1
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Hou W, Yin X, Zhou Y, Zhou Z, Liu Z, Du J, Shi Y, Chen Y. Kinetically Controlled Preparation of Worm-like Micelles with Tunable Diameter/Length and Structural Stability. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:24094-24104. [PMID: 39141924 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c08206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Anisotropic nanoparticles such as worm-like micelles have aroused much attention due to their promising applications from templates to drug delivery. The fabrication of worm-like micelles with tunable structural stability and control over their diameter and length is of great importance but still challenging. Herein, we report a kinetically controlled ring-opening metathesis polymerization-induced self-assembly (ROMPISA) for the robust preparation of kinetically trapped worm-like micelles with tunable diameter/length at enlarged experimental windows by the rational manipulation of kinetic factors, including solvent property, temperature, and π-π stacking effects. The resultant worm structures were thermodynamically metastable and capable of excellent structural stability at room temperature due to the kinetic trapping effect. At elevated temperatures, these thermodynamically metastable worms could undergo morphology evolution into vesicular structures in a controlled manner. Moreover, the structural stability of worms could also be significantly enhanced by in situ cross-linking. Overall, this kinetically controlled ROMPISA opens a new avenue for PISA chemistry that is expected to prepare "smart" polymer materials by manipulating kinetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangmeng Hou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiuzhe Yin
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yingqing Zhou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhuo Zhou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhijia Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jianzhong Du
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Yi Shi
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yongming Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
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2
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Tinajero-Díaz E, Judge N, Li B, Leigh T, Murphy RD, Topham PD, Derry MJ, Heise A. Poly(l-proline)-Stabilized Polypeptide Nanostructures via Ring-Opening Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly (ROPISA). ACS Macro Lett 2024; 13:1031-1036. [PMID: 39074359 PMCID: PMC11340022 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.4c00400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Poly(proline) II helical motifs located at the protein-water interface stabilize the three-dimensional structures of natural proteins. Reported here is the first example of synthetic biomimetic poly(proline)-stabilized polypeptide nanostructures obtained by a straightforward ring-opening polymerization-induced self-assembly (ROPISA) process through consecutive N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) polymerization. It was found that the use of multifunctional 8-arm initiators is critical for the formation of nanoparticles. Worm-like micelles as well as spherical morphologies were obtained as confirmed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The loading of the nanostructures with dyes is demonstrated. This fast and open-vessel procedure gives access to amino acids-based nanomaterials with potential for applications in nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Tinajero-Díaz
- Department
of Chemistry, RCSI University of Medicine
and Health Sciences, 123 St. Stephen’s Green, D02
YN77 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nicola Judge
- Department
of Chemistry, RCSI University of Medicine
and Health Sciences, 123 St. Stephen’s Green, D02
YN77 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bo Li
- Department
of Chemistry, RCSI University of Medicine
and Health Sciences, 123 St. Stephen’s Green, D02
YN77 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Thomas Leigh
- Department
of Chemistry, RCSI University of Medicine
and Health Sciences, 123 St. Stephen’s Green, D02
YN77 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Robert D. Murphy
- Department
of Chemistry, RCSI University of Medicine
and Health Sciences, 123 St. Stephen’s Green, D02
YN77 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul D. Topham
- Aston
Institute
for Membrane Excellence, Aston University, B4 7ET Birmingham, U.K.
| | - Matthew J. Derry
- Aston
Institute
for Membrane Excellence, Aston University, B4 7ET Birmingham, U.K.
| | - Andreas Heise
- Department
of Chemistry, RCSI University of Medicine
and Health Sciences, 123 St. Stephen’s Green, D02
YN77 Dublin, Ireland
- Science
Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CURAM), D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
- AMBER, The
SFI Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
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3
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Bej R, Stevens CA, Nie C, Ludwig K, Degen GD, Kerkhoff Y, Pigaleva M, Adler JM, Bustos NA, Page TM, Trimpert J, Block S, Kaufer BB, Ribbeck K, Haag R. Mucus-Inspired Self-Healing Hydrogels: A Protective Barrier for Cells against Viral Infection. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2401745. [PMID: 38815174 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202401745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Mucus is a dynamic biological hydrogel, composed primarily of the glycoprotein mucin, exhibits unique biophysical properties and forms a barrier protecting cells against a broad-spectrum of viruses. Here, this work develops a polyglycerol sulfate-based dendronized mucin-inspired copolymer (MICP-1) with ≈10% repeating units of activated disulfide as cross-linking sites. Cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) analysis of MICP-1 reveals an elongated single-chain fiber morphology. MICP-1 shows potential inhibitory activity against many viruses such as herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and SARS-CoV-2 (including variants such as Delta and Omicron). MICP-1 produces hydrogels with viscoelastic properties similar to healthy human sputum and with tuneable microstructures using linear and branched polyethylene glycol-thiol (PEG-thiol) as cross-linkers. Single particle tracking microrheology, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and cryo-scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM) are used to characterize the network structures. The synthesized hydrogels exhibit self-healing properties, along with viscoelastic properties that are tuneable through reduction. A transwell assay is used to investigate the hydrogel's protective properties against viral infection against HSV-1. Live-cell microscopy confirms that these hydrogels can protect underlying cells from infection by trapping the virus, due to both network morphology and anionic multivalent effects. Overall, this novel mucin-inspired copolymer generates mucus-mimetic hydrogels on a multi-gram scale. These hydrogels can be used as models for disulfide-rich airway mucus research, and as biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Bej
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Corey Alfred Stevens
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Chuanxiong Nie
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kai Ludwig
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - George D Degen
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Yannic Kerkhoff
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marina Pigaleva
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia M Adler
- Institut für Virologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Strasse 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicole A Bustos
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Taylor M Page
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jakob Trimpert
- Institut für Virologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Strasse 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Block
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Benedikt B Kaufer
- Institut für Virologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Strasse 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Ribbeck
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Rainer Haag
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
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4
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György C, Wagstaff JS, Hunter SJ, Etim EU, Armes SP. Effect of Added Salt on the RAFT Polymerization of 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate in Aqueous Media. Macromolecules 2024; 57:6816-6827. [PMID: 39071045 PMCID: PMC11271178 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.4c01078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
We report the effect of added salt on the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) in aqueous media. More specifically, poly(2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC26) was employed as a salt-tolerant water-soluble block for chain extension with HEMA targeting PHEMA DPs from 100 to 800 in the presence of NaCl. Increasing the salt concentration significantly reduces the aqueous solubility of both the HEMA monomer and the growing PHEMA chains. HEMA conversions of more than 99% could be achieved within 6 h at 70 °C regardless of the NaCl concentration when targeting PMPC26-PHEMA800 vesicles at 20% w/w solids. Significantly faster rates of polymerization were observed at higher salt concentration owing to the earlier onset of micellar nucleation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to construct a pseudo-phase diagram for this polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) formulation. High-quality images required cross-linking of the PHEMA chains with glutaraldehyde prior to salt removal via dialysis. Block copolymer spheres, worms, or vesicles can be accessed at any salt concentration up to 2.5 M NaCl. However, only kinetically trapped spheres could be obtained in the presence of 3 M NaCl because the relatively low HEMA monomer solubility under such conditions leads to an aqueous emulsion polymerization rather than an aqueous dispersion polymerization. In this case, dynamic light scattering studies indicated a gradual increase in z-average diameter from 26 to 86 nm when adjusting the target PHEMA degree of polymerization from 200 to 800. When targeting PMPC26-PHEMA800 vesicles, increasing the salt content up to 2.5 M NaCl leads to a systematic reduction in the z-average diameter from 953 to 92 nm. Similarly, TEM analysis and dispersion viscosity measurements indicated a gradual reduction in worm contour length with increasing salt concentration for PMPC26-PHEMA600 worms. This new PISA formulation clearly illustrates the importance of added salt on aqueous monomer solubility and how this affects (i) the kinetics of polymerization, (ii) the morphology of the corresponding diblock copolymer nano-objects, and (iii) the mode of polymerization in aqueous media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csilla György
- Dainton
Building, Department of Chemistry, Brook Hill, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K.
| | - Jacob S. Wagstaff
- Dainton
Building, Department of Chemistry, Brook Hill, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K.
| | - Saul J. Hunter
- Joseph
Banks Laboratories, School of Chemistry, University of Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN6 7TS, U.K.
| | - Esther U. Etim
- Dainton
Building, Department of Chemistry, Brook Hill, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K.
| | - Steven P. Armes
- Dainton
Building, Department of Chemistry, Brook Hill, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K.
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5
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Buksa H, Johnson EC, Chan DHH, McBride RJ, Sanderson G, Corrigan RM, Armes SP. Arginine-Functional Methacrylic Block Copolymer Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and Adsorption onto a Model Planar Substrate. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:2990-3000. [PMID: 38696732 PMCID: PMC11094727 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Recently, we reported the synthesis of a hydrophilic aldehyde-functional methacrylic polymer (Angew. Chem., 2021, 60, 12032-12037). Herein we demonstrate that such polymers can be reacted with arginine in aqueous solution to produce arginine-functional methacrylic polymers without recourse to protecting group chemistry. Careful control of the solution pH is essential to ensure regioselective imine bond formation; subsequent reductive amination leads to a hydrolytically stable amide linkage. This new protocol was used to prepare a series of arginine-functionalized diblock copolymer nanoparticles of varying size via polymerization-induced self-assembly in aqueous media. Adsorption of these cationic nanoparticles onto silica was monitored using a quartz crystal microbalance. Strong electrostatic adsorption occurred at pH 7 (Γ = 14.7 mg m-2), whereas much weaker adsorption occurred at pH 3 (Γ = 1.9 mg m-2). These findings were corroborated by electron microscopy, which indicated a surface coverage of 42% at pH 7 but only 5% at pH 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert Buksa
- Dainton
Building, Department of Chemistry, University
of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South
Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K.
| | - Edwin C. Johnson
- Dainton
Building, Department of Chemistry, University
of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South
Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K.
| | - Derek H. H. Chan
- Dainton
Building, Department of Chemistry, University
of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South
Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K.
| | - Rory J. McBride
- Dainton
Building, Department of Chemistry, University
of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South
Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K.
| | - George Sanderson
- GEO
Specialty Chemicals, Hythe, Southampton, Hampshire SO45 3ZG, U.K.
| | - Rebecca M. Corrigan
- School
of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S10 2TN, U.K.
- The
Florey Institute for Host−Pathogen Interactions, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S10 2TN, U.K.
| | - Steven P. Armes
- Dainton
Building, Department of Chemistry, University
of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South
Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K.
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6
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Ulrich HF, Gruschwitz FV, Klein T, Ziegenbalg N, Anh DTN, Fujii S, Hoeppener S, Sakurai K, Brendel JC. Influence of Polymer Side Chain Size and Backbone Length on the Self-Assembly of Supramolecular Polymer Bottlebrushes. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202400160. [PMID: 38446081 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202400160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogen bonds are a versatile tool for creating fibrous, bottlebrush-like assemblies of polymeric building blocks. However, a delicate balance of forces exists between the steric repulsion of the polymer chains and these directed supramolecular forces. In this work we have systematically investigated the influence of structural parameters of the attached polymers on the assembly behaviour of benzene trisurea (BTU) and benzene tris(phenylalanine) (BTP) conjugates in water. Polymers with increasing main chain lengths and different side chain sizes were prepared by reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization of hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), tri(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate (TEGA) and oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate (OEGA). The resulting structures were analyzed using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Both BTU and BTP formed fibres with PHEA attached, but a transition to spherical morphologies was observed at degrees of polymerisation (DP) of 70 and above. Overall, the main chain length appeared to be a dominating factor in inducing morphology transitions. Increasing the side chain size generally had a similar effect but mainly impeded any aggregation as is the case of POEGA. Interestingly, BTP conjugates still formed fibres, suggesting that the stronger intermolecular interactions can compensate partially for the steric repulsion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans F Ulrich
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Franka V Gruschwitz
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Tobias Klein
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Nicole Ziegenbalg
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Doan Thi Ngoc Anh
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, 808-0135, Japan
| | - Shota Fujii
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, 808-0135, Japan
| | - Stephanie Hoeppener
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Kazuo Sakurai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, 808-0135, Japan
| | - Johannes C Brendel
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Current address, Macromolecular Chemistry I, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, 95447, Bayreuth
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Yue Q, Wang S, Jones ST, Fielding LA. Multifunctional Self-Assembled Block Copolymer/Iron Oxide Nanocomposite Hydrogels Formed from Wormlike Micelles. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16. [PMID: 38592714 PMCID: PMC11056933 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c03007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
This article reports the preparation of multifunctional magnetic nanocomposite hydrogels formed from wormlike micelles. Specifically, iron oxide nanoparticles were incorporated into a temperature responsive block copolymer, poly(glycerol monomethacrylate)-b-poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) (PGMA-b-PHPMA), and graphene oxide (GO) dispersion at a low temperature (∼2 °C) through high-speed mixing and returning the mixture to room temperature, resulting in the formation of nanocomposite gels. The optimal concentrations of iron oxide and GO enhanced the gel strength of the nanocomposite gels, which exhibited a strong magnetic response when a magnetic field was applied. These materials retained the thermoresponsiveness of the PGMA-PHPMA wormlike micelles allowing for a solid-to-liquid transition to occur when the temperature was reduced. The mechanical and rheological properties and performance of the nanocomposite gels were demonstrated to be adjustable, making them suitable for a wide range of potential applications. These nanocomposite worm gels were demonstrated to be relatively adhesive and to act as strain and temperature sensors, with the measured electrical resistance of the nanocomposite gels changing with applied strain and temperature sweeps. The nanocomposite gels were found to recover efficiently after the application of high shear with approximately 100% healing efficiency within seconds. Additionally, these nanocomposite worm gels were injectable, and the addition of GO and iron oxide nanomaterials seemed to have no significant adverse impact on the biocompatibility of the copolymer gels, making them suitable not only for 3D printing in nanocomposite engineering but also for potential utilization in various biomedical applications as an injectable magnetic responsive hydrogel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Yue
- Department
of Materials, School of Natural Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
- Henry
Royce Institute, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Shiyu Wang
- Department
of Materials, School of Natural Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
- Henry
Royce Institute, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Samuel T. Jones
- Department
of Materials, School of Natural Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
- Henry
Royce Institute, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
- School
of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, U.K.
| | - Lee A. Fielding
- Department
of Materials, School of Natural Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
- Henry
Royce Institute, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
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8
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Zhang S, Li R, An Z. Degradable Block Copolymer Nanoparticles Synthesized by Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202315849. [PMID: 38155097 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202315849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) combines polymerization and in situ self-assembly of block copolymers in one system and has become a widely used method to prepare block copolymer nanoparticles at high concentrations. The persistence of polymers in the environment poses a huge threat to the ecosystem and represents a significant waste of resources. There is an urgent need to develop novel chemical approaches to synthesize degradable polymers. To meet with this demand, it is crucial to install degradability into PISA nanoparticles. Most recently, degradable PISA nanoparticles have been synthesized by introducing degradation mechanisms into either shell-forming or core-forming blocks. This Minireview summarizes the development in degradable block copolymer nanoparticles synthesized by PISA, including shell-degradable, core-degradable, and all-degradable nanoparticles. Future development will benefit from expansion of polymerization techniques with new degradation mechanisms and adaptation of high-throughput approaches for both PISA syntheses and degradation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shudi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Ruoyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Zesheng An
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
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9
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Xue X, Wang F, Shi M, Khan FI. Synthesis of Thermo-Responsive Monofunctionalized Diblock Copolymer Worms. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4590. [PMID: 38231987 PMCID: PMC10708438 DOI: 10.3390/polym15234590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Poly(glycerol monomethacrylate)-block-poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) (PGMA-PHPMA) with worm-like morphology is a typical example of reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) dispersion polymerized thermo-responsive copolymer via polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) in aqueous solution. Chain transfer agents (CTAs) are the key component in controlling RAFT, the structures of which determine the end functional groups of the polymer chain. It is therefore of interest to monofunctionalize the polymers via CTA moiety, for bioactive functionality conjugation and in the meantime maintain the precisely controlled morphology of the copolymers and the related property. In this work, a newly designed CTA 5-(2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino) ethylamino)-2-cyano-5-oxopentan-2-yl benzodithioate (t-Boc CPDB) was synthesized and used for the RAFT polymerization of PGMA45-PHPMA120. Subsequently, PGMA45-PHPMA120 copolymers with primary amine, maleimide, and reduced L-glutathione (a tripeptide) monofunctionalized terminals were synthesized via deprotection and conjugation reactions. These monofunctionalized copolymers maintain worm-like morphology and thermo-responsive property in aqueous solution (10% w/v), as confirmed by the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, and the observation of the phase transition behavior in between 4 °C and room temperature (~20 °C), respectively. Summarily, a range of thermo-responsive monofunctionalized PGMA45-PHPMA120 diblock copolymer worms were successfully synthesized, which are expected to offer potential biomedical applications, such as in polymer therapeutics, drug delivery, and diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Xue
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China; (F.W.); (M.S.)
| | - Feifei Wang
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China; (F.W.); (M.S.)
| | - Minhao Shi
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China; (F.W.); (M.S.)
| | - Faez Iqbal Khan
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China;
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10
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Evans D, Barcons AM, Basit RH, Adams C, Chari DM. Evaluating the Feasibility of Hydrogel-Based Neural Cell Sprays. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:527. [PMID: 37888192 PMCID: PMC10607175 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14100527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological injuries have poor prognoses with serious clinical sequelae. Stem cell transplantation enhances neural repair but is hampered by low graft survival (ca. 80%) and marker expression/proliferative potential of hydrogel-sprayed astrocytes was retained. Combining a cell spray format with polymer encapsulation technologies could form the basis of a non-invasive graft delivery method, offering potential advantages over current cell delivery approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Evans
- Keele University School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK;
| | - Aina Mogas Barcons
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford Parkinson’s Disease Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3AZ, UK;
| | - Raja Haseeb Basit
- Department of General Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2GW, UK;
| | - Christopher Adams
- Neural Tissue Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK;
| | - Divya Maitreyi Chari
- Neural Tissue Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK;
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11
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Donahue R, Sahoo JK, Rudolph S, Chen Y, Kaplan DL. Mucosa-Mimetic Materials for the Study of Intestinal Homeostasis and Disease. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300301. [PMID: 37329337 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Mucus is a viscoelastic hydrogel that lines and protects the epithelial surfaces of the body that houses commensal microbiota and functions in host defense against pathogen invasion. As a first-line physical and biochemical barrier, intestinal mucus is involved in immune surveillance and spatial organization of the microbiome, while dysfunction of the gut mucus barrier is implicated in several diseases. Mucus can be collected from a variety of mammalian sources for study, however, established methods are challenging in terms of scale and efficiency, as well as with regard to rheological similarity to native human mucus. Therefore, there is a need for mucus-mimetic hydrogels that more accurately reflect the physical and chemical profile of the in vivo human epithelial environment to enable the investigation of the role of mucus in human disease and interactions with the intestinal microbiome. This review will evaluate the material properties of synthetic mucus mimics to date designed to address the above need, with a focus toward an improved understanding of the biochemical and immunological functions of these biopolymers related to utility for research and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Donahue
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby St., Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Jugal Kishore Sahoo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby St., Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Sara Rudolph
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby St., Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby St., Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby St., Medford, MA, 02155, USA
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12
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Murray A, Kilbride P, Gibson MI. Proline pre-conditioning of Jurkat cells improves recovery after cryopreservation. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:1704-1711. [PMID: 37731697 PMCID: PMC10507795 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00274h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell therapies such as allogenic CAR T-cell therapy, natural killer cell therapy and stem cell transplants must be cryopreserved for transport and storage. This is typically achieved by addition of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) but the cryoprotectant does not result in 100% cell recovery. New additives or technologies to improve their cryopreservation could have major impact for these emerging therapies. l-Proline is an amino acid osmolyte produced as a cryoprotectant by several organisms such as the codling moth Cydia pomonella and the larvae of the fly Chymomyza costata, and has been found to modulate post-thaw outcomes for several cell lines but has not been studied with Jurkat cells, a T lymphocyte cell line. Here we investigate the effectiveness of l-proline compared to d-proline and l-alanine for the cryopreservation of Jurkat cells. It is shown that 24-hour pre-freezing incubation of Jurkat cells with 200 mM l-proline resulted in a modest increase in cell recovery post-thaw at high cell density, but a larger increase in recovery was observed at the lower cell densities. l-Alanine was as effective as l-proline at lower cell densities, and addition of l-proline to the cryopreservation media (without incubation) had no benefit. The pre-freeze incubation with l-proline led to significant reductions in cell proliferation supporting an intracellular, biochemical, mechanism of action which was shown to be cell-density dependent. Controls with d-proline were found to reduce post-thaw recovery attributed to osmotic stress as d-proline cannot enter the cells. Preliminary analysis of apoptosis/necrosis profiles by flow cytometry indicated that inhibition of apoptosis is not the primary mode of action. Overall, this supports the use of l-proline pre-conditioning to improve T-cell post-thaw recovery without needing any changes to cryopreservation solutions nor methods and hence is simple to implement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Murray
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick Gibbet Hill Road CV4 7AL Coventry UK
| | | | - Matthew I Gibson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick Gibbet Hill Road CV4 7AL Coventry UK
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick Gibbet Hill Road CV4 7AL Coventry UK
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13
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Ulker D, Neal TJ, Crawford A, Armes SP. Thermoresponsive Poly( N, N'-dimethylacrylamide)-Based Diblock Copolymer Worm Gels via RAFT Solution Polymerization: Synthesis, Characterization, and Cell Biology Applications. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:4285-4302. [PMID: 37616242 PMCID: PMC10498450 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
RAFT solution polymerization is used to polymerize 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA). The resulting PHPMA precursor is then chain-extended using N,N'-dimethylacrylamide (DMAC) to produce a series of thermoresponsive PHPMA-PDMAC diblock copolymers. Such amphiphilic copolymers can be directly dispersed in ice-cold water and self-assembled at 20 °C to form spheres, worms, or vesicles depending on their copolymer composition. Construction of a pseudo-phase diagram is required to identify the pure worm phase, which corresponds to a rather narrow range of PDMAC DPs. Such worms form soft, free-standing gels in aqueous solution at around ambient temperature. Rheology studies confirm the thermoresponsive nature of such worms, which undergo a reversible worm-to-sphere on cooling below ambient temperature. This morphological transition leads to in situ degelation, and variable temperature 1H NMR studies indicate a higher degree of (partial) hydration for the weakly hydrophobic PHPMA chains at lower temperatures. The trithiocarbonate end-group located at the end of each PDMAC chain can be removed by treatment with excess hydrazine. The resulting terminal secondary thiol group can form disulfide bonds via coupling, which produces PHPMA-PDMAC-PHPMA triblock copolymer chains. Alternatively, this reactive thiol group can be used for conjugation reactions. A PHPMA141-PDMAC36 worm gel was used to store human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for up to three weeks at 37 °C. MSCs retrieved from this gel subsequently underwent proliferation and maintained their ability to differentiate into osteoblastic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damla Ulker
- Dainton
Building, Department of Chemistry, University
of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South
Yorkshire S3 7HF, UK
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Basic Sciences, Near East University, Nicosia, Northern Cyprus TR-99138, Turkey
| | - Thomas J. Neal
- Dainton
Building, Department of Chemistry, University
of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South
Yorkshire S3 7HF, UK
| | - Aileen Crawford
- School
of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Claremont Crescent, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S10 2TA, UK
| | - Steven P. Armes
- Dainton
Building, Department of Chemistry, University
of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South
Yorkshire S3 7HF, UK
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14
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Kumar A, Sood A, Agrawal G, Thakur S, Thakur VK, Tanaka M, Mishra YK, Christie G, Mostafavi E, Boukherroub R, Hutmacher DW, Han SS. Polysaccharides, proteins, and synthetic polymers based multimodal hydrogels for various biomedical applications: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 247:125606. [PMID: 37406894 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Nature-derived or biologically encouraged hydrogels have attracted considerable interest in numerous biomedical applications owing to their multidimensional utility and effectiveness. The internal architecture of a hydrogel network, the chemistry of the raw materials involved, interaction across the interface of counter ions, and the ability to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) govern the clinical efficacy of the designed hydrogels. This review focuses on the mechanistic viewpoint of different biologically driven/inspired biomacromolecules that encourages the architectural development of hydrogel networks. In addition, the advantage of hydrogels by mimicking the ECM and the significance of the raw material selection as an indicator of bioinertness is deeply elaborated in the review. Furthermore, the article reviews and describes the application of polysaccharides, proteins, and synthetic polymer-based multimodal hydrogels inspired by or derived from nature in different biomedical areas. The review discusses the challenges and opportunities in biomaterials along with future prospects in terms of their applications in biodevices or functional components for human health issues. This review provides information on the strategy and inspiration from nature that can be used to develop a link between multimodal hydrogels as the main frame and its utility in biomedical applications as the primary target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuj Kumar
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea; School of Materials Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Ankur Sood
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea
| | - Garima Agrawal
- School of Chemical Sciences and Advanced Materials Research Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, H.P. 175075, India
| | - Sourbh Thakur
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Bioorganic Chemistry and Biotechnology, Silesian University of Technology, B. Krzywoustego 4, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Vijay Kumar Thakur
- Biorefining and Advanced Materials Research Center, SRUC, Barony Campus, Parkgate, Dumfries DG1 3NE, United Kingdom; School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Masaru Tanaka
- Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Yogendra Kumar Mishra
- Smart Materials, Mads Clausen Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Alsion 2, Sønderborg 6400, Denmark
| | - Graham Christie
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Ebrahim Mostafavi
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Rabah Boukherroub
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520 - IEMN, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Dietmar W Hutmacher
- Max Planck Queensland Centre (MPQC) for the Materials Science of Extracellular Matrices, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia; Centre for Biomedical Technologies, School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia; ARC Training Centre for Cell and Tissue Engineering Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia; Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre for Multiscale 3D Imaging, Modelling, and Manufacturing (M3D Innovation), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia.
| | - Sung Soo Han
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea.
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15
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Brotherton EE, Josland D, György C, Johnson EC, Chan DHH, Smallridge MJ, Armes SP. Histidine-Functionalized Diblock Copolymer Nanoparticles Exhibit Enhanced Adsorption onto Planar Stainless Steel. Macromol Rapid Commun 2023; 44:e2200903. [PMID: 36534428 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202200903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
RAFT aqueous emulsion polymerization of isopropylideneglycerol monomethacrylate (IPGMA) is used to prepare a series of PGEO5MA46 -PIPGMAy nanoparticles, where PGEO5MA is a hydrophilic methacrylic steric stabilizer block bearing pendent cis-diol groups. TEM studies confirm a spherical morphology while dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis indicated that the z-average particle diameter can be adjusted by varying the target degree of polymerization for the core-forming PIPGMA block. Periodate oxidation is used to convert the cis-diol groups on PGEO5MA46 -PIPGMA500 and PGEO5MA46 -PIPGMA1000 nanoparticles into the analogous aldehyde-functionalized nanoparticles, which are then reacted with histidine via reductive amination. In each case, the extent of functionalization is more than 99% as determined by 1 H NMR spectroscopy. Aqueous electrophoresis studies indicate that such derivatization converts initially neutral nanoparticles into zwitterionic nanoparticles with an isoelectric point at pH 7. DLS studies confirm that such histidine-derivatized nanoparticles remain colloidally stable over a wide pH range. A quartz crystal microbalance is employed at 25°C to assess the adsorption of both the cis-diol- and histidine-functionalized nanoparticles onto planar stainless steel at pH 6. The histidine-bearing nanoparticles adsorb much more strongly than their cis-diol counterparts. For the highest adsorbed amount of 70.5 mg m-2 , SEM indicates a fractional surface coverage of 0.23 for the adsorbed nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E Brotherton
- Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S3 7HF, UK
| | - Daniel Josland
- Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S3 7HF, UK
| | - Csilla György
- Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S3 7HF, UK
| | - Edwin C Johnson
- Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S3 7HF, UK
| | - Derek H H Chan
- Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S3 7HF, UK
| | - Mark J Smallridge
- GEO Specialty Chemicals, Hythe, Southampton, Hampshire, SO45 3ZG, UK
| | - Steven P Armes
- Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S3 7HF, UK
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16
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Shape-Shifting Thermoresponsive Block Copolymer Nano-Objects. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 634:906-920. [PMID: 36566636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.12.080] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In this Feature Article, we review our recent progress in the design of shape-shifting thermoresponsive diblock copolymer nano-objects, which are prepared using various hydroxyl-functional (meth)acrylic monomers (e.g. 2‑hydroxypropyl methacrylate, 4‑hydroxybutyl acrylate or hydroxybutyl methacrylate) to generate the thermoresponsive block. Unlike traditional thermoresponsive polymers such as poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), there is no transition between soluble and insoluble polymer chains in aqueous solution. Instead, thermally driven transitions between a series of copolymer morphologies (e.g. spheres, worms, vesicles or lamellae) occur on adjusting the aqueous solution temperature owing to a subtle change in the partial degree of hydration of the permanently insoluble thermoresponsive block. Such remarkable self-assembly behavior is unprecedented in colloid science: no other amphiphilic diblock copolymer or surfactant system undergoes such behavior at a fixed chemical composition and concentration. Such shape-shifting nano-objects are characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering, rheology and variable temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy. Potential applications for this fascinating new class of amphiphiles are briefly considered.
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17
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Akala EO. Dispersion polymerization induced self-assembly (pisa) techniques for the fabrication of polymeric nanoparticles for biomedical applications. NANOTECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2023; 8:1-15. [PMID: 39081630 PMCID: PMC11288079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Nanoparticles offer several advantages in drug delivery. The progress in the development of nanoparticles for biomedical applications has moved from the first generation nanoparticles to the fifth generation nanoparticles and the transitions reflect their increasing versatility in biomedical applications. Polymeric nanoparticles are prepared mainly by two methods: dispersion of preformed polymers and in situ polymerization of monomers and macromonomers. Polymerization induced self-assembly (PISA) for the fabrication of nanoparticles is believed to be a better strategy than nanoparticle fabrication from preformed polymers (ease of tethering targeting ligands to the corona of the nanoparticles and unlike PISA, creation of nanostructures via self-assembly of block copolymers is performed in low concentrations. Dispersion polymerization involves one-pot synthesis of nanoparticles. RDRP processes such as atom transfer radical polymerization, reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and nitroxide mediated polymerization have revolutionized polymer synthesis by providing polymer chemists with powerful tools that enable control over architecture, composition and chain length distributions. The technique for the fabrication of nanoparticles by dispersion polymerization (PISA) at ambient temperature was described with examples from our laboratory involving organic redox initiated polymerization using the FDA approved biodegradable polymers. Computer optimization is useful in understanding the factors that ensure optimized properties of drug-loaded nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel O Akala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Drug Research and Development, College of Pharmacy, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059., USA
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18
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Kohout VR, Wardzala CL, Kramer JR. Synthesis and biomedical applications of mucin mimic materials. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 191:114540. [PMID: 36228896 PMCID: PMC10066857 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Mucin glycoproteins are the major component of mucus and coat epithelial cell surfaces forming the glycocalyx. The glycocalyx and mucus are involved in the transport of nutrients, drugs, gases, and pathogens toward the cell surface. Mucins are also involved in diverse diseases such as cystic fibrosis and cancer. Due to inherent heterogeneity in native mucin structure, many synthetic materials have been designed to probe mucin chemistry, biology, and physics. Such materials include various glycopolymers, low molecular weight glycopeptides, glycopolypeptides, polysaccharides, and polysaccharide-protein conjugates. This review highlights advances in the area of design and synthesis of mucin mimic materials, and their biomedical applications in glycan binding, epithelial models of infection, therapeutic delivery, vaccine formulation, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria R Kohout
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, 36 S. Wasatch Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Casia L Wardzala
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, 36 S. Wasatch Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jessica R Kramer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, 36 S. Wasatch Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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19
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Ellis CE, Garcia-Hernandez JD, Manners I. Scalable and Uniform Length-Tunable Biodegradable Block Copolymer Nanofibers with a Polycarbonate Core via Living Polymerization-Induced Crystallization-Driven Self-assembly. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:20525-20538. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c09715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte E. Ellis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | | | - Ian Manners
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria BC V8P 5C2, Canada
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria V8P 5C2, Canada
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20
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Zhang W, Chang Z, Bai W, Hong C. Greatly Enhanced Accessibility and Reproducibility of Worm‐like Micelles by In Situ Crosslinking Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202211792. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202211792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wen‐Jian Zhang
- Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology Anhui University Hefei 230601, Anhui P. R. China
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026, Anhui P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Polymeric Materials of Anhui Province Anhui University Hefei 230601, Anhui P. R. China
| | - Zi‐Xuan Chang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026, Anhui P. R. China
| | - Wei Bai
- Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology Anhui University Hefei 230601, Anhui P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Polymeric Materials of Anhui Province Anhui University Hefei 230601, Anhui P. R. China
| | - Chun‐Yan Hong
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026, Anhui P. R. China
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21
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Zhang WJ, Chang ZX, Bai W, Hong CY. Greatly Enhanced Accessibility and Reproducibility of Worm‐like Micelles by in situ Crosslinking Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202211792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jian Zhang
- Anhui University Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology 合肥 CHINA
| | - Zi-Xuan Chang
- University of Science and Technology of China Department of Polymer Science and Engineering CHINA
| | - Wei Bai
- Anhui University Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology CHINA
| | - Chun-Yan Hong
- University of Science and Technology of China Department of Polymer Science and Engineering Jinzhai Road 96 230026 Hefei CHINA
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22
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Abstract
![]()
Mucus hydrogels at biointerfaces are crucial for protecting
against
foreign pathogens and for the biological functions of the underlying
cells. Since mucus can bind to and host both viruses and bacteria,
establishing a synthetic model system that can emulate the properties
and functions of native mucus and can be synthesized at large scale
would revolutionize the mucus-related research that is essential for
understanding the pathways of many infectious diseases. The synthesis
of such biofunctional hydrogels in the laboratory is highly challenging,
owing to their complex chemical compositions and the specific chemical
interactions that occur throughout the gel network. In this perspective,
we discuss the basic chemical structures and diverse physicochemical
interactions responsible for the unique properties and functions of
mucus hydrogels. We scrutinize the different approaches for preparing
mucus-inspired hydrogels, with specific examples. We also discuss
recent research and what it reveals about the challenges that must
be addressed and the opportunities to be considered to achieve desirable de novo synthetic mucus hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Bej
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Rainer Haag
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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23
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Ventura-Hunter C, Lechuga-Islas VD, Ulbrich J, Kellner C, Schubert US, Saldívar-Guerra E, Rosales-Guzmán M, Guerrero-Sánchez C. Glycerol methacrylate-based copolymers: Reactivity ratios, physicochemical characterization and cytotoxicity. Eur Polym J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2022.111478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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24
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Neal TJ, Penfold NJW, Armes SP. Reverse Sequence Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly in Aqueous Media. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202207376. [PMID: 35678548 PMCID: PMC9541501 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202207376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
We report a new aqueous polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) formulation that enables the hydrophobic block to be prepared first when targeting diblock copolymer nano‐objects. This counter‐intuitive reverse sequence approach uses an ionic reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agent for the RAFT aqueous dispersion polymerization of 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) to produce charge‐stabilized latex particles. Chain extension using a water‐soluble methacrylic, acrylic or acrylamide comonomer then produces sterically stabilized diblock copolymer nanoparticles in an aqueous one‐pot formulation. In each case, the monomer diffuses into the PHPMA particles, which act as the locus for the polymerization. A remarkable change in morphology occurs as the ≈600 nm latex is converted into much smaller sterically stabilized diblock copolymer nanoparticles, which exhibit thermoresponsive behavior. Such reverse sequence PISA formulations enable the efficient synthesis of new functional diblock copolymer nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Neal
- Department or Chemistry The University of Sheffield Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF UK
| | - Nicholas J. W. Penfold
- Department or Chemistry The University of Sheffield Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF UK
| | - Steven P. Armes
- Department or Chemistry The University of Sheffield Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF UK
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25
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Abstract
Cryopreservation of cells and biologics underpins all biomedical research from routine sample storage to emerging cell-based therapies, as well as ensuring cell banks provide authenticated, stable and consistent cell products. This field began with the discovery and wide adoption of glycerol and dimethyl sulfoxide as cryoprotectants over 60 years ago, but these tools do not work for all cells and are not ideal for all workflows. In this Review, we highlight and critically review the approaches to discover, and apply, new chemical tools for cryopreservation. We summarize the key (and complex) damage pathways during cellular cryopreservation and how each can be addressed. Bio-inspired approaches, such as those based on extremophiles, are also discussed. We describe both small-molecule-based and macromolecular-based strategies, including ice binders, ice nucleators, ice nucleation inhibitors and emerging materials whose exact mechanism has yet to be understood. Finally, looking towards the future of the field, the application of bottom-up molecular modelling, library-based discovery approaches and materials science tools, which are set to transform cryopreservation strategies, are also included.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew I. Gibson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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26
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Neal TJ, Penfold NJW, Armes SP. Reverse Sequence Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly in Aqueous Media. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202207376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Neal
- Department or Chemistry The University of Sheffield Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF UK
| | - Nicholas J. W. Penfold
- Department or Chemistry The University of Sheffield Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF UK
| | - Steven P. Armes
- Department or Chemistry The University of Sheffield Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF UK
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27
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Brotherton EE, Neal TJ, Kaldybekov DB, Smallridge MJ, Khutoryanskiy VV, Armes SP. Aldehyde-functional thermoresponsive diblock copolymer worm gels exhibit strong mucoadhesion. Chem Sci 2022; 13:6888-6898. [PMID: 35774174 PMCID: PMC9200053 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc02074b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of thermoresponsive diblock copolymer worm gels is prepared via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) aqueous dispersion polymerization of 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate using a water-soluble methacrylic precursor bearing pendent cis-diol groups. Selective oxidation using an aqueous solution of sodium periodate affords the corresponding aldehyde-functional worm gels. The aldehyde groups are located within the steric stabilizer chains and the aldehyde content can be adjusted by varying the periodate/cis-diol molar ratio. These aldehyde-functional worm gels are evaluated in terms of their mucoadhesion performance with the aid of a fluorescence microscopy-based assay. Using porcine urinary bladder mucosa as a model substrate, we demonstrate that these worm gels offer a comparable degree of mucoadhesion to that afforded by chitosan, which is widely regarded to be a 'gold standard' positive control in this context. The optimum degree of aldehyde functionality is approximately 30%: lower degrees of functionalization lead to weaker mucoadhesion, whereas higher values compromise the desirable thermoresponsive behavior of these worm gels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E Brotherton
- Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield Brook Hill Sheffield South Yorkshire S3 7HF UK
| | - Thomas J Neal
- Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield Brook Hill Sheffield South Yorkshire S3 7HF UK
| | - Daulet B Kaldybekov
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights PO Box 224, Reading Berkshire RG6 6DX UK
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Almaty 050040 Kazakhstan
| | | | - Vitaliy V Khutoryanskiy
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights PO Box 224, Reading Berkshire RG6 6DX UK
| | - Steven P Armes
- Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield Brook Hill Sheffield South Yorkshire S3 7HF UK
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28
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Zhu C, Nicolas J. (Bio)degradable and Biocompatible Nano-Objects from Polymerization-Induced and Crystallization-Driven Self-Assembly. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:3043-3080. [PMID: 35707964 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) and crystallization-driven self-assembly (CDSA) techniques have emerged as powerful approaches to produce a broad range of advanced synthetic nano-objects with high potential in biomedical applications. PISA produces nano-objects of different morphologies (e.g., spheres, vesicles and worms), with high solids content (∼10-50 wt %) and without additional surfactant. CDSA can finely control the self-assembly of block copolymers and readily forms nonspherical crystalline nano-objects and more complex, hierarchical assemblies, with spatial and dimensional control over particle length or surface area, which is typically difficult to achieve by PISA. Considering the importance of these two assembly techniques in the current scientific landscape of block copolymer self-assembly and the craze for their use in the biomedical field, this review will focus on the advances in PISA and CDSA to produce nano-objects suitable for biomedical applications in terms of (bio)degradability and biocompatibility. This review will therefore discuss these two aspects in order to guide the future design of block copolymer nanoparticles for future translation toward clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhu
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 92296 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Julien Nicolas
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 92296 Châtenay-Malabry, France
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29
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Chan DH, Deane OJ, Kynaston EL, Lindsay C, Taylor P, Armes SP. Sterically Stabilized Diblock Copolymer Nanoparticles Enable Convenient Preparation of Suspension Concentrates Comprising Various Agrochemical Actives. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:2885-2894. [PMID: 35192370 PMCID: PMC9007534 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c03275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that sterically stabilized diblock copolymer nanoparticles can be readily prepared using polymerization-induced self-assembly. Recently, we reported that such nanoparticles can be employed as a dispersant to prepare micron-sized particles of a widely used fungicide (azoxystrobin) via ball milling. In the present study, we examine the effect of varying the nature of the steric stabilizer block, the mean nanoparticle diameter, and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the core-forming block on the particle size and colloidal stability of such azoxystrobin microparticles. In addition, the effect of crosslinking the nanoparticle cores is also investigated. Laser diffraction studies indicated the formation of azoxystrobin microparticles of approximately 2 μm diameter after milling for between 15 and 30 min at 6000 rpm. Diblock copolymer nanoparticles comprising a non-ionic steric stabilizer, rather than a cationic or anionic steric stabilizer, were determined to be more effective dispersants. Furthermore, nanoparticles of up to 51 nm diameter enabled efficient milling and ensured overall suspension concentrate stability. Moreover, crosslinking the nanoparticle cores and adjusting the Tg of the core-forming block had little effect on the milling of azoxystrobin. Finally, we show that this versatile approach is also applicable to five other organic crystalline agrochemicals, namely pinoxaden, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, isopyrazam and tebuconazole. TEM studies confirmed the adsorption of sterically stabilized nanoparticles at the surface of such agrochemical microparticles. The nanoparticles are characterized using TEM, DLS, aqueous electrophoresis and 1H NMR spectroscopy, while the final aqueous' suspension concentrates comprising microparticles of the above six agrochemical actives are characterized using optical microscopy, laser diffraction and electron microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek
H. H. Chan
- Dainton
Building, Chemistry Department, University
of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South
Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K.
| | - Oliver J. Deane
- Dainton
Building, Chemistry Department, University
of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South
Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K.
| | - Emily L. Kynaston
- Syngenta,
Jealott’s Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 6EY, U.K.
| | - Christopher Lindsay
- Syngenta,
Jealott’s Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 6EY, U.K.
| | - Philip Taylor
- Syngenta,
Jealott’s Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 6EY, U.K.
| | - Steven P. Armes
- Dainton
Building, Chemistry Department, University
of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South
Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K.
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30
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Cumming J, Deane OJ, Armes SP. Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer Aqueous Dispersion Polymerization of 4-Hydroxybutyl Acrylate Produces Highly Thermoresponsive Diblock Copolymer Nano-Objects. Macromolecules 2022; 55:788-798. [PMID: 35431331 PMCID: PMC9007527 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c02431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) aqueous dispersion polymerization of 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) using a poly(glycerol monomethacrylate) (PGMA) precursor is an important prototypical example of polymerization-induced self-assembly. 4-Hydroxybutyl acrylate (HBA) is a structural isomer of HPMA, but the former monomer exhibits appreciably higher aqueous solubility. For the two corresponding homopolymers, PHBA is more weakly hydrophobic than PHPMA. Moreover, PHBA has a significantly lower glass transition temperature (T g) so it exhibits much higher chain mobility than PHPMA at around ambient temperature. In view of these striking differences, we have examined the RAFT aqueous dispersion polymerization of HBA using a PGMA precursor with the aim of producing a series of PGMA57-300-PHBA100-1580 diblock copolymer nano-objects by systematic variation of the mean degree of polymerization of each block. A pseudo-phase diagram is constructed using transmission electron microscopy to assign the copolymer morphology after employing glutaraldehyde to cross-link the PHBA chains and hence prevent film formation during grid preparation. The thermoresponsive character of the as-synthesized linear nano-objects is explored using dynamic light scattering and temperature-dependent rheological measurements. Comparison with the analogous PGMA x -PHPMA y formulation is made where appropriate. In particular, we demonstrate that replacing the structure-directing PHPMA block with PHBA leads to significantly greater thermoresponsive behavior over a much wider range of diblock copolymer compositions. Given that PGMA-PHPMA worm gels can induce stasis in human stem cells (see Canton et al., ACS Central Science, 2016, 2, 65-74), our findings are likely to have implications for the design of next-generation PGMA-PHBA worm gels for cell biology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana
M. Cumming
- Dainton Building, Department
of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South
Yorkshire S3 7HF, UK
| | - Oliver J. Deane
- Dainton Building, Department
of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South
Yorkshire S3 7HF, UK
| | - Steven P. Armes
- Dainton Building, Department
of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South
Yorkshire S3 7HF, UK
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31
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Liu H, Prachyathipsakul T, Koyasseril-Yehiya TM, Le SP, Thayumanavan S. Molecular bases for temperature sensitivity in supramolecular assemblies and their applications as thermoresponsive soft materials. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2022; 9:164-193. [PMID: 34549764 PMCID: PMC8757657 DOI: 10.1039/d1mh01091c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Thermoresponsive supramolecular assemblies have been extensively explored in diverse formats, from injectable hydrogels to nanoscale carriers, for a variety of applications including drug delivery, tissue engineering and thermo-controlled catalysis. Understanding the molecular bases behind thermal sensitivity of materials is fundamentally important for the rational design of assemblies with optimal combination of properties and predictable tunability for specific applications. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in this area with a specific focus on the parameters and factors that influence thermoresponsive properties of soft materials. We summarize and analyze the effects of structures and architectures of molecules, hydrophilic and lipophilic balance, concentration, components and external additives upon the thermoresponsiveness of the corresponding molecular assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxu Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
| | | | | | - Stephanie P Le
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
| | - S Thayumanavan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
- Centre for Bioactive Delivery, Institute for Applied Life Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
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32
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Penfold NJW, Neal TJ, Plait C, Leigh AE, Chimonides G, Smallridge MJ, Armes SP. Reverse sequence polymerization-induced self-assembly in aqueous media: a counter-intuitive approach to sterically-stabilized diblock copolymer nano-objects. Polym Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2py01064j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A 500 nm charge-stabilized latex is converted into 40 nm sterically-stabilized nanoparticles via reverse sequence polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. W. Penfold
- Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S3 7HF, UK
| | - Thomas J. Neal
- Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S3 7HF, UK
| | - Corentin Plait
- Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S3 7HF, UK
| | - Andrew E. Leigh
- Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S3 7HF, UK
| | - Gwen Chimonides
- Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S3 7HF, UK
| | | | - Steven P. Armes
- Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S3 7HF, UK
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33
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Brotherton EE, Smallridge MJ, Armes SP. Aldehyde-Functional Diblock Copolymer Nano-objects via RAFT Aqueous Dispersion Polymerization. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:5382-5389. [PMID: 34814688 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c01327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We report the rational design of aldehyde-functional sterically stabilized diblock copolymer nano-objects in aqueous solution via polymerization-induced self-assembly. More specifically, reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer aqueous dispersion polymerization of 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate is conducted using a water-soluble precursor block in which every methacrylic repeat unit contains a pendent oligo(ethylene glycol) side chain capped with a cis-diol unit. Systematic variation of the reaction conditions enables the construction of a pseudo-phase diagram, which ensures the reproducible targeting of pure spheres, worms, or vesicles. Selective oxidation of the pendent cis-diol groups using aqueous sodium periodate under mild conditions introduces geminal diols (i.e., the hydrated form of an aldehyde obtained in the presence of water) into the steric stabilizer chains without loss of colloidal stability. In the case of diblock copolymer vesicles, such derivatization leads to the formation of a worm population, indicating partial loss of the original morphology. However, this problem can be circumvented by cross-linking the membrane-forming block prior to periodate oxidation. Moreover, such covalently stabilized aldehyde-functionalized vesicles can be subsequently reacted with either glycine or histidine in aqueous solution, followed by reductive amination to prevent hydrolysis of the labile imine bond. ζ potential measurements confirm that this derivatization significantly affects the electrophoretic behavior of these vesicles. Similarly, the membrane-crosslinked aldehyde-functionalized vesicles can be reacted with a model globular protein, bovine serum albumin, to produce "stealthy" protein-decorated vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E Brotherton
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Dainton Building, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K
| | - Mark J Smallridge
- GEO Specialty Chemicals, Hythe, Southampton, Hampshire SO45 3ZG, U.K
| | - Steven P Armes
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Dainton Building, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K
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34
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Deane OJ, Jennings J, Armes SP. Shape-shifting thermoreversible diblock copolymer nano-objects via RAFT aqueous dispersion polymerization of 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate. Chem Sci 2021; 12:13719-13729. [PMID: 34760156 PMCID: PMC8549797 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc05022b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
2-Hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) is a useful model monomer for understanding aqueous dispersion polymerization. 4-Hydroxybutyl acrylate (HBA) is an isomer of HPMA: it has appreciably higher aqueous solubility so its homopolymer is more weakly hydrophobic. Moreover, PHBA possesses a significantly lower glass transition temperature than PHPMA, which ensures greater chain mobility. The reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) aqueous dispersion polymerization of HBA using a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG113) precursor at 30 °C produces PEG113-PHBA200-700 diblock copolymer nano-objects. Using glutaraldehyde to crosslink the PHBA chains allows TEM studies, which reveal the formation of spheres, worms or vesicles under appropriate conditions. Interestingly, the partially hydrated highly mobile PHBA block enabled linear PEG113-PHBA x spheres, worms or vesicles to be reconstituted from freeze-dried powders on addition of water at 20 °C. Moreover, variable temperature 1H NMR studies indicated that the apparent degree of hydration of the PHBA block increases from 5% to 80% on heating from 0 °C to 60 °C indicating uniform plasticization. In contrast, the PHPMA x chains within PEG113-PHPMA x nano-objects become dehydrated on raising the temperature: this qualitative difference is highly counter-intuitive given that PHBA and PHPMA are isomers. The greater (partial) hydration of the PHBA block at higher temperature drives the morphological evolution of PEG113-PHBA260 spheres to form worms or vesicles, as judged by oscillatory rheology, dynamic light scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering and TEM studies. Finally, a variable temperature phase diagram is constructed for 15% w/w aqueous dispersions of eight PEG113-PHBA200-700 diblock copolymers. Notably, PEG113-PHBA350 can switch reversibly from spheres to worms to vesicles to lamellae during a thermal cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver J Deane
- Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield Brook Hill Sheffield South Yorkshire S3 7HF UK
| | - James Jennings
- Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield Brook Hill Sheffield South Yorkshire S3 7HF UK
| | - Steven P Armes
- Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield Brook Hill Sheffield South Yorkshire S3 7HF UK
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35
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Derry MJ, Mykhaylyk OO, Armes SP. Shear-induced alignment of block copolymer worms in mineral oil. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:8867-8876. [PMID: 34542137 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm01011e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Poly(stearyl methacrylate)-poly(benzyl methacrylate) [PSMA-PBzMA] diblock copolymer worms were synthesized directly in mineral oil via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) dispersion polymerization at 90 °C. Free-standing gels were obtained from this polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) formulation when targeting PSMA13-PBzMA65 dispersions at 5% w/w to 20% w/w copolymer concentration. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) studies indicated that almost identical copolymer chains were obtained in all cases, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) studies confirmed that highly anisotropic worms were formed with mean cross-sectional diameters of 11.9-13.1 nm. These worms undergo a thermoreversible worm-to-sphere transition on heating up to 150 °C. Rheological studies were conducted to characterize the shear rate- and concentration-dependent behaviour caused by this change in copolymer morphology, where the initial shear-thinning worm gels form spheres (i.e. a Newtonian fluid) on heating up to 150 °C. Complementary shear-induced polarized light imaging (SIPLI) experiments confirmed the formation of aligned linear worms under applied shear between 80 °C and 110 °C, with high-viscosity dispersions of branched worms being obtained at 20-60 °C and low-viscosity spheres being produced at 150 °C. This study informs the use of such block copolymer worms as rheology modifiers for non-polar oils, which is of potential interest for the automotive industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Derry
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Dainton Building, Brook Hill, Sheffield, S3 7HF, UK.
| | - Oleksandr O Mykhaylyk
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Dainton Building, Brook Hill, Sheffield, S3 7HF, UK.
| | - Steven P Armes
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Dainton Building, Brook Hill, Sheffield, S3 7HF, UK.
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36
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Raphael E, Derry MJ, Hippler M, Armes SP. Tuning the properties of hydrogen-bonded block copolymer worm gels prepared via polymerization-induced self-assembly. Chem Sci 2021; 12:12082-12091. [PMID: 34667573 PMCID: PMC8457373 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc03156b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) is exploited to design hydrogen-bonded poly(stearyl methacrylate)-poly(benzyl methacrylate) [PSMA-PBzMA] worm gels in n-dodecane. Using a carboxylic acid-based RAFT agent facilitates hydrogen bonding between neighboring worms to produce much stronger physical gels than those prepared using the analogous methyl ester-based RAFT agent. Moreover, tuning the proportion of these two types of end-groups on the PSMA chains enables the storage modulus (G') of a 20% w/w worm gel to be tuned from ∼4.5 kPa up to ∼114 kPa. This is achieved via two complementary routes: (i) an in situ approach using binary mixtures of acid- and ester-capped PSMA stabilizer chains during PISA or (ii) a post-polymerization processing strategy using a thermally-induced worm-to-sphere transition to mix acid- and ester-functionalized spheres at 110 °C that fuse to form worms on cooling to 20 °C. SAXS and rheology studies of these hydrogen-bonded worm gels provide detailed insights into their inter-worm interactions and physical behavior, respectively. In the case of the carboxylic acid-functionalized worms, SAXS provides direct evidence for additional inter-worm interactions, while rheological studies confirm both a significant reduction in critical gelation concentration (from approximately 10% w/w to 2-3% w/w) and a substantial increase in critical gelation temperature (from 41 °C to 92 °C). It is remarkable that a rather subtle change in the chemical structure results in such improvements in gel strength, gelation efficiency and gel cohesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Raphael
- Chemistry Department, University of Sheffield Dainton Building, Brook Hill Sheffield South Yorkshire S3 7HF UK
| | - Matthew J Derry
- Chemistry Department, University of Sheffield Dainton Building, Brook Hill Sheffield South Yorkshire S3 7HF UK
| | - Michael Hippler
- Chemistry Department, University of Sheffield Dainton Building, Brook Hill Sheffield South Yorkshire S3 7HF UK
| | - Steven P Armes
- Chemistry Department, University of Sheffield Dainton Building, Brook Hill Sheffield South Yorkshire S3 7HF UK
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37
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Varlas S, Maitland GL, Derry MJ. Protein-, (Poly)peptide-, and Amino Acid-Based Nanostructures Prepared via Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:2603. [PMID: 34451144 PMCID: PMC8402019 DOI: 10.3390/polym13162603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteins and peptides, built from precisely defined amino acid sequences, are an important class of biomolecules that play a vital role in most biological functions. Preparation of nanostructures through functionalization of natural, hydrophilic proteins/peptides with synthetic polymers or upon self-assembly of all-synthetic amphiphilic copolypept(o)ides and amino acid-containing polymers enables access to novel protein-mimicking biomaterials with superior physicochemical properties and immense biorelevant scope. In recent years, polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) has been established as an efficient and versatile alternative method to existing self-assembly procedures for the reproducible development of block copolymer nano-objects in situ at high concentrations and, thus, provides an ideal platform for engineering protein-inspired nanomaterials. In this review article, the different strategies employed for direct construction of protein-, (poly)peptide-, and amino acid-based nanostructures via PISA are described with particular focus on the characteristics of the developed block copolymer assemblies, as well as their utilization in various pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Varlas
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, UK
| | - Georgia L Maitland
- Aston Institute of Materials Research, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Matthew J Derry
- Aston Institute of Materials Research, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
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38
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van der Weijden VA, Bulut-Karslioglu A. Molecular Regulation of Paused Pluripotency in Early Mammalian Embryos and Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:708318. [PMID: 34386497 PMCID: PMC8353277 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.708318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The energetically costly mammalian investment in gestation and lactation requires plentiful nutritional sources and thus links the environmental conditions to reproductive success. Flexibility in adjusting developmental timing enhances chances of survival in adverse conditions. Over 130 mammalian species can reversibly pause early embryonic development by switching to a near dormant state that can be sustained for months, a phenomenon called embryonic diapause. Lineage-specific cells are retained during diapause, and they proliferate and differentiate upon activation. Studying diapause thus reveals principles of pluripotency and dormancy and is not only relevant for development, but also for regeneration and cancer. In this review, we focus on the molecular regulation of diapause in early mammalian embryos and relate it to maintenance of potency in stem cells in vitro. Diapause is established and maintained by active rewiring of the embryonic metabolome, epigenome, and gene expression in communication with maternal tissues. Herein, we particularly discuss factors required at distinct stages of diapause to induce, maintain, and terminate dormancy.
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39
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Beattie DL, Mykhaylyk OO, Ryan AJ, Armes SP. Rational synthesis of novel biocompatible thermoresponsive block copolymer worm gels. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:5602-5612. [PMID: 33998622 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm00460c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) aqueous dispersion polymerization of 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) enables the rational design of diblock copolymer worm gels. Moreover, such hydrogels can undergo degelation on cooling below ambient temperature as a result of a worm-to-sphere transition. However, only a subset of such block copolymer worms exhibit thermoresponsive behavior. For example, PMPC26-PHPMA280 worm gels prepared using a poly(2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC26) precursor do not undergo degelation on cooling to 6 °C (see S. Sugihara et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2011, 133, 15707-15713). Informed by our recent studies (N. J. Warren et al., Macromolecules, 2018, 51, 8357-8371), we decided to reduce the mean degrees of polymerization of both the PMPC steric stabilizer block and the structure-directing PHPMA block when targeting a pure worm morphology. This rational approach reduces the hydrophobic character of the PHPMA block and hence introduces the desired thermoresponsive character, as evidenced by the worm-to-sphere transition (and concomitant degelation) that occurs on cooling a PMPC15-PHPMA150 worm gel from 40 °C to 6 °C. Moreover, worms are reconstituted on returning to 40 °C and the original gel modulus is restored. This augurs well for potential biomedical applications, which will be examined in due course. Finally, small-angle X-ray scattering studies indicated a scaling law exponent of 0.67 (≈2/3) for the relationship between the worm core cross-sectional diameter and the PHPMA DP for a series of PHPMA-based worms prepared using a range of steric stabilizer blocks, which is consistent with the strong segregation regime for such systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah L Beattie
- Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, UK.
| | - Oleksandr O Mykhaylyk
- Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, UK.
| | - Anthony J Ryan
- Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, UK.
| | - Steven P Armes
- Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, UK.
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40
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Georgiou P, Marton HL, Baker AN, Congdon TR, Whale TF, Gibson MI. Polymer Self-Assembly Induced Enhancement of Ice Recrystallization Inhibition. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:7449-7461. [PMID: 33944551 PMCID: PMC8154521 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c01963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ice binding proteins modulate ice nucleation/growth and have huge (bio)technological potential. There are few synthetic materials that reproduce their function, and rational design is challenging due to the outstanding questions about the mechanisms of ice binding, including whether ice binding is essential to reproduce all their macroscopic properties. Here we report that nanoparticles obtained by polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) inhibit ice recrystallization (IRI) despite their constituent polymers having no apparent activity. Poly(ethylene glycol), poly(dimethylacrylamide), and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) coronas were all IRI-active when assembled into nanoparticles. Different core-forming blocks were also screened, revealing the core chemistry had no effect. These observations show ice binding domains are not essential for macroscopic IRI activity and suggest that the size, and crowding, of polymers may increase the IRI activity of "non-active" polymers. It was also discovered that poly(vinylpyrrolidone) particles had ice crystal shaping activity, indicating this polymer can engage ice crystal surfaces, even though on its own it does not show any appreciable ice recrystallization inhibition. Larger (vesicle) nanoparticles are shown to have higher ice recrystallization inhibition activity compared to smaller (sphere) particles, whereas ice nucleation activity was not found for any material. This shows that assembly into larger structures can increase IRI activity and that increasing the "size" of an IRI does not always lead to ice nucleation. This nanoparticle approach offers a platform toward ice-controlling soft materials and insight into how IRI activity scales with molecular size of additives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis
G. Georgiou
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL Coventry, U.K.
| | - Huba L. Marton
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL Coventry, U.K.
| | - Alexander N. Baker
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL Coventry, U.K.
| | - Thomas R. Congdon
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL Coventry, U.K.
| | - Thomas F. Whale
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL Coventry, U.K.
| | - Matthew I. Gibson
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL Coventry, U.K.
- Warwick
Medical School, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL Coventry, U.K.
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41
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Kruger A, Brucks SD, Yan T, Cárcarmo-Oyarce G, Wei Y, Wen DH, Carvalho DR, Hore MJA, Ribbeck K, Schrock RR, Kiessling LL. Stereochemical Control Yields Mucin Mimetic Polymers. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2021; 7:624-630. [PMID: 34056092 PMCID: PMC8155468 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.0c01569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
All animals except sponges produce mucus. Across the animal kingdom, this hydrogel mediates surface wetting, viscosity, and protection against microbes. The primary components of mucus hydrogels are mucins-high molecular weight O-glycoproteins that adopt extended linear structures. Glycosylation is integral to mucin function, but other characteristics that give rise to their advantageous biological activities are unknown. We postulated that the extended conformation of mucins is critical for their ability to block microbial virulence phenotypes. To test this hypothesis, we developed synthetic mucin mimics that recapitulate the dense display of glycans and morphology of mucin. We varied the catalyst in a ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) to generate substituted norbornene-derived glycopolymers containing either cis- or trans-alkenes. Conformational analysis of the polymers based on allylic strain suggested that cis- rather than trans-poly(norbornene) glycopolymers would adopt linear structures that mimic mucins. High-resolution atomic force micrographs of our polymers and natively purified Muc2, Muc5AC, and Muc5B mucins revealed that cis-polymers adopt extended, mucin-like structures. The cis-polymers retained this structure in solution and were more water-soluble than their trans-analogs. Consistent with mucin's linear morphology, cis-glycopolymers were more potent binders of a bacterial virulence factor, cholera toxin. Our findings highlight the importance of the polymer backbone in mucin surrogate design and underscore the significance of the extended mucin backbone for inhibiting virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin
G. Kruger
- Department
of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Spencer D. Brucks
- Department
of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Tao Yan
- Department
of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Gerardo Cárcarmo-Oyarce
- Department
of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Yuan Wei
- Department
of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Deborah H. Wen
- Department
of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Dayanne R. Carvalho
- Department
of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Michael J. A. Hore
- Department
of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Katharina Ribbeck
- Department
of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Richard R. Schrock
- Department
of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Laura L. Kiessling
- Department
of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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42
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Li H, Kang A, An B, Chou LY, Shieh FK, Tsung CK, Zhong C. Encapsulation of bacterial cells in cytoprotective ZIF-90 crystals as living composites. Mater Today Bio 2021; 10:100097. [PMID: 33733083 PMCID: PMC7937694 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2021.100097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Exploiting metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as selectively permeable shelters for encapsulating engineered cells to form hybrid living materials has attracted increasing attention in recent years. Optimizing the synthesis process to improve encapsulation efficiency (EE) is critical for further technological development and applications. Here, using ZIF-90 and genetically engineered Escherichia coli (E. coli) as a demo, we fabricated E. coli@ZIF-90 living composites in which E. coli cells were encapsulated in ZIF-90 crystals. We illustrated that ZIF-90 could serve as a protective porous cage for cells to shield against toxic bactericides including benzaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, and kanamycin. Notably, the E. coli cells remained alive and could self-reproduce after removing the ZIF-90 crystal cages in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, suggesting a feasible route for protecting and prolonging the lifespan of bacterial cells. Moreover, an aqueous multiple-step deposition approach was developed to improve EE of the E. coli@ZIF-90 composites: the EE increased to 61.9 ± 5.2%, in contrast with the efficiency of the traditional method (21.3 ± 4.4%) prepared with PBS buffer. In short, we develop a simple yet viable strategy to manufacture MOF-based living hybrid materials that promise new applications across diverse fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Li
- Materials and Physical Biology Division, School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - A. Kang
- Materials and Physical Biology Division, School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - B. An
- Materials and Physical Biology Division, School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - L.-Y. Chou
- Materials and Physical Biology Division, School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - F.-K. Shieh
- Department of Chemistry, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
| | - C.-K. Tsung
- Boston College Chemistry Department, Merkert Chemistry Center, 2609 Beacon St, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA
| | - C. Zhong
- Materials and Physical Biology Division, School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
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43
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Shen L, Lu Q, Chen Q, Li Y, Wu X, Shen J. Constructing Cylindrical Nanostructures Via Directional Morphology Evolution Induced by Seeded Polymerization. Macromol Rapid Commun 2021; 42:e2100001. [PMID: 33544922 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Herein, spindle-shaped block copolymer (BCP) nanoparticles are used in seeded polymerization of methyl methacrylate as a novel approach to generating cylindrical nanostructures. The chain-extension of BCP seeds by an amorphous coil-type polymer within the seed core composed of semifluorinated liquid-crystalline blocks triggers the deforming, stretching, and directional growth of the seeds along the long axis, eventually leads to nanorods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, P. R. China
| | - Qunzan Lu
- Engineering Research Center of Clinical Functional Materials and Diagnosis and Treatment Devices of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xinsan Road, Longwan District, Wenzhou, 325001, P. R. China
| | - Qiumeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, P. R. China
| | - Yahui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, P. R. China
| | - Xuan Wu
- Engineering Research Center of Clinical Functional Materials and Diagnosis and Treatment Devices of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xinsan Road, Longwan District, Wenzhou, 325001, P. R. China
| | - Jianliang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, P. R. China.,Engineering Research Center of Clinical Functional Materials and Diagnosis and Treatment Devices of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xinsan Road, Longwan District, Wenzhou, 325001, P. R. China
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44
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Binch ALA, Ratcliffe LPD, Milani AH, Saunders BR, Armes SP, Hoyland JA. Site-Directed Differentiation of Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Nucleus Pulposus Cells Using an Injectable Hydroxyl-Functional Diblock Copolymer Worm Gel. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:837-845. [PMID: 33470795 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c01556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) have been identified for their promising therapeutic potential to regenerate and repopulate the degenerate intervertebral disk (IVD), which is a major cause of lower back pain. The optimal cell delivery system remains elusive but encapsulation of cells within scaffolds is likely to offer a decisive advantage over the delivery of cells in solution by ensuring successful retention within the tissue. Herein, we evaluate the use of a fully synthetic, thermoresponsive poly(glycerol monomethacrylate)-poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) (PGMA-PHPMA) diblock copolymer worm gel that mimics the structure of hydrophilic glycosaminoglycans. The objective was to use this gel to direct differentiation of human ASCs toward a nucleus pulposus (NP) phenotype, with or without the addition of discogenic growth factors TGFβ or GDF6. Accordingly, human ASCs were incorporated into a cold, free-flowing aqueous dispersion of the diblock copolymer, gelation induced by warming to 37 °C and cell culture was conducted for 14 days with or without such growth factors to assess the expression of characteristic NP markers compared to those produced when using collagen gels. In principle, the shear-thinning nature of the biocompatible worm gel enables encapsulated human ASCs to be injected into the IVD using a 21G needle. Moreover, we find significantly higher gene expression levels of ACAN, SOX-9, KRT8, and KR18 for ASCs encapsulated within worm gels compared to collagen scaffolds, regardless of the growth factors employed. In summary, such wholly synthetic worm gels offer considerable potential as an injectable cell delivery scaffold for the treatment of degenerate disk disease by promoting the transition of ASCs toward an NP-phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbie L A Binch
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Liam P D Ratcliffe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield Brook Hill, Sheffield S3 7HF, South Yorkshire, U.K
| | - Amir H Milani
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Brian R Saunders
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Steven P Armes
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield Brook Hill, Sheffield S3 7HF, South Yorkshire, U.K
| | - Judith A Hoyland
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.,NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Central Manchester Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, U.K
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45
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Phan H, Taresco V, Penelle J, Couturaud B. Polymerisation-induced self-assembly (PISA) as a straightforward formulation strategy for stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems and biomaterials: recent advances. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:38-50. [PMID: 33179646 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01406k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive amphiphilic block copolymers have emerged as promising nanocarriers for enhancing site-specific and on-demand drug release in response to a range of stimuli such as pH, the presence of redox agents, and temperature. The formulation of amphiphilic block copolymers into polymeric drug-loaded nanoparticles is typically achieved by various methods (e.g. oil-in-water emulsion solvent evaporation, solid dispersion, microphase separation, dialysis or microfluidic separation). Despite much progress that has been made, there remain many challenges to overcome to produce reliable polymeric systems. The main drawbacks of the above methods are that they produce very low solid contents (<1 wt%) and involve multiple-step procedures, thus limiting their scope. Recently, a new self-assembly methodology, polymerisation-induced self-assembly (PISA), has shown great promise in the production of polymer-derived particles using a straightforward one-pot approach, whilst facilitating high yield, scalability, and cost-effectiveness for pharmaceutical industry protocols. We therefore focus this review primarily on the most recent studies involved in the design and preparation of PISA-generated nano-objects which are responsive to specific stimuli, thus providing insight into how PISA may become an effective formulation strategy for the preparation of precisely tailored drug delivery systems and biomaterials, while some of the current challenges and limitations are also critically discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hien Phan
- Univ Paris Est Creteil, CNRS, Institut de Chimie et des Matériaux Paris-Est (ICMPE), UMR 7182, 2 rue Henri Dunant, 94320 Thiais, France.
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46
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Dorsman IR, Derry MJ, Cunningham VJ, Brown SL, Williams CN, Armes SP. Tuning the vesicle-to-worm transition for thermoresponsive block copolymer vesicles prepared via polymerisation-induced self-assembly. Polym Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0py01713b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Does statistical copolymerization of n-butyl methacrylate with benzyl methacrylate lower the critical temperature required for vesicle-to-worm and worm-to-sphere transitions for diblock copolymer nano-objects in mineral oil?
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew J. Derry
- Department of Chemistry
- The University of Sheffield
- South Yorkshire
- UK
| | | | | | | | - Steven P. Armes
- Department of Chemistry
- The University of Sheffield
- South Yorkshire
- UK
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47
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Abstract
This review summarizes the recent non-thermal initiation methods in RAFT mediated polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA), including photo-, redox/oscillatory reaction-, enzyme- and ultrasound wave-initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nankai An
- Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education
- Department of Chemistry
- Tsinghua University
- 100084 Beijing
- China
| | - Xi Chen
- Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education
- Department of Chemistry
- Tsinghua University
- 100084 Beijing
- China
| | - Jinying Yuan
- Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education
- Department of Chemistry
- Tsinghua University
- 100084 Beijing
- China
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48
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Huang LCS, Le D, Hsiao IL, Fritsch-Decker S, Hald C, Huang SC, Chen JK, Hwu JR, Weiss C, Hsu MH, Delaittre G. Boron-rich, cytocompatible block copolymer nanoparticles by polymerization-induced self-assembly. Polym Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0py00710b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A new methacrylic boronate ester is synthesized and exploited to produce biocompatible nanoparticles with a boron-rich core by PISA.
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49
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Hunter SJ, Armes SP. Pickering Emulsifiers Based on Block Copolymer Nanoparticles Prepared by Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2020; 36:15463-15484. [PMID: 33325720 PMCID: PMC7884006 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c02595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Block copolymer nanoparticles prepared via polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) represent an emerging class of organic Pickering emulsifiers. Such nanoparticles are readily prepared by chain-extending a soluble homopolymer precursor using a carefully selected second monomer that forms an insoluble block in the chosen solvent. As the second block grows, it undergoes phase separation that drives in situ self-assembly to form sterically stabilized nanoparticles. Conducting such PISA syntheses in aqueous solution leads to hydrophilic nanoparticles that enable the formation of oil-in-water emulsions. Alternatively, hydrophobic nanoparticles can be prepared in non-polar media (e.g., n-alkanes), which enables water-in-oil emulsions to be produced. In this review, the specific advantages of using PISA to prepare such bespoke Pickering emulsifiers are highlighted, which include fine control over particle size, copolymer morphology, and surface wettability. This has enabled various fundamental scientific questions regarding Pickering emulsions to be addressed. Moreover, block copolymer nanoparticles can be used to prepare Pickering emulsions over various length scales, with mean droplet diameters ranging from millimeters to less than 200 nm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul J. Hunter
- Department of Chemistry,
Dainton Building, University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K.
| | - Steven P. Armes
- Department of Chemistry,
Dainton Building, University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K.
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50
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Hogan KJ, Mikos AG. Biodegradable thermoresponsive polymers: Applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering. POLYMER 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2020.123063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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