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Friesen JJ, Blakney AK. Trends in the synthetic polymer delivery of RNA. J Gene Med 2024; 26:e3672. [PMID: 38380796 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3672] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) has emerged as one of the most promising therapeutic payloads in the field of gene therapy. There are many unique types of RNA that allow for a range of applications including vaccination, protein replacement therapy, autoimmune disease treatment, gene knockdown and gene editing. However, RNA triggers the host immune system, is vulnerable to degradation and has a low proclivity to enter cells spontaneously. Therefore, a delivery vehicle is required to facilitate the protection and uptake of RNA therapeutics into the desired host cells. Lipid nanoparticles have emerged as one of the only clinically approved vehicles for genetic payloads, including in the COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccines. While lipid nanoparticles have distinct advantages, they also have drawbacks, including strong immune stimulation, complex manufacturing and formulation heterogeneity. In contrast, synthetic polymers are a widely studied group of gene delivery vehicles and boast distinct advantages, including biocompatibility, tunability, inexpensiveness, simple formulation and ease of modification. Some classes of polymers enhance efficient transfection efficiency, and lead to lower stimulation of the host immune system, making them more viable candidates for non-vaccine-related applications of RNA medicines. This review aims to identify the most promising classes of synthetic polymers, summarize recent research aimed at moving them into the clinic and postulate the future steps required for unlocking their full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh J Friesen
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Anna K Blakney
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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2
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The pH as a tool to tailor the performance of symmetric and asymmetric layer-by-layer nanofiltration membranes. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.121320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Terteci-Popescu AE, Beu TA. Branched polyethyleneimine: CHARMM force field and molecular dynamics simulations. J Comput Chem 2022; 43:2072-2083. [PMID: 36169240 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.27005] [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: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Polyethyleneimine (PEI), one of the non-viral vectors of great interest for gene delivery, was investigated at all-atom level, with particular emphasis on its branched form. We report the extension of our previously published CHARMM force field (FF) for linear PEI, with parameters optimized specifically for branched configurations. A new residue type for the branch connector is introduced and the charges and bonded parameters are derived from ab initio calculations based on a model polymer. The new FF is validated by extensive molecular dynamics simulations of solvated branched PEIs of various protonation fractions and branch lengths. The gyration radii, end-to-end distances, and diffusion coefficients are compared with results for linear PEIs of similar molecular weights and protonation patterns. Solvated complexes of DNA with (linear/branched) PEI were also investigated to determine favorable attachment conformations. The parametrized atomistic force field is suitable for simulations of PEI with arbitrary branching pattern, protonation, and size, and is expected to provide relevant insights regarding optimal conditions for DNA-PEI complex formation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Titus Adrian Beu
- Faculty of Physics, Department of Biomolecular Physics, University Babeş-Bolyai, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Borrás A, Henriques B, Gonçalves G, Fraile J, Pereira E, López-Periago AM, Domingo C. Graphene Oxide/Polyethylenimine Aerogels for the Removal of Hg(II) from Water. Gels 2022; 8:gels8070452. [PMID: 35877537 PMCID: PMC9317132 DOI: 10.3390/gels8070452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This article reports the synthesis of an aerogel involving reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and polyethylenimine (PEI), and describes its potential application as an effective sorbent to treat Hg(II) contaminated water. The rGO/PEI sorbent was synthetized using a supercritical CO2 method. N2 physisorption, electron microscopy, and elemental mapping were applied to visualize the meso/macroporous morphology formed by the supercritical drying. The advantages of the synthetized materials are highlighted with respect to the larger exposed GO surface for the PEI grafting of aerogels vs. cryogels, homogeneous distribution of the nitrogenated amino groups in the former and, finally, high Hg(II) sorption capacities. Sorption tests were performed starting from water solutions involving traces of Hg(II). Even though, the designed sorbent was able to eliminate almost all of the metal from the water phase, attaining in very short periods of time residual Hg(II) values as low as 3.5 µg L−1, which is close to the legal limits of drinking water of 1–2 µg L−1. rGO/PEI exhibited a remarkably high value for the maximum sorption capacity of Hg(II), in the order of 219 mg g−1. All of these factors indicate that the designed rGO/PEI aerogel can be considered as a promising candidate to treat Hg(II) contaminated wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Borrás
- Materials Science Institute of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (A.B.); (J.F.)
| | - Bruno Henriques
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (B.H.); (E.P.)
| | - Gil Gonçalves
- TEMA, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Julio Fraile
- Materials Science Institute of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (A.B.); (J.F.)
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (B.H.); (E.P.)
| | - Ana M. López-Periago
- Materials Science Institute of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (A.B.); (J.F.)
- Correspondence: (A.M.L.-P.); (C.D.)
| | - Concepción Domingo
- Materials Science Institute of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (A.B.); (J.F.)
- Correspondence: (A.M.L.-P.); (C.D.)
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Gao X, Cao Z, Li C, Liu J, Liu X, Guo L. Activated carbon fiber modified with hyperbranched polyethylenimine and phytic acid for the effective adsorption and separation of In( iii). NEW J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2nj03111f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The PA–HPEI–OACF constructed with PA, HPEI, and ACF displays excellent performance in the adsorption and separation of In(iii).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuezhen Gao
- School of Chemistry & Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, P. R. China
| | - Zhiyong Cao
- School of Chemistry & Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, P. R. China
| | - Changzhen Li
- School of Chemistry & Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, P. R. China
| | - Junshen Liu
- School of Chemistry & Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, P. R. China
| | - Xunyong Liu
- School of Chemistry & Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, P. R. China
| | - Lei Guo
- School of Chemistry & Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, P. R. China
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Sofińska K, Barbasz J, Cieśla M, Wawrzkiewicz-Jałowiecka A, Gudowska-Nowak E. Qualitative Description of Detachment Forces for Macromolecules. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c00474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Sofińska
- M. Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University, Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348 Kraków, Poland
- J. Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, Niezapominajek 8, 30-239 Kraków, Poland
| | - Jakub Barbasz
- J. Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, Niezapominajek 8, 30-239 Kraków, Poland
| | - Michał Cieśla
- M. Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University, Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348 Kraków, Poland
| | - Agata Wawrzkiewicz-Jałowiecka
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Silesian University of Technology, Strzody 9, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Ewa Gudowska-Nowak
- M. Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University, Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348 Kraków, Poland
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Bayoumi NA, Emam AN. 99mTc radiolabeling of polyethylenimine capped carbon dots for tumor targeting: synthesis, characterization and biodistribution. Int J Radiat Biol 2021; 97:977-985. [PMID: 33900891 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2021.1919781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Due to the favorable physicochemical properties and the biocompatibility, carbon dots (CDs) have gained a great attention as a tumor targeting agent. This study investigates polyethylenimine capped CDs (PEI capped CDs) as a prospective nanocarrier of technetium-99m (99mTc) for tumor targeting. Technetium-labeled CDs could be introduced as a promising candidate for single photon emission tomography (SPECT) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS Polyethylenimine capped CDs were prepared by hydrothermal method using hyperbranched PEI and citric acid. For a purpose of comparison, citrate capped CDs were also prepared by microwave irradiation. Both types of CDs were characterized and radiolabeled with 99mTc using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as a reducing agent. Biodistribution and tumor targeting efficiency of the produced radiolabeled CDs have been studied in Earlich ascites tumor mice model. RESULTS Citrate capped CDs and PEI capped CDs have been synthesized successfully and characterized. High radiochemical yield of 99mTc-citrate capped CDs 99mTc-PEI capped CDs was obtained (97 ± 0.7 and 90 ± 0.2, respectively). Biodistribution studies of 99mTc-labeled PEI capped CDs have shown a potential tumor uptake (10 ± 0.5% Radioactivity/gram tumor) with high target to non-target ratio (T/NT) around 7 at 1-h post injection. 99mTc-citrate capped CDs have achieved a lower tumor uptake level (3.8 ± 0.3% Radioactivity/gram tumor 1 h post injection). CONCLUSION This study introduces PEI capped CDs as a promising nanocarrier of 99mTc for efficient tumor targeting. Technetium-labeled PEI capped CDs could be utilized as a potential SPECT tumor imaging agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha A Bayoumi
- Department of Radiolabeled Compounds, Hot Lab Centre, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed N Emam
- Refractories, Ceramics and Building Materials Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
- Nanomedicine and Tissue Engineering Lab, Medical Research Center of Excellence National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
- Faculty of Postgraduate studies for Nanotechnology, Cairo University, Zayed, Egypt
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Jain M, Seth JR, Hegde LR, Sharma KP. Unprecedented Self-Assembly in Dilute Aqueous Solution of Polyethyleneimine: Formation of Fibrillar Network. Macromolecules 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c01501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mehak Jain
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, 400076 Mumbai, India
| | - Jyoti R. Seth
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, 400076 Mumbai, India
| | - Lohitha R. Hegde
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, 400076 Mumbai, India
| | - Kamendra P. Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, 400076 Mumbai, India
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Song XY, Chen K, Tian WD. PAMAM dendrimer in a phosphate solution: An atomistic simulation study. POLYMER 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2020.122881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Mintis DG, Alexiou TS, Mavrantzas VG. Effect of pH and Molecular Length on the Structure and Dynamics of Linear and Short-Chain Branched Poly(ethylene imine) in Dilute Solution: Scaling Laws from Detailed Molecular Dynamics Simulations. J Phys Chem B 2020; 124:6154-6169. [PMID: 32524817 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c04135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are carried out to examine the effect of molecular weight Mw (= 0.6, 0.86, 1.12, and 2.15 kDa) and pH (or equivalently, degree of ionization, α+ = 0, 50, and 100%) on the structure, state of hydration, and dynamics of linear and branched poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) chains in infinitely dilute salt-free aqueous solutions. It is found that the degree of ionization is the key factor determining the type of molecular conformation adopted by PEI, regardless of molecular architecture and chain length, resulting in a stable trans conformation for fully ionized solutions and in a stable gauche+/gauche- state for neutral or alternate ionized ones; in the latter case, a strong electrolyte behavior is verified for both linear and branched PEI. Linear PEI is observed to be significantly stiffer than branched PEI of the same molecular weight at 100% degree of ionization, but the effect subsides as the degree of ionization decreases. Also, linear PEI diffuses markedly slower than branched PEI of the same Mw. From the MD results, scaling exponents are deduced and reported for the conformation, solvent-accessible surface area, and dynamics of the two different PEI structures with Mw.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris G Mintis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras & FORTH-ICE/HT, Patras, GR26504 Greece
| | - Terpsichori S Alexiou
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras & FORTH-ICE/HT, Patras, GR26504 Greece
| | - Vlasis G Mavrantzas
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras & FORTH-ICE/HT, Patras, GR26504 Greece.,Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, Particle Technology Laboratory, ETH Zürich, CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland
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Kawagoe Y, Surblys D, Matsubara H, Kikugawa G, Ohara T. Construction of polydisperse polymer model and investigation of heat conduction: A molecular dynamics study of linear and branched polyethylenimine. POLYMER 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2019.121721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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