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Kłodzińska SN, Wang Q, Molchanova N, Mahmoudi N, Vallooran JJ, Hansen PR, Jenssen H, Mørck Nielsen H. Nanogel delivery systems for cationic peptides: More than a 'One Size Fits All' solution. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 663:449-457. [PMID: 38417296 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.02.101] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Self-assembled hyaluronic acid-based nanogels are versatile drug carriers due to their biodegradable nature and gentle preparation conditions, making them particularly interesting for delivery of peptide therapeutics. This study aims to elucidate the relation between peptide structure and encapsulation in a nanogel. Key peptide properties that affect encapsulation in octenyl succinic anhydride-modified hyaluronic acid nanogels were identified as we explored the effect on nanogel characteristics using 12 peptides with varying charge and hydrophobicity. The size and surface properties of the microfluidics-assembled peptide-loaded nanogels were evaluated using dynamic light scattering, laser Doppler electrophoresis, and small angle neutron scattering. Additionally, the change in peptide secondary structure upon encapsulation in nanogels, their release from the nanogels, and the in vitro antimicrobial activity were assessed. In conclusion, the more hydrophobic peptides showed stronger binding to the nanogel carrier and localized internally rather than on the surface of the nanogel, resulting in more spherical nanogels with smoother surfaces and slower release profiles. In contrast, cationic and hydrophilic peptides localized at the nanogel surface resulting in fluffier nanogel structures and quick and more complete release in biorelevant medium. These findings emphasize that the advantages of nanogel delivery systems for different applications depend on the therapeutic peptide properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia N Kłodzińska
- Center for Biopharmaceuticals and Biobarriers in Drug Delivery (BioDelivery), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Qiuyu Wang
- Center for Biopharmaceuticals and Biobarriers in Drug Delivery (BioDelivery), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Natalia Molchanova
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Najet Mahmoudi
- ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, STFC, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus, Didcot, UK
| | - Jijo J Vallooran
- Department of Chemistry, Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha, Kerala, India
| | - Paul R Hansen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Håvard Jenssen
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Hanne Mørck Nielsen
- Center for Biopharmaceuticals and Biobarriers in Drug Delivery (BioDelivery), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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López-Iglesias C, Markovina A, Nirmalananthan-Budau N, Resch-Genger U, Klinger D. Optically monitoring the microenvironment of a hydrophobic cargo in amphiphilic nanogels: influence of network composition on loading and release. NANOSCALE 2024. [PMID: 38656329 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr00051j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Amphiphilic nanogels (ANGs) are promising carriers for hydrophobic cargos such as drugs, dyes, and catalysts. Loading content and release kinetics of these compounds are controlled by type and number of hydrophobic groups in the amphiphilic copolymer network. Thus, understanding the interactions between cargo and colloidal carrier is mandatory for a tailor-made and cargo-specific ANG design. To systematically explore the influence of the network composition on these interactions, we prepared a set of ANGs of different amphiphilicity and loaded these ANGs with varying concentrations of the solvatochromic dye Nile Red (NR). Here, NR acts as a hydrophobic model cargo to optically probe the polarity of its microenvironment. Analysis of the NR emission spectra as well as measurements of the fluorescence quantum yields and decay kinetics revealed a decrease in the polarity of the NR microenvironment with increasing hydrophobicity of the hydrophobic groups in the ANG network and dye-dye interactions at higher loading concentrations. At low NR concentrations, the hydrophobic cargo NR is encapsulated in the hydrophobic domains. Increasing NR concentrations resulted in probe molecules located in a more hydrophilic environment, i.e., at the nanodomain border, and favored dye-dye interactions and NR aggregation. These results correlate well with release experiments, indicating first NR release from more hydrophilic network locations. Overall, our findings demonstrate the importance to understand carrier-drug interactions for efficient loading and controlled release profiles in amphiphilic nanogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara López-Iglesias
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise Straße 2-4, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, I+D Farma group (GI-1645), Faculty of Pharmacy, Instituto de Materiales (iMATUS) and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ante Markovina
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise Straße 2-4, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Nithiya Nirmalananthan-Budau
- Division Biophotonics, Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Richard-Willstaetter Str. 11, 12489 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Ute Resch-Genger
- Division Biophotonics, Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Richard-Willstaetter Str. 11, 12489 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Daniel Klinger
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise Straße 2-4, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
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López-Iglesias C, Klinger D. Rational Design and Development of Polymeric Nanogels as Protein Carriers. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2300256. [PMID: 37551821 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300256] [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] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Proteins have gained significant attention as potential therapeutic agents owing to their high specificity and reduced toxicity. Nevertheless, their clinical utility is hindered by inherent challenges associated with stability during storage and after in vivo administration. To overcome these limitations, polymeric nanogels (NGs) have emerged as promising carriers. These colloidal systems are capable of efficient encapsulation and stabilization of protein cargoes while improving their bioavailability and targeted delivery. The design of such delivery systems requires a comprehensive understanding of how the synthesis and formulation processes affect the final performance of the protein. This review highlights critical aspects involved in the development of NGs for protein delivery, with specific emphasis on loading strategies and evaluation techniques. For example, factors influencing loading efficiency and release kinetics are discussed, along with strategies to optimize protein encapsulation through protein-carrier interactions to achieve the desired therapeutic outcomes. The discussion is based on recent literature examples and aims to provide valuable insights for researchers working toward the advancement of protein-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara López-Iglesias
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise Straße 2-4, 14195, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, I+D Farma group (GI-1645), Faculty of Pharmacy, Instituto de Materiales (iMATUS) and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida s/n, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
| | - Daniel Klinger
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise Straße 2-4, 14195, Berlin, Germany
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Romero JF, Herziger S, Cherri M, Dimde M, Achazi K, Mohammadifar E, Haag R. Dendritic Glycerol-Cholesterol Amphiphiles as Drug Delivery Systems: A Comparison between Monomeric and Polymeric Structures. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2452. [PMID: 37896212 PMCID: PMC10610414 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102452] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of micelles as drug delivery systems has gained a great deal of attention as a means to overcome the current several drawbacks present in conventional cancer treatments. In this work, we highlight the comparison of polymeric and monomeric amphiphilic systems with a similar hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) in terms of their biocompatibility, aggregation behavior in aqueous solution, and potential in solubilizing hydrophobic compounds. The polymeric system consists of non-ionic polymeric amphiphiles synthesized via sequential RAFT polymerization of polyglycerol first-generation [G1] dendron methacrylate and cholesterol methacrylate to obtain poly(G1-polyglycerol dendron methacrylate)-block-poly(cholesterol methacrylate) (pG1MA-b-pCMA). The monomeric system is a polyglycerol second-generation [G2] dendron end-capped to a cholesterol unit. Both amphiphiles form spherical micellar aggregations in aqueous solution, with differences in size and the morphology in which hydrophobic molecules can be encapsulated. The polymeric and monomeric micelles showed a low critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 0.2 and 17 μg/mL, respectively. The results of our cytotoxicity assays showed that the polymeric system has significantly higher cell viability compared to that of the monomeric amphiphiles. The polymeric micelles were implemented as drug delivery systems by encapsulation of the hydrophobic small molecule doxorubicin, achieving a loading capacity of 4%. In summary, the results of this study reveal that using cholesterol as a building block for polymer synthesis is a promising method of preparation for efficient drug delivery systems while improving the cell viability of monomeric cholesterol.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ehsan Mohammadifar
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (J.F.R.); (S.H.); (M.C.); (M.D.); (K.A.)
| | - Rainer Haag
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (J.F.R.); (S.H.); (M.C.); (M.D.); (K.A.)
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Gruber A, Navarro L, Klinger D. Dual-reactive nanogels for orthogonal functionalization of hydrophilic shell and amphiphilic network. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:2858-2871. [PMID: 35348179 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00116k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Amphiphilic nanogels (NGs) combine a soft, water-swollen hydrogel matrix with internal hydrophobic domains. While these domains can encapsulate hydrophobic cargoes, the amphiphilic particle surface can reduce colloidal stability and/or limit biological half-life. Therefore, a functional hydrophilic shell is needed to shield the amphiphilic network and tune interactions with biological systems. To adjust core and shell properties independently, we developed a synthetic strategy that uses preformed dual-reactive nanogels. In a first step, emulsion copolymerization of pentafluorophenyl methacrylate (PFPMA) and a reduction-cleavable crosslinker produced precursor particles for subsequent network modification. Orthogonal shell reactivity was installed by using an amphiphilic block copolymer (BCP) surfactant during this particle preparation step. Here, the hydrophilic block poly(polyethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate) (PPEGMA) contains a reactive alkyne end group for successive functionalization. The hydrophobic block (P(PFPMA-co-MAPMA) contains random methacryl-amido propyl methacrylamide (MAPMA) units to covalently attach the surfactant to the growing PPFPMA network. In the second step, orthogonal modification of the core and shell was demonstrated. Network functionalization with combinations of hydrophilic (acidic, neutral, or basic) and hydrophobic (cholesterol) groups gave a library of pH- and redox-sensitive amphiphilic NGs. Stimuli-responsive properties were demonstrated by pH-dependent swelling and reduction-induced degradation via dynamic light scattering. Subsequently, copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition was used to attach azide-modified rhodamine as model compound to the shell (followed by UV-Vis). Overall, this strategy provides a versatile platform to develop multi-functional amphiphilic nanogels as carriers for hydrophobic cargoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Gruber
- Institute of Pharmacy (Pharmaceutical Chemistry), Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2-4, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Lucila Navarro
- Institute of Pharmacy (Pharmaceutical Chemistry), Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2-4, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Daniel Klinger
- Institute of Pharmacy (Pharmaceutical Chemistry), Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2-4, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
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Gruber A, Joshi AA, Graff P, Cuéllar-Camacho JL, Hedtrich S, Klinger D. Influence of Nanogel Amphiphilicity on Dermal Delivery: Balancing Surface Hydrophobicity and Network Rigidity. Biomacromolecules 2021; 23:112-127. [PMID: 34874701 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c01100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Polymeric nanogels are promising nonirritating nanocarriers for topical delivery applications. However, conventional hydrophilic networks limit encapsulation of hydrophobic therapeutics and hinder tailored interactions with the amphiphilic skin barrier. To address these limitations, we present amphiphilic nanogels containing hydrophilic networks with hydrophobic domains. Two competing factors determine favorable nanogel-skin interactions and need to be balanced through network composition: suitable surface hydrophobicity and low network rigidity (through physical hydrophobic cross-links). To ensure comparability in such investigations, we prepared a library of nanogels with increasing hydrophobic cholesteryl amounts but similar colloidal features. By combining mechanical and surface hydrophobicity tests (atomic force microscopy (AFM)) with dermal delivery experiments on excised human skin, we can correlate an increased delivery efficacy of Nile red to the viable epidermis with a specific network composition, i.e., 20-30 mol % cholesterol. Thus, our nanogel library identifies a specific balance between surface amphiphilicity and network rigidity to guide developments of advanced dermal delivery vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Gruber
- Institute of Pharmacy (Pharmaceutical Chemistry), Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2-4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Aaroh Anand Joshi
- Institute of Pharmacy (Pharmacology and Toxicology), Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2-4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Graff
- Institute of Pharmacy (Pharmacology and Toxicology), Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2-4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - José Luis Cuéllar-Camacho
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Hedtrich
- Institute of Pharmacy (Pharmacology and Toxicology), Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2-4, 14195 Berlin, Germany.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T1Z3, Canada
| | - Daniel Klinger
- Institute of Pharmacy (Pharmaceutical Chemistry), Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2-4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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Zheng C, Yan C, Xie H, Huang L, Fu H, Zhang T, Huang Z. Preparation, properties, and degradation mechanism of thermosensitive self-degradation microgel. J DISPER SCI TECHNOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/01932691.2021.2010566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cunchuan Zheng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Chaozong Yan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Hu Xie
- Xinjiang Oilfield Company’s first Gas Production, PetroChina Xinjiang Oilfield Company, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Lamei Huang
- Research Institute of Exploration and Development, Tarim Oilfield Company, PetroChina, Tarim, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Haoran Fu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Tailiang Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, The People’s Republic of China
- Oil and Gas Field Applied Chemistry Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiyu Huang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, The People’s Republic of China
- Oil and Gas Field Applied Chemistry Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, The People’s Republic of China
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Polo Fonseca L, Felisberti MI. Thermo- and UV-responsive amphiphilic nanogels via reversible [4+4] photocycloaddition of PEG/PCL-based polyurethane dispersions. Eur Polym J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2021.110800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Biglione C, Neumann‐Tran TMP, Kanwal S, Klinger D. Amphiphilic micro‐ and nanogels: Combining properties from internal hydrogel networks, solid particles, and micellar aggregates. JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.20210508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Biglione
- Institute of Pharmacy (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) Freie Universität Berlin Berlin Germany
| | | | - Sidra Kanwal
- Institute of Pharmacy (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) Freie Universität Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Daniel Klinger
- Institute of Pharmacy (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) Freie Universität Berlin Berlin Germany
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