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Li Z, Wang S, Zhao L, Feng S, Che H. Synthesis and Characterization of Guanidinylated CO-Releasing Micelles Based on Biodegradable Polycarbonate. Biomacromolecules 2024. [PMID: 39045816 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
As one of the gaseous signals in living cells, carbon monoxide (CO) not only participates in many biological activities but also serves as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of diseases. However, the limited applicability of CO in gas therapy emerges from the inconvenience of direct administration of CO. Here we reported the construction of guanidinylated CO-releasing micelles, which are composed of poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC)-based CO donors. The in vitro studies demonstrated that micelles in the presence of light irradiation can induce cancer death, whereas no obvious toxicity to normal cells was observed. Moreover, the functionalization of guanidine groups imparts improved cellular uptake efficiency to micelles owing to the specific interactions with the surface of cells, which synergistically increase the anticancer capacity of the system. The guanidine-functionalized CO-releasing micelles provide a new strategy for the construction of CO-releasing nanocarriers, which are expected to find applications in gas therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhezhe Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Suzhen Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Lili Zhao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Shaofeng Feng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Hailong Che
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
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2
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Ray P, Sedigh A, Confeld M, Alhalhooly L, Iduoku K, Casanola-Martin GM, Pham-The H, Rasulev B, Choi Y, Yang Z, Mallik S, Quadir M. Design and evaluation of nanoscale materials with programmed responsivity towards epigenetic enzymes. J Mater Chem B 2024. [PMID: 39021201 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00514g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Self-assembled materials capable of modulating their assembly properties in response to specific enzymes play a pivotal role in advancing 'intelligent' encapsulation platforms for biotechnological applications. Here, we introduce a previously unreported class of synthetic nanomaterials that programmatically interact with histone deacetylase (HDAC) as the triggering stimulus for disassembly. These nanomaterials consist of co-polypeptides comprising poly(acetyl L-lysine) and poly(ethylene glycol) blocks. Under neutral pH conditions, they self-assemble into particles. The hydrodynamic diameters of particles were typically withing the range of 108-190 nm, depending on degree of acetylation of the hydrophobic block. However, their stability is compromised upon exposure to HDACs, depending on enzyme concentration and exposure time. Our investigation, utilizing HDAC8 as the model enzyme, revealed that the primary mechanism behind disassembly involves a decrease in amphiphilicity within the block copolymer due to the deacetylation of lysine residues within the particles' hydrophobic domains. To elucidate the response mechanism, we encapsulated a fluorescent dye within these nanoparticles. Upon incubation with HDAC, the nanoparticle structure collapsed, leading to controlled release of the dye over time. Notably, this release was not triggered by denatured HDAC8, other proteolytic enzymes like trypsin, or the co-presence of HDAC8 and its inhibitor. We also demonstrated the biocompatibility and cellular effects of these materials in the context of drug delivery in different types of anticancer cell lines, such as MIA PaCa-2, PANC-1, cancer like stem cells (CSCs), and non-cancerous HPNE cells. We observed that the release of a model drug (such as a STAT3 pathway inhibitor, Napabucasin) can be loaded into these nanoparticles, with >90% of the dosage can be released over 3 h under the influence of HDAC8 enzyme in a controlled fashion. Further, we conducted a comprehensive computational study to unveil the possible interaction mechanism between enzymes and particles. By drawing parallels to the mechanism of naturally occurring histone proteins, this research represents a pioneering step toward developing functional materials capable of harnessing the activity of epigenetic enzymes such as HDACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Ray
- Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA.
| | - Abbas Sedigh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
| | - Matthew Confeld
- Deapartment of Physics, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
| | - Lina Alhalhooly
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
| | - Kweeni Iduoku
- Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA.
| | - Gerardo M Casanola-Martin
- Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA.
| | - Hai Pham-The
- University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
| | - Bakhtiyor Rasulev
- Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA.
| | - Yongki Choi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
| | - Zhongyu Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
| | - Sanku Mallik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
| | - Mohiuddin Quadir
- Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA.
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3
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Tufano F, Napolitano C, Mazzeo M, Grisi F, Lamberti M. CO 2-Based Polycarbonates through Ring-Opening Polymerization of Cyclic Carbonates Promoted by a NHC-Based Zinc Complex. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:4523-4534. [PMID: 38916862 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00532] [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: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
A backbone-substituted N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) zinc complex, in combination with alcohol initiators, has been shown to be an effective catalyst for the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of trimethylene carbonate (TMC) to poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) devoid of oxetane linkages. The ROP of TMC proceeded in solution to give PTMC, possessing controlled molecular mass (2500 < Mn < 10000) and low dispersity (Đ ∼ 1.2). Changing the alcohol initiators, PTMCs with different end-groups were obtained, included a telechelic polymer. The results of MALDI-ToF and NMR analysis confirmed the controlled/living nature of the present ROP catalytic system, where side reactions, such as inter- and intramolecular transesterifications, were minimized during the polymerization. Solution studies in different solvents demonstrated the polymerization reaction to proceed via a mechanism first order in monomer and in catalyst. The zinc complex was also able to convert substituted cyclic carbonates, which were purposely synthesized from renewable feedstocks such as CO2 and 1,3-diols. For the asymmetric 2-Me TMC monomer, good regioselectivity was observed (Xreg up to 0.92). The excellent control of the polymerization process was finally brought to light through the preparation of polycarbonate/polyether triblock copolymers by using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a macroinitiator and of well-defined di- and triblock polycarbonate/polylactide copolymers by sequential ROP of TMC and L-LA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Tufano
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "Adolfo Zambelli" University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium Chemical Reactivity and Catalysis (CIRCC), Via Celso Ulpiani 27, 70126 Bari, BA, Italy
| | - Claudia Napolitano
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "Adolfo Zambelli" University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium Chemical Reactivity and Catalysis (CIRCC), Via Celso Ulpiani 27, 70126 Bari, BA, Italy
| | - Mina Mazzeo
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "Adolfo Zambelli" University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium Chemical Reactivity and Catalysis (CIRCC), Via Celso Ulpiani 27, 70126 Bari, BA, Italy
| | - Fabia Grisi
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "Adolfo Zambelli" University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium Chemical Reactivity and Catalysis (CIRCC), Via Celso Ulpiani 27, 70126 Bari, BA, Italy
| | - Marina Lamberti
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "Adolfo Zambelli" University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium Chemical Reactivity and Catalysis (CIRCC), Via Celso Ulpiani 27, 70126 Bari, BA, Italy
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4
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Effenberg C, Gaitzsch J. Stretched or wrinkled? Looking into the polymer conformation within polymersome membranes. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:4127-4135. [PMID: 38726767 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00239c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Self-assembly of amphiphilic block-copolymers into polymersomes is a well-established concept. In this membrane, the hydrophilic part is considered to be loosely assembled towards the solvent, and the hydrophobic part on the inside of the membrane is considered to be more densely packed. Within the membrane, this hydrophobic part could now have a stretched conformation or be a random coil, depending on the available space and also on the chemical nature of the polymer. We now analysed the literature for works on polymersomes that determined the membrane thickness via cryo-TEM and analysed the hydrophobic part of their polymers for their conformation. Over all available block-copolymers, a variety of trends became obvious: the longer a hydrophobic block, the more coiled the conformation and the bulkier the side chains, the more stretched the polymer became. Polymers with less conformational freedom like semi-crystalline ones were present in a more stretched conformation. Both trends could be exemplified on various occasions in this cross-literature meta-study. This overview hence provides additional insight into the physical chemistry of block-copolymer membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jens Gaitzsch
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e. V., Germany.
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5
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Petrova SL, Pavlova E, Pokorný V, Sincari V. Effect of polymer concentration on the morphology of the PHPMAA- g-PLA graft copolymer nanoparticles produced by microfluidics nanoprecipitation. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2024; 6:1992-1996. [PMID: 38633038 PMCID: PMC11019477 DOI: 10.1039/d3na01038d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Successful generation of micelles, vesicles, and/or worms with controllable sizes was achieved through the self-assembly process of the poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)]methacrylamide-g-polylactide (PHPMAA-g-PLA) graft copolymer within a microfluidic channel. A product diagram was created to illustrate various morphologies associated with different polymer concentrations, all while maintaining a constant flow velocity ratio between water and the polymer solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Lukáš Petrova
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry v.v.i., Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Heyrovsky Sq. 2 162 06 Prague 6 Czech Republic
| | - Ewa Pavlova
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry v.v.i., Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Heyrovsky Sq. 2 162 06 Prague 6 Czech Republic
| | - Václav Pokorný
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry v.v.i., Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Heyrovsky Sq. 2 162 06 Prague 6 Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Sincari
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry v.v.i., Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Heyrovsky Sq. 2 162 06 Prague 6 Czech Republic
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6
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Ray P, Sedigh A, Confeld M, Alhalhooly L, Iduoku K, Casanola-Martin GM, Pham-The H, Rasulev B, Choi Y, Yang Z, Mallik S, Quadir M. Design and Evaluation of Nanoscale Materials with Programmed Responsivity towards Epigenetic Enzymes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.26.585429. [PMID: 38586020 PMCID: PMC10996597 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.26.585429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Self-assembled materials capable of modulating their assembly properties in response to specific enzymes play a pivotal role in advancing 'intelligent' encapsulation platforms for biotechnological applications. Here, we introduce a previously unreported class of synthetic nanomaterials that programmatically interact with histone deacetylase (HDAC) as the triggering stimulus for disassembly. These nanomaterials consist of co-polypeptides comprising poly (acetyl L-lysine) and poly(ethylene glycol) blocks. Under neutral pH conditions, they self-assemble into particles. However, their stability is compromised upon exposure to HDACs, depending on enzyme concentration and exposure time. Our investigation, utilizing HDAC8 as the model enzyme, revealed that the primary mechanism behind disassembly involves a decrease in amphiphilicity within the block copolymer due to the deacetylation of lysine residues within the particles' hydrophobic domains. To elucidate the response mechanism, we encapsulated a fluorescent dye within these nanoparticles. Upon incubation with HDAC, the nanoparticle structure collapsed, leading to controlled release of the dye over time. Notably, this release was not triggered by denatured HDAC8, other proteolytic enzymes like trypsin, or the co-presence of HDAC8 and its inhibitor. We further demonstrated the biocompatibility and cellular effects of these materials and conducted a comprehensive computational study to unveil the possible interaction mechanism between enzymes and particles. By drawing parallels to the mechanism of naturally occurring histone proteins, this research represents a pioneering step toward developing functional materials capable of harnessing the activity of epigenetic enzymes such as HDACs.
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7
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Fonseca M, Jarak I, Victor F, Domingues C, Veiga F, Figueiras A. Polymersomes as the Next Attractive Generation of Drug Delivery Systems: Definition, Synthesis and Applications. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:319. [PMID: 38255485 PMCID: PMC10817611 DOI: 10.3390/ma17020319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Polymersomes are artificial nanoparticles formed by the self-assembly process of amphiphilic block copolymers composed of hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks. They can encapsulate hydrophilic molecules in the aqueous core and hydrophobic molecules within the membrane. The composition of block copolymers can be tuned, enabling control of characteristics and properties of formed polymersomes and, thus, their application in areas such as drug delivery, diagnostics, or bioimaging. The preparation methods of polymersomes can also impact their characteristics and the preservation of the encapsulated drugs. Many methods have been described, including direct hydration, thin film hydration, electroporation, the pH-switch method, solvent shift method, single and double emulsion method, flash nanoprecipitation, and microfluidic synthesis. Considering polymersome structure and composition, there are several types of polymersomes including theranostic polymersomes, polymersomes decorated with targeting ligands for selective delivery, stimuli-responsive polymersomes, or porous polymersomes with multiple promising applications. Due to the shortcomings related to the stability, efficacy, and safety of some therapeutics in the human body, polymersomes as drug delivery systems have been good candidates to improve the quality of therapies against a wide range of diseases, including cancer. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy can be improved by using polymersomes to deliver the drugs, protecting and directing them to the exact site of action. Moreover, this approach is also promising for targeted delivery of biologics since they represent a class of drugs with poor stability and high susceptibility to in vivo clearance. However, the lack of a well-defined regulatory plan for polymersome formulations has hampered their follow-up to clinical trials and subsequent market entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Fonseca
- Univ. Coimbra, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.F.); (I.J.); (C.D.); (F.V.)
| | - Ivana Jarak
- Univ. Coimbra, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.F.); (I.J.); (C.D.); (F.V.)
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Francis Victor
- Department of Pharmacy, University Chenab Gujarat, Punjab 50700, Pakistan;
| | - Cátia Domingues
- Univ. Coimbra, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.F.); (I.J.); (C.D.); (F.V.)
- Univ. Coimbra, REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ. Coimbra, Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Veiga
- Univ. Coimbra, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.F.); (I.J.); (C.D.); (F.V.)
- Univ. Coimbra, REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Figueiras
- Univ. Coimbra, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.F.); (I.J.); (C.D.); (F.V.)
- Univ. Coimbra, REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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8
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Wong CK, Lai RY, Stenzel MH. Dynamic metastable polymersomes enable continuous flow manufacturing. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6237. [PMID: 37802997 PMCID: PMC10558441 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41883-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Polymersomes are polymeric analogues of liposomes with exceptional physical and chemical properties. Despite being dubbed as next-generation vesicles since their inception nearly three decades ago, polymersomes have yet to experience translation into the clinical or industrial settings. This is due to a lack of reliable methods to upscale production without compromising control over polymersome properties. Herein we report a continuous flow methodology capable of producing near-monodisperse polymersomes at scale (≥3 g/h) with the possibility of performing downstream polymersome manipulation. Unlike conventional polymersomes, our polymersomes exhibit metastability under ambient conditions, persisting for a lifetime of ca. 7 days, during which polymersome growth occurs until a dynamic equilibrium state is reached. We demonstrate how this metastable state is key to the implementation of downstream processes to manipulate polymersome size and/or shape in the same continuous stream. The methodology operates in a plug-and-play fashion and is applicable to various block copolymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin Ken Wong
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Rebecca Y Lai
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Martina H Stenzel
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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9
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Luo Y, Wu H, Zhou X, Wang J, Er S, Li Y, Welzen PLW, Oerlemans RAJF, Abdelmohsen LKEA, Shao J, van Hest JCM. Polymer Vesicles with Integrated Photothermal Responsiveness. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:20073-20080. [PMID: 37664895 PMCID: PMC10510318 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c07134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Functionalized polymer vesicles have been proven to be highly promising in biomedical applications due to their good biocompatibility, easy processability, and multifunctional responsive capacities. However, photothermal-responsive polymer vesicles triggered by near-infrared (NIR) light have not been widely reported until now. Herein, we propose a new strategy for designing NIR light-mediated photothermal polymer vesicles. A small molecule (PTA) with NIR-triggered photothermal features was synthesized by combining a D-D'-A-D'-D configuration framework with a molecular rotor function (TPE). The feasibility of the design strategy was demonstrated through density functional theory calculations. PTA moieties were introduced in the hydrophobic segment of a poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(trimethylene carbonate) block copolymer, of which the carbonate monomers were modified in the side chain with an active ester group. The amphiphilic block copolymers (PEG44-PTA2) were then used as building blocks for the self-assembly of photothermal-responsive polymer vesicles. The new class of functionalized polymer vesicles inherited the NIR-mediated high photothermal performance of the photothermal agent (PTA). After NIR laser irradiation for 10 min, the temperature of the PTA-Ps aqueous solution was raised to 56 °C. The photothermal properties and bilayer structure of PTA-Ps after laser irradiation were still intact, which demonstrated that they could be applied as a robust platform in photothermal therapy. Besides their photothermal performance, the loading capacity of PTA-Ps was investigated as well. Hydrophobic cargo (Cy7) and hydrophilic cargo (Sulfo-Cy5) were successfully encapsulated in the PTA-Ps. These properties make this new class of functionalized polymer vesicles an interesting platform for synergistic therapy in anticancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingtong Luo
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry, Institute of Complex Molecular
Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Hanglong Wu
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry, Institute of Complex Molecular
Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Xuan Zhou
- DIFFER
- Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research, De Zaale 20, 5612 AJ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jianhong Wang
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry, Institute of Complex Molecular
Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Süleyman Er
- DIFFER
- Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research, De Zaale 20, 5612 AJ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Yudong Li
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry, Institute of Complex Molecular
Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Pascal L. W. Welzen
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry, Institute of Complex Molecular
Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Roy A. J. F. Oerlemans
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry, Institute of Complex Molecular
Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Loai K. E. A. Abdelmohsen
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry, Institute of Complex Molecular
Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jingxin Shao
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry, Institute of Complex Molecular
Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jan C. M. van Hest
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry, Institute of Complex Molecular
Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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10
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Martin A, Lalanne P, Weber-Vax A, Mutschler A, Lecommandoux S. Controlling Polymersome Size through Microfluidic-Assisted Self-Assembly: Enabling 'Ready to Use' formulations for biological applications. Int J Pharm 2023:123157. [PMID: 37348574 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
The self-assembly of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(trimethylene carbonate) PEG-b-PTMC copolymers into vesicles, also referred as polymersomes, was evaluated by solvent displacement using microfluidic systems. Two microfluidic chips with different flow regimes (micromixer and Herringbone) were used and the impact of process conditions on vesicle formation was evaluated. As polymersomes are sensitive to osmotic variations, their preparation under conditions allowing their direct use in biological medium is of major importance. We therefore developed a solvent exchange approach from DMSO (Dimethylsulfoxide) to aqueous media with an osmolarity of 300 mOsm.L-1, allowing their direct use for biological evaluation. We evidenced that the organic/aqueous solvent ratio does not impact vesicle size, but the total flow rate and copolymer concentration have been observed to influence the size of polymersomes. Finally, nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 76 nm to 224 nm were confirmed to be vesicles through the use of multi-angle light scattering in combination with cryo-TEM (Cryo-Transmission Electron Microscopy) characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk Martin
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Pierre Lalanne
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Amélie Weber-Vax
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Angela Mutschler
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, 33600 Pessac, France
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11
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Pan X, Kochovski Z, Wang YL, Sarhan RM, Härk E, Gupta S, Stojkovikj S, El-Nagar GA, Mayer MT, Schürmann R, Deumer J, Gollwitzer C, Yuan J, Lu Y. Poly(ionic liquid) nanovesicles via polymerization induced self-assembly and their stabilization of Cu nanoparticles for tailored CO 2 electroreduction. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 637:408-420. [PMID: 36716665 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.01.097] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we report a straightforward, scalable synthetic route towards poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) homopolymer nanovesicles (NVs) with a tunable particle size of 50 to 120 nm and a shell thickness of 15 to 60 nm via one-step free radical polymerization induced self-assembly. By increasing monomer concentration for polymerization, their nanoscopic morphology can evolve from hollow NVs to dense spheres, and finally to directional worms, in which a multilamellar packing of PIL chains occurred in all samples. The transformation mechanism of NVs' internal morphology is studied in detail by coarse-grained simulations, revealing a correlation between the PIL chain length and the shell thickness of NVs. To explore their potential applications, PIL NVs with varied shell thickness are in situ functionalized with ultra-small (1 ∼ 3 nm in size) copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) and employed as electrocatalysts for CO2 electroreduction. The composite electrocatalysts exhibit a 2.5-fold enhancement in selectivity towards C1 products (e.g., CH4), compared to the pristine CuNPs. This enhancement is attributed to the strong electronic interactions between the CuNPs and the surface functionalities of PIL NVs. This study casts new aspects on using nanostructured PILs as new electrocatalyst supports in CO2 conversion to C1 products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Pan
- Department for Electrochemical Energy Storage, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie, Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, 14109 Berlin, Germany; Institute of Chemistry, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Zdravko Kochovski
- Department for Electrochemical Energy Storage, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie, Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, 14109 Berlin, Germany
| | - Yong-Lei Wang
- Department for Electrochemical Energy Storage, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie, Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, 14109 Berlin, Germany
| | - Radwan M Sarhan
- Department for Electrochemical Energy Storage, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie, Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, 14109 Berlin, Germany; Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Eneli Härk
- Department for Electrochemical Energy Storage, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie, Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, 14109 Berlin, Germany
| | - Siddharth Gupta
- Helmholtz Young Investigator Group: Electrochemical Conversion, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie, Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, 14109 Berlin, Germany; Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sasho Stojkovikj
- Helmholtz Young Investigator Group: Electrochemical Conversion, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie, Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, 14109 Berlin, Germany; Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gumaa A El-Nagar
- Helmholtz Young Investigator Group: Electrochemical Conversion, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie, Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, 14109 Berlin, Germany; Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Egypt.
| | - Matthew T Mayer
- Helmholtz Young Investigator Group: Electrochemical Conversion, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie, Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, 14109 Berlin, Germany
| | - Robin Schürmann
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Abbestr. 2-12, 10587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jérôme Deumer
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Abbestr. 2-12, 10587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Gollwitzer
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Abbestr. 2-12, 10587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jiayin Yuan
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry (MMK), Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16C, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Yan Lu
- Department for Electrochemical Energy Storage, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie, Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, 14109 Berlin, Germany; Institute of Chemistry, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany.
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12
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Gouveia MG, Wesseler JP, Ramaekers J, Weder C, Scholten PBV, Bruns N. Polymersome-based protein drug delivery - quo vadis? Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:728-778. [PMID: 36537575 PMCID: PMC9890519 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00106c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Protein-based therapeutics are an attractive alternative to established therapeutic approaches and represent one of the fastest growing families of drugs. While many of these proteins can be delivered using established formulations, the intrinsic sensitivity of proteins to denaturation sometimes calls for a protective carrier to allow administration. Historically, lipid-based self-assembled structures, notably liposomes, have performed this function. After the discovery of polymersome-based targeted drug-delivery systems, which offer manifold advantages over lipid-based structures, the scientific community expected that such systems would take the therapeutic world by storm. However, no polymersome formulations have been commercialised. In this review article, we discuss key obstacles for the sluggish translation of polymersome-based protein nanocarriers into approved pharmaceuticals, which include limitations imparted by the use of non-degradable polymers, the intricacies of polymersome production methods, and the complexity of the in vivo journey of polymersomes across various biological barriers. Considering this complex subject from a polymer chemist's point of view, we highlight key areas that are worthy to explore in order to advance polymersomes to a level at which clinical trials become worthwhile and translation into pharmaceutical and nanomedical applications is realistic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micael G Gouveia
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
| | - Justus P Wesseler
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
| | - Jobbe Ramaekers
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
| | - Christoph Weder
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Philip B V Scholten
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Nico Bruns
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Straße 4, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
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13
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Hu W, Sun H, Pan L, Zhang C, Shen X, Su F, Song J. Poly(trimethylene carbonate)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol) diblock copolymer micelles for hydrophobic drug delivery: The effect of hydrophilic/hydrophobic segment length on micellar properties and drug loading. POLYM ADVAN TECHNOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pat.5963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wenju Hu
- State Key Laboratory Base of Eco‐chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering Qingdao University of Science and Technology Qingdao China
| | - Haozhi Sun
- State Key Laboratory Base of Eco‐chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering Qingdao University of Science and Technology Qingdao China
| | - Lixia Pan
- State Key Laboratory Base of Eco‐chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering Qingdao University of Science and Technology Qingdao China
| | - Chaoqun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Base of Eco‐chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering Qingdao University of Science and Technology Qingdao China
| | - Xin Shen
- Research & Development Department CP Pharmaceutical (Qingdao) Co., Ltd. Qingdao China
| | - Feng Su
- State Key Laboratory Base of Eco‐chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering Qingdao University of Science and Technology Qingdao China
- Institute of High Performance Polymers Qingdao University of Science and Technology Qingdao China
| | - Jie Song
- State Key Laboratory Base of Eco‐chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering Qingdao University of Science and Technology Qingdao China
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14
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Chen H, Celik AE, Mutschler A, Combes A, Runser A, Klymchenko AS, Lecommandoux S, Serra CA, Reisch A. Assembly of Fluorescent Polymer Nanoparticles Using Different Microfluidic Mixers. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:7945-7955. [PMID: 35731957 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c00534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nanoprecipitation is a facile and efficient approach to the assembly of loaded polymer nanoparticles (NPs) for applications in bioimaging and targeted drug delivery. Their successful use in clinics requires reproducible and scalable synthesis, for which microfluidics appears as an attractive technique. However, in the case of nanoprecipitation, particle formation depends strongly on mixing. Here, we compare 5 different types of microfluidic mixers with respect to the formation and properties of poly(d-l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(methyl methacrylate) NPs loaded with a fluorescent dye salt: a cross-shaped mixer, a multilamination mixer, a split and recombine mixer, two herringbone mixers, and two impact jet mixers. Size and fluorescence properties of the NPs obtained with these mixers are evaluated. All mixers, except the cross-shaped one, yield NPs at least as small and fluorescent as those obtained manually. Notably in the case of impact jet mixers operated at high flow speeds, the size of the NPs could be strongly reduced from >50 nm down to <20 nm. Surprisingly, the fluorescence quantum yield of NPs obtained with these mixers also depends strongly on the flow speed, increasing, in the case of PLGA, from 30 to >70%. These results show the importance of precisely controlling the assembly conditions for loaded polymer NPs. The present work further provides guidance for choosing the optimal microfluidic setup for production of nanomaterials for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaiyou Chen
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021, Strasbourg F-67000, France
| | - Ali Emre Celik
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021, Strasbourg F-67000, France
| | - Angela Mutschler
- Université Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, Pessac F-33600, France
| | - Antoine Combes
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021, Strasbourg F-67000, France
| | - Anne Runser
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021, Strasbourg F-67000, France
| | - Andrey S Klymchenko
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021, Strasbourg F-67000, France
| | | | - Christophe A Serra
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Institut Charles Sadron, UPR 22, Strasbourg F-67000, France
| | - Andreas Reisch
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021, Strasbourg F-67000, France
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15
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Lo CH, Zeng J. Application of polymersomes in membrane protein study and drug discovery: Progress, strategies, and perspectives. Bioeng Transl Med 2022; 8:e10350. [PMID: 36684106 PMCID: PMC9842050 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane proteins (MPs) play key roles in cellular signaling pathways and are responsible for intercellular and intracellular interactions. Dysfunctional MPs are directly related to the pathogenesis of various diseases, and they have been exploited as one of the most sought-after targets in the pharmaceutical industry. However, working with MPs is difficult given that their amphiphilic nature requires protection from biological membrane or membrane mimetics. Polymersomes are bilayered nano-vesicles made of self-assembled block copolymers that have been widely used as cell membrane mimetics for MP reconstitution and in engineering of artificial cells. This review highlights the prevailing trend in the application of polymersomes in MP study and drug discovery. We begin with a review on the techniques for synthesis and characterization of polymersomes as well as methods of MP insertion to form proteopolymersomes. Next, we review the structural and functional analysis of the different types of MPs reconstituted in polymersomes, including membrane transport proteins, MP complexes, and membrane receptors. We then summarize the factors affecting reconstitution efficiency and the quality of reconstituted MPs for structural and functional studies. Additionally, we discuss the potential in using proteopolymersomes as platforms for high-throughput screening (HTS) in drug discovery to identify modulators of MPs. We conclude by providing future perspectives and recommendations on advancing the study of MPs and drug development using proteopolymersomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih Hung Lo
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore,Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jialiu Zeng
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore,Department of Biomedical EngineeringBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA,Department of ChemistryBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
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16
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Hernández Becerra E, Quinchia J, Castro C, Orozco J. Light-Triggered Polymersome-Based Anticancer Therapeutics Delivery. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12050836. [PMID: 35269324 PMCID: PMC8912464 DOI: 10.3390/nano12050836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Polymersomes are biomimetic cell membrane-like model structures that are self-assembled stepwise from amphiphilic copolymers. These polymeric (nano)carriers have gained the scientific community’s attention due to their biocompatibility, versatility, and higher stability than liposomes. Their tunable properties, such as composition, size, shape, and surface functional groups, extend encapsulation possibilities to either hydrophilic or hydrophobic cargoes (or both) and their site-specific delivery. Besides, polymersomes can disassemble in response to different stimuli, including light, for controlling the “on-demand” release of cargo that may also respond to light as photosensitizers and plasmonic nanostructures. Thus, polymersomes can be spatiotemporally stimulated by light of a wide wavelength range, whose exogenous response may activate light-stimulable moieties, enhance the drug efficacy, decrease side effects, and, thus, be broadly employed in photoinduced therapy. This review describes current light-responsive polymersomes evaluated for anticancer therapy. It includes light-activable moieties’ features and polymersomes’ composition and release behavior, focusing on recent advances and applications in cancer therapy, current trends, and photosensitive polymersomes’ perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Hernández Becerra
- Max Planck Tandem Group in Nanobioengineering, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Exact Sciences, University of Antioquia, Complejo Ruta N, Calle 67 No. 52-20, Medellín 050010, Colombia; (E.H.B.); (J.Q.)
| | - Jennifer Quinchia
- Max Planck Tandem Group in Nanobioengineering, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Exact Sciences, University of Antioquia, Complejo Ruta N, Calle 67 No. 52-20, Medellín 050010, Colombia; (E.H.B.); (J.Q.)
| | - Cristina Castro
- Engineering School, Pontificia Bolivariana University, Bloque 11, Cq. 1 No. 70-01, Medellín 050004, Colombia;
| | - Jahir Orozco
- Max Planck Tandem Group in Nanobioengineering, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Exact Sciences, University of Antioquia, Complejo Ruta N, Calle 67 No. 52-20, Medellín 050010, Colombia; (E.H.B.); (J.Q.)
- Correspondence:
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17
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Baghbanbashi M, Kakkar A. Polymersomes: Soft Nanoparticles from Miktoarm Stars for Applications in Drug Delivery. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:1687-1703. [PMID: 35157463 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembly of amphiphilic macromolecules has provided an advantageous platform to address significant issues in a variety of areas, including biology. Such soft nanoparticles with a hydrophobic core and hydrophilic corona, referred to as micelles, have been extensively investigated for delivering lipophilic therapeutics by physical encapsulation. Polymeric vesicles or polymersomes with similarities in morphology to liposomes continue to play an essential role in understanding the behavior of cell membranes and, in addition, have offered opportunities in designing smart nanoformulations. With the evolution in synthetic methodologies to macromolecular precursors, the construction of such assemblies can now be modulated to tailor their properties to match desired needs. This review brings into focus the current state-of-the-art in the design of polymersomes using amphiphilic miktoarm star polymers through a detailed analysis of the synthesis of miktoarm star polymers with tuned lengths of varied polymeric arms, their self-assembly, and applications in drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojhdeh Baghbanbashi
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran 1591634311, Iran
| | - Ashok Kakkar
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
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18
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Paterson DA, Fong WK, Hook S, Gamble AB. Hydrogen Sulfide-Responsive Bicontinuous Nanospheres. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:4770-4782. [PMID: 34652153 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c01070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Block copolymers (BCPs) that can self-assemble into particles and be triggered by disease-specific molecules such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) have the potential to impact on drug delivery, decreasing off-target toxicities while increasing drug efficacy. However, the incorporation of H2S-responsive aryl azides into BCPs for self-assembly has been limited by heat, light, and radical sensitivities. In this study, a robust activator regenerated by the electron-transfer atom-transfer radical polymerization reaction was used to synthesize aryl-azide-containing BCPs under ambient conditions. Conditions controlling self-assembly of the BCPs into 150-200 nm particles and the physicochemical properties of the particles were investigated. The use of nanoprecipitation with tetrahydrofuran to promote self-assembly of the BCPs resulted in vesicle structures, while dimethylformamide or dimethylsulfoxide resulted in polymeric bicontinuous nanospheres (BCNs). Triggering of the BCPs and particles (vesicles or BCNs) via exposure to H2S revealed that unsubstituted aryl azides were readily reduced (by HS-), resulting in particle disruption or cross-linking. The relative polar nature of the particle bilayers containing unsubstituted aryl azides and the open structure of the BCNs did however limit encapsulation of small hydrophilic and hydrophobic payloads. Incorporation of a benzylamide substituent onto the aryl azide group increased the hydrophobicity of the particles and encapsulation of hydrophilic cargo but reduced sensitivity to H2S, likely due to the reduced penetration of HS- into the bilayer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wye-Khay Fong
- Discipline of Chemistry, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Hook
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Allan B Gamble
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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19
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Gimondi S, Guimarães CF, Vieira SF, Gonçalves VMF, Tiritan ME, Reis RL, Ferreira H, Neves NM. Microfluidicmixing system for precise PLGA-PEG nanoparticles size control. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2021; 40:102482. [PMID: 34748958 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2021.102482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In this study, a microfluidic device was employed to produce polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) with well-controlled sizes. The influence of several parameters in the synthesis process, namely, polymer concentration, flow rate and flow rate ratio between the aqueous and organic solutions was investigated. To evaluate the NPs size effect, three diameters were selected (30, 50 and 70nm). Their cytocompatibility was demonstrated on endothelial cells and macrophages. Additionally, their efficacy to act as drug carriers was assessed in an in vitro inflammatory scenario. NPs loaded and released diclofenac (DCF) in a size-dependent profile (smaller sizes presented lower DCF content and higher release rate). Moreover, 30nm NPs were the most effective in reducing prostaglandin E2 concentration. Therefore, this study demonstrates that microfluidics can generate stable NPs with controlled sizes, high monodispersity and enhanced batch-to-batch reproducibility. Indeed, NPs size is a crucial parameter for drug encapsulation, release and overall biological efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gimondi
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - C F Guimarães
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - S F Vieira
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - V M F Gonçalves
- CESPU, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Gandra PRD, Portugal
| | - M E Tiritan
- CESPU, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Gandra PRD, Portugal; Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Matosinhos, Portugal; Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - R L Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - H Ferreira
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - N M Neves
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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20
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Wehr R, Dos Santos EC, Muthwill MS, Chimisso V, Gaitzsch J, Meier W. Fully amorphous atactic and isotactic block copolymers and their self-assembly into nano- and microscopic vesicles. Polym Chem 2021; 12:5377-5389. [PMID: 34603516 PMCID: PMC8477912 DOI: 10.1039/d1py00952d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The introduction of chirality into aqueous self-assemblies by employing isotactic block copolymers (BCPs) is an emerging field of interest as it promises special membrane properties of polymersomes not accessible by atactic BCPs. However, isotactic BCPs typically exhibit crystalline behaviour, inducing high membrane stiffness and limiting their applicability in systems involving membrane proteins or sensitive cargo. In this study, an isotactic yet fully amorphous BCP is introduced which overcomes these limitations. Three BCPs composed of poly(butylene oxide)-block-poly(glycidol) (PBO-b-PG), differing solely in their tacticities (R/S, R and S), were synthesised and characterised regarding their structural, optical and thermal properties. Their self-assembly into homogenous phases of nanoscopic polymersomes (referred to as small unilamellar vesicles, SUVs) was analysed, revealing stability differences between SUVs composed of the different BCPs. Additionally, microscopic giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) were prepared by double emulsion microfluidics. Only the atactic BCP formed GUVs which were stable over several hours, whereas GUVs composed of isotactic BCPs ruptured within several minutes after formation. The ability of atactic PBO-b-PG to form microreactors was elucidated by reconstituting the membrane protein OmpF in the GUV membrane by microfluidics and performing an enzyme reaction inside its lumen. The system presented here serves as platform to design versatile vesicles with flexible membranes composed of atactic or isotactic BCPs. Hence, they allow for the introduction of chirality into nano- or microreactors which is a yet unstudied field and could enable special biotechonological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Wehr
- University of Basel, Department of Chemistry Mattenstrasse 24a BPR 1096 4058 Basel Switzerland
| | - Elena C Dos Santos
- University of Basel, Department of Chemistry Mattenstrasse 24a BPR 1096 4058 Basel Switzerland
| | - Moritz S Muthwill
- University of Basel, Department of Chemistry Mattenstrasse 24a BPR 1096 4058 Basel Switzerland
| | - Vittoria Chimisso
- University of Basel, Department of Chemistry Mattenstrasse 24a BPR 1096 4058 Basel Switzerland
| | - Jens Gaitzsch
- University of Basel, Department of Chemistry Mattenstrasse 24a BPR 1096 4058 Basel Switzerland
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V. Hohe Strasse 6 01069 Dresden Germany
| | - Wolfgang Meier
- University of Basel, Department of Chemistry Mattenstrasse 24a BPR 1096 4058 Basel Switzerland
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21
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Argudo PG, Zhang N, Chen H, de Miguel G, Martín-Romero MT, Camacho L, Li MH, Giner-Casares JJ. Amphiphilic polymers for aggregation-induced emission at air/liquid interfaces. J Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 596:324-331. [PMID: 33839357 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Polymersomes and related self-assembled nanostructures displaying Aggregation-Induced Emission (AIE) are highly relevant for plenty of applications in imaging, biology and functional devices. Experimentally simple, scalable and universal strategies for on-demand self-assembly of polymers rendering well-defined nanostructures are highly desirable. A purposefully designed combination of amphiphilic block copolymers including tunable lengths of hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEGm) and hydrophobic AIE polymer poly(tetraphenylethylene-trimethylenecarbonate) (P(TPE-TMC)n) has been studied at the air/liquid interface. The unique 2D assembly properties have been analyzed by thermodynamic measurements, UV-vis reflection spectroscopy and photoluminescence in combination with molecular dynamics simulations. The (PEG)m-b-P(TPE-TMC)n monolayers formed tunable 2D nanostructures self-assembled on demand by adjusting the available surface area. Tuning of the PEG length allows to modification of the area per polymer molecule at the air/liquid interface. Molecular detail on the arrangement of the polymer molecules and relevant molecular interactions has been convincingly described. AIE fluorescence at the air/liquid interface has been successfully achieved by the (PEG)m-b-P(TPE-TMC)n nanostructures. An experimentally simple 2D to 3D transition allowed to obtain 3D polymersomes in solution. This work suggests that engineered amphiphilic polymers for AIE may be suitable for selective 2D and 3D self-assembly for imaging and technological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo G Argudo
- Departamento de Química Física y T. Aplicada, Instituto Universitario de Nanoquímica IUNAN, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Campus de Rabanales, Ed. Marie Curie, E-14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Nian Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 100029 Beijing, China; Chimie ParisTech, PSL University Paris, CNRS, Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris-UMR8247, 11 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, Paris, France
| | - Hui Chen
- Chimie ParisTech, PSL University Paris, CNRS, Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris-UMR8247, 11 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, Paris, France
| | - Gustavo de Miguel
- Departamento de Química Física y T. Aplicada, Instituto Universitario de Nanoquímica IUNAN, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Campus de Rabanales, Ed. Marie Curie, E-14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - María T Martín-Romero
- Departamento de Química Física y T. Aplicada, Instituto Universitario de Nanoquímica IUNAN, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Campus de Rabanales, Ed. Marie Curie, E-14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Luis Camacho
- Departamento de Química Física y T. Aplicada, Instituto Universitario de Nanoquímica IUNAN, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Campus de Rabanales, Ed. Marie Curie, E-14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Min-Hui Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 100029 Beijing, China; Chimie ParisTech, PSL University Paris, CNRS, Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris-UMR8247, 11 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, Paris, France.
| | - Juan J Giner-Casares
- Departamento de Química Física y T. Aplicada, Instituto Universitario de Nanoquímica IUNAN, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Campus de Rabanales, Ed. Marie Curie, E-14071 Córdoba, Spain.
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22
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Azemar F, Gimello O, Pinaud J, Robin JJ, Monge S. Insight into the Alcohol-Free Ring-Opening Polymerization of TMC Catalyzed by TBD. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:1589. [PMID: 34069275 PMCID: PMC8156564 DOI: 10.3390/polym13101589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We report herein a study on the alcohol-free, ring-opening polymerization of trimethylene carbonate (TMC) in THF, catalyzed by 1,5,7-triazabicyclo [4.4.0] ec-5-ene (TBD) with ratios nTBD/nTMC ranging between 1/20 and 1/400. In all cases, the reaction proceeds very rapidly, even faster than in the presence of alcohol initiators, and provides PTMC with molecular weights up to Mn = 34,000 g mol-1. Characterization of the obtained PTMC samples by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, triple detection size exclusion chromatography and 1H NMR spectroscopy reveals the presence of both linear and cyclic polymer chains.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jean-Jacques Robin
- ICGM, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (F.A.); (O.G.); (J.P.); (S.M.)
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23
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Tuning Size and Morphology of mPEG- b-p(HPMA-Bz) Copolymer Self-Assemblies Using Microfluidics. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12112572. [PMID: 33147743 PMCID: PMC7693845 DOI: 10.3390/polym12112572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The careful design of nanoparticles, in terms of size and morphology, is of great importance to developing effective drug delivery systems. The ability to precisely tailor nanoparticles in size and morphology during polymer self-assembly was therefore investigated. Four poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(N-2-benzoyloxypropyl methacrylamide) mPEG-b-p(HPMA-Bz) block copolymers with a fixed hydrophilic block of mPEG 5 kDa and a varying molecular weight of the hydrophobic p(HPMA-Bz) block (A: 17.1, B: 10.0, C: 5.2 and D: 2.7 kDa) were self-assembled into nanoparticles by nanoprecipitation under well-defined flow conditions, using microfluidics, at different concentrations. The nanoparticles from polymer A, increased in size from 55 to 90 nm using lower polymer concentrations and slower flow rates and even polymer vesicles were formed along with micelles. Similarly, nanoparticles from polymer D increased in size from 35 to 70 nm at slower flow rates and also formed vesicles along with micelles, regardless of the used concentration. Differently, polymers B and C mainly self-assembled into micelles at the different applied flow rates with negligible size difference. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the self-assembly of mPEG-b-p(HPMA-Bz) block copolymers can be easily tailored in size and morphology using microfluidics and is therefore an attractive option for further scaled-up production activities.
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24
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Nichifor M, Stanciu MC, Doroftei F. Self-assembly of dextran - b - deoxycholic acid polyester copolymers: Copolymer composition and self-assembly procedure tune the aggregate size and morphology. Carbohydr Polym 2020; 252:117147. [PMID: 33183605 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.117147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembly potential of new amphiphilic block copolymers containing dextran (Mn 4500, 8000, 15,000) and a semi-rigid deoxycholic acid-oligoethyleneglycol polyester (Mn 2500-8800, 2 or 4 ethyleneglycol units), was evaluated as a function of copolymer composition and self-assembly procedure, using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Addition of copolymer solution to water provided small star-like micelles (∼ 100 nm), while addition of water to copolymer solution led to various morphologies and sizes (60-600 nm), depending on polymer composition. Worm-like micelles were obtained from a copolymer containing dextran with Mn 4500 and 66 wt% polyester, and vesicles were formed by copolymers prepared from dextran with Mn 8000 and containing 46 wt% polyester. Presence of a longer oligoethyleneglycol decreased the size of micelles and vesicles due to an enhanced flexibility of the polyester hydrophobic block. The results allow the selection of the most appropriate parameters to obtain the desired aggregate characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieta Nichifor
- "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Aleea Gr. Ghica Voda 41 A, Iasi, 700457, Romania.
| | | | - Florica Doroftei
- "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Aleea Gr. Ghica Voda 41 A, Iasi, 700457, Romania
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25
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Dinu MV, Dinu IA, Saxer SS, Meier W, Pieles U, Bruns N. Stabilizing Enzymes within Polymersomes by Coencapsulation of Trehalose. Biomacromolecules 2020; 22:134-145. [PMID: 32567847 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Enzymes are essential biocatalysts and very attractive as therapeutics. However, their functionality is strictly related to their stability, which is significantly affected by the environmental changes occurring during their usage or long-term storage. Therefore, maintaining the activity of enzymes is essential when they are exposed to high temperature during usage or when they are stored for extended periods of time. Here, we stabilize and protect enzymes by coencapsulating them with trehalose into polymersomes. The anhydrobiotic disaccharide preserved up to about 81% of the enzyme's original activity when laccase/trehalose-loaded nanoreactors were kept desiccated for 2 months at room temperature and 75% of its activity when heated at 50 °C for 3 weeks. Moreover, the applicability of laccase/trehalose-loaded nanoreactors as catalysts for bleaching of the textile dyes orange G, toluidine blue O, and indigo was proven. Our results demonstrate the advantages of coencapsulating trehalose within polymersomes to stabilize enzymes in dehydrated state for extended periods of time, preserving their activity even when heated to elevated temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Valentina Dinu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 80, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Functional Polymers, "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Grigore Ghica Voda Alley 41 A, 700487 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ionel Adrian Dinu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 80, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Functional Polymers, "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Grigore Ghica Voda Alley 41 A, 700487 Iasi, Romania
| | - Sina S Saxer
- Institute for Chemistry and Bioanalytics, School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, 4132 Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Meier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 80, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Pieles
- Institute for Chemistry and Bioanalytics, School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, 4132 Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Nico Bruns
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.,Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, U.K
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26
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Nishimura T, Shishi S, Sasaki Y, Akiyoshi K. Thermoresponsive Polysaccharide Graft Polymer Vesicles with Tunable Size and Structural Memory. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:11784-11790. [PMID: 32506909 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c02290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Controlling polymer vesicle size is difficult and a major obstacle for their potential use in biomedical applications, such as drug-delivery carriers and nanoreactors. Herein, we report size-tunable polymer vesicles based on self-assembly of a thermoresponsive amphiphilic graft copolymer. Unilamellar polymer vesicles form upon heating chilled polymer solutions, and vesicle size can be tuned in the range of 40-70 nm by adjusting the initial polymer concentration. Notably, the polymer can reversibly switch between a monomer state and a vesicle state in accordance with a cooling/heating cycle, which changes neither the size nor the size distribution of the vesicles. This lack of change suggests that the polymer memorizes a particular vesicle conformation. Given our vesicles' size tunability and structural memory, our research considerably expands the fundamental and practical scope of thermoresponsive amphiphilic graft copolymers and renders amphiphilic graft copolymers useful tools for synthesizing functional self-assembled materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoki Nishimura
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Shen Shishi
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Sasaki
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Kazunari Akiyoshi
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
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27
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Jäger E, Sincari V, Albuquerque LJC, Jäger A, Humajova J, Kucka J, Pankrac J, Paral P, Heizer T, Janouskova O, Konefał R, Pavlova E, Sedlacek O, Giacomelli FC, Pouckova P, Sefc L, Stepanek P, Hruby M. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-Responsive Polymersomes with Site-Specific Chemotherapeutic Delivery into Tumors via Spacer Design Chemistry. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:1437-1449. [PMID: 32083473 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The lack of cellular and tissue specificities in conventional chemotherapies along with the generation of a complex tumor microenvironment (TME) limits the dosage of active agents that reaches tumor sites, thereby resulting in ineffective responses and side effects. Therefore, the development of selective TME-responsive nanomedicines is of due relevance toward successful chemotherapies, albeit challenging. In this framework, we have synthesized novel, ready-to-use ROS-responsive amphiphilic block copolymers (BCs) with two different spacer chemistry designs to connect a hydrophobic boronic ester-based ROS sensor to the polymer backbone. Hydrodynamic flow focusing nanoprecipitation microfluidics (MF) was used in the preparation of well-defined ROS-responsive PSs; these were further characterized by a combination of techniques [1H NMR, dynamic light scattering (DLS), static light scattering (SLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and cryogenic TEM (cryo-TEM)]. The reaction with hydrogen peroxide releases an amphiphilic phenol or a hydrophilic carboxylic acid, which affects polymersome (PS) stability and cargo release. Therefore, the importance of the spacer chemistry in BC deprotection and PS stability and cargo release is herein highlighted. We have also evaluated the impact of spacer chemistry on the PS-specific release of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) into tumors in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate that by spacer chemistry design one can enhance the efficacy of DOX treatments (decrease in tumor growth and prolonged animal survival) in mice bearing EL4 T cell lymphoma. Side effects (weight loss and cardiotoxicity) were also reduced compared to free DOX administration, highlighting the potential of the well-defined ROS-responsive PSs as TME-selective nanomedicines. The PSs could also find applications in other environments with high ROS levels, such as chronic inflammations, aging, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliézer Jäger
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Heyrovsky Sq. 2, 162 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Sincari
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Heyrovsky Sq. 2, 162 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lindomar J C Albuquerque
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Avenida dos Estados 5001, Santo André 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Alessandro Jäger
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Heyrovsky Sq. 2, 162 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Humajova
- Institute of Biophysics and Informatics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Salmovska 1, 120 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Kucka
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Heyrovsky Sq. 2, 162 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Pankrac
- Center for Advanced Preclinical Imaging (CAPI), First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Salmovská 3, Prague 2, 120 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Paral
- Center for Advanced Preclinical Imaging (CAPI), First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Salmovská 3, Prague 2, 120 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Heizer
- Center for Advanced Preclinical Imaging (CAPI), First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Salmovská 3, Prague 2, 120 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Olga Janouskova
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Heyrovsky Sq. 2, 162 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Rafał Konefał
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Heyrovsky Sq. 2, 162 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ewa Pavlova
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Heyrovsky Sq. 2, 162 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Sedlacek
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Heyrovsky Sq. 2, 162 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Fernando C Giacomelli
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Avenida dos Estados 5001, Santo André 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Pavla Pouckova
- Institute of Biophysics and Informatics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Salmovska 1, 120 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ludek Sefc
- Center for Advanced Preclinical Imaging (CAPI), First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Salmovská 3, Prague 2, 120 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Stepanek
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Heyrovsky Sq. 2, 162 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Hruby
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Heyrovsky Sq. 2, 162 06 Prague, Czech Republic
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28
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Iqbal S, Blenner M, Alexander-Bryant A, Larsen J. Polymersomes for Therapeutic Delivery of Protein and Nucleic Acid Macromolecules: From Design to Therapeutic Applications. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:1327-1350. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shoaib Iqbal
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
| | - Mark Blenner
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
| | - Angela Alexander-Bryant
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
| | - Jessica Larsen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
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29
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Abstract
From drug delivery to nanoreactors and protocells, polymersomes have gained considerable interest from researchers due to their novel applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Lefley
- Department of Chemistry
- University of Warwick
- Coventry
- UK
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30
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Wehr R, Gaitzsch J, Daubian D, Fodor C, Meier W. Deepening the insight into poly(butylene oxide)-block-poly(glycidol) synthesis and self-assemblies: micelles, worms and vesicles. RSC Adv 2020; 10:22701-22711. [PMID: 35514604 PMCID: PMC9054609 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra04274a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aqueous self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers is studied extensively for biomedical applications like drug delivery and nanoreactors. The commonly used hydrophilic block poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), however, suffers from several drawbacks. As a potent alternative, poly(glycidol) (PG) has gained increasing interest, benefiting from its easy synthesis, high biocompatibility and flexibility as well as enhanced functionality compared to PEO. In this study, we present a quick and well-controlled synthesis of poly(butylene oxide)-block-poly(glycidol) (PBO-b-PG) amphiphilic diblock copolymers together with a straight-forward self-assembly protocol. Depending on the hydrophilic mass fraction of the copolymer, nanoscopic micelles, worms and polymersomes were formed as well as microscopic giant unilamellar vesicles. The particles were analysed regarding their size and shape, using dynamic and static light scattering, TEM and Cryo-TEM imaging as well as confocal laser scanning microscopy. We have discovered a strong dependence of the formed morphology on the self-assembly method and show that only solvent exchange leads to the formation of homogenous phases. Thus, a variety of different structures can be obtained from a highly flexible copolymer, justifying a potential use in biomedical applications. Improved synthesis and well controlled self-assembly of PBO-b-PG amphiphilic diblock copolymers led to homogenous phases of micelles, worms and vesicles.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Wehr
- University of Basel
- Department of Chemistry
- 4058 Basel
- Switzerland
| | - Jens Gaitzsch
- University of Basel
- Department of Chemistry
- 4058 Basel
- Switzerland
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V
| | - Davy Daubian
- University of Basel
- Department of Chemistry
- 4058 Basel
- Switzerland
| | - Csaba Fodor
- University of Basel
- Department of Chemistry
- 4058 Basel
- Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Meier
- University of Basel
- Department of Chemistry
- 4058 Basel
- Switzerland
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