Adsorption of lipid liquid crystalline nanoparticles: effects of particle composition, internal structure, and phase behavior

Development of a Liquid Crystal Formulation that Can Penetrate the Stratum Corneum for Intradermal Delivery of Small Interfering RNA

Topical delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be an attractive method for the treatment of skin diseases and improving the quality of life of patients. However, it is difficult for siRNA to pass through the two major barriers of the skin: the stratum corneum (SC) and tight junctions. We have previously reported that atopic dermatitis of skin without the SC can be efficiently treated by the intradermal administration of trans-activator of transcription (Tat) peptide and AT1002 (tight junction opening peptide). However, novel drug delivery systems are needed for effective SC penetration. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to develop a lyotropic liquid crystalline (LC) system containing Tat and AT1002 for effective siRNA penetration through the SC. An LC formulation was prepared using selachyl alcohol and purified water, and its skin penetration ability was evaluated. No fluorescence was observed in mouse skin treated with a siRNA solution, as there was no intradermal localization of siRNA from naked siRNA. However, intradermal delivery of siRNA was remarkable and extensive with the LC formulation containing both Tat and AT1002. Semiquantitative analysis by brightness measurement revealed that the LC formulation containing both Tat and AT1002 had significantly enhanced intact skin permeability than other formulations. These results show that the functional peptides in the LC formulation increased SC penetration and intradermal delivery in the healthy skin. Therefore, this novel LC system may be useful in the treatment of various skin diseases.

Lipid Nanotubes as an Organic Template for an Electrically Conductive Gold Nanostructure Network

We demonstrate an approach to fabricate a gold nanowire network that presents a macroscopic electrical conductivity based on a lipid nanotube (LNT) template with attached gold nanoparticles. The poor electrical conductivity that we have previously faced was overcome by centrifugation and resuspension of gold nanoparticle solution for removing stabilizing agents, which increased the density of gold nanoparticles on the LNTs. An additional electroless metal plating further enhanced their contacts at nanoscale. Thanks to these procedures, the sheet resistance was improved by 11 orders of magnitude. As a proof of principle, transparent conductive films were fabricated with these gold nanowires, which exhibited sheet resistance of maximum 70 Ω/□ and transmittance of 50-75% in visible light.

Fusion dynamics of cubosome nanocarriers with model cell membranes

Drug delivery with nanocarriers relies on the interaction of individual nanocarriers with the cell surface. For lipid-based NCs, this interaction uniquely involves a process of membrane fusion between the lipid bilayer that makes up the NC and the cell membrane. Cubosomes have emerged as promising fusogenic NCs, however their individual interactions had not yet been directly observed due to difficulties in achieving adequate resolution or disentangling multiple interactions with common characterization techniques. Moreover, many studies on these interactions have been performed under static conditions which may not mimic the actual transport of NCs. Herein we have observed fusion of lipid cubosome NCs with lipid bilayers under flow. Total internal reflection microscopy has allowed visualisation of the fusion event which was sensitive to the lipid compositions and rationalized by lipid diffusion. The fusion event in supported lipid bilayers has been compared with those in cells, revealing a distinct similarity in kinetics.

Non-Lamellar Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Lipid Nanoparticles for the Next Generation of Nanomedicine

Nonlamellar lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) lipid nanomaterials have emerged as a promising class of advanced materials for the next generation of nanomedicine, comprising mainly of amphiphilic lipids and functional additives self-assembling into two- and three-dimensional, inverse hexagonal, and cubic nanostructures. In particular, the lyotropic liquid crystalline lipid nanoparticles (LCNPs) have received great interest as nanocarriers for a variety of hydrophobic and hydrophilic small molecule drugs, peptides, proteins, siRNAs, DNAs, and imaging agents. Within this space, there has been a tremendous amount of effort over the last two decades elucidating the self-assembly behavior and structure-function relationship of natural and synthetic lipid-based drug delivery vehicles in vitro, yet successful clinical translation remains sparse due to the lack of understanding of these materials in biological bodies. This review provides an overview of (1) the benefits and advantages of using LCNPs as drug delivery nanocarriers, (2) design principles for making LCNPs with desirable functionalities for drug delivery applications, (3) current understanding of the LLC material-biology interface illustrated by more than 50 in vivo, preclinical studies, and (4) current patenting and translation activities in a pharmaceutical context. Together with our perspectives and expert opinions, we anticipate that this review will guide future studies in developing LCNP-based drug delivery nanocarriers with the objective of translating them into a key player among nanoparticle platforms comprising the next generation of nanomedicine for disease therapy and diagnosis.

Interfacial properties of lipid sponge-like nanoparticles and the role of stabilizer on particle structure and surface interactions

The advantage of using nonlamellar lipid liquid crystalline phases has been demonstrated in many applications, such as drug delivery, protein encapsulation and crystallisation. We have recently reported that a mixture of mono- and diglycerides is able to form sponge-like nanoparticles (L3-NPs) with large enough aqueous pores to encapsulate macromolecules such as proteins. Here we use small angle neutron scattering (SANS) to reveal morphology, structural and chemical composition of these polysorbate 80 (P80) stabilized sponge phase nanoparticles, not previously known. Our results suggest that L3-NPs have a core-shell sphere structure, with a shell rich in P80. It was also found that even if P80 is mostly located on the surface, it also contributes to the formation of the inner sponge phase structure. An important aspect for the application and colloidal stability of these particles is their interfacial properties. Therefore, the interfacial behaviour of the nanoparticles on hydrophilic silica was revealed by Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) and neutron reflectivity (NR). Adsorption experiments reveal the formation of a thin lipid layer, with the dimension corresponding to a lipid bilayer after L3-NPs are in contact with hydrophilic silica. This suggests that the diglycerol monoleate/Capmul GMO-50/P80 particles reorganize themselves on this surface, probably due to interactions between P80 head group and SiO2.

Co-delivery of RNAi and chemokine by polyarginine nanocapsules enables the modulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells

Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs), immunosuppressive cells that promote tumor growth, represent an attractive target in cancer immunotherapy. However, the clinical success of this strategy is limited by the lack of efficient drug delivery vehicles targeting this cell compartment. The objective of this work was to develop a delivery carrier, multilayer polymer nanocapsules, with the capacity to co-encapsulate two types of immunomodulatory drugs, a chemokine and an RNAi sequence, aimed at reverting MDSC-mediated immunosuppression. The chemokine CCL2, intended to attract monocyte-macrophage MDSCs, was encapsulated within the L2 inverse micellar aqueous domains of the lipid core of these nanocapsules. On the other hand, two different RNAi sequences that modulate the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPβ) pathway, shC/EBPβ and miR 142-3p, were successfully associated to their polymer shell. These RNAi sequences were covered by subsequent layers of polyarginine and hyaluronic acid, thereby creating multi-layered assemblies that protected them and facilitated their targeted delivery. The in vitro studies performed in primary MDSCs cultures showed the capacity of miR 142-3p-loaded nanocapsules to reduce the highly immunosuppressive monocyte-macrophage subset. Additionally, the encapsulation of CCL2 within the nanocapsules induced a potent monocyte-macrophage chemoattraction that could be used to direct the therapy to these cell subsets. Finally, in vitro and in vivo studies showed the capacity of shC/EBPβ-loaded nanocapsules to downregulate C/EBPβ levels in MDSCs and to reduce monocyte differentiation into tumor-associated macrophages in an MCA-203 fibrosarcoma mice model. In conclusion, the multilayer polymer nanocapsules described here are efficient vehicles for the co-delivery of proteins and RNA, and are potential candidates as nanomedicines for the modulation of MDSCs.

Liquid Crystalline Nanostructures as PEGylated Reservoirs of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Structural Insights toward Delivery Formulations against Neurodegenerative Disorders

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) are bioactive lipids with considerable impact in medicine and nutrition. These compounds exert structuring effects on the cellular membrane organization, regulate the gene expression, and modulate various signaling cascades and metabolic processes. The purpose of the present work is to demonstrate the structural features of ω-3 PUFA-containing three-dimensional supramolecular lipid assemblies suitable for pharmaceutical applications that require soft porous carriers. We investigate the liquid crystalline structures formed upon mixing of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5) with the lyotropic nonlamellar lipid monoolein and the formation of multicompartment assemblies. Starting with the monoolein-based lipid cubic phase, double membrane vesicles, cubosome precursors, sponge-type particles (spongosomes), mixed intermediate nonlamellar structures, and multicompartment assemblies are obtained through self-assembly at different amphiphilic compositions. The dispersions containing spongosomes as well as nanocarriers with oil and vesicular compartments are stabilized by PEGylation of the lipid/water interfaces using a phospholipid with a poly(ethylene glycol) chain. The microstructures of the bulk mixtures were examined by cross-polarized light optical microscopy. The dispersed liquid crystalline structures and intermediate states were studied by small-angle X-ray scattering, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, and quasielastic light scattering techniques. They established that PUFA influences the phase type and the sizes of the aqueous compartments of the liquid crystalline carriers. The resulting multicompartment systems and stealth nanosponges may serve as mesoporous reservoirs for coencapsulation of ω-3 PUFA (e.g., EPA) with water-insoluble drugs and hydrophilic macromolecules toward development of combination treatment strategies of neurodegenerative and other diseases.

Preparation and pharmacokinetic study of fenofibrate cubic liquid crystalline

An LCC delivery system for Fenofibrate (Fen) was developed to improve its poorly oral bioavailability. Fen-LCC preparation methods were screened, and the prepared Fen-LCC was then characterized by a polarizing microscope and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The spray drying technique was selected to dry and solidify particles into powder. The in vitro release of Fen-LCC was measured and in vivo pharmacokinetic experiments were carried out on rats after oral administration. Particles prepared through the high-temperature input method exhibited structural characteristics of LCC, and re-dissolved particles maintained the same features. The LCC delivery system can significantly improve in vitro release outcomes. After oral administration, AUCs of the suspension and LCC systems were measured at 131.6853 µg⋅h/ml and 1435.72893 µg⋅h/ml, respectively. The spray drying process presented here better maintains cubic structures, and the LCC system significantly improves bioavailability levels.

Interfacial properties of POPC/GDO liquid crystalline nanoparticles deposited on anionic and cationic silica surfaces

Reversed lipid liquid crystalline nanoparticles (LCNPs) of the cubic micellar (I₂) phase have high potential in drug delivery applications due to their ability to encapsulate both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drug molecules.

Lipid-PEG conjugates sterically stabilize and reduce the toxicity of phytantriol-based lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles

Lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticle dispersions are of interest as delivery vectors for biomedicine. Aqueous dispersions of liposomes, cubosomes, and hexosomes are commonly stabilized by nonionic amphiphilic block copolymers to prevent flocculation and phase separation. Pluronic stabilizers such as F127 are commonly used; however, there is increasing interest in using chemically reactive stabilizers for enhanced functionalization and specificity in therapeutic delivery applications. This study has explored the ability of 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine conjugated with poly(ethylene glycol) (DSPE-PEGMW) (2000 Da ≤ MW ≤ 5000 Da) to engineer and stabilize phytantriol-based lyotropic liquid crystalline dispersions. The poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) moiety provides a tunable handle to the headgroup hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity to allow access to a range of nanoarchitectures in these systems. Specifically, it was observed that increasing PEG molecular weight promotes greater interfacial curvature of the dispersions, with liposomes (Lα) present at lower PEG molecular weight (MW 2000 Da), and a propensity for cubosomes (QII(P) or QII(D) phase) at MW 3400 Da or 5000 Da. In comparison to Pluronic F127-stabilized cubosomes, those made using DSPE-PEG3400 or DSPE-PEG5000 had enlarged internal water channels. The toxicity of these cubosomes was assessed in vitro using A549 and CHO cell lines, with cubosomes prepared using DSPE-PEG5000 having reduced cytotoxicity relative to their Pluronic F127-stabilized analogues.

Non-lamellar lipid liquid crystalline structures at interfaces

The self-assembly of lipids leads to the formation of a rich variety of nano-structures, not only restricted to lipid bilayers, but also encompassing non-lamellar liquid crystalline structures, such as cubic, hexagonal, and sponge phases. These non-lamellar phases have been increasingly recognized as important for living systems, both in terms of providing compartmentalization and as regulators of biological activity. Consequently, they are of great interest for their potential as delivery systems in pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic applications. The compartmentalizing nature of these phases features mono- or bicontinuous networks of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains. To utilize these non-lamellar liquid crystalline structures in biomedical devices for analyses and drug delivery, it is crucial to understand how they interact with and respond to different types of interfaces. Such non-lamellar interfacial layers can be used to entrap functional biomolecules that respond to lipid curvature as well as the confinement. It is also important to understand the structural changes of deposited lipid in relation to the corresponding bulk dispersions. They can be controlled by changing the lipid composition or by introducing components that can alter the curvature or by deposition on nano-structured surface, e.g. vertical nano-wire arrays. Progress in the area of liquid crystalline lipid based nanoparticles opens up new possibilities for the preparation of well-defined surface films with well-defined nano-structures. This review will focus on recent progress in the formation of non-lamellar dispersions and their interfacial properties at the solid/liquid and biologically relevant interfaces.

Cubosome formulations stabilized by a dansyl-conjugated block copolymer for possible nanomedicine applications

We present here an innovative, fluorescent, monoolein-based cubosome dispersion. Rather than embedded within the monoolein palisade, the fluorescent imaging agent, namely dansyl, was conjugated to the terminal ethylene oxide moieties of the block copolymer Pluronic F108. We discuss the physicochemical and photophysical properties of this fluorescent Pluronic and of a cubosome formulation stabilized by a mixture of dansyl-conjugated and non-conjugated Pluronic, also including an anticancer drug (quercetin). Furthermore, we performed biocompatibility tests against HeLa cells to assess internalization and cytotoxicity features of this nanoparticles aqueous dispersion. Cryo-TEM, SAXS, and DLS analysis, proved the bicontinuous cubic inner nanostructure and the morphology of this fluorescent cubosome dispersion, while photophysical measurements and biocompatibility results basically validate their potential use for theranostic nanomedicine applications.

Structural effects of the dispersing agent polysorbate 80 on liquid crystalline nanoparticles of soy phosphatidylcholine and glycerol dioleate

Well-defined, stable and highly structured I2 (Fd3̅m) liquid crystalline nanoparticles (LCNP) of 50/50 (wt/wt) soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC)/glycerol dioleate (GDO), can be formed by using a low fraction (5-10 wt%) of the dispersing polymeric surfactant polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (polysorbate 80 or P80). In the present study we used small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and deuterated P80 (d-P80) to determine the location and concentration of P80 within the LCNP and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to reveal the internal structure. SANS data suggests that some d-P80 already penetrates the particle core at 5%. However, the content of d-P80 is still low enough not to significantly change the internal Fd3̅m structure of the LCNP. At higher fractions of P80 a phase separation occurs, in which a SPC and P80 rich phase is formed at the particle surface. The surface layer becomes gradually richer in both solvent and d-P80 when the surfactant concentration is increased from 5 to 15%, while the core of the particle is enriched by GDO, resulting in loss of internal structure and reduced hydration. We have used neutron reflectometry to reveal the location of the stabiliser within the adsorbed layer on an anionic silica and cationic (aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) silanized) surface. d-P80 is enriched closest to the supporting surface and slightly more so for the cationic APTES surface. The results are relevant not only for the capability of LCNPs as drug delivery vehicles but also as means of preparing functional surface coatings.

Formation of highly structured cubic micellar lipid nanoparticles of soy phosphatidylcholine and glycerol dioleate and their degradation by triacylglycerol lipase

Lipid nanoparticles of reversed internal phase structures, such as cubic micellar (I2) structure show good drug loading ability of peptides and proteins as well as some small molecules. Due to their controllable small size and inner morphology, such nanoparticles are suitable for drug delivery using several different administration routes, including intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous injection. A very interesting system in this regard, is the two component soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC)/glycerol dioleate (GDO) system, which depending on the ratio of the lipid components form a range of reversed liquid crystalline phases. For a 50/50 (w/w) ratio in excess water, these lipids have been shown to form a reversed cubic micellar (I2) phase of the Fd3m structure. Here, we demonstrate that this SPC/GDO phase, in the presence of small quantities (5-10 wt %) of Polysorbate 80 (P80), can be dispersed into nanoparticles, still with well-defined Fd3m structure. The resulting nanoparticle dispersion has a narrow size distribution and exhibit good long-term stability. In pharmaceutical applications, biodegradation pathways of the drug delivery vehicles and their components are important considerations. In the second part of the study we show how the structure of the particles evolves during exposure to a triacylglycerol lipase (TGL) under physiological-like temperature and pH. TGL catalyzes the lipolytic degradation of acylglycerides, such as GDO, to monoglycerides, glycerol, and free fatty acids. During the degradation, the interior phase of the particles is shown to undergo continuous phase transitions from the reversed I2 structure to structures of less negative curvature (2D hexagonal, bicontinuous cubic, and sponge), ultimately resulting in the formation of multilamellar vesicles.

Steric-induced effects on stabilizing a lamellar structure

We investigate the behavior of multilamellar phases composed of lecithin and a commercial cosurfactant (Simusol), which is a mixture of ethoxylated fatty acids. Using X-ray scattering and a new procedure to fit the data, relevant parameters characterizing the lamellar structure were determined as a function of membrane composition, varying from 100% of lecithin to 100% of Simulsol. Scattering data illustrating the swelling of the lamellae for different amounts of cosurfactant are presented with the respective behavior of the Caillé parameter. With this experimental approach, we show that the incorporation of ethoxy brushes onto the lipid surface enhances repulsive interactions arising from membrane fluctuations and changes the interactions at the interface between bilayers.