1
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Dou J, Yu S, Zhang Y. A facile and scalable method to synthesize PEGylated PDMAEMA for gene delivery. Biopolymers 2024; 115:e23584. [PMID: 38695839 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, cationic polymer vectors have been viewed as a promising method for delivering nucleic acids. With the advancement of synthetic polymer chemistry, we can control chemical structures and properties to enhance the efficacy of gene delivery. Herein, a facile, cost-effective, and scalable method was developed to synthesize PEGylated PDMAEMA polymers (PEO-PDMAEMA-PEO), where PEGylation could enable prolonged polyplexes circulation time in the blood stream. Two polymers of different molecular weights were synthesized, and polymer/eGFP polyplexes were prepared and characterized. The correlation between polymers' molecular weight and physicochemical properties (size and zeta potential) of polyplexes was investigated. Lipofectamine 2000, a commercial non-viral transfection reagent, was used as a standard control. PEO-PDMAEMA-PEO with higher molecular weight exhibited slightly better transfection efficiency than Lipofectamine 2000, and the cytotoxicity study proved that it could function as a safe gene vector. We believe that PEO-PDMAEMA-PEO could serve as a model to investigate more potential in the gene delivery area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Dou
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Shupei Yu
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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2
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Mapfumo PP, Reichel LS, Hoeppener S, Traeger A. Improving Gene Delivery: Synergy between Alkyl Chain Length and Lipoic Acid for PDMAEMA Hydrophobic Copolymers. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024; 45:e2300649. [PMID: 38195002 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202300649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
In the field of gene delivery, hydrophobic cationic copolymers hold great promise. They exhibit improved performance by effectively protecting genetic material from serum interactions while facilitating interactions with cellular membranes. However, managing cytotoxicity remains a significant challenge, prompting an investigation into suitable hydrophobic components. A particularly encouraging approach involves integrating nutrient components, like lipoic acid, which is known for its antioxidant properties and diverse cellular benefits such as cellular metabolism and growth. In this study, a copolymer library comprising 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and lipoic acid methacrylate (LAMA), combined with either n-butyl methacrylate (nBMA), ethyl methacrylate (EMA), or methyl methacrylate (MMA), is synthesized. This enables to probe the impact of lipoic acid incorporation while simultaneously exploring the influence of pendant acyclic alkyl chain length. The inclusion of lipoic acid results in a notable boost in transfection efficiency while maintaining low cytotoxicity. Interestingly, higher levels of transfection efficiency are achieved in the presence of nBMA, EMA, or MMA. However, a positive correlation between pendant acyclic alkyl chain length and cytotoxicity is observed. Consequently, P(DMAEMA-co-LAMA-co-MMA), emerges as a promising candidate. This is attributed to the optimal combination of low cytotoxic MMA and transfection-boosting LAMA, highlighting the crucial synergy between LAMA and MMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prosper P Mapfumo
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Liên S Reichel
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - 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
| | - Anja Traeger
- 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
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3
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Zuben de Valega Negrão CV, Cerize NN, Silva Justo-Junior AD, Liszbinski RB, Meneguetti GP, Araujo L, Rocco SA, Almeida Gonçalves KD, Cornejo DR, Leo P, Perecin C, Adamoski D, Gomes Dias SM. HER2 aptamer-conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles with PDMAEMA-b-PMPC coating for breast cancer cell identification. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2024; 19:231-254. [PMID: 38284384 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2023-0225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: To synthesize HER2 aptamer-conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles with a coating of poly(2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate)-poly(2-methacryloyloxyethylphosphorylcholine) block copolymer (IONPPPs). Methods: Characterization covered molecular structure, chemical composition, thermal stability, magnetic characteristics, aptamer interaction, crystalline nature and microscopic features. Subsequent investigations focused on IONPPPs for in vitro cancer cell identification. Results: Results demonstrated high biocompatibility of the diblock copolymer with no significant toxicity up to 150 μg/ml. The facile coating process yielded the IONPP complex, featuring a 13.27 nm metal core and a 3.10 nm polymer coating. Functionalized with a HER2-targeting DNA aptamer, IONPPP enhanced recognition in HER2-amplified SKBR3 cells via magnetization separation. Conclusion: These findings underscore IONPPP's potential in cancer research and clinical applications, showcasing diagnostic efficacy and HER2 protein targeting in a proof-of-concept approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyro von Zuben de Valega Negrão
- Graduate Program in Genetics & Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 13083-864, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy & Materials (CNPEM), 13083-970, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Bionanomanufacturing Center, Institute for Technological Research (IPT), 05508-901, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Natália Np Cerize
- Bionanomanufacturing Center, Institute for Technological Research (IPT), 05508-901, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amauri da Silva Justo-Junior
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy & Materials (CNPEM), 13083-970, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raquel Bester Liszbinski
- Graduate Program in Genetics & Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 13083-864, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy & Materials (CNPEM), 13083-970, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Pastore Meneguetti
- Bionanomanufacturing Center, Institute for Technological Research (IPT), 05508-901, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Larissa Araujo
- Bionanomanufacturing Center, Institute for Technological Research (IPT), 05508-901, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvana A Rocco
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy & Materials (CNPEM), 13083-970, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kaliandra de Almeida Gonçalves
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy & Materials (CNPEM), 13083-970, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel R Cornejo
- Department of Materials & Mechanics, Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, 05508-090, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Leo
- Bionanomanufacturing Center, Institute for Technological Research (IPT), 05508-901, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Caio Perecin
- Bionanomanufacturing Center, Institute for Technological Research (IPT), 05508-901, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Douglas Adamoski
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy & Materials (CNPEM), 13083-970, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandra M Gomes Dias
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy & Materials (CNPEM), 13083-970, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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4
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Kreofsky NW, Roy P, Brown ME, Perez U, Leighton RE, Frontiera RR, Reineke TM. Cinchona Alkaloid Polymers Demonstrate Highly Efficient Gene Delivery Dependent on Stereochemistry, Methoxy Substitution, and Length. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:486-501. [PMID: 38150323 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01099] [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: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid delivery with cationic polymers is a promising alternative to expensive viral-based methods; however, it often suffers from a lower performance. Herein, we present a highly efficient delivery system based on cinchona alkaloid natural products copolymerized with 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate. Cinchona alkaloids are an attractive monomer class for gene delivery applications, given their ability to bind to DNA via both electrostatics and intercalation. To uncover the structure-activity profile of the system, four structurally similar cinchona alkaloids were incorporated into polymers: quinine, quinidine, cinchonine, and cinchonidine. These polymers differed in the chain length, the presence or absence of a pendant methoxy group, and stereochemistry, all of which were found to alter gene delivery performance and the ways in which the polymers overcome biological barriers to transfection. Longer polymers that contained the methoxy-bearing cinchona alkaloids (i.e., quinine and quinidine) were found to have the best performance. These polymers exhibited the tightest DNA binding, largest and most abundant DNA-polymer complexes, and best endosomal escape thanks to their increased buffering capacity and closest nuclear proximity of the payload. Overall, this work highlights the remarkable efficiency of polymer systems that incorporate cinchona alkaloid natural products while demonstrating the profound impact that small structural changes can have on overcoming biological hurdles associated with gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas W Kreofsky
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Punarbasu Roy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mary E Brown
- University Imaging Centers, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Ulises Perez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Ryan E Leighton
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Renee R Frontiera
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Theresa M Reineke
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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5
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Stawski D. Poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) as a bioactive polyelectrolyte-production and properties. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230188. [PMID: 37736533 PMCID: PMC10509595 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) is a polyelectrolyte with many important chemical and physical properties and, above all, offers a wide range of interesting biological properties. Currently, research on this polymer is ongoing in several centres around the world. The process of polymerizing the monomer is not easy, as there are difficulties in obtaining a product with repeatable properties. This work collected and described most of the currently known and used polymerization methods of N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, taking into account the type of method, the solvent used, the initiator, as well as the process temperature and the average molecular weight of the polymer obtained. The most important properties of the discussed polymer, such as solubility, bioactivity, hydrophilicity, cytotoxicity, conductivity, and thermal and hydrodynamic parameters, are discussed on the basis of the available scientific literature. This work aims, among other things, to increase the possibility of using poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) as a material in advanced practical applications. Therefore, various methods of applied use of the polymer in question have also been described so far. Copolymers of the N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate are now too large a collection to fit in a single publication. Therefore, only the most interesting examples were cited in this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Stawski
- Institute of Materials Science of Textiles and Polymer Composites, Lodz University of Technology, Żeromskiego 116 str, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
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6
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Haktaniyan M, Sharma R, Bradley M. Size-Controlled Ammonium-Based Homopolymers as Broad-Spectrum Antibacterials. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1320. [PMID: 37627740 PMCID: PMC10452032 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12081320] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ammonium group containing polymers possess inherent antimicrobial properties, effectively eliminating or preventing infections caused by harmful microorganisms. Here, homopolymers based on monomers containing ammonium groups were synthesized via Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization (RAFT) and evaluated as potential antibacterial agents. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Gram-positive (M. luteus and B. subtilis) and Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and S. typhimurium). Three polymers, poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride), poly([2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride), and poly(vinyl benzyl trimethylammonium chloride), were examined to explore the effect of molecular weight (10 kDa, 20 kDa, and 40 kDa) on their antimicrobial activity and toxicity to mammalian cells. The mechanisms of action of the polymers were investigated with dye-based assays, while Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed collapsed and fused bacterial morphologies due to the interactions between the polymers and components of the bacterial cell envelope, with some polymers proving to be bactericidal and others bacteriostatic, while being non-hemolytic. Among all the homopolymers, the most active, non-Gram-specific polymer was poly([2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride), with a molecular weight of 40 kDa, with minimum inhibitory concentrations between 16 and 64 µg/mL, showing a bactericidal mode of action mediated by disruption of the cytoplasmic membrane. This homopolymer could be useful in biomedical applications such as surface dressings and in areas such as eye infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meltem Haktaniyan
- EaStCHEM, School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, UK; (M.H.); (R.S.)
| | - Richa Sharma
- EaStCHEM, School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, UK; (M.H.); (R.S.)
| | - Mark Bradley
- EaStCHEM, School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, UK; (M.H.); (R.S.)
- Precision Healthcare University Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Whitechapel, Empire House, London E1 1HH, UK
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7
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Loginova TP, Khotina IA, Kabachii YA, Kochev SY, Abramov VM, Khlebnikov VS, Kulikova NL, Mezhuev YO. Promising Gene Delivery Properties of Polycations Based on 2-(N, N-dimethylamino)ethyl Methacrylate and Polyethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Methacrylate Copolymers. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3036. [PMID: 37514425 PMCID: PMC10383831 DOI: 10.3390/polym15143036] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cationic copolymers based on 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate and polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (pDMAEMA-co-PEO) with different molecular weights have been synthesized. Their physicochemical properties were studied by NMR spectroscopy, sedimentation, and potentiometric titration. According to the data of potentiometric titration for the synthesized pegylated cationic copolymers, the apparent dissociation constants were determined in the pH range from 4.5 to 8.5. The physicochemical properties of interpolyelectrolyte complexes of these polycations with circular DNA (IPEC DNA) were also studied by dynamic light scattering, electrophoretic mobility, and TEM methods. It has been established that the diameter and electrokinetic potential (ζ-potential) of interpolyelectrolyte complexes can be varied over a wide range (from 200 nm to 1.5 μm and from -25 mV to +30 mV) by changing the ratio of oppositely charged ionizable groups in pegylated cationic copolymers and DNA, as well as by regulating medium pH. The resistance of the IPEC DNA/polycation complex to the action of nucleases was studied by electrophoresis in agarose gel; the cytotoxic effect of the polymers in vitro, and the efficiency of penetration (transfection) of IPEC DNA with PDMAEMA-co-PEO-polycations into eukaryotic cells of a cell line derived from human embryonic kidneys HEK 293 in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana P Loginova
- A.N. Nesmeyanov Instituite of Organoelement Compounds of Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova Street 28, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina A Khotina
- A.N. Nesmeyanov Instituite of Organoelement Compounds of Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova Street 28, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yurii A Kabachii
- A.N. Nesmeyanov Instituite of Organoelement Compounds of Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova Street 28, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergei Yu Kochev
- A.N. Nesmeyanov Instituite of Organoelement Compounds of Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova Street 28, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vyacheslav M Abramov
- JSC Institute Immunological Engineering, Nauchnaya street 1, 142380 Lybuchany, Moscow District, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Valentin S Khlebnikov
- JSC Institute Immunological Engineering, Nauchnaya street 1, 142380 Lybuchany, Moscow District, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Natalia L Kulikova
- JSC Institute Immunological Engineering, Nauchnaya street 1, 142380 Lybuchany, Moscow District, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Yaroslav O Mezhuev
- A.N. Nesmeyanov Instituite of Organoelement Compounds of Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova Street 28, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biomaterials, Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, 125047 Moscow, Russia
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8
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de Oliveira FA, Albuquerque LJC, Nascimento-Sales M, Christoffolete MA, Bellettini IC, Giacomelli FC. Balancing gene transfection and cytotoxicity of nucleic acid carriers with focus on ocular and hepatic disorders: evaluation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic polyethyleneimine derivatives. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:4556-4571. [PMID: 37161773 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb00477e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Polyethyleneimine (PEI) derivatives substituted by lactose, succinic acid or alkyl domains were evaluated as nonviral gene delivery vectors towards balancing gene transfection and cytotoxicity. The investigations were focused on pDNA transfection into arising retinal pigment epithelia (ARPE-19) and human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines. The first mentioned cell line was chosen as motivated by the non-negligible number of ocular disorders linked to gene aberrations, whereas the second one is a cell line overexpressing the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R), which can bind to galactose residues. The presence of short alkyl domains (C4 and C6), and particularly the succinylation of the PEI chains, improved the biological outputs of the gene vectors. The presence of hydrophobic units possibly enhances lytic activity, whereas the incorporation of succinic acid slightly reduces polymer-DNA interaction strength, thereby enabling more efficient intracellular unpacking and cargo release. Succinylation is also supposed to decrease cytotoxicity and avoid protein adsorption to the polyplexes. The presence of long carbon chains (for instance, C12) nevertheless, results in higher levels of cytotoxicity and respective lower transfection rates. The sugar-decorated polyplexes are overall less cytotoxic, but the presence of lactose moieties also leads to larger polyplexes and notably weak polymer-DNA binding, which compromise the transfection efficiency. Yet, along with the presence of short lytic alkyl domains, the double-substitution of PEI synergistically boosts gene transfection probably due to the uptake of higher DNA and polymer amounts without cell damage. Overall, the experimental data suggest that ocular and hepatic gene therapies may be potentialized by fine-tuning the hydrophobic-to-hydrophilic balance, and succinic acid is a favorable motif for the modification of PEI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando A de Oliveira
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | - Ismael C Bellettini
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas e Educação, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Blumenau, Brazil
| | - Fernando C Giacomelli
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, Brazil.
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9
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Sadeqi Nezhad M. Poly (beta-amino ester) as an in vivo nanocarrier for therapeutic nucleic acids. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:95-113. [PMID: 36266918 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic nucleic acids are an emerging class of therapy for treating various diseases through immunomodulation, protein replacement, gene editing, and genetic engineering. However, they need a vector to effectively and safely reach the target cells. Most gene and cell therapies rely on ex vivo gene delivery, which is laborious, time-consuming, and costly; therefore, devising a systematic vector for effective and safe in vivo delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids is required to target the cells of interest in an efficient manner. Synthetic nanoparticle vector poly beta amino ester (PBAE), a class of degradable polymer, is a promising candidate for in vivo gene delivery. PBAE is considered the most potent in vivo vector due to its excellent transfection performance and biodegradability. PBAE nanoparticles showed tunable charge density, diverse structural characteristics, excellent encapsulation capacity, high stability, stimuli-responsive release, site-specific delivery, potent binding to nucleic acids, flexible binding ability to various conjugates, and effective endosomal escape. These unique properties of PBAE are an essential contribution to in vivo gene delivery. The current review discusses each of the components used for PBAE synthesis and the impact of various environmental and physicochemical factors of the body on PBAE nanocarrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Sadeqi Nezhad
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Translational Biomedical Science Department, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA.,Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
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10
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Das PK, Panda G, Patra K, Jena N, Dash M. The role of polyplexes in developing a green sustainable approach in agriculture. RSC Adv 2022; 12:34463-34481. [PMID: 36545618 PMCID: PMC9709925 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra06541j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Rise in global population has increased the food demands and thus the competition among farmers to produce more and more. In the race to obtain higher productivity, farmers have resorted to injudicious farming practices that include the reckless use of nitrogenous fertilizers and intensive cropping on farmlands. Such practices have paved the path for large scale infestations of crops and plants by pests thus affecting the plant productivity and crop vigour. There are several traditional techniques to control pest infestations in plants such as the use of chemical or bio-pesticides, and integrated pest management practices which face several drawbacks. Delivery of gene/nucleic acid in plants through genetic engineering approaches is a more sustainable and effective method of protection against pests. The technology of RNA interference (RNAi) provides a sustainable solution to counter pest control problems faced by other traditional techniques. The RNAi technique involves delivery of dsDNA/dsRNA or other forms of nucleic acids into target organisms thereby bringing about gene silencing. However, RNAi is also limited to its use because of their susceptibility to degradation wherein the use of cationic polymers can provide a tangible solution. Cationic polymers form stable complexes with the nucleic acids known as "polyplexes", which may be attributed to their high positive charge densities thus protecting the exogenous nucleic acids from extracellular degradation. The current paper focuses on the utility of nucleic acids as a sustainable tool for pest control in crops and the use of cationic polymers for the efficient delivery of nucleic acids in pests thus protecting the plant from infestations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nivedita Jena
- Institute of Life Sciences, DBT-ILSBhubaneswarOdishaIndia
| | - Mamoni Dash
- Institute of Life Sciences, DBT-ILSBhubaneswarOdishaIndia
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11
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Highly branched poly(β-amino ester)s with narrow molecular weight distribution: Fractionation and gene transfection activity. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2022.06.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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12
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13
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Tian X, Qiu N, Shen Y, Zhang S, Dang C, Hu G, Wang Z, Chen J, Ding S. Preparation of poly(DMA-co-DBA) and its application in gene delivery. INT J POLYM MATER PO 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/00914037.2021.1999952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Tian
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, P. R. China
| | - Nasha Qiu
- Center for Bionanoengineering and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Youqing Shen
- Center for Bionanoengineering and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shizhong Zhang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, P. R. China
| | - Chun Dang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, P. R. China
| | - Guang Hu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, P. R. China
| | - Zhihui Wang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, P. R. China
| | - Jing Chen
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, P. R. China
| | - Shijie Ding
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, P. R. China
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14
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Monnery BD. Polycation-Mediated Transfection: Mechanisms of Internalization and Intracellular Trafficking. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:4060-4083. [PMID: 34498457 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Polyplex-mediated gene transfection is now in its' fourth decade of serious research, but the promise of polyplex-mediated gene therapy has yet to fully materialize. Only approximately one in a million applied plasmids actually expresses. A large part of this is due to an incomplete understanding of the mechanism of polyplex transfection. There is an assumption that internalization must follow a canonical mechanism of receptor mediated endocytosis. Herein, we present arguments that untargeted (and most targeted) polyplexes do not utilize these routes. By incorporating knowledge of syndecan-polyplex interactions, we can show that syndecans are the "target" for polyplexes. Further, it is known that free polycations (which disrupt cell-membranes by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of phospholipid esters) are necessary for (untargeted) endocytosis. This can be incorporated into the model to produce a novel mechanism of endocytosis, which fits the observed phenomenology. After membrane translocation, polyplex containing vesicles reach the endosome after diffusing through the actin mesh below the cell membrane. From there, they are acidified and trafficked toward the lysosome. Some polyplexes are capable of escaping the endosome and unpacking, while others are not. Herein, it is argued that for some polycations, as acidification proceeds the polyplexes excluding free polycations, which disrupt the endosomal membrane by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis, allowing the polyplex to escape. The polyplex's internal charge ratio is now insufficient for stability and it releases plasmids which diffuse to the nucleus. A small proportion of these plasmids diffuse through the nuclear pore complex (NPC), with aggregation being the major cause of loss. Those plasmids that have diffused through the NPC will also aggregate, and this appears to be the reason such a small proportion of nuclear plasmids express mRNA. Thus, the structural features which promote unpacking in the endosome and allow for endosomal escape can be determined, and better polycations can be designed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryn D Monnery
- Department of Organic and (Bio)Polymer Chemistry, Hasselt University, Building F, Agoralaan 1, B-3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
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15
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Zhang Z, Qiu N, Wu S, Liu X, Zhou Z, Tang J, Liu Y, Zhou R, Shen Y. Dose-Independent Transfection of Hydrophobized Polyplexes. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2102219. [PMID: 33991017 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202102219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Cationic polymers dynamically complex DNA into complexes (polyplexes). So, upon dilution, polyplexes easily dissociate and lose transfection ability, limiting their in vivo systemic gene delivery. Herein, it is found that polyplex's stability and endocytosis pathway determine its transfection dose-dependence. The polyplexes of hydrophilic polycations have dose-dependent integrity and lysosome-trafficking endocytosis; at low doses, most of these polyplexes dissociate, and the remaining few are internalized and trapped in lysosomes, abolishing their transfection ability. In contrast, the polyplexes of the polycations with optimal hydrophobicity remain integrated even at low concentrations and enter cells via macropinocytosis directly into the cytosol evading lysosomes, so each polyplex can accomplish its infection process, leading to dose-independent DNA transfection like viral vectors. Furthermore, the tuned hydrophobicity balancing the affinity of anionic poly(γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) to the polyplex surface enables γ-PGA to stick on the polyplex surface as a shielding layer but peel off on the cell membrane to release the naked polyplexes for dose-independent transfection. These findings may provide guidelines for developing polyplexes that mimick a viral vector's dose-independent transfection for effective in vivo gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Nasha Qiu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Shuling Wu
- Department of Respiratory, The First People's Hospital of Xiaoshan, Hangzhou, 311200, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Zhuxian Zhou
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Hangzhou, 311215, China
| | - Jianbin Tang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Yanpeng Liu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Hangzhou, 311215, China
| | - Ruhong Zhou
- Institute of Quantitative Biology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Youqing Shen
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Hangzhou, 311215, China
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16
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Gui Q, Ouyang Q, Zhang J, Shi S, Chen X. Ultrahigh Flux and Strong Affinity Poly( N-vinylformamide)-Grafted Polypropylene Membranes for Continuous Removal of Organic Micropollutants from Water. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:20796-20809. [PMID: 33884869 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c02507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The rapid and effective removal of organic micropollutants (OMPs) from water remains a huge challenge for traditional water treatment techniques. Compared with powder adsorbents such as polymers and nanomaterials, the free-standing adsorptive membrane is possible for large-scale applications and shows promise in removing OMPs. Herein, inspired by aquatic plants, a novel free-standing adsorptive membrane (NPPM) with high water flux, strong adsorption affinity, and excellent reproducibility was prepared by one-step UV surface grafting. N-Vinylformamide (NVF) was employed to introduce multiple hydrophilic and hydrogen bonding sites on the surface of commercial polypropylene fiber membranes (PPM). The NPPM exhibits excellent water permeability and ultrahigh water flux (up to 40 000 L/(m2 h)) and could continuously remove a broad spectrum of OMPs from water. Its adsorption performance is 5-100 times higher than that of PPM and commercial membranes. Even in natural water sources such as tap water and river water, the NPPM shows unchanged adsorption performance and high OMPs removal efficiency (>95%). Notably, the NPPM has excellent regeneration performance and can be regenerated by hot water elution, which provides an environmentally friendly regeneration method without involving any organic solvent. Moreover, the synergy between hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction is revealed, and the hydrophobic interaction provided by the hydrophobic substrate is proved to play a fundamental role in OMPs adsorption. The strong hydrogen bonds between the grafts and the OMPs are demonstrated by variable-temperature FTIR spectroscopy (vt-FTIR), 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (13C NMR), and simulation calculations. The strong hydrogen bonds could increase the enthalpy change and enhance the adsorption affinity, so the NPPM has a strong adsorption affinity, which is 100 times that of similar adsorption membranes. This study not only presents an adsorptive membrane with great commercial potential in the rapid remediation of a water source but also opens a pathway to develop an adsorptive membrane with high water flux and strong adsorption affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qilin Gui
- Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Qi Ouyang
- Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Jinxing Zhang
- Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Shuxian Shi
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fiber and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Xiaonong Chen
- Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
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Kumar R, Santa Chalarca CF, Bockman MR, Bruggen CV, Grimme CJ, Dalal RJ, Hanson MG, Hexum JK, Reineke TM. Polymeric Delivery of Therapeutic Nucleic Acids. Chem Rev 2021; 121:11527-11652. [PMID: 33939409 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The advent of genome editing has transformed the therapeutic landscape for several debilitating diseases, and the clinical outlook for gene therapeutics has never been more promising. The therapeutic potential of nucleic acids has been limited by a reliance on engineered viral vectors for delivery. Chemically defined polymers can remediate technological, regulatory, and clinical challenges associated with viral modes of gene delivery. Because of their scalability, versatility, and exquisite tunability, polymers are ideal biomaterial platforms for delivering nucleic acid payloads efficiently while minimizing immune response and cellular toxicity. While polymeric gene delivery has progressed significantly in the past four decades, clinical translation of polymeric vehicles faces several formidable challenges. The aim of our Account is to illustrate diverse concepts in designing polymeric vectors towards meeting therapeutic goals of in vivo and ex vivo gene therapy. Here, we highlight several classes of polymers employed in gene delivery and summarize the recent work on understanding the contributions of chemical and architectural design parameters. We touch upon characterization methods used to visualize and understand events transpiring at the interfaces between polymer, nucleic acids, and the physiological environment. We conclude that interdisciplinary approaches and methodologies motivated by fundamental questions are key to designing high-performing polymeric vehicles for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | | | - Matthew R Bockman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Craig Van Bruggen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Christian J Grimme
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Rishad J Dalal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mckenna G Hanson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Joseph K Hexum
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Theresa M Reineke
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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18
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Richter F, Mapfumo P, Martin L, Solomun JI, Hausig F, Frietsch JJ, Ernst T, Hoeppener S, Brendel JC, Traeger A. Improved gene delivery to K-562 leukemia cells by lipoic acid modified block copolymer micelles. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:70. [PMID: 33676500 PMCID: PMC7936509 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-00801-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there has been substantial progress in the research field of gene delivery, there are some challenges remaining, e.g. there are still cell types such as primary cells and suspension cells (immune cells) known to be difficult to transfect. Cationic polymers have gained increasing attention due to their ability to bind, condense and mask genetic material, being amenable to scale up and highly variable in their composition. In addition, they can be combined with further monomers exhibiting desired biological and chemical properties, such as antioxidative, pH- and redox-responsive or biocompatible features. By introduction of hydrophobic monomers, in particular as block copolymers, cationic micelles can be formed possessing an improved chance of transfection in otherwise challenging cells. In this study, the antioxidant biomolecule lipoic acid, which can also be used as crosslinker, was incorporated into the hydrophobic block of a diblock copolymer, poly{[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate]101-b-[n-(butyl methacrylate)124-co-(lipoic acid methacrylate)22]} (P(DMAEMA101-b-[nBMA124-co-LAMA22])), synthesized by RAFT polymerization and assembled into micelles (LAMA-mic). These micelles were investigated regarding their pDNA binding, cytotoxicity mechanisms and transfection efficiency in K-562 and HEK293T cells, the former representing a difficult to transfect, suspension leukemia cell line. The LAMA-mic exhibited low cytotoxicity at applied concentrations but demonstrated superior transfection efficiency in HEK293T and especially K-562 cells. In-depth studies on the transfection mechanism revealed that transfection efficiency in K-562 cells does not depend on the specific oncogenic fusion gene BCR-ABL alone. It is independent of the cellular uptake of polymer-pDNA complexes but correlates with the endosomal escape of the LAMA-mic. A comparison of the transfection efficiency of the LAMA-mic with structurally comparable micelles without lipoic acid showed that lipoic acid is not solely responsible for the superior transfection efficiency of the LAMA-mic. More likely, a synergistic effect of the antioxidative lipoic acid and the micellar architecture was identified. Therefore, the incorporation of lipoic acid into the core of hydrophobic-cationic micelles represents a promising tailor-made transfer strategy, which can potentially be beneficial for other difficult to transfect cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Richter
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Prosper Mapfumo
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Liam Martin
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Jana I Solomun
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Franziska Hausig
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Jochen J Frietsch
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Abteilung Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Ernst
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Abteilung Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - 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
| | - 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
| | - Anja Traeger
- 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.
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19
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Solomun JI, Cinar G, Mapfumo P, Richter F, Moek E, Hausig F, Martin L, Hoeppener S, Nischang I, Traeger A. Solely aqueous formulation of hydrophobic cationic polymers for efficient gene delivery. Int J Pharm 2021; 593:120080. [PMID: 33246046 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.120080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cationic polymers are promising gene delivery vectors due to their ability to bind and protect genetic material. The introduction of hydrophobic moieties into cationic polymers can further improve the vector efficiency, but common formulations of hydrophobic polymers involve harsh conditions such as organic solvents, impairing intactness and loading efficiency of the genetic material. In this study, a mild, aqueous formulation method for the encapsulation of high amounts of genetic material is presented. A well-defined pH-responsive hydrophobic copolymer, i.e. poly((n-butylmethacrylate)-co-(methylmethacrylate)-co-(2-(dimethylamino) ethylmethacrylate)), (PBMD) was synthesized by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Exploiting the pH-dependent solubility behavior of the polymer, stable pDNA loaded nanoparticles were prepared and characterized using analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). This novel formulation approach showed high transfection efficiencies in HEK293T cells, while requiring 5- to 10-fold less pDNA compared to linear polyethylenimine (LPEI), in particular at short incubation times and in serum-containing media. Furthermore, the formulation was successfully adopted for siRNA and mRNA encapsulation and the commercially approved polymer Eudragit® E(PO/100). Overall, the aqueous formulation approach, accompanied by a tailor-made hydrophobic polymer and detailed physicochemical and application studies, led to improved gene delivery vectors with high potential for further applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana I Solomun
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Gizem Cinar
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Prosper Mapfumo
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Friederike Richter
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Moek
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Franziska Hausig
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Liam Martin
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Stephanie Hoeppener
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry 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
| | - Ivo Nischang
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry 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
| | - Anja Traeger
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry 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.
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20
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Klemm P, Huschke S, Rodewald M, Ehteshamzad N, Behnke M, Wang X, Cinar G, Nischang I, Hoeppener S, Weber C, Press AT, Höppener C, Meyer T, Deckert V, Schmitt M, Popp J, Bauer M, Schubert S. Characterization of a library of vitamin A-functionalized polymethacrylate-based nanoparticles for siRNA delivery. Polym Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0py01626h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A 60-membered library of vitamin A-functionalized P(MMA-stat-DMAEMA)-b-PPEGMA block copolymers was synthesized by RAFT polymerization. From these, nanoparticles containing genetic material were formulated and fully characterized.
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21
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Lichon L, Kotras C, Myrzakhmetov B, Arnoux P, Daurat M, Nguyen C, Durand D, Bouchmella K, Ali LMA, Durand JO, Richeter S, Frochot C, Gary-Bobo M, Surin M, Clément S. Polythiophenes with Cationic Phosphonium Groups as Vectors for Imaging, siRNA Delivery, and Photodynamic Therapy. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 10:E1432. [PMID: 32708042 PMCID: PMC7466636 DOI: 10.3390/nano10081432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we exploit the versatile function of cationic phosphonium-conjugated polythiophenes to develop multifunctional platforms for imaging and combined therapy (siRNA delivery and photodynamic therapy). The photophysical properties (absorption, emission and light-induced generation of singlet oxygen) of these cationic polythiophenes were found to be sensitive to molecular weight. Upon light irradiation, low molecular weight cationic polythiophenes were able to light-sensitize surrounding oxygen into reactive oxygen species (ROS) while the highest were not due to its aggregation in aqueous media. These polymers are also fluorescent, allowing one to visualize their intracellular location through confocal microscopy. The most promising polymers were then used as vectors for siRNA delivery. Due to their cationic and amphipathic features, these polymers were found to effectively self-assemble with siRNA targeting the luciferase gene and deliver it in MDA-MB-231 cancer cells expressing luciferase, leading to 30-50% of the gene-silencing effect. In parallel, the photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity of these cationic polymers was restored after siRNA delivery, demonstrating their potential for combined PDT and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Lichon
- IBMM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34093 Montpellier, France; (L.L.); (C.N.); (D.D.); (L.M.A.A.)
| | - Clément Kotras
- Center of Innovation and Research in Materials and Polymers (CIRMAP), University of Mons—UMONS, 20 Place du Parc, 7000 Mons, Belgium; (C.K.); (M.S.)
- ICGM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, CC1701, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier, France; (K.B.); (J.-O.D.); (S.R.)
| | - Bauyrzhan Myrzakhmetov
- Laboratoire Réactions et Génie des Procédés (LRGP), UMR 7274, Université de Lorraine, CNRS, 54000 Nancy, France; (B.M.); (P.A.); (C.F.)
| | - Philippe Arnoux
- Laboratoire Réactions et Génie des Procédés (LRGP), UMR 7274, Université de Lorraine, CNRS, 54000 Nancy, France; (B.M.); (P.A.); (C.F.)
| | - Morgane Daurat
- NanoMedSyn, 15 Avenue Charles Flahault, 34093 Montpellier, France;
| | - Christophe Nguyen
- IBMM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34093 Montpellier, France; (L.L.); (C.N.); (D.D.); (L.M.A.A.)
| | - Denis Durand
- IBMM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34093 Montpellier, France; (L.L.); (C.N.); (D.D.); (L.M.A.A.)
| | - Karim Bouchmella
- ICGM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, CC1701, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier, France; (K.B.); (J.-O.D.); (S.R.)
| | - Lamiaa Mohamed Ahmed Ali
- IBMM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34093 Montpellier, France; (L.L.); (C.N.); (D.D.); (L.M.A.A.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
| | - Jean-Olivier Durand
- ICGM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, CC1701, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier, France; (K.B.); (J.-O.D.); (S.R.)
| | - Sébastien Richeter
- ICGM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, CC1701, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier, France; (K.B.); (J.-O.D.); (S.R.)
| | - Céline Frochot
- Laboratoire Réactions et Génie des Procédés (LRGP), UMR 7274, Université de Lorraine, CNRS, 54000 Nancy, France; (B.M.); (P.A.); (C.F.)
| | - Magali Gary-Bobo
- IBMM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34093 Montpellier, France; (L.L.); (C.N.); (D.D.); (L.M.A.A.)
| | - Mathieu Surin
- Center of Innovation and Research in Materials and Polymers (CIRMAP), University of Mons—UMONS, 20 Place du Parc, 7000 Mons, Belgium; (C.K.); (M.S.)
| | - Sébastien Clément
- ICGM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, CC1701, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier, France; (K.B.); (J.-O.D.); (S.R.)
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22
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Autophagy-inhibiting polymer as an effective nonviral cancer gene therapy vector with inherent apoptosis-sensitizing ability. Biomaterials 2020; 255:120156. [PMID: 32505754 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Conventionally, polycations are pharmacological inert used as nonviral gene delivery vectors with the sole function of compacting and protecting nucleic acids. Here, the first autophagy-inhibiting cationic polymer delivering plasmid DNA (pDNA) encoding TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) is prepared for cancer gene therapy. The copolymerization of methacryloyl chloroquine (MACQ) with 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) not only improves transfection efficacy through hydrophobic modification, but also endows the copolymer with autophagy-blocking capability, which further sensitizes cancer cells to TRAIL induced apoptosis. Importantly, the designed copolymer shows efficient TRAIL expression, autophagy inhibition and enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis in an autophagy-dependent manner. In contrast, TRAIL gene delivered by the autophagy-blocking-deficient control copolymer without the chlorine atom presents weaker antitumor efficacy, although expressing a similar amount of therapeutic TRAIL protein. Thus, this study demonstrates a conceptually new approach in which the therapeutic outcome of the delivered gene can be inherently strengthened by the delivery vehicle with intrinsic pharmacological activity.
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23
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Michl TD, Hibbs B, Hyde L, Postma A, Tran DTT, Zhalgasbaikyzy A, Vasilev K, Meagher L, Griesser HJ, Locock KES. Bacterial membrane permeability of antimicrobial polymethacrylates: Evidence for a complex mechanism from super-resolution fluorescence imaging. Acta Biomater 2020; 108:168-177. [PMID: 32179195 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Amphiphilic polymers bearing cationic moieties are an emerging alternative to traditional antibiotics given their broad-spectrum activity and low susceptibility to the development of resistance. To date, however, much remains unclear regarding their mechanism of action. Using functional assays (ATP leakage, cell viability, DNA binding) and super-high resolution structured illumination microscopy (OMX-SR) of fluorescently tagged polymers, we present evidence for a complex mechanism, involving membrane permeation as well as cellular uptake, interaction with intracellular targets and possible complexation with bacterial DNA. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This manuscript details the first study to systematically and directly investigate the mechanism of action of antimicrobial polymers, using super-resolution fluorescence imaging as well as functional assays. While many in the field cite membrane permeation as the sole mechanism underlying the activity of such polymers, we present evidence for multimodal actions including high cellular uptake and interaction with intracellular targets. It is also the first report to show competitive binding of antimicrobial polymers with bacterial DNA in a dose-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D Michl
- School of Engineering, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Ben Hibbs
- Materials Characterisation and Fabrication Platform, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Lauren Hyde
- Materials Characterisation and Fabrication Platform, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Almar Postma
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Research Way, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Dung Thuy Thi Tran
- School of Engineering, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Aigerim Zhalgasbaikyzy
- School of Engineering, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Krasimir Vasilev
- School of Engineering, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Laurence Meagher
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Hans J Griesser
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Katherine E S Locock
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Research Way, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
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24
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Richter F, Martin L, Leer K, Moek E, Hausig F, Brendel JC, Traeger A. Tuning of endosomal escape and gene expression by functional groups, molecular weight and transfection medium: a structure-activity relationship study. J Mater Chem B 2020; 8:5026-5041. [PMID: 32319993 DOI: 10.1039/d0tb00340a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The use of genetic material by non-viral transfer systems is still in its initial stages, but there are high expectations for the development of targeted therapies. However, nucleic acids cannot enter cells without help, they must be well protected to prevent degradation and overcome a variety of biological barriers, the endosomal barrier being one of the greatest cellular challenges. Herein, the structure-property-relationship was investigated in detail, using well-defined polymers. Polyacrylamides were synthesized via RAFT polymerization resulting in a polymer library of (i) different cationic groups as aminoethyl acrylamide (AEAm), dimethylaminoethyl acrylamide (DMAEAm), dimethylaminopropyl acrylamide (DMAPAm) and guanidinopropyl acrylamide (GPAm); (ii) different degree of polymerization; and investigated (iii) in different cell culture settings. The influence of molar mass and cationic moiety on complex formation with pDNA, cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency of the polymers were investigated. The systematic approach identified a pH-independent guanidinium-containing homopolymer (PGPAm89) as the polymer with the highest transfection efficiency and superior endosomal release under optimal conditions. Since PGPAm89 is not further protonated inside endosomes, common escape theories appear unsuitable. Therefore, the interaction with bis(monoacryloylglycerol)phosphate, a lipid specific for endosomal vesicles, was investigated. Our research suggests that the interactions between amines and lipids may be more relevant than anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Richter
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.
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25
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Guler Gokce Z, Birol SZ, Mitina N, Harhay K, Finiuk N, Glasunova V, Stoika R, Ercelen S, Zaichenko A. Novel amphiphilic block-copolymer forming stable micelles and interpolyelectrolyte complexes with DNA for efficient gene delivery. INT J POLYM MATER PO 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00914037.2020.1740988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zeliha Guler Gokce
- Center Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Institute, TUBITAK Marmara Research, Kocaeli, Turkey
- Department of Nano Science and Nano Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Semra Zuhal Birol
- Center Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Institute, TUBITAK Marmara Research, Kocaeli, Turkey
- Department of Nano Science and Nano Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nataliya Mitina
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Lviv Polytechnic National University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Khrystyna Harhay
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Lviv Polytechnic National University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Nataliya Finiuk
- Department of Regulation of Cell Proliferation, Institute of Cell Biology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Valentina Glasunova
- Department of Physical Materials, Donetsk O. O. Galkin Institute of Physics and Engineering, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Donetsk, Ukraine
| | - Rostyslav Stoika
- Department of Regulation of Cell Proliferation, Institute of Cell Biology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Sebnem Ercelen
- Center Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Institute, TUBITAK Marmara Research, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Alexander Zaichenko
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Lviv Polytechnic National University, Lviv, Ukraine
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26
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Gigante A, Li M, Junghänel S, Hirschhäuser C, Knauer S, Schmuck C. Non-viral transfection vectors: are hybrid materials the way forward? MEDCHEMCOMM 2019; 10:1692-1718. [PMID: 32180915 PMCID: PMC7053704 DOI: 10.1039/c9md00275h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Transfection is a process by which oligonucleotides (DNA or RNA) are delivered into living cells. This allows the synthesis of target proteins as well as their inhibition (gene silencing). However, oligonucleotides cannot cross the plasma membrane by themselves; therefore, efficient carriers are needed for successful gene delivery. Recombinant viruses are among the earliest described vectors. Unfortunately, they have severe drawbacks such as toxicity and immunogenicity. In this regard, the development of non-viral transfection vectors has attracted increasing interests, and has become an important field of research. In the first part of this review we start with a tutorial introduction into the biological backgrounds of gene transfection followed by the classical non-viral vectors (cationic organic carriers and inorganic nanoparticles). In the second part we highlight selected recent reports, which demonstrate that hybrid vectors that combine key features of classical carriers are a remarkable strategy to address the current challenges in gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gigante
- Institute of Organic Chemistry , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany .
| | - M Li
- Institute of Organic Chemistry , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany .
| | - S Junghänel
- Institute of Organic Chemistry , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany .
- Biomedical Technology Center of the Medical Faculty , University of Muenster , Muenster , Germany
| | - C Hirschhäuser
- Institute of Organic Chemistry , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany .
| | - S Knauer
- Faculty of Biology , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany
| | - C Schmuck
- Institute of Organic Chemistry , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany .
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27
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Star-shaped poly(2-aminoethyl methacrylate)s as non-viral gene carriers: Exploring structure-function relationship. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2019; 181:721-727. [PMID: 31228855 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2019.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy shows much promise in treating many inheritable and acquired diseases, but challenges remain in the design of gene vectors with low cytotoxicity and high transfection efficiency. Elucidating the structure-function relationship of non-viral polymer-based gene carriers is crucial for improving the design and performance of safe and effective gene therapy approaches. The cationic poly(2-aminoethyl methacrylate) (PAEM) containing primary amino side groups is an attractive carrier for gene delivery. This study focuses on four PAEM-based polycations with well-defined molecular weight and chain architecture. The polymers include three cyclodextrin (CD)-cored star-shaped PAEM polycations (s-PAEM), synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), and a linear PAEM polycation (l-PAEM), synthesized via activators regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET) ATRP. All four polycations could condense plasmid DNA (pDNA) into spherical polyplexes with small sizes (<200 nm). The polyplexes showed excellent stability during storage and were able to resist electrostatic destabilization. The cytotoxicity of these polycations was depended on dose and target cell type and was influenced by molecular weight and chain architecture, yet the polyplexes showed little cytotoxicity regardless of the type of polymer used. The transfection efficiency of PAEM polycations was highly dependent upon molecular weight, molecular architecture (star versus linear) and target cell type. In most cases, polyplexes formed by high-molecular-weight s-PAEM performed the best. Moreover, at a specific N/P ratio, the transfection efficiency mediated by s-PAEM was higher in MCF-7 breast cancer cells than in COS-7 fibroblast-like cells, but such cell-type dependence was not obvious for l-PAEM. These findings indicate that the star-shaped PAEM polycations could be promising gene carriers for gene therapy applications.
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28
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Basak U, Ghosh R, Ghosh T, Majumdar S, Pakhira M, Ghosh T, Chatterjee DP. Synthesis of ‘living’ poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) and stimuli responsive/multifunctional block copolymers effective in fabrication of CdS ‘smart’ ‘Q-Particles’. POLYMER 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2018.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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29
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Protein moiety in oligochitosan modified vector regulates internalization mechanism and gene delivery: Polyplex characterization, intracellular trafficking and transfection. Carbohydr Polym 2018; 202:143-156. [PMID: 30286987 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.08.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Oligochitosan-modified proteins have gained attention as efficient non-viral vectors for gene delivery. However, little information exists if protein moieties can serve as an important role for internalization and endosome escape ability of the genetic material. To explore this issue, we designed two cationic oligochitosan-modified vectors that consist of different proteins, namely a hydrophobic plant protein (zein) and a hydrophilic animal protein (ovalbumin (OVA)) to deliver pDNA to epithelial cell line CHO-K1 and HEK 293 T. These cationic vectors were systematically characterized by molecular weight, infrared (IR) structural analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) morphology, and surface charge. A remarkable impact of protein moieties was observed on physiochemical properties of the developed vectors. Oligochitosan-modified zein containing hydrophobic protein exhibited high buffering capacity and excellent DNA binding ability compared to the oligochitosan-modified OVA. The data on transfection in the presence of endocytic inhibitors indicated that the caveolae-mediated pathway (CvME) played a key role in the internalization of the zein-based polyplex. However, the OVA-based polyplex was internalized in CHO-K1 cells via CvME and in HEK 293 T cells via the lipid-mediated pathway. Moreover, oligochitosan-modified zein exhibited lower cytotoxicity, greater lysosomal escape ability, better plasmid stability, and better transfection efficiency than the oligochitosan-modified OVA. This study offers a facile procedure for the synthesis of cationic vectors and elucidates the relationship that exists between protein moieties and transfection activity, thus providing an alternative, non-viral platform for the gene delivery.
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30
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Trützschler AK, Bus T, Reifarth M, Brendel JC, Hoeppener S, Traeger A, Schubert US. Beyond Gene Transfection with Methacrylate-Based Polyplexes-The Influence of the Amino Substitution Pattern. Bioconjug Chem 2018; 29:2181-2194. [PMID: 29712427 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Methacrylate-based polymers represent promising nonviral gene delivery vectors, since they offer a large variety of polymer architectures and functionalities, which are beneficial for specific demands in gene delivery. In combination with controlled radical polymerization techniques, such as the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, the synthesis of well-defined polymers is possible. In this study we prepared a library of defined linear polymers based on (2-aminoethyl)-methacrylate (AEMA), N-methyl-(2-aminoethyl)-methacrylate (MAEMA), and N,N-dimethyl-(2-aminoethyl)-methacrylate (DMAEMA) monomers, bearing pendant primary, secondary, and tertiary amino groups, and investigated the influence of the substitution pattern on their gene delivery capability. The polymers and the corresponding plasmid DNA complexes were investigated regarding their physicochemical characteristics, cytocompatibility, and transfection performance. The nonviral transfection by methacrylate-based polyplexes differs significantly from poly(ethylene imine)-based polyplexes, as a successful transfection is not affected by the buffer capacity. We observed that polyplexes containing a high content of primary amino groups (AEMA) offered the highest transfection efficiency, whereas polyplexes bearing tertiary amino groups (DMAEMA) exhibited the lowest transfection efficiency. Further insights into the uptake and release mechanisms could be identified by fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy, emphasizing the theory of membrane-pore formation for the time-efficient endosomal release of methacrylate-based vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Kristin Trützschler
- Institue for Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry , Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Humboldtstrasse 10 , 07743 Jena , Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM) , Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Philosophenweg 7 , 07743 Jena , Germany
| | - Tanja Bus
- Institue for Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry , Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Humboldtstrasse 10 , 07743 Jena , Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM) , Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Philosophenweg 7 , 07743 Jena , Germany
| | - Martin Reifarth
- Institue for Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry , Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Humboldtstrasse 10 , 07743 Jena , Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM) , Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Philosophenweg 7 , 07743 Jena , Germany.,Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics , Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Helmholtzweg 4 , 07743 Jena , Germany.,Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology , Albert-Einstein-Strasse 9 , 07745 Jena , Germany
| | - Johannes C Brendel
- Institue for Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry , Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Humboldtstrasse 10 , 07743 Jena , Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM) , Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Philosophenweg 7 , 07743 Jena , Germany
| | - Stephanie Hoeppener
- Institue for Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry , Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Humboldtstrasse 10 , 07743 Jena , Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM) , Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Philosophenweg 7 , 07743 Jena , Germany
| | - Anja Traeger
- Institue for Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry , Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Humboldtstrasse 10 , 07743 Jena , Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM) , Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Philosophenweg 7 , 07743 Jena , Germany
| | - Ulrich S Schubert
- Institue for Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry , Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Humboldtstrasse 10 , 07743 Jena , Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM) , Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Philosophenweg 7 , 07743 Jena , Germany
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31
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Trützschler AK, Bus T, Sahn M, Traeger A, Weber C, Schubert US. The Power of Shielding: Low Toxicity and High Transfection Performance of Cationic Graft Copolymers Containing Poly(2-oxazoline) Side Chains. Biomacromolecules 2018; 19:2759-2771. [PMID: 29791802 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.8b00362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We show the potential of oligo(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (Oxn)-shielded graft copolymers of (2-aminoethyl)-methacrylate and N-methyl-(2-aminoethyl)-methacrylate for pDNA delivery in HEK cells. For the effect of grafting density and side chain length concerning improved transfection properties through the concept of shielding to be investigated, copolymers were synthesized via the macromonomer method using a combination of cationic ring opening polymerization and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization to vary the degree of grafting (DG = 10 and 30%) as well as the side chain degree of polymerization (DP = 5 and 20). Investigations of the polyplex formation, in vitro flow cytometry, and confocal laser scanning microscopy measurements on the copolymer library revealed classical shielding properties of the Ox side chains, including highly reduced cytotoxicity and a partial decrease in transfection efficiency, as also reported for polyethylene glycol shielding. In terms of the transfection efficiency, the best performing copolymers (A- g-Ox5(10) and M- g-Ox5(10)) revealed equal or better performances compared to those of the corresponding homopolymers. In particular, the graft copolymers with low DG and side chain DP transfected well with over 10-fold higher IC50 values. In contrast, a DG of 30% resulted in a loss of transfection efficiency due to missing ability for endosomal release, and a side chain DP of 20 hampered the cellular uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Kristin Trützschler
- 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
| | - Tanja Bus
- 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
| | - Martin Sahn
- 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
| | - Anja Traeger
- 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
| | - Christine Weber
- 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
| | - Ulrich S Schubert
- 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
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32
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Góis JR, Reis F, Almeida AM, Pereira P, Sousa F, Serra AC, Coelho JFJ. Preparation of well-defined brush-like block copolymers for gene delivery applications under biorelevant reaction conditions. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2018; 169:107-117. [PMID: 29753951 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Well-defined oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (OEOMA) based block copolymers with cationic segments composed by N,N-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and/or 2-(diisopropylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DPA) were developed under biorelevant reaction conditions. These brush-type copolymers were synthesized through supplemental activator and reducing agent (SARA) atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using sodium dithionite as SARA agent. The synthesis was carried out using an eco-friendly solvent mixture, very low copper catalyst concentration, and mild reaction conditions. The structure of the block copolymers was characterized by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) analysis and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The pH-dependent protonation of these copolymers enables the efficient complexation with plasmid DNA (pDNA), yielding polyplexes with sizes ranging from 200 up to 700 nm, depending on the molecular weight of the copolymers, composition and concentration used. Agarose gel electrophoresis confirmed the successful pDNA encapsulation. No cytotoxicity effect was observed, even for N/P ratios higher than 50, for human fibroblasts and cervical cancer cell lines cells. The in vitro cellular uptake experiments demonstrated that the pDNA-loaded block copolymers were efficiently delivered into nucleus of cervical cancer cells. The polymerization approach, the unique structure of the block copolymers and the efficient DNA encapsulation presented can open new avenues for development of efficient tailor made gene delivery systems under biorelevant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana R Góis
- CEMMPRE, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Polo II, Rua Sílvio Lima, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Fábio Reis
- CEMMPRE, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Polo II, Rua Sílvio Lima, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana M Almeida
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Pereira
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Fani Sousa
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Arménio C Serra
- CEMMPRE, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Polo II, Rua Sílvio Lima, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jorge F J Coelho
- CEMMPRE, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Polo II, Rua Sílvio Lima, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal.
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33
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Fliervoet LAL, Engbersen JFJ, Schiffelers RM, Hennink WE, Vermonden T. Polymers and hydrogels for local nucleic acid delivery. J Mater Chem B 2018; 6:5651-5670. [DOI: 10.1039/c8tb01795f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This review focusses on the rational design of materials (from polymers to hydrogel materials) to achieve successful local delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lies A. L. Fliervoet
- Department of Pharmaceutics
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Utrecht University
- 3508 TB Utrecht
- The Netherlands
| | - Johan F. J. Engbersen
- Department of Controlled Drug Delivery
- MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine
- Faculty of Science and Technology
- University of Twente
- Enschede
| | - Raymond M. Schiffelers
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology
- University Medical Center Utrecht
- 3584 CX Utrecht
- The Netherlands
| | - Wim E. Hennink
- Department of Pharmaceutics
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Utrecht University
- 3508 TB Utrecht
- The Netherlands
| | - Tina Vermonden
- Department of Pharmaceutics
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Utrecht University
- 3508 TB Utrecht
- The Netherlands
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34
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Sahoo S, Bera S, Maiti S, Dhara D. Temperature- and Composition-Dependent DNA Condensation by Thermosensitive Block Copolymers. ACS OMEGA 2017; 2:7946-7958. [PMID: 30023568 PMCID: PMC6045361 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.7b01331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Successful intracellular delivery of genes requires an efficient carrier, as genes by themselves cannot diffuse across cell membranes. Because of the toxicity and immunogenicity of viral vectors, nonviral vectors are gaining tremendous interest in research. In this work, we have investigated the temperature-dependent DNA condensation efficiency of various compositions of a thermosensitive block copolymer viz., poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-b-poly(2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PNIPA-b-PDMAEMA). Three different copolymer compositions of varying molecular weights were successfully synthesized via the RAFT polymerization technique. Steady-state fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopies, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurements, agarose gel electrophoresis, and atomic force microscopy techniques were utilized to study the interaction of the copolymers with DNA at temperatures above and below the critical aggregation temperature (CAT). All these experiments revealed that, above the CAT, there was formation of highly stable and tight polymer-DNA complexes (polyplexes). The size of polyplexes was dependent on the temperature up to a certain charge ratio, as determined by the DLS results. The results obtained from temperature-dependent fluorescence spectroscopy, CD, and gel electrophoresis indicated that the DNA molecules were shielded more from aqueous exposure above the CAT because of the formation of relatively more compact complexes. The polyplexes also exhibited changes in the particle morphology below and above the CAT, with particles generated above CAT being more spherical in morphology. These results suggested at the possibility of modulating the complex formation by temperature modification. The present biophysical studies would provide new physical insight into the design of novel gene carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dibakar Dhara
- E-mail: , . Phone: +91-3222-282326. Fax: +91-3222-282252 (D.D.)
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35
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Ma PL, Lavertu M, Winnik FM, Buschmann MD. Stability and binding affinity of DNA/chitosan complexes by polyanion competition. Carbohydr Polym 2017; 176:167-176. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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36
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Krishnamoorthy M, Li D, Sharili AS, Gulin-Sarfraz T, Rosenholm JM, Gautrot JE. Solution Conformation of Polymer Brushes Determines Their Interactions with DNA and Transfection Efficiency. Biomacromolecules 2017; 18:4121-4132. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.7b01175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amir S. Sharili
- Barts
and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London, 4 Newark Street, London, E1 2AT, United Kingdom
| | - Tina Gulin-Sarfraz
- Pharmaceutical
Sciences Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Abo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Jessica M. Rosenholm
- Pharmaceutical
Sciences Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Abo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland
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37
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Freyer JL, Brucks SD, Campos LM. Fully charged: Maximizing the potential of cationic polyelectrolytes in applications ranging from membranes to gene delivery through rational design. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/pola.28711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Freyer
- Department of ChemistryColumbia University3000 BroadwayNew York NY10027 USA
| | - Spencer D. Brucks
- Department of ChemistryColumbia University3000 BroadwayNew York NY10027 USA
| | - Luis M. Campos
- Department of ChemistryColumbia University3000 BroadwayNew York NY10027 USA
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38
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Nair SS, Zolotarskaya OY, Beckwith MJ, Ohman DE, Wynne KJ. A Polycation Antimicrobial Peptide Mimic without Resistance Buildup against Propionibacterium Acnes. Macromol Biosci 2017; 17. [PMID: 28605136 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201700090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A preliminary study is reported for a polycation antimicrobial peptide (AMP) mimic against Propionibacterium acnes, which is associated with acne vulgaris, a common skin condition. Antibiotics are commonly used against P. acnes but buildup of resistance is well-known. Worse, antibiotic regimens build up resistance for more sensitive bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis. The polycation AMP mimic C12-50, 1, is chosen for the present study as it has been previously shown to have high antimicrobial effectiveness. This study reports that C12-50 is active against P. acnes (strain ATCC 6919) with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 6.3 µg mL-1 . To monitor resistance build-up ten passages are conducted with C12-50 against P. acnes. The MIC remains constant with no resistance buildup. Parallel studies with erythromycin confirm previously reported resistance buildup. The results point to a promising pathway to applications for polycation AMP mimics against P. acnes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sithara S Nair
- Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23219, USA
| | - Olga Y Zolotarskaya
- Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23219, USA
| | - Matthew J Beckwith
- Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23219, USA
| | - Dennis E Ohman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, VCU School of Medicine, 1101 East Marshall Street, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.,McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, VA, 23249, USA
| | - Kenneth J Wynne
- Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23219, USA
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39
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Mohammadi M, Salami-Kalajahi M, Roghani-Mamaqani H, Golshan M. Effect of molecular weight and polymer concentration on the triple temperature/pH/ionic strength-sensitive behavior of poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate). INT J POLYM MATER PO 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/00914037.2016.1236340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Mohammadi
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, Iran
- Institute of Polymeric Materials, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Salami-Kalajahi
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, Iran
- Institute of Polymeric Materials, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein Roghani-Mamaqani
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, Iran
- Institute of Polymeric Materials, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Marzieh Golshan
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, Iran
- Institute of Polymeric Materials, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, Iran
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40
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Brain-Targeted Polymers for Gene Delivery in the Treatment of Brain Diseases. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2017; 375:48. [PMID: 28397188 DOI: 10.1007/s41061-017-0138-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapies have become a promising strategy for treating neurological disorders, such as brain cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, with the help of molecular biology interpreting the underlying pathological mechanisms. Successful cellular manipulation against these diseases requires efficient delivery of nucleic acids into brain and further into specific neurons or cancer cells. Compared with viral vectors, non-viral polymeric carriers provide a safer and more flexible way of gene delivery, although suffering from significantly lower transfection efficiency. Researchers have been devoted to solving this defect, which is attributed to the multiple barriers existing for gene therapeutics in vivo, such as systemic degradation, blood-brain barrier, and endosome trapping. This review will be mainly focused on systemically administrated brain-targeted polymers developed so far, including PEI, dendrimers, and synthetic polymers with various functions. We will discuss in detail how they are designed to overcome these barriers and how they efficiently deliver therapeutic nucleic acids into targeted cells.
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41
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Brucks SD, Freyer JL, Lambert TH, Campos LM. Influence of Substituent Chain Branching on the Transfection Efficacy of Cyclopropenium-Based Polymers. Polymers (Basel) 2017; 9:E79. [PMID: 30970759 PMCID: PMC6431972 DOI: 10.3390/polym9030079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The realization of gene therapy relies on the development of delivery vectors with high efficiency and biocompatibility. With a multitude of structures accessible, the core challenge is precisely tuning vector structure to probe and optimize structure⁻property relationships. Employing a modular strategy, two pairs of cationic polymers based on the trisaminocyclopropenium (TAC) ion were synthesized where the substituents differ in the degree of alkyl chain branching. All TAC-based polymers exhibited higher transfection efficiencies than the untreated controls, with variable in vitro toxicities. Considering both cytotoxicity and transfection efficacy, an optimal nonviral vector was identified. Our studies highlight the importance of exercising precise control over polymer structure, both in terms of backbone identity and substituent nature, and the necessity of a robust, modular platform from which to study them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer D Brucks
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, 3000 Broadway, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Jessica L Freyer
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, 3000 Broadway, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Tristan H Lambert
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, 3000 Broadway, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Luis M Campos
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, 3000 Broadway, New York, NY 10027, USA.
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42
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Monnery BD, Wright M, Cavill R, Hoogenboom R, Shaunak S, Steinke JHG, Thanou M. Cytotoxicity of polycations: Relationship of molecular weight and the hydrolytic theory of the mechanism of toxicity. Int J Pharm 2017; 521:249-258. [PMID: 28232268 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2017.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism of polycation cytotoxicity and the relationship to polymer molecular weight is poorly understood. To gain an insight into this important phenomenon a range of newly synthesised uniform (near monodisperse) linear polyethylenimines, commercially available poly(l-lysine)s and two commonly used PEI-based transfectants (broad 22kDa linear and 25kDa branched) were tested for their cytotoxicity against the A549 human lung carcinoma cell line. Cell membrane damage assays (LDH release) and cell viability assays (MTT) showed a strong relationship to dose and polymer molecular weight, and increasing incubation times revealed that even supposedly "non-toxic" low molecular weight polymers still damage cell membranes. The newly proposed mechanism of cell membrane damage is acid catalysed hydrolysis of lipidic phosphoester bonds, which was supported by observations of the hydrolysis of DOPC liposomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryn D Monnery
- Chemical Biology Section, Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Michael Wright
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London,Franklin-Wilkins Building, London, SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Rachel Cavill
- Department of Data Science and Knowledge Engineering, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Hoogenboom
- Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S4, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Sunil Shaunak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, W12 ONN, UK
| | - Joachim H G Steinke
- Chemical Biology Section, Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Maya Thanou
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London,Franklin-Wilkins Building, London, SE1 9NH, UK.
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43
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Tzankova V, Gorinova C, Kondeva-Burdina M, Simeonova R, Philipov S, Konstantinov S, Petrov P, Galabov D, Yoncheva K. In vitro and in vivo toxicity evaluation of cationic PDMAEMA-PCL-PDMAEMA micelles as a carrier of curcumin. Food Chem Toxicol 2016; 97:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2016.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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44
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Liu J, Xu L, Jin Y, Qi C, Li Q, Zhang Y, Jiang X, Wang G, Wang Z, Wang L. Cell-Targeting Cationic Gene Delivery System Based on a Modular Design Rationale. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2016; 8:14200-14210. [PMID: 27191222 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b04462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
En route to target cells, a gene carrier faces multiple extra- and intracellular hurdles that would affect delivery efficacy. Although diverse strategies have been proposed to functionalize gene carriers for individually overcoming these barriers, it is challenging to generate a single multifunctional gene carrier capable of surmounting all these barriers. Aiming at this challenge, we have developed a supramolecular modular approach to fabricate a multifunctional cationic gene delivery system. It consists of two prefunctionalized modules: (1) a host module: a polymer (PCD-SS-PDMAEMA) composed of poly(β-cyclodextrin) backbone and disulfide-linked PDMAEMA arms, expectedly acting to compact DNA and release DNA upon cleavage of disulfide linkers in reductive microenvironment; and (2) a guest module: adamantyl and folate terminated PEG (Ad-PEG-FA), expectedly functioning to reduce nonspecific interactions, improve biocompatibility, and provide folate-mediated cellular targeting specificity. Through the host-guest interaction between β-cyclodextrin units of the "host" module and adamantyl groups of the "guest" module, the PCD-SS-PDMAEMA-1 (host) and Ad-PEG-FA (guest) self-assemble forming a supramolecular pseudocopolymer (PCD-SS-PDMAEMA-1/PEG-FA). Our comprehensive analyses demonstrate that the functions preassigned to the two building modules are well realized. The gene carrier effectively compacts DNA into stable nanosized polyplexes resistant to enzymatic digestion, triggers DNA release in reducing environment, possesses significantly improved hemocompatibility, and specifically targets folate-receptor positive cells. Most importantly, endowed with these predesigned functions, the PCD-SS-PDMAEMA-1/PEG-FA supramolecular gene carrier exhibits excellent transfection efficacy for both pDNA and siRNA. Thus, this work represents a proof-of-concept example showing the efficiency and convenience of an adaptable, modular approach for conferring multiple functions to a single supramolecular gene carrier toward effective in vivo delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Luming Xu
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yang Jin
- Department of Respiration, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Chao Qi
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Qilin Li
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yunti Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education and Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xulin Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education and Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Guobin Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430022, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430022, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
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45
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Abbott SB, de Vos WM, Mears LLE, Skoda M, Dalgliesh R, Edmondson S, Richardson RM, Prescott SW. Switching the Interpenetration of Confined Asymmetric Polymer Brushes. Macromolecules 2016. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.6b00310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen B. Abbott
- School
of Physics, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TL, U.K
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, U.K
| | - Wiebe M. de Vos
- Membrane
Science and Technology, Mesa+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, Netherlands
| | | | - Maximilian Skoda
- ISIS Facility, Rutherford-Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 0QX, U.K
| | - Robert Dalgliesh
- ISIS Facility, Rutherford-Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 0QX, U.K
| | - Steve Edmondson
- School
of Materials, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, U.K
| | | | - Stuart W. Prescott
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, U.K
- School
of Chemical Engineering, UNSW Australia, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
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46
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Van Overstraeten-Schlögel N, Ho-Shim Y, Tevel V, Bontems S, Dubois P, Raes M. Transfection of immortalized keratinocytes by low toxic poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-based polymers. JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION 2016; 23:739-61. [PMID: 21396176 DOI: 10.1163/092050611x559430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Skin carcinoma are among the most spread diagnosed tumours in the world. In this study, we investigated the transfection of immortalized keratinocytes, used as an in vitro model for skin carcinoma, using antisense technology and poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA)-based polymers, with original architecture and functionalities. We tested PDMAEMA polymers with different structures: linear, with two (DEA-PDMAEMA) or three (TEA-PDMAEMA) arms. The cytotoxicity of these polymers was assessed over a wide range of apparent M n (from 7600 to 64 600). At a N/P ratio of 7.38, cytotoxicity increases with the M n. Keratinocytes were transfected with a fluorescent oligonucleotide and then analyzed by flow cytometry. For the three architectures tested, the percentage of transfected cells and abundance of internalized oligonucleotide were closely related to the M n of the polymer. Confocal microscopy and FACS analyses showed a wide spread fine granular distribution of the oligonucleotide up to 3 days post-transfection. Then, we assessed the silencing efficiency of the polymers, targeting GFP in GFP expressing keratinocytes. The maximal silencing effect (±40%) was obtained using a DEA-PDMAEMA polymer (M n = 30 300). These results suggest that PDMAEMA-based polymers can be efficiently used to transfect immortalized keratinocytes and, thus, open new perspectives in the therapy of skin carcinoma.
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47
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Sun J, Luo T, Sheng R, Li H, Wang Z, Cao A. Intracellular plasmid DNA delivery by self-assembled nanoparticles of amphiphilic PHML-b-PLLA-b-PHML copolymers and the endocytosis pathway analysis. J Biomater Appl 2016; 31:606-621. [PMID: 27059498 DOI: 10.1177/0885328216642665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This work presents a new series of polycationic nanoparticles of (l-)-lysine conjugated amphiphilic triblock copolymer poly(hydroxyletheyl methacrylate-L-lysine)-b-poly(L-lactide)-b-poly(hydroxyletheyl methacrylate-L-lysine)s (PHML-b-PLLA-b-PHML) as potent low cytotoxic vectors for intracellular plasmid DNA delivery. First, the triblock PHML-b-PLLA-b-PHML copolymers were prepared via a combination of metal-free controlled ring opening polymerization and successive atom transfer radical polymerization. Then the cationic PHML-b-PLLA-b-PHML nanoparticles were further prepared by solution self-assembly. The particle size, zeta potential and morphology of as-prepared PHML-b-PLLA-b-PHML nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy, respectively. The plasmid DNA binding affinities and polyplex stabilities were separately explored by agarose gel retardation and DNase I degradation assays. Then in vitro cytotoxicity and gene transfection efficiency of the PHML-b-PLLA-b-PHML nanoparticles vectors as well as relevant polyplex endocytosis pathway were investigated with H1299 cells. It was revealed that the PHML-b-PLLA-b-PHML nanoparticles exhibited low cytotoxicity, strong plasmid DNA binding affinity, high polyplex stability and efficient plasmid DNA transfection even under serum conditions (10% FBS). Moreover, the endocytosis analysis results disclosed that the PHML30-b-PLLA-b-PHML30 nanoparticle/plasmid DNA polyplexes were predominantly involved in lipid-raft-mediated endocytosis pathway, similar to that of SV40 virus-based vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Sun
- Laboratory of Synthetic and Self-assembly Chemistry for Organic Functional Molecules, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Luo
- Laboratory of Synthetic and Self-assembly Chemistry for Organic Functional Molecules, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruilong Sheng
- Laboratory of Synthetic and Self-assembly Chemistry for Organic Functional Molecules, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Quebéc, Canada
| | - Hui Li
- Laboratory of Synthetic and Self-assembly Chemistry for Organic Functional Molecules, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Laboratory of Synthetic and Self-assembly Chemistry for Organic Functional Molecules, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Amin Cao
- Laboratory of Synthetic and Self-assembly Chemistry for Organic Functional Molecules, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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48
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Pflueger I, Charrat C, Mellet CO, García Fernández JM, Di Giorgio C, Benito JM. Cyclodextrin-based facial amphiphiles: assessing the impact of the hydrophilic–lipophilic balance in the self-assembly, DNA complexation and gene delivery capabilities. Org Biomol Chem 2016; 14:10037-10049. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ob01882c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Precise tailoring of cationic and lipophilic domains of cyclodextrin-based amphiphiles permits the control of their self-assembling and gene delivery capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Pflueger
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (IIQ)
- CSIC - Universidad de Sevilla
- E-41092 Sevilla
- Spain
| | - Coralie Charrat
- Institut de Chimie Nice
- UMR 7272
- Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis
- CNRS
- F-06108 Nice
| | - Carmen Ortiz Mellet
- Departamento de Química Orgánica
- Facultad de Química
- Universidad de Sevilla
- E-41012 Sevilla
- Spain
| | | | | | - Juan M. Benito
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (IIQ)
- CSIC - Universidad de Sevilla
- E-41092 Sevilla
- Spain
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49
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Fodor C, Gajewska B, Rifaie-Graham O, Apebende EA, Pollard J, Bruns N. Laccase-catalyzed controlled radical polymerization of N-vinylimidazole. Polym Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6py01261b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Laccase from Trametes versicolor catalyzes the controlled radical polymerization of N-vinylimidazole, yielding narrowly dispersed, metal-free polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csaba Fodor
- Adolphe Merkle Institute
- University of Fribourg
- 1700 Fribourg
- Switzerland
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry
| | | | | | | | - Jonas Pollard
- Adolphe Merkle Institute
- University of Fribourg
- 1700 Fribourg
- Switzerland
| | - Nico Bruns
- Adolphe Merkle Institute
- University of Fribourg
- 1700 Fribourg
- Switzerland
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50
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Zha Z, Li J, Ge Z. Endosomal-Escape Polymers Based on Multicomponent Reaction-Synthesized Monomers Integrating Alkyl and Imidazolyl Moieties for Efficient Gene Delivery. ACS Macro Lett 2015; 4:1123-1127. [PMID: 35614816 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.5b00615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
As one of the toughest tasks in the course of intracellular therapeutics delivery, endosomal escape must be effectively achieved, particularly for intracellular gene transport. In this report, novel endosomal-escape polymers were designed and synthesized from monomers by integrating alkyl and imidazolyl via Passerini reaction and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT). After introducing the endosomal-escape polymers with proper degrees of polymerization (DPs) into poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) as the gene delivery vectors, the block copolymers exhibited significantly enhanced hemolytic activity at endosomal pH, and the plasmid DNA (pDNA)-loaded polyplexes showed efficient endosomal escape compared with PDMAEMA, ultimately achieving dramatically increased gene transfection efficacy. These results suggest that the polymers that integrate alkyl and imidazolyl moieties for efficient endosomal escape have wide potential applications for intracellular gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengshi Zha
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft
Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, Anhui China
| | - Junjie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft
Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, Anhui China
| | - Zhishen Ge
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft
Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, Anhui China
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