Monitoring the erosion of hydrolytically-degradable nanogels via multiangle light scattering coupled to asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation

Wound-triggered shape change microgels for the development of enhanced biomimetic function platelet-like particles

Platelets play a pivotal role in hemostasis and wound healing and conditional shape change is an important component of platelet functionality. In normal circumstances, platelets travel through the circulatory system in an inactive rounded state, which enables platelets to easily move to vessel walls for attachment. When an injury occurs, platelets are prompted by molecules, such as thrombin, to shift into a stellate shape and increase exposure of fibrin-binding receptors. When active, platelets promote hemostasis and clot retraction, which enhances clot stability and promotes healing. However, in conditions where platelets are depleted or hyporeactive, these functions are diminished and lead to inhibited hemostasis and healing. To treat platelet depletion, our group developed platelet-like particles (PLPs) which consist of highly deformable microgels coupled to fibrin binding motif. However, first generation PLPs do not exhibit wound-triggered shape change like native platelets. Thus, the objective of these studies was to develop a PLP formulation that changes shape when prompted by thrombin. To create thrombin-sensitive PLPs (TS-PLPs), we incorporated a thrombin-cleavable peptide into the microgel body and then evaluated PLP properties before and after exposure to thrombin including morphology, size, and in vitro clot retraction. Once thrombin-prompted shape change ability was confirmed, the TS-PLPs were tested in vivo for hemostatic ability and subsequent wound healing outcomes in a murine liver trauma model. We found that TS-PLPs exhibit a wound-triggered shape change, induce significant clot retraction following exposure to thrombin and promote hemostasis and healing in vivo after trauma.

Field-Flow Fractionation in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

Field-flow fractionation (FFF) is a family of single-phase separative techniques exploited to gently separate and characterize nano- and microsystems in suspension. These techniques cover an extremely wide dynamic range and are able to separate analytes in an interval between a few nm to 100 µm size-wise (over 15 orders of magnitude mass-wise). They are flexible in terms of mobile phase and can separate the analytes in native conditions, preserving their original structures/properties as much as possible. Molecular biology is the branch of biology that studies the molecular basis of biological activity, while biotechnology deals with the technological applications of biology. The areas where biotechnologies are required include industrial, agri-food, environmental, and pharmaceutical. Many species of biological interest belong to the operational range of FFF techniques, and their application to the analysis of such samples has steadily grown in the last 30 years. This work aims to summarize the main features, milestones, and results provided by the application of FFF in the field of molecular biology and biotechnology, with a focus on the years from 2000 to 2022. After a theoretical background overview of FFF and its methodologies, the results are reported based on the nature of the samples analyzed.

Understanding the Degradation of Core-Shell Nanogels Using Asymmetrical Flow Field Flow Fractionation

Nanogels are candidates for biomedical applications, and core-shell nanogels offer the potential to tune thermoresponsive behaviour with the capacity for extensive degradation. These properties were achieved by the combination of a core of poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) and a shell of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), both crosslinked with the degradable crosslinker N,N'-bis(acryloyl)cystamine. In this work, the degradation behaviour of these nanogels was characterised using asymmetric flow field flow fractionation coupled with multi-angle and dynamic light scattering. By monitoring the degradation products of the nanogels in real-time, it was possible to identify three distinct stages of degradation: nanogel swelling, nanogel fragmentation, and nanogel fragment degradation. The results indicate that the core-shell nanogels degrade slower than their non-core-shell counterparts, possibly due to a higher degree of self-crosslinking reactions occurring in the shell. The majority of the degradation products had molecule weights below 10 kDa, which suggests that they may be cleared through the kidneys. This study provides important insights into the design and characterisation of degradable nanogels for biomedical applications, highlighting the need for accurate characterisation techniques to measure the potential biological impact of nanogel degradation products.

Insights into the internal structures of nanogels using a versatile asymmetric-flow field-flow fractionation method

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) nanogels are a highly researched type of colloidal material. In this work, we establish a versatile asymmetric-flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) method that can provide high resolution particle sizing and also structural information on nanogel samples from 65-310 nm in hydrodynamic diameter and so different chemical compositions. To achieve this online multi-angle light scattering and dynamic light scattering detectors were used to provide measurement of the radius of gyration (R _g) and hydrodynamic radius (R _h) respectively. Two different eluents and a range of cross-flows were evaluated in order to provide effective fractionation and high recovery for the different nanogel samples. We found that using 0.1 M NaNO₃ as the eluent and an initial cross-flow of 1 mL min^-1 provided optimal separation conditions for all samples tested. Using this method, we analysed two types of samples, pNIPAM nanogels prepared by free radical dispersion polymerisation with increasing diameters and analysed poly(acrylic acid)-b-pNIPAM crosslinked nanogels prepared by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer dispersion polymerisation. We could determine that the differently sized free radical nanogels possessed differing internal structures; shape factors (R _g/R _h) ranged from 0.58-0.73 and revealed that the smallest nanogel had a homogeneous internal crosslinking density, while the larger nanogels had a more densely crosslinked core compared to the shell. The poly(acrylic acid)-b-pNIPAM crosslinked nanogels displayed clear core-shell structures due to all the crosslinking being contained in the core of the nanogel.

Targeted Transmembrane Delivery of Ca2+ via FA-Nanogel for Synergistically Enhanced Chemotherapy

Metal ion synergistically enhanced chemotherapy is a promising strategy for cancer treatment. However, targeting delivery of ions toward cancer cells remains challenging for decades. Herein, we developed a novel folic acid-nanogel (termed as FA-nanogel) with alkane chains as diffusion barriers for targeted transmembrane delivery of calcium ions into cancer cells. With the aid of hydrophobic diffusion barriers, the FA-nanogel showed a reduced and sustained speed for release of calcium ions, significantly prolonging the ion effect. Moreover, a pH-sensitive injectable hydrogel-loaded FA-nanogel and chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) was synthesized for investigating the synergistic effect of nanogel on chemotherapy. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that the intracellular calcium ions were continuously increased because of the targeted delivery ability and ion sustained release ability of the smart FA-nanogel, and the tumor growth was effectively inhibited by the ion synergistic chemotherapy. This study not only provides a powerful nanoplatform for sustained transmembrane delivery of ions into malignant cells but also creates better conditions for improving the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy.

Asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation in the field of nanomedicine

Asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) is a widely used and versatile technique in the family of field-flow fractionations, indicated by a rapidly increasing number of publications. It represents a gentle separation and characterization method, where nonspecific interactions are reduced to a minimum, allows a broad separation range from several nano- up to micrometers and enables a superior characterization of homo- and heterogenic systems. In particular, coupling to multiangle light scattering provides detailed access to sample properties. Information about molar mass, polydispersity, size, shape/conformation, or density can be obtained nearly independent of the used material. In this Perspective, the application and progress of AF4 for (bio)macromolecules and colloids, relevant for "nano" medical and pharmaceutical issues, will be presented. The characterization of different nanosized drug or gene delivery systems, e.g., polymers, nanoparticles, micelles, dendrimers, liposomes, polyplexes, and virus-like-particles (VLP), as well as therapeutic relevant proteins, antibodies, and nanoparticles for diagnostic usage will be discussed. Thereby, the variety of obtained information, the advantages and pitfalls of this emerging technique will be highlighted. Additionally, the influence of different fractionation parameters in the separation process is discussed in detail. Moreover, a comprehensive overview is given, concerning the investigated samples, fractionation parameters as membrane types and buffers used as well as the chosen detectors and the corresponding references. The perspective ends up with an outlook to the future.

Modular 'click-in-emulsion' bone-targeted nanogels

A new class of nanogel demonstrates modular biodistribution and affinity for bone. Nanogels, ∼70 nm in diameter and synthesized via an astoichiometric click-chemistry in-emulsion method, controllably display residual, free clickable functional groups. Functionalization with a bisphosphonate ligand results in significant binding to bone on the inner walls of marrow cavities, liver avoidance, and anti-osteoporotic effects.

Separation science: Principles and applications for the analysis of bionanoparticles by asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4)

Field-flow fractionation is an analytical technique that allows the separation of particles over a size range, from a few nanometers to several microns in diameter. The separation takes place under mild conditions and is suited for the analysis of neutral or charged particles. A single measurement yields the size and concentration of each component of a mixture. However, developing a suitable fractionation method can be tedious and time-consuming. In this chapter, we present asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) conditions that have proven their reliability for the analysis of quantum dots and other nanoparticles in the 5-50 nm size range. Common pitfalls are emphasized together with strategies to overcome them.

Thermosensitive nanoparticles with pH-triggered degradation and release of anti-inflammatory cell-penetrating peptides

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonate) [poly(NIPAm-AMPS)] nanoparticles can be cross-linked with hydrolytically degradable N,O-dimethacryloyl hydroxylamine (DMHA) in order to yield a pH-sensitive drug delivery system that slowly erodes above pH 5.0. Varying the composition of degradable DMHA and nondegradable MBA cross-linking allows for engineered variation of particle size and degradation kinetics. Utilizing sulfated comonomer AMPS provides for increased passive loading of anti-inflammatory mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2)-inhibiting cell-penetrating peptide KAFAKLAARLYRKALARQLGVAA (KAFAK) between 24.3% and 29.2% (w/w) for nanoparticles with 5 mol % cross-linker. Nanoparticles were shown to be nontoxic in vitro and were effective at delivering a therapeutically active dose of KAFAK to THP1 human monocytes to suppress tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) expression during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. This thermosensitive nanoparticle system is an excellent platform for passive diffusive loading in deionized water and release in physiologically relevant ionic strength media of environmentally sensitive peptide therapeutics.

Multifunctional nanogels for siRNA delivery

The application of RNA interference to treat disease is an important yet challenging concept in modern medicine. In particular, small interfering RNA (siRNA) have shown tremendous promise in the treatment of cancer. However, siRNA show poor pharmacological properties, which presents a major hurdle for effective disease treatment especially through intravenous delivery routes. In response to these shortcomings, a variety of nanoparticle carriers have emerged, which are designed to encapsulate, protect, and transport siRNA into diseased cells. To be effective as carrier vehicles, nanoparticles must overcome a series of biological hurdles throughout the course of delivery. As a result, one promising approach to siRNA carriers is dynamic, versatile nanoparticles that can perform several in vivo functions. Over the last several years, our research group has investigated hydrogel nanoparticles (nanogels) as candidate delivery vehicles for therapeutics, including siRNA. Throughout the course of our research, we have developed higher order architectures composed entirely of hydrogel components, where several different hydrogel chemistries may be isolated in unique compartments of a single construct. In this Account, we summarize a subset of our experiences in the design and application of nanogels in the context of drug delivery, summarizing the relevant characteristics for these materials as delivery vehicles for siRNA. Through the layering of multiple, orthogonal chemistries in a nanogel structure, we can impart multiple functions to the materials. We consider nanogels as a platform technology, where each functional element of the particle may be independently tuned to optimize the particle for the desired application. For instance, we can modify the shell compartment of a vehicle for cell-specific targeting or evasion of the innate immune system, whereas other compartments may incorporate fluorescent probes or regulate the encapsulation and release of macromolecular therapeutics. Proof-of-principle experiments have demonstrated the utility of multifunctional nanogels. For example, using a simple core/shell nanogel architecture, we have recently reported the delivery of siRNA to chemosensitize drug resistant ovarian cancer cells. Ongoing efforts have resulted in several advanced hydrogel structures, including biodegradable nanogels and multicompartment spheres. In parallel, our research group has studied other properties of the nanogels, including their behavior in confined environments and their ability to translocate through small pores.

Hydrogels as drug-delivery platforms: physicochemical barriers and solutions

The properties of hydrogels, in particular their high biocompatibility and water sorption uptake, make hydrogels very attractive in drug delivery and biomedical devices. These favorable features of hydrogels are compromised by certain structural limitations such as those associated with their low mechanical strength in the swollen state. This review highlights the most important challenges that may seriously affect the practical implementation of hydrogels in clinical practice and the solutions that may be applied to overcome these limitations.

Network deconstruction reveals network structure in responsive microgels

Detailed characterization of hydrogel particle erosion revealed critical physicochemical differences between spheres, where network decomposition was informative of network structure. Real-time, in situ monitoring of the triggered erosion of colloidal hydrogels (microgels) was performed via multiangle light scattering. The solution-average molar mass and root-mean-square radii of eroding particles were measured as a function of time for microgels prepared from N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) or N-isopropylmethacrylamide (NIPMAm), copolymerized with a chemically labile cross-linker (1,2-dihydroxylethylene)bisacrylamide (DHEA). Precipitation polymerization was employed to yield particles of comparable dimensions but with distinct topological features. Heterogeneous cross-linker incorporation resulted in a heterogeneous network structure for pNIPAm microgels. During the erosion reaction, mass loss proceeded from the exterior toward the interior of the polymer. In contrast, pNIPMAm microgels had a more homogeneous network structure, which resulted in a more uniform mass loss throughout the particle during erosion. Although both particle types degraded into low molar mass products, pNIPAm microgels were incapable of complete dissolution due to the presence of nondegradable cross-links arising from chain transfer and branching during particle synthesis. The observations described herein provide insight into key design parameters associated with the synthesis of degradable hydrogel particles, which may be of use in various biotechnological applications.

Cellular uptake and degradation behaviour of biodegradable poly(ethylene glycol-graft-methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles crosslinked with dimethacryloyl hydroxylamine

Crosslinked polymers with hydrolytically cleavable linkages are highly interesting materials for the design of biodegradable drug carriers. The aim of this study was to investigate if nanoparticles made of such polymers have the potential to be used also for intracellular drug delivery. PEGylated nanoparticles were prepared by copolymerization of methacrylic acid esters and N,O-dimethacryloylhydroxylamine (DMHA). The particles were stable at pH 5.0. At pH 7.4 and 9.0 the degradation covered a time span of about 14 days, following first-order kinetics with higher crosslinked particles degrading slower. Cellular particle uptake and cytotoxicity were tested with L929 mouse fibroblasts. The particle uptake rate was found to correlate linearly with the surface charge and to increase as the zeta potential becomes less negative. Coating of the particle surface with polysorbate 80 drops the internalization rate close to zero and the charge dependence disappears. This indicates the existence of a second effect apart from surface charge. A similar pattern of correlation with zeta potential and coating was also found for the degree of membrane damage while there was no effect of polysorbate on the cell metabolism which increased as the negative charge decreased. It is discussed whether exocytotic processes may explain this behaviour.

Application of flow field-flow fractionation for the characterization of macromolecules of biological interest: a review

An overview is given of the recent literature on (bio) analytical applications of flow field-flow fractionation (FlFFF). FlFFF is a liquid-phase separation technique that can separate macromolecules and particles according to size. The technique is increasingly used on a routine basis in a variety of application fields. In food analysis, FlFFF is applied to determine the molecular size distribution of starches and modified celluloses, or to study protein aggregation during food processing. In industrial analysis, it is applied for the characterization of polysaccharides that are used as thickeners and dispersing agents. In pharmaceutical and biomedical laboratories, FlFFF is used to monitor the refolding of recombinant proteins, to detect aggregates of antibodies, or to determine the size distribution of drug carrier particles. In environmental studies, FlFFF is used to characterize natural colloids in water streams, and especially to study trace metal distributions over colloidal particles. In this review, first a short discussion of the state of the art in instrumentation is given. Developments in the coupling of FlFFF to various detection modes are then highlighted. Finally, application studies are discussed and ordered according to the type of (bio) macromolecules or bioparticles that are fractionated.