Biodegradable Copolymer for Stimuli-Responsive Sustained Release of Doxorubicin

Hierarchical self-assembled nanostructures of lactone-derived thiobarbiturate homopolymers for stimuli-responsive delivery applications

Hierarchical self-assembled nanostructures of lactone-derived thiobarbiturate homopolymers for stimuli-responsive delivery applications are shown.

Cyclodextrin-based complex coacervate core micelles with tuneable supramolecular host-guest, metal-to-ligand and charge interactions

Micelles have been recognized as versatile platforms for different biomedical applications, from bioimaging to drug delivery. Complex coacervate core micelles present great advantages compared to traditional micelles, however controlling the number of charges per core-unit and the stability is still a challenge. We here present cyclodextrin-based complex coacervate core micelles where the charge per core-unit can be straightforwardly tuned by cyclodextrin host-guest interactions. By varying the ratio between two adamantane guest molecules, 1-adamantanecarboxylic acid and 1,3-adamantanediacetic acid, the charge of the monomeric core-units can be finely tuned from 6- to 9-. By adding an adamantane bislinker, monomeric core-units can be combined together in dimeric and polymeric structures, increasing the micelles' stability. The orthogonal supramolecular host-guest and coordination-chemistry allows for well-controlled cyclodextrin-based complex coacervate core micelles that offer a versatile platform for designing future, e.g., responsive systems.

Promises and limitations of nanoparticles in the era of cell therapy: Example with CD19-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells

A number of nanoparticles has been developed by chemists for biomedical applications to meet imaging and targeting needs. In parallel, adoptive T therapy with chimeric antigen receptor engineered T cells (CART cells) has recently held great promise in B-cell malignancy treatments thanks to the development of anti-CD19 CAR T cells. Indeed, CD19 is a reliable B cell marker and a validated target protein for therapy. In this perspective article, we propose to discuss the advantages, limits and challenges of nanoparticles and CAR T cells, focusing on CD19 targeting objects: anti-CD19 nanoparticles and anti-CD19 CAR T cells, because those genetically-modified cells are the most widely developed in clinical setting. In the first part, we will introduce B cell malignancies and the CD19 surface marker. Then we will present the positioning of nanomedicine in the topic of B cell malignancy, before exposing CAR T technology. Finally, we will discuss the complementary approaches between nanoparticles and CAR T cells.

Engineering Camptothecin-Derived Norbornene Polymers for Theranostic Application

A multifunctional stimuli-responsive nanotheranostic agent provides huge benefits in nanomedicine by combining both the diagnostic agent and the drug molecule in a single system. This nanosystem is capable of doing multiple tasks, for example, diagnosis, drug delivery, and monitoring the therapeutic response. Hence, theranostic agents are expected to play a significant role in personalized medicine. Herein, a new class of nanotheranostic agents, Pnr-Cbt-Cpt-Pg-Bn, is proposed for the effective delivery of camptothecin. This new class of polymer has been functionalized with a superparamagnetic norbornene cobalt unit for its use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The NMR one-dimensional image confirms the MRI capability of this nanotheranostic agent. This is further modified with the poly(ethylene glycol)-biotin moiety for biocompatibility and site-specificity. The uniqueness of the design is confirmed by an in vitro study where a greater uptake of the nanotheranostic agent is observed when compared with free drugs. Hence, this new class of copolymer shows improved potential as nanotheranostic agents in drug delivery.