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Zhai J, Cote T, Chen Y. Challenges and advances of the stability of mRNA delivery therapeutics. NUCLEIC ACID INSIGHTS 2024; 1:101-113. [PMID: 38903876 PMCID: PMC11189690 DOI: 10.18609/nai.2024.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
mRNA therapeutics have garnered significant attention in the biomedical realm, showing immense potential across a spectrum of applications from COVID-19 to cancer treatments. Their ability to trigger precise protein expression, particularly in genome editing, is pivotal in minimizing off-target effects. At the core of mRNA therapy lies a dual-component system, comprising the mRNA itself and a delivery vehicle. The breakthrough success of novel COVID-19 vaccines has catapulted lipid nanoparticles to prominence as the preferred delivery vehicle. However, despite their US FDA approval and efficacy, lipid nanoparticles face a significant challenge: poor stability at room temperature, which limits their applications in various geographic regions with disparities in infrastructure and technology. This review aims to dissect the issue of stability inherent in lipid nanoparticles and other mRNA delivery platforms such as polymer-based materials and protein derivative materials. We herein endeavor to unravel the factors contributing to their instability and explore potential strategies to enhance their stability. By doing so, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the current landscape of mRNA delivery systems, highlighting both their successes and limitations, and paving the way for future advancements in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Trystin Cote
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Yupeng Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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Kim J, Nah Y, Kim S, Kim WJ. Transformation of nanoparticles via the transition of functional DNAs responsive to pH and vascular endothelial growth factor for photothermal anti-tumor therapy. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:1031-1041. [PMID: 38214329 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01968c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
This study presents a novel approach for the development of DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) capable of responding to disease-specific factors and microenvironmental changes, resulting in an effective anti-tumor effect via photothermal therapy. The AuNPs are decorated with two types of DNAs, an i-motif duplex and a VEGF split aptamer, enabling recognition of changes in pH and VEGF, respectively. The formation of VEGF aptamers on the AuNPs induces their aggregation, further enhanced by VEGF ligands. The resulting changes in the optical properties of the AuNPs are detected by monitoring the absorbance. Upon irradiation with a near-infrared laser, the aggregated AuNPs generate heat due to their thermoplasmonic characteristic, leading to an anti-tumor effect. This study demonstrates the enhanced anti-tumor effect of DNA-functionalized AuNPs via photothermal therapy in both in vitro and in vivo tumor models. These findings suggest the potential utilization of such functional AuNPs for precise disease diagnosis and treatment by detecting disease-related factors in the microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinseong Kim
- Department of Chemistry, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yunyoung Nah
- Department of Chemistry, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seongmin Kim
- Department of Chemistry, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea.
| | - Won Jong Kim
- Department of Chemistry, POSTECH-CATHOLIC Biomedical Engineering Institute, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea.
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
- OmniaMed Co., Ltd, Pohang, Republic of Korea
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Feng R, Fan Y, Zhang X, Chen L, Zhong ZF, Wang Y, Yu H, Zhang QW, Li G. A Biomimetic Multifunctional Nanoframework for Symptom Relief and Restorative Treatment of Acute Liver Failure. ACS NANO 2024. [PMID: 38294834 PMCID: PMC10883031 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c00173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare and serious condition characterized by major hepatocyte death and liver dysfunction. Owing to the limited therapeutic options, this disease generally has a poor prognosis and a high mortality rate. When ALF cannot be reversed by medications, liver transplantation is often needed. However, transplant rejection and the shortage of donor organs still remain major challenges. Most recently, stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising alternative for the treatment of liver diseases. However, the limited cell delivery routes and poor stability of live cell products have greatly hindered the feasibility and therapeutic efficacy of stem cell therapy. Inspired by the functions of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) primarily through the secretion of several factors, we developed an MSC-inspired biomimetic multifunctional nanoframework (MBN) that encapsulates the growth-promoting factors secreted by MSCs via combination with hydrophilic or hydrophobic drugs. The red blood cell (RBC) membrane was coated with the MBN to enhance its immunological tolerance and prolong its circulation time in blood. Importantly, the MBN can respond to the oxidative microenvironment, where it accumulates and degrades to release the payload. In this work, two biomimetic nanoparticles, namely, rhein-encapsulated MBN (RMBN) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC)-encapsulated MBN (NMBN), were designed and synthesized. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/d-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced and acetaminophen (APAP)-induced ALF mouse models, RMBN and NMBN could effectively target liver lesions, relieve the acute symptoms of ALF, and promote liver cell regeneration by virtue of their strong antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative activities. This study demonstrated the feasibility of the use of an MSC-inspired biomimetic nanoframework for treating ALF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruibing Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, P. R. China
| | - Yu Fan
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, P. R. China
- Zhuhai UM Science and Technology Research Institute, Zhuhai 519031, P.R. China
| | - Xinya Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, P. R. China
- Zhuhai UM Science and Technology Research Institute, Zhuhai 519031, P.R. China
| | - Lanmei Chen
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, School of Ocean and Tropical Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, P.R. China
| | - Zhang-Feng Zhong
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, P. R. China
| | - Yitao Wang
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, P. R. China
| | - Hua Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, P. R. China
| | - Qing-Wen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, P. R. China
| | - Guodong Li
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, P. R. China
- Zhuhai UM Science and Technology Research Institute, Zhuhai 519031, P.R. China
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4
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Tan M, Zhang X, Sun S, Cui G. Nanostructured steady-state nanocarriers for nutrients preservation and delivery. ADVANCES IN FOOD AND NUTRITION RESEARCH 2023; 106:31-93. [PMID: 37722776 DOI: 10.1016/bs.afnr.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Food bioactives possess specific physiological benefits of preventing certain diet-related chronic diseases or maintain human health. However, the limitations of the bioactives are their poor stability, lower water solubility and unacceptable bioaccessibility. Structure damage or degradation is often found for the bioactives under certain environmental conditions like high temperature, strong light, extreme pH or high oxygen concentration during food processing, packaging, storage and absorption. Nanostructured steady-state nanocarriers have shown great potential in overcoming the drawbacks for food bioactives. Various delivery systems including solid form delivery system, liquid form delivery system and encapsulation technology have been developed. The embedded food nutrients can largely decrease the loss and degradation during food processing, packaging and storage. The design and application of stimulus and targeted delivery systems can improve the stability, bioavailability and efficacy of the food bioactives upon oral consumption due to enzymatic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. The food nutrients encapsulated in the smart delivery system can be well protected against degradation during oral administration, thus improving the bioavailability and releazing controlled or targeted release for food nutrients. The encapsulated food bioactives show great potential in nutrition therapy for sub-health status and disease. Much effort is required to design and prepare more biocompatible nanostructured steady-state nanocarriers using food-grade protein or polysaccharides as wall materials, which can be used in food industry and maintain the human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingqian Tan
- Academy of Food Interdisciplinary Science, School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, Liaoning, P.R. China.
| | - Xuedi Zhang
- Academy of Food Interdisciplinary Science, School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Shan Sun
- Academy of Food Interdisciplinary Science, School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Guoxin Cui
- Academy of Food Interdisciplinary Science, School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, Liaoning, P.R. China
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Wang M, Sun X, Wang Y, Deng X, Miao J, Zhao D, Sun K, Li M, Wang X, Sun W, Qin J. Construction of Selenium Nanoparticle-Loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles with Potential Antioxidant and Antitumor Activities as a Selenium Supplement. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:44851-44860. [PMID: 36530304 PMCID: PMC9753530 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) can damage cells and affect normal cell functions, which are related to various diseases. Selenium nanoparticles are a potential selenium supplement for their good biocompatibility and antioxidant activity. However, their poor stability has become an obstacle for further applications. In this study, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were prepared as a carrier of selenium nanoparticles. Pluronic F68 (PF68) was used for the surface modification of the compounds to prevent the leakage of the selenium nanoparticles. The prepared MSN@Se@PF68 nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The MSN@Se@PF68 nanoparticles showed excellent antioxidant activity in HeLa tumor cells and zebrafish larvae. The cytotoxicity of MSN@Se@PF68 nanoparticles was concentration- and time-dependent in HeLa tumor cells. The MSN@Se@PF68 nanoparticles showed a negligible cytotoxicity of ≤2 μg/mL at 48 h. At a concentration of 50 μg/mL, the cell viability of the HeLa tumor cells decreased to about 50%. The results indicated that the MSN@Se@PF68 nanoparticles could be a potential antitumor agent. The embryonic development of zebrafish cocultured with the MSN@Se@PF68 nanoparticles showed that there was no lethal or obvious teratogenic toxicity. The results implied that the MSN@Se@PF68 nanoparticles could be a safe selenium supplement and have the potential for antioxidant and antitumor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- School
of Life Science and Medicine, Shandong University
of Technology, Zibo 255000, P. R. China
| | - Xiangling Sun
- School
of Life Science and Medicine, Shandong University
of Technology, Zibo 255000, P. R. China
| | - Ying Wang
- School
of Life Science and Medicine, Shandong University
of Technology, Zibo 255000, P. R. China
| | - Xuan Deng
- School
of Life Science and Medicine, Shandong University
of Technology, Zibo 255000, P. R. China
| | - Jianing Miao
- School
of Life Science and Medicine, Shandong University
of Technology, Zibo 255000, P. R. China
| | - Donghe Zhao
- School
of Life Science and Medicine, Shandong University
of Technology, Zibo 255000, P. R. China
| | - Kunqi Sun
- School
of Life Science and Medicine, Shandong University
of Technology, Zibo 255000, P. R. China
| | - Minrui Li
- School
of Life Science and Medicine, Shandong University
of Technology, Zibo 255000, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyi Wang
- School
of Public Health, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, P. R. China
| | - Wenlong Sun
- School
of Life Science and Medicine, Shandong University
of Technology, Zibo 255000, P. R. China
| | - Jie Qin
- School
of Life Science and Medicine, Shandong University
of Technology, Zibo 255000, P. R. China
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Tuncaboylu DC, Wischke C. Opportunities and Challenges of Switchable Materials for Pharmaceutical Use. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2331. [PMID: 36365149 PMCID: PMC9696173 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Switchable polymeric materials, which can respond to triggering signals through changes in their properties, have become a major research focus for parenteral controlled delivery systems. They may enable externally induced drug release or delivery that is adaptive to in vivo stimuli. Despite the promise of new functionalities using switchable materials, several of these concepts may need to face challenges associated with clinical use. Accordingly, this review provides an overview of various types of switchable polymers responsive to different types of stimuli and addresses opportunities and challenges that may arise from their application in biomedicine.
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