography ex vivo and in fetuses in vivo function was measured via ultrasound. Both fetal and placental weight were reduced after maternal exposure to nanopolystyrene. Increased heart weight and vascular dysfunction in the aorta were evident in exposed dams. Maternal exposure led to vascular dysfunction in the radial artery of the uterus, a resistance vessel that controls blood flow to the fetoplacental compartment. Function of the fetal heart, fetal aorta, and umbilical artery after gestational exposure was dysregulated. Taken together, these data suggest that exposure to NPs negatively impacts maternal and fetal health, highlighting the concern of MNPs exposure on pregnancy and fetal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C M Cary
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - S B Fournier
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - S Adams
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - X Wang
- Molecular Imaging Core, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - E J Yurkow
- Molecular Imaging Core, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - P A Stapleton
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Young RE, Nelson KM, Hofbauer SI, Vijayakumar T, Alameh MG, Weissman D, Papachristou C, Gleghorn JP, Riley RS. Systematic development of ionizable lipid nanoparticles for placental mRNA delivery using a design of experiments approach. Bioact Mater 2024; 34:125-137. [PMID: 38223537 PMCID: PMC10784148 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have gained attention as mRNA delivery platforms for vaccination against COVID-19 and for protein replacement therapies. LNPs enhance mRNA stability, circulation time, cellular uptake, and preferential delivery to specific tissues compared to mRNA with no carrier platform. However, LNPs are only in the beginning stages of development for safe and effective mRNA delivery to the placenta to treat placental dysfunction. Here, we develop LNPs that enable high levels of mRNA delivery to trophoblasts in vitro and to the placenta in vivo with no toxicity. We conducted a Design of Experiments to explore how LNP composition, including the type and molar ratio of each lipid component, drives trophoblast and placental delivery. Our data revealed that utilizing C12-200 as the ionizable lipid and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) as the phospholipid in the LNP design yields high transfection efficiency in vitro. Analysis of lipid molar composition as a design parameter in LNPs displayed a strong correlation between apparent pKa and poly (ethylene) glycol (PEG) content, as a reduction in PEG molar amount increases apparent pKa. Further, we present one LNP platform that exhibits the highest delivery of placental growth factor mRNA to the placenta in pregnant mice, resulting in synthesis and secretion of a potentially therapeutic protein. Lastly, our high-performing LNPs have no toxicity to both the pregnant mice and fetuses. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of LNPs as a platform for mRNA delivery to the placenta, and our top LNP formulations may provide a therapeutic platform to treat diseases that originate from placental dysfunction during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Young
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
- School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, Virtua College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
| | - Katherine M. Nelson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - Samuel I. Hofbauer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
- School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, Virtua College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Rowan University, 401 Broadway, Camden, NJ 08103, United States
| | - Tara Vijayakumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
- School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, Virtua College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
| | - Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Drew Weissman
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Charalampos Papachristou
- Department of Mathematics, College of Science & Mathematics, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
| | - Jason P. Gleghorn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Delaware, 590 Avenue 1743, Newark, DE 19713, United States
| | - Rachel S. Riley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
- School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, Virtua College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chaudhary N, Newby AN, Whitehead KA. Non-Viral RNA Delivery During Pregnancy: Opportunities and Challenges. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023:e2306134. [PMID: 38145340 PMCID: PMC11196389 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
During pregnancy, the risk of maternal and fetal adversities increases due to physiological changes, genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and infections. Unfortunately, treatment options are severely limited because many essential interventions are unsafe, inaccessible, or lacking in sufficient scientific data to support their use. One potential solution to this challenge may lie in emerging RNA therapeutics for gene therapy, protein replacement, maternal vaccination, fetal gene editing, and other prenatal treatment applications. In this review, the current landscape of RNA platforms and non-viral RNA delivery technologies that are under active development for administration during pregnancy is explored. Advancements of pregnancy-specific RNA drugs against SARS-CoV-2, Zika, influenza, preeclampsia, and for in-utero gene editing are discussed. Finally, this study highlights bottlenecks that are impeding translation efforts of RNA therapies, including the lack of accurate cell-based and animal models of human pregnancy and concerns related to toxicity and immunogenicity during pregnancy. Overcoming these challenges will facilitate the rapid development of this new class of pregnancy-safe drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Namit Chaudhary
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Alexandra N. Newby
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Kathryn A. Whitehead
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Irvin-Choy NS, Nelson KM, Gleghorn JP, Day ES. Delivery and short-term maternal and fetal safety of vaginally administered PEG-PLGA nanoparticles. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:3003-3013. [PMID: 37365402 PMCID: PMC10913101 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01369-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
At the onset of pregnancy, people with preexisting conditions face additional challenges in carrying their pregnancy to term, as the safety of the developing fetus and pregnant person is a significant factor of concern. Nanoparticle (NP)-based therapies have displayed success against various conditions and diseases in non-pregnant patients, but the use of NPs in maternal-fetal health applications needs to be better established. Local vaginal delivery of NPs is a promising administration route with the potential to yield high cargo retention in the vagina and improved therapeutic efficacy compared to systemic administration that results in rapid NP clearance by the hepatic first-pass effect. In this study, we investigated the biodistribution and short-term toxicity of poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PEG-PLGA) NPs in pregnant mice following vaginal delivery. The NPs were either loaded with DiD fluorophores for tracking cargo distribution (termed DiD-PEG-PLGA NPs) or included Cy5-tagged PLGA in the formulation for tracking polymer distribution (termed Cy5-PEG-PLGA NPs). DiD-PEG-PLGA NPs were administered at gestational day (E)14.5 or 17.5, and cargo biodistribution was analyzed 24 h later by fluorescence imaging of whole excised tissues and histological sections. No gestational differences in DiD distribution were observed, so Cy5-PEG-PLGA NPs were administered at only E17.5 to evaluate polymer distribution in the reproductive organs of pregnant mice. Cy5-PEG-PLGA NPs distributed to the vagina, placentas, and embryos, whereas DiD cargo was only observed in the vagina. NPs did not impact maternal, fetal, or placental weight, suggesting they display no short-term effects on maternal or fetal growth. The results from this study encourage future investigation into the use of vaginally delivered NP therapies for conditions affecting the vagina during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N'Dea S Irvin-Choy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19713, USA
| | - Katherine M Nelson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Jason P Gleghorn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19713, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA.
| | - Emily S Day
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19713, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA.
- Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19713, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhao J, Zhang J, Xu Y, Dong J, Dong Q, Zhao G, Shi Y. Nanotechnological approaches for the treatment of placental dysfunction: recent trends and future perspectives. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2023; 18:1961-1978. [PMID: 37990993 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2023-0194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The transitory placenta develops during pregnancy and mediates the blood flow between the mother and the developing baby. Placental dysfunction, including but not limited to placenta accreta spectrum, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia and gestational trophoblastic disease, arises from abnormal placental development and can result in significant adverse maternal and fetal health outcomes. Unfortunately, there is a lack of treatment alternatives for these disorders. Nanocarriers offer versatility, including extended circulation, organ-specific targeting and intracellular transport, finely tuning therapeutic placental interactions. This thorough review explores nanotechnological strategies for addressing placental disorders, encompassing dysfunction insights, potential drug-delivery targets and recent strides in placenta-targeted nanoparticle (NP) therapies, instilling hope for effective placental malfunction treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhao
- Delivery Rooms, Shaoxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Jungang Zhang
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Medical Research Center, Zhoushan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhoushan, 316000, China
| | - Juan Dong
- Delivery Rooms, Shaoxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Qichao Dong
- Delivery Rooms, Shaoxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Guoqiang Zhao
- Delivery Rooms, Shaoxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cary C, Stapleton P. Determinants and mechanisms of inorganic nanoparticle translocation across mammalian biological barriers. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:2111-2131. [PMID: 37303009 PMCID: PMC10540313 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03528-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Biological barriers protect delicate internal tissues from exposures to and interactions with hazardous materials. Primary anatomical barriers prevent external agents from reaching systemic circulation and include the pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and dermal barriers. Secondary barriers include the blood-brain, blood-testis, and placental barriers. The tissues protected by secondary barriers are particularly sensitive to agents in systemic circulation. Neurons of the brain cannot regenerate and therefore must have limited interaction with cytotoxic agents. In the testis, the delicate process of spermatogenesis requires a specific milieu distinct from the blood. The placenta protects the developing fetus from compounds in the maternal circulation that would impair limb or organ development. Many biological barriers are semi-permeable, allowing only materials or chemicals, with a specific set of properties, that easily pass through or between cells. Nanoparticles (particles less than 100 nm) have recently drawn specific concern due to the possibility of biological barrier translocation and contact with distal tissues. Current evidence suggests that nanoparticles translocate across both primary and secondary barriers. It is known that the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles can affect biological interactions, and it has been shown that nanoparticles can breach primary and some secondary barriers. However, the mechanism by which nanoparticles cross biological barriers has yet to be determined. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize how different nanoparticle physicochemical properties interact with biological barriers and barrier products to govern translocation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Cary
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Phoebe Stapleton
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, 170 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lenders V, Koutsoumpou X, Phan P, Soenen SJ, Allegaert K, de Vleeschouwer S, Toelen J, Zhao Z, Manshian BB. Modulation of engineered nanomaterial interactions with organ barriers for enhanced drug transport. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:4672-4724. [PMID: 37338993 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00574j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
The biomedical use of nanoparticles (NPs) has been the focus of intense research for over a decade. As most NPs are explored as carriers to alter the biodistribution, pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of associated drugs, the delivery of these NPs to the tissues of interest remains an important topic. To date, the majority of NP delivery studies have used tumor models as their tool of interest, and the limitations concerning tumor targeting of systemically administered NPs have been well studied. In recent years, the focus has also shifted to other organs, each presenting their own unique delivery challenges to overcome. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in leveraging NPs to overcome four major biological barriers including the lung mucus, the gastrointestinal mucus, the placental barrier, and the blood-brain barrier. We define the specific properties of these biological barriers, discuss the challenges related to NP transport across them, and provide an overview of recent advances in the field. We discuss the strengths and shortcomings of different strategies to facilitate NP transport across the barriers and highlight some key findings that can stimulate further advances in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Lenders
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Xanthippi Koutsoumpou
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Philana Phan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Stefaan J Soenen
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B3000 Leuven, Belgium.
- NanoHealth and Optical Imaging Group, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karel Allegaert
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, CN Rotterdam, 3015, The Netherlands
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, B3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Child and Youth Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Woman and Child, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven de Vleeschouwer
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Neuroanatomy, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jaan Toelen
- Leuven Child and Youth Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Woman and Child, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zongmin Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Bella B Manshian
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Geisler HC, Safford HC, Mitchell MJ. Rational Design of Nanomedicine for Placental Disorders: Birthing a New Era in Women's Reproductive Health. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023:e2300852. [PMID: 37191231 PMCID: PMC10651803 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202300852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is a transient organ that forms during pregnancy and acts as a biological barrier, mediating exchange between maternal and fetal circulation. Placental disorders, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, placenta accreta spectrum, and gestational trophoblastic disease, originate in dysfunctional placental development during pregnancy and can lead to severe complications for both the mother and fetus. Unfortunately, treatment options for these disorders are severely lacking. Challenges in designing therapeutics for use during pregnancy involve selectively delivering payloads to the placenta while protecting the fetus from potential toxic side effects. Nanomedicine holds great promise in overcoming these barriers; the versatile and modular nature of nanocarriers, including prolonged circulation times, intracellular delivery, and organ-specific targeting, can control how therapeutics interact with the placenta. In this review, nanomedicine strategies are discussed to treat and diagnose placental disorders with an emphasis on understanding the unique pathophysiology behind each of these diseases. Finally, prior study of the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying these placental disorders has revealed novel disease targets. These targets are highlighted here to motivate the rational design of precision nanocarriers to improve therapeutic options for placental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C. Geisler
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Hannah C. Safford
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Michael J. Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
- Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19014, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gomes DSB, Paterno LG, Santos ABS, Barbosa DPP, Holtz BM, Souza MR, Moraes-Souza RQ, Garay AV, de Andrade LR, Sartoratto PPC, Mertz D, Volpato GT, Freitas SM, Soler MAG. UV-Accelerated Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticle-Pluronic Nanocomposites for X-ray Computed Tomography Contrast Enhancement. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15092163. [PMID: 37177309 PMCID: PMC10181159 DOI: 10.3390/polym15092163] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Eco-friendly chemical methods using FDA-approved Pluronic F127 (PLU) block copolymer have garnered much attention for simultaneously forming and stabilizing Au nanoparticles (AuNPs). Given the remarkable properties of AuNPs for usage in various fields, especially in biomedicine, we performed a systematic study to synthesize AuNP-PLU nanocomposites under optimized conditions using UV irradiation for accelerating the reaction. The use of UV irradiation at 254 nm resulted in several advantages over the control method conducted under ambient light (control). The AuNP-PLU-UV nanocomposite was produced six times faster, lasting 10 min, and exhibited lower size dispersion than the control. A set of experimental techniques was applied to determine the structure and morphology of the produced nanocomposites as affected by the UV irradiation. The MTT assay was conducted to estimate IC50 values of AuNP-PLU-UV in NIH 3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblasts, and the results suggest that the sample is more compatible with cells than control samples. Afterward, in vivo maternal and fetal toxicity assays were performed in rats to evaluate the effect of AuNP-PLU-UV formulation during pregnancy. Under the tested conditions, the treatment was found to be safe for the mother and fetus. As a proof of concept or application, the synthesized Au:PLU were tested as contrast agents with an X-ray computed tomography scan (X-ray CT).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deizilene S B Gomes
- Universidade de Brasilia, Instituto de Física, Laboratório de Nanofilmes e Nano Dispositivos, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciencia e Tecnologia de Rondonia, Ji-Parana-RO 76900-730, Brazil
| | - Leonardo G Paterno
- Universidade de Brasilia, Instituto de Quimica, Laboratorio de Pesquisa em Polimeros e Nanomateriais, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Aline B S Santos
- Universidade de Brasilia, Instituto de Física, Laboratório de Nanofilmes e Nano Dispositivos, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Debora P P Barbosa
- Universidade de Brasilia, Instituto de Física, Laboratório de Nanofilmes e Nano Dispositivos, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Beatriz M Holtz
- Federal University of Mato Grosso, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Laboratory of System Physiology and Reproductive Toxicology, Barra do Garças-MT 78605-091, Brazil
| | - Maysa R Souza
- Federal University of Mato Grosso, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Laboratory of System Physiology and Reproductive Toxicology, Barra do Garças-MT 78605-091, Brazil
| | - Rafaianne Q Moraes-Souza
- Federal University of Mato Grosso, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Laboratory of System Physiology and Reproductive Toxicology, Barra do Garças-MT 78605-091, Brazil
| | - Aisel V Garay
- Universidade de Brasilia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Laboratório de Biofisica Molecular, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Laise R de Andrade
- Universidade de Brasilia, Instituto de Ciências Biologicas, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | | | - Damien Mertz
- Institut de Physique et Chimie des Materiaux de Strasbourg (IPCMS), UMR-7504 CNRS-Universite de Strasbourg, 23 rue du Loess, BP 34, CEDEX 02, 67034 Strasbourg, France
| | - Gustavo T Volpato
- Federal University of Mato Grosso, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Laboratory of System Physiology and Reproductive Toxicology, Barra do Garças-MT 78605-091, Brazil
| | - Sonia M Freitas
- Universidade de Brasilia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Laboratório de Biofisica Molecular, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Maria A G Soler
- Universidade de Brasilia, Instituto de Física, Laboratório de Nanofilmes e Nano Dispositivos, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Swingle KL, Safford HC, Geisler HC, Hamilton AG, Thatte AS, Billingsley MM, Joseph RA, Mrksich K, Padilla MS, Ghalsasi AA, Alameh MG, Weissman D, Mitchell MJ. Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticles for In Vivo mRNA Delivery to the Placenta during Pregnancy. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:4691-4706. [PMID: 36789893 PMCID: PMC9992266 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c12893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the most clinically advanced nonviral platform for mRNA delivery. While they have been explored for applications including vaccines and gene editing, LNPs have not been investigated for placental insufficiency during pregnancy. Placental insufficiency is caused by inadequate blood flow in the placenta, which results in increased maternal blood pressure and restricted fetal growth. Therefore, improving vasodilation in the placenta can benefit both maternal and fetal health. Here, we engineered ionizable LNPs for mRNA delivery to the placenta with applications in mediating placental vasodilation. We designed a library of ionizable lipids to formulate LNPs for mRNA delivery to placental cells and identified a lead LNP that enables in vivo mRNA delivery to trophoblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells in the placenta. Delivery of this top LNP formulation encapsulated with VEGF-A mRNA engendered placental vasodilation, demonstrating the potential of mRNA LNPs for protein replacement therapy during pregnancy to treat placental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey L Swingle
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Hannah C Safford
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Hannah C Geisler
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Alex G Hamilton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Ajay S Thatte
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Margaret M Billingsley
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Ryann A Joseph
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Kaitlin Mrksich
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Marshall S Padilla
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Aditi A Ghalsasi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States.,Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States.,Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Michael J Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States.,Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States.,Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States.,Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States.,Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Young RE, Nelson KM, Hofbauer SI, Vijayakumar T, Alameh MG, Weissman D, Papachristou C, Gleghorn JP, Riley RS. Lipid Nanoparticle Composition Drives mRNA Delivery to the Placenta. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.12.22.521490. [PMID: 36597546 PMCID: PMC9810215 DOI: 10.1101/2022.12.22.521490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have gained attention as mRNA delivery platforms for vaccination against COVID-19 and for protein replacement therapies. LNPs enhance mRNA stability, circulation time, cellular uptake, and preferential delivery to specific tissues compared to mRNA with no carrier platform. However, LNPs have yet to be developed for safe and effective mRNA delivery to the placenta as a method to treat placental dysfunction. Here, we develop LNPs that enable high levels of mRNA delivery to trophoblasts in vitro and to the placenta in vivo with no toxicity. We conducted a Design of Experiments to explore how LNP composition, including the type and molar ratio of each lipid component, drives trophoblast and placental delivery. Our data revealed that a specific combination of ionizable lipid and phospholipid in the LNP design yields high transfection efficiency in vitro . Further, we present one LNP platform that exhibits highest delivery of placental growth factor mRNA to the placenta in pregnant mice, which demonstrates induced protein synthesis and secretion of a therapeutic protein. Lastly, our high-performing LNPs have no toxicity to both the pregnant mice and fetuses. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of LNPs as a platform for mRNA delivery to the placenta. Our top LNPs may provide a therapeutic platform to treat diseases that originate from placental dysfunction during pregnancy.
Collapse
|
14
|
Vaginal Nanoformulations for the Management of Preterm Birth. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102019. [PMID: 36297454 PMCID: PMC9611874 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is a leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality in the world. In 2020, 1 in 10 infants were born prematurely in the United States. The World Health Organization estimates that a total of 15 million infants are born prematurely every year. Current therapeutic interventions for PTB have had limited replicable success. Recent advancements in the field of nanomedicine have made it possible to utilize the vaginal administration route to effectively and locally deliver drugs to the female reproductive tract. Additionally, studies using murine models have provided important insights about the cervix as a gatekeeper for pregnancy and parturition. With these recent developments, the field of reproductive biology is on the cusp of a paradigm shift in the context of treating PTB. The present review focuses on the complexities associated with treating the condition and novel therapeutics that have produced promising results in preclinical studies.
Collapse
|