1
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Ueda K, Sakagawa Y, Saito T, Sakuma F, Tanaka H, Akita H, Higashi K, Moribe K. NMR-based analysis of impact of siRNA mixing conditions on internal structure of siRNA-loaded LNP. J Control Release 2024; 373:738-748. [PMID: 39053648 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.07.055] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the applicability of solution-state 1H NMR for molecular-level characterization of siRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNP). Dilinoleylmethyl-4-dimethylaminobutyrate (DLin-MC3-DMA, MC3) was used as an ionizable lipid, and siRNA-loaded LNPs were prepared by pre-mixing and post-mixing methods. The pre-mixing method involved mixing an acidic solution containing siRNA with an ethanolic lipid solution using a microfluidic mixer. The pre-mixed LNP was prepared by dialyzing the mixed solution into the phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4). The post-mixed LNP was prepared by mixing the siRNA solution with empty LNP in an acidic condition with and without ethanol, resulting in post-mixed LNP (A) and (B), respectively. Both pre-mixed and post-mixed LNPs formed LNP particles with an average diameter of approximately 50 nm. Moreover, the ratio of encapsulated siRNA to lipid content in each LNP particle remained constant regardless of the preparation method. However, small-angle X-ray scattering measurements indicated structural variations in the siRNA-MC3 stacked bilayer structure formed in the LNPs, depending on the preparation method. Solution-state 1H NMR analysis suggested that the siRNA was incorporated uniformly into the LNP core for pre-mixed LNP compared to post-mixed LNPs. In contrast, the post-mixed LNPs contained siRNA-empty regions with local enrichment of siRNA in the LNP core. This heterogeneity was more pronounced in post-mixed LNP (B) than in post-mixed LNP (A), suggesting that ethanol facilitated the homogeneous mixing of siRNA with LNP lipids. The silencing effect of each siRNA-loaded LNP was reduced in the order of pre-mixed LNP, post-mixed LNP (A), and post-mixed LNP (B). This suggested that the heterogeneity of the siRNA-loaded LNP could cause a reduction in the silencing effect of the incorporated siRNA inside LNPs. The present study highlighted that NMR-based characterization of siRNA-loaded LNP can reveal the molecular-level heterogeneity of siRNA-loaded LNP, which helps to optimize the preparation conditions of siRNA-loaded LNP formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Ueda
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan.
| | - Yui Sakagawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Tomoki Saito
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Fumie Sakuma
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Hiroki Tanaka
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Akita
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Kenjirou Higashi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Kunikazu Moribe
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
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2
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Mashal M, Attia N, Maldonado I, Enríquez Rodríguez L, Gallego I, Puras G, Pedraz JL. Comparative analysis of lipid-peptide nanoparticles prepared via microfluidics, reverse phase evaporation, and ouzo techniques for efficient plasmid DNA delivery. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 201:114385. [PMID: 38945408 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
In the current "era of lipid carriers," numerous strategies have been developed to manufacture lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Nevertheless, the potential impact of various preparation methods on the characteristics, use, and/or stability of these LNPs remains unclear. In this work, we attempted to compare the effects of three different preparation methods: microfluidics (MF), reverse phase evaporation (RV), and ouzo (OZ) on lipid-peptide NPs (LPNPs) as plasmid DNA delivery carriers. These LPNPs had the same components, namely DOTMA cationic lipid, DSPC, cholesterol, and protamine. Subsequently, we compared the LPNPs in terms of their physicochemical features, functionality as gene delivery vehicles in two distinct cell lines (NT2 and D1-MSCs), and finally, their storage stability over a six-month period. It was clear that all three LPNP formulations worked to deliver EGFP-pDNA while keeping cells alive, and their physicochemical stability was high for 6 months. However, the preparation technique had a significant impact on their physicochemical characteristics. The MF produced LPNPs with a lesser size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential than the other synthesis methods. Additionally, their DNA entrapment efficiency, cell viability, and functional stability profiles were generally superior. These findings provide new insights for comparing different manufacturing methods to create LPNPs with the desired characteristics for effective and safe gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Mashal
- NanoBioCel Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Noha Attia
- NanoBioCel Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Histology and Cell Biology Department. Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Iván Maldonado
- NanoBioCel Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Lucía Enríquez Rodríguez
- NanoBioCel Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Idoia Gallego
- NanoBioCel Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Gustavo Puras
- NanoBioCel Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
| | - José Luis Pedraz
- NanoBioCel Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
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3
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Porat-Dahlerbruch G, Sergeyev IV, Quinn CM, Struppe J, Banks D, Dahlheim C, Johnson D, Murphy D, Ilott A, Abraham A, Polenova T. Spatial Organization of Lipid Nanoparticle siRNA Delivery Systems Revealed by an Integrated Magnetic Resonance Approach. SMALL METHODS 2024:e2400622. [PMID: 39021326 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202400622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are increasingly finding applications in targeted drug delivery, including for subcutaneous, intravenous, inhalation, and vaccine administration. While a variety of microscopy techniques are widely used for LNP characterization, their resolution does not allow for characterization of the spatial organization of different components, such as the excipients, targeting agents, or even the active ingredient. Herein, an approach is presented to probe the spatial organization of individual constituent groups of LNPs used for siRNA-based drug delivery, currently in clinical trials, by multinuclear solid-state magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) spectroscopy. Dynamic nuclear polarization is exploited (DNP) for sensitivity enhancement, together with judicious 2H labeing, to detect functionally important LNP constituents, the siRNA and the targeting agent (<1-2 w/v%), respectively, and achieve a structural model of the LNP locating the siRNA in the core, the targeting agent below the surface, and the sugars above the lipid bilayer at the surface. The integrated approach presented here is applicable for structural analysis of LNPs and can be extended more generally to other multi-component biological formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gal Porat-Dahlerbruch
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Ivan V Sergeyev
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Drug Product Development, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Caitlin M Quinn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Jochem Struppe
- Bruker Biospin Corporation, 15 Fortune Drive, Billerica, MA, 01821, USA
| | - Daniel Banks
- Bruker Biospin Corporation, 15 Fortune Drive, Billerica, MA, 01821, USA
| | - Charles Dahlheim
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Drug Product Development, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Donald Johnson
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Drug Product Development, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Denette Murphy
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Drug Product Development, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Andrew Ilott
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Drug Product Development, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Anuji Abraham
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Drug Product Development, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Tatyana Polenova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
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4
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Petersen DMS, Weiss RM, Hajj KA, Yerneni SS, Chaudhary N, Newby AN, Arral ML, Whitehead KA. Branched-Tail Lipid Nanoparticles for Intravenous mRNA Delivery to Lung Immune, Endothelial, and Alveolar Cells in Mice. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2400225. [PMID: 38888972 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are proven safe and effective delivery systems on a global scale. However, their efficacy has been limited primarily to liver and immune cell targets. To extend the applicability of mRNA drugs, 580 ionizable lipidoids are synthesized and tested for delivery to extrahepatocellular targets. Of these, over 40 enabled protein expression in mice, with the majority transfecting the liver. Beyond the liver, several LNPs containing new, branched-tail ionizable lipidoids potently delivered mRNA to the lungs, with cell-level specificity depending on helper lipid chemistry. Incorporation of the neutral helper lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) at 16 mol% enabled highly specific delivery to natural killer and dendritic cells within the lung. Although inclusion of the cationic lipid 1,2-di-(9Z-octadecenoyl)-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP) improved lung tropism, it decreased cell specificity, resulting in equal transfection of endothelial and lymphoid cells. DOTAP formulations are also less favorable than DOPE formulations because they elevated liver enzyme and cytokine levels. Together, these data identify a new branched-tailed LNP with a unique ability to selectively transfect lung immune cell populations without the use of toxicity-prone cationic helper lipids. This novel vehicle may unlock RNA therapies for lung diseases associated with immune cell dysregulation, including cancer, viral infections, and autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria M Strelkova Petersen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Ryan M Weiss
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Khalid A Hajj
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Saigopalakrishna S Yerneni
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Namit Chaudhary
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Alexandra N Newby
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Mariah L Arral
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Kathryn A Whitehead
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
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5
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Nogueira SS, Samaridou E, Simon J, Frank S, Beck-Broichsitter M, Mehta A. Analytical techniques for the characterization of nanoparticles for mRNA delivery. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 198:114235. [PMID: 38401742 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Nanotechnology-assisted RNA delivery has gotten a tremendous boost over the last decade and made a significant impact in the development of life-changing vaccines and therapeutics. With increasing numbers of emerging lipid- and polymer-based RNA nanoparticles progressing towards the clinic, it has become apparent that the safety and efficacy of these medications depend on the comprehensive understanding of their critical quality attributes (CQAs). However, despite the rapid advancements in the field, the identification and reliable quantification of CQAs remain a significant challenge. To support these efforts, this review aims to summarize the present knowledge on CQAs based on the regulatory guidelines and to provide insights into the available analytical characterization techniques for RNA-loaded nanoparticles. In this context, routine and emerging analytical techniques are categorized and discussed, focusing on the operation principle, strengths, and potential limitations. Furthermore, the importance of complementary and orthogonal techniques for the measurement of CQAs is discussed in order to ensure the quality and consistency of analytical methods used, and address potential technique-based differences.
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6
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Unruh T, Götz K, Vogel C, Fröhlich E, Scheurer A, Porcar L, Steiniger F. Mesoscopic Structure of Lipid Nanoparticle Formulations for mRNA Drug Delivery: Comirnaty and Drug-Free Dispersions. ACS NANO 2024; 18:9746-9764. [PMID: 38514237 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) produced by antisolvent precipitation (ASP) are used in formulations for mRNA drug delivery. The mesoscopic structure of such complex multicomponent and polydisperse nanoparticulate systems is most relevant for their drug delivery properties, medical efficiency, shelf life, and possible side effects. However, the knowledge on the structural details of such formulations is very limited. Essentially no such information is publicly available for pharmaceutical dispersions approved by numerous medicine agencies for the use in humans and loaded with mRNA encoding a mimic of the spike protein of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as, e.g., the Comirnaty formulation (BioNTech/Pfizer). Here, we present a simple preparation method to mimic the Comirnaty drug-free LNPs including a comparison of their structural properties with those of Comirnaty. Strong evidence for the liquid state of the LNPs in both systems is found in contrast to the designation of the LNPs as solid lipid nanoparticles by BioNTech. An exceptionally detailed and reliable structural model for the LNPs i.a. revealing their unexpected narrow size distribution will be presented based on a combined small-angle X-ray scattering and photon correlation spectroscopy (SAXS/PCS) evaluation method. The results from this experimental approach are supported by light microscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoTEM), and simultaneous SAXS/SANS studies. The presented results do not provide direct insights on particle formation or dispersion stability but should contribute significantly to better understanding the LNP drug delivery process, enhancing their medical benefit, and reducing side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Unruh
- Institute for Crystallography and Structural Physics, Physics Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Nanostructured Films (IZNF) and Center for Nanoanalysis and Electron Microscopy (CENEM), Cauerstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Klaus Götz
- Institute for Crystallography and Structural Physics, Physics Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Nanostructured Films (IZNF) and Center for Nanoanalysis and Electron Microscopy (CENEM), Cauerstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carola Vogel
- Institute for Crystallography and Structural Physics, Physics Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Nanostructured Films (IZNF) and Center for Nanoanalysis and Electron Microscopy (CENEM), Cauerstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Erik Fröhlich
- Institute for Crystallography and Structural Physics, Physics Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Scheurer
- Lehrstuhl für Anorganische und Allgemeine Chemie, Department Chemie und Pharmazie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Egerlandstraße 1, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lionel Porcar
- Large Scale Structures Group, Institut Laue-Langevin, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Frank Steiniger
- Electron Microscopy Center, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
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7
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Strelkova Petersen DM, Chaudhary N, Arral ML, Weiss RM, Whitehead KA. The mixing method used to formulate lipid nanoparticles affects mRNA delivery efficacy and organ tropism. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2023; 192:126-135. [PMID: 37838143 PMCID: PMC10826902 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
mRNA is a versatile drug molecule with therapeutic applications ranging from protein replacement therapies to in vivo gene engineering. mRNA delivery is often accomplished using lipid nanoparticles, which are formulated via mixing of aqueous and organic solutions. Although this has historically been accomplished by manual mixing for bench scale science, microfluidic mixing is required for scalable continuous manufacturing and batch to batch control. Currently, there is limited understanding on how the mixing process affects mRNA delivery efficacy, particularly in regard to tropism. To address this knowledge gap, we examined the influence of the type of mixing and microfluidic mixing parameters on the performance of lipid nanoparticles in mice. This was accomplished with a Design of Experiment approach using four nanoparticle formulations with varied ionizable lipid chemistry. We found that each formulation required unique optimization of mixing parameters, with the total delivery efficacy of each lipid nanoparticle generated with microfluidics ranging from 100-fold less to 4-fold more than manually mixed LNPs. Further, mixing parameters influenced organ tropism, with the most efficacious formulations disproportionately increasing liver delivery compared to other organs. These data suggest that mixing parameters for lipid nanoparticle production may require optimization for each unique chemical formulation, complicating translational efforts. Further, microfluidic parameters must be chosen carefully to balance overall mRNA delivery efficacy with application-specific tropism requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria M Strelkova Petersen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000, Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Namit Chaudhary
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000, Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Mariah L Arral
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000, Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Ryan M Weiss
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000, Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kathryn A Whitehead
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000, Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000, Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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8
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Ueda K, Sakagawa Y, Saito T, Fujimoto T, Nakamura M, Sakuma F, Kaneko S, Tokumoto T, Nishimura K, Takeda J, Arai Y, Yamamoto K, Ikeda Y, Higashi K, Moribe K. Molecular-Level Structural Analysis of siRNA-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles by 1H NMR Relaxometry: Impact of Lipid Composition on Their Structural Properties. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:4729-4742. [PMID: 37606988 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
1H NMR relaxometry was applied for molecular-level structural analysis of siRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to clarify the impact of the neutral lipids, 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC) and cholesterol, on the physicochemical properties of LNP. Incorporating DSPC and cholesterol in ionizable lipid-based LNP decreased the molecular mobility of ionizable lipids. DSPC reduced the overall molecular mobility of ionizable lipids, while cholesterol specifically decreased the mobility of the hydrophobic tails of ionizable lipids, suggesting that cholesterol filled the gap between the hydrophobic tails of ionizable lipids. The decrease in molecular mobility and change in orientation of lipid mixtures contributed to the maintenance of the stacked bilayer structure of siRNA and ionizable lipids, thereby increasing the siRNA encapsulation efficiency. Furthermore, NMR relaxometry revealed that incorporating those neutral lipids enhanced PEG chain flexibility at the LNP interface. Notably, a small amount of DSPC effectively increased PEG chain flexibility, possibly contributing to the improved dispersion stability and narrower size distribution of LNPs. However, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy represented that adding excess amounts of DSPC and cholesterol into LNP resulted in the formation of deformed particles and demixing cholesterol within the LNP, respectively. The optimal lipid composition of ionizable lipid-based LNPs in terms of siRNA encapsulation efficiency and PEG chain flexibility was rationalized based on the molecular-level characterization of LNPs. Moreover, the NMR relaxation rate of tertiary amine protons of ionizable lipids, which are the interaction site with siRNA, can be a valuable indicator of the encapsulated amount of siRNA within LNPs. Thus, NMR-based analysis can be a powerful tool for efficiently designing LNP formulations and their quality control based on the molecular-level elucidation of the physicochemical properties of LNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Ueda
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Yui Sakagawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Tomoki Saito
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Taiki Fujimoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Misaki Nakamura
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Fumie Sakuma
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Shun Kaneko
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Taisei Tokumoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Koki Nishimura
- Analytical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 2-26-1, Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Junpei Takeda
- Analytical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 2-26-1, Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Yuta Arai
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
- Analytical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 2-26-1, Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
- Analytical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 2-26-1, Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Ikeda
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
- Analytical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 2-26-1, Muraoka-Higashi, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Kenjirou Higashi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Kunikazu Moribe
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
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9
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Dehghani-Ghahnaviyeh S, Smith M, Xia Y, Dousis A, Grossfield A, Sur S. Ionizable Amino Lipids Distribution and Effects on DSPC/Cholesterol Membranes: Implications for Lipid Nanoparticle Structure. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:6928-6939. [PMID: 37498794 PMCID: PMC10424244 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c01296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) containing ionizable aminolipids are among the leading platforms for the successful delivery of nucleic-acid-based therapeutics, including messenger RNA (mRNA). The two recently FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines developed by Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech belong to this category. Ionizable aminolipids, cholesterol, and DSPC lipids are among the key components of such formulations, crucially modulating physicochemical properties of these formulations and, consequently, the potency of these therapeutics. Despite the importance of these components, the distribution of these molecules in LNPs containing mRNA is not clear. In this study, we used all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the distribution and effects of the Lipid-5 (apparent pKa of the lipid nanoparticle = 6.56), a rationally designed and previously reported ionizable aminolipid by Moderna, on lipid bilayers [Mol. Ther. 2018, 26, 1509-1519]. The simulations were conducted with half of the aminolipids charged and half neutral approximately to the expected ionization in the microenvironment of the LNP surface. In all five simulated systems in this work, the cholesterol content was kept constant, whereas the DSPC and Lipid-5 concentrations were changed systematically. We found that at higher concentrations of the ionizable aminolipids, the neutral aminolipids form a disordered aggregate in the membrane interior that preferentially includes cholesterol. The rules underlying the lipid redistribution could be used to rationally choose lipids to optimize the LNP function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepehr Dehghani-Ghahnaviyeh
- Moderna,
Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Theoretical
and Computational Biophysics Group, NIH Center for Macromolecular
Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science
and Technology, Department of Biochemistry, and Center for Biophysics
and Quantitative Biology, University of
Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61820, United States
| | - Michael Smith
- Moderna,
Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Yan Xia
- Moderna,
Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | | | - Alan Grossfield
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University
of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642, United States
| | - Sreyoshi Sur
- Moderna,
Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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10
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Pratsinis A, Fan Y, Portmann M, Hammel M, Kou P, Sarode A, Ringler P, Kovacik L, Lauer ME, Lamerz J, Hura GL, Yen CW, Keller M. Impact of non-ionizable lipids and phase mixing methods on structural properties of lipid nanoparticle formulations. Int J Pharm 2023; 637:122874. [PMID: 36948476 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been widely investigated for nucleic acid therapeutic delivery, and demonstrated their potential in enabling new mRNA vaccines. LNPs are usually formulated with multi-lipid components and the composition variables may impact their structural properties. Here, we investigated the impact of helper lipids on physicochemical properties of LNPs using a Design of Experiments (DoE) definitive screening design. Phospholipid head group, degree of unsaturation, ratio to cholesterol as well as PEG-lipid content were varied and a series of 14 LNPs were prepared by microfluidic- and solvent-injection mixing. Solvent-injection mixing by a robotic liquid handler yielded 50-225 nm nanoparticles with highly ordered, ∼5 nm inter-lamellar spacing as measured by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and confirmed by cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-EM). In contrast, microfluidic mixing resulted in less ordered, notably smaller (50-75 nm) and more homogenous nanoparticles. Significant impacts of the stealth-lipid DSPE-PEG2000 on nanoparticle size, polydispersity and encapsulation efficiency of an oligonucleotide cargo were observed in LNPs produced by both methods, while varying the phospholipid type and content had only marginal effect on these physicochemical properties. These findings suggest that from a physicochemical perspective, the design space for combinations of helper lipids in LNPs may be considerably larger than anticipated based on the conservative formulation composition of the currently FDA-approved LNPs, thereby opening opportunities for screening and optimization of novel LNP formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pratsinis
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yuchen Fan
- Small Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Michaela Portmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michal Hammel
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Ponien Kou
- Small Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Apoorva Sarode
- Small Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Philippe Ringler
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, CH - 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lubomir Kovacik
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Lauer
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens Lamerz
- PD Data Sciences Nonclinical Biostatistics, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Greg L Hura
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Chun-Wan Yen
- Small Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| | - Michael Keller
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland.
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11
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Seo H, Jeon L, Kwon J, Lee H. High-Precision Synthesis of RNA-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2203033. [PMID: 36737864 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202203033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The recent development of RNA-based therapeutics in delivering nucleic acids for gene editing and regulating protein translation has led to the effective treatment of various diseases including cancer, inflammatory and genetic disorder, as well as infectious diseases. Among these, lipid nanoparticles (LNP) have emerged as a promising platform for RNA delivery and have shed light by resolving the inherent instability issues of naked RNA and thereby enhancing the therapeutic potency. These LNP consisting of ionizable lipid, helper lipid, cholesterol, and poly(ethylene glycol)-anchored lipid can stably enclose RNA and help them release into the cells' cytosol. Herein, the significant progress made in LNP research starting from the LNP constituents, formulation, and their diverse applications is summarized first. Moreover, the microfluidic methodologies which allow precise assembly of these newly developed constituents to achieve LNP with controllable composition and size, high encapsulation efficiency as well as scalable production are highlighted. Furthermore, a short discussion on current challenges as well as an outlook will be given on emerging approaches to resolving these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanjin Seo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Korea
| | - Leekang Jeon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Korea
| | - Jaeyeong Kwon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Korea
| | - Hyomin Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Korea
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12
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Cheung E, Xia Y, Caporini MA, Gilmore JL. Tools shaping drug discovery and development. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2022; 3:031301. [PMID: 38505278 PMCID: PMC10903431 DOI: 10.1063/5.0087583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Spectroscopic, scattering, and imaging methods play an important role in advancing the study of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical therapies. The tools more familiar to scientists within industry and beyond, such as nuclear magnetic resonance and fluorescence spectroscopy, serve two functions: as simple high-throughput techniques for identification and purity analysis, and as potential tools for measuring dynamics and structures of complex biological systems, from proteins and nucleic acids to membranes and nanoparticle delivery systems. With the expansion of commercial small-angle x-ray scattering instruments into the laboratory setting and the accessibility of industrial researchers to small-angle neutron scattering facilities, scattering methods are now used more frequently in the industrial research setting, and probe-less time-resolved small-angle scattering experiments are now able to be conducted to truly probe the mechanism of reactions and the location of individual components in complex model or biological systems. The availability of atomic force microscopes in the past several decades enables measurements that are, in some ways, complementary to the spectroscopic techniques, and wholly orthogonal in others, such as those related to nanomechanics. As therapies have advanced from small molecules to protein biologics and now messenger RNA vaccines, the depth of biophysical knowledge must continue to serve in drug discovery and development to ensure quality of the drug, and the characterization toolbox must be opened up to adapt traditional spectroscopic methods and adopt new techniques for unraveling the complexities of the new modalities. The overview of the biophysical methods in this review is meant to showcase the uses of multiple techniques for different modalities and present recent applications for tackling particularly challenging situations in drug development that can be solved with the aid of fluorescence spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and small-angle scattering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Cheung
- Moderna, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Yan Xia
- Moderna, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Marc A. Caporini
- Moderna, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Jamie L. Gilmore
- Moderna, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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13
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Spadea A, Jackman M, Cui L, Pereira S, Lawrence MJ, Campbell RA, Ashford M. Nucleic Acid-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticle Interactions with Model Endosomal Membranes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:30371-30384. [PMID: 35758331 PMCID: PMC9264317 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c06065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are important delivery systems for RNA-based therapeutics, yet the mechanism of their interaction with endosomal membranes remains unclear. Here, the interactions of nucleic acid-loaded LNPs that contain an ionizable lipid with models of the early and late endosomal membranes are studied, for the first time, using different reflectometry techniques. Novel insight is provided with respect to the subphase pH, the stage of the endosome, and the nature of the nucleic acid cargo. It is found that the insertion of lipids from the LNPs into the model membrane is greatest at pH 6.5 and 5.5, whereas at higher pH, lipid insertion is suppressed with evidence instead for the binding of intact LNPs, demonstrating the importance of the pH in the fusion of LNPs undergoing the endosomal pathway. Furthermore, and independently of the pH, the effect of the early- versus late-stage endosomal models is minimal, suggesting that the increased fluidity and anionic nature of the late endosome has little effect on the extent of LNP interaction. Last, there is greater nucleic acid delivery from LNPs containing mRNA than Poly(A), indicating that the extent of interaction can be tuned according to the nature of the nucleic acid cargo. Such new information on the relative impact of factors influencing nucleic acid delivery by LNP interactions with endosomal membranes is important in the design and tuning of vehicles with improved nucleic acid delivery capacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Spadea
- NorthWest
Centre for Advanced Drug Delivery (NoWCADD), School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K.
- Division
of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K.
| | - Mark Jackman
- Advanced
Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, AstraZeneca R&D, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K.
| | - Lili Cui
- Advanced
Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, AstraZeneca R&D, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K.
| | - Sara Pereira
- Advanced
Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, AstraZeneca R&D, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K.
| | - M. Jayne Lawrence
- NorthWest
Centre for Advanced Drug Delivery (NoWCADD), School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K.
- Division
of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K.
| | - Richard A. Campbell
- Division
of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K.
| | - Marianne Ashford
- Advanced
Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, AstraZeneca R&D, Macclesfield SK10 2NA, U.K.
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14
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Shan X, Luo L, Yu Z, You J. Recent advances in versatile inverse lyotropic liquid crystals. J Control Release 2022; 348:1-21. [PMID: 35636617 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Owing to the rapid and significant progress in advanced materials and life sciences, nanotechnology is increasingly gaining in popularity. Among numerous bio-mimicking carriers, inverse lyotropic liquid crystals are known for their unique properties. These carriers make accommodation of molecules with varied characteristics achievable due to their complicated topologies. Besides, versatile symmetries of inverse LCNPs (lyotropic crystalline nanoparticles) and their aggregating bulk phases allow them to be applied in a wide range of fields including drug delivery, food, cosmetics, material sciences etc. In this review, in-depth summary, discussion and outlook for inverse lyotropic liquid crystals are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Shan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Lihua Luo
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Zhixin Yu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Jian You
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.
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15
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Yan Y, Zhang G, Wu C, Ren Q, Liu X, Huang F, Cao Y, Ye W. Structural Exploration of Polycationic Nanoparticles for siRNA Delivery. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:1964-1974. [PMID: 35380797 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising approach to the treatment of genetic diseases by the specific knockdown of target genes. Functional polymers are potential vehicles for the effective delivery of vulnerable small interfering RNA (siRNA), which is required for the broad application of RNAi-based therapeutics. The development of methods for the facile modulation of chemical structures of polymeric carriers and an elucidation of detailed delivery mechanisms remain important areas of research. In this paper, we synthesized a series of methacrylate-based polymers with controllable structures and narrow distributions by atom transfer radical polymerization using various combinations of cationic monomers (2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, 2-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, and 2-dibutylaminoethyl methacrylate) and hydrophobic monomers (2-butyl methacrylate (BMA), cyclohexyl methacrylate, and 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate). These polymers exhibited varying hydrophobicities, charge densities, and pKa values, enabling the discovery of effective carriers for siRNA by in vitro delivery assays. For the polymers with BMA segments, 50% of cationic segments were beneficial to the formation of siRNA nanoparticles (NPs) and the in vitro delivery of siRNA. The optimal ratio varied for different combinations of cationic and hydrophobic segments. In particular, 20k PMB 0.5, PME 0.5, and PEB 1.0 showed >75% luciferase knockdown. Efficacious delivery was dependent on high siRNA binding, the small size of NPs, and balanced hydrophobicity and charge density. Cellular uptake and endosomal escape experiments indicated that carboxybetaine modification of 20k PMB 0.5 did not remarkably affect the internalization of corresponding NPs after incubation for 6 h but significantly reduced the endosomal escape of NPs, which leads to the notable decrease in delivery efficacy of polymers. These results provide insights into the mechanism of polymer-based siRNA delivery and may inspire the development of novel polymeric carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Yan
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Guangliang Zhang
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Chengfan Wu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Qidi Ren
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Xiaomin Liu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Fangqian Huang
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Yi Cao
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Wenbo Ye
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
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16
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Li Y, Ye Z, Yang H, Xu Q. Tailoring combinatorial lipid nanoparticles for intracellular delivery of nucleic acids, proteins, and drugs. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:2624-2639. [PMID: 35755280 PMCID: PMC9214058 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yamin Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Zhongfeng Ye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Hanyi Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Qiaobing Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
- Corresponding author.
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17
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Paliwal H, Parihar A, Prajapati BG. Current State-of-the-Art and New Trends in Self-Assembled Nanocarriers as Drug Delivery Systems. FRONTIERS IN NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fnano.2022.836674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-assembled nanocarrier drug delivery has received profuse attention in the field of diagnosis and treatment of diseases. These carriers have proved that serious life-threatening diseases can be eliminated evidently by virtue of their characteristic design and features. This review is aimed at systematically presenting the research and advances in the field of self-assembled nanocarriers such as polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, liposomes, inorganic nanocarriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymerosomes, micellar systems, niosomes, and some other nanoparticles. The self-assembled delivery of nanocarriers has been developed in recent years for targeting diseases. Some of the innovative attempts with regard to prolonging drug action, improving bioavailability, avoiding drug resistance, enhancing cellular uptake, and so on have been discussed. The discussion about various delivery systems included the investigation conducted at the preliminary stage, i.e., preclinical trials and assessment of safety. The clinical studies of some of the recently developed self-assembled products are currently at the clinical trial phase or FDA approved.
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18
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Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are a type of lipid vesicles that possess a homogeneous lipid core. These vesicles are widely used in small-molecule drug and nucleic acid delivery and recently gained much attention because of their remarkable success as a delivery platform for COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Nonetheless, the utility of transient protein expression induced by mRNA extends far beyond vaccines against infectious diseases─they also hold promise as cancer vaccines, protein replacement therapies, and gene editing components for rare genetic diseases. However, naked mRNA is inherently unstable and prone to rapid degradation by nucleases and self-hydrolysis. Encapsulation of mRNA within LNPs protects mRNA from extracellular ribonucleases and assists with intracellular mRNA delivery.In this Account, we discuss the core features of LNPs for RNA delivery. We focus our attention on LNPs designed to deliver mRNA; however, we also include examples of siRNA-LNP delivery where appropriate to highlight the commonalities and the dissimilarities due to the nucleic acid structure. First, we introduce the concept of LNPs, the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing nucleic acids as therapeutic agents, and the general reasoning behind the molecular makeup of LNPs. We also briefly highlight the most recent clinical successes of LNP-based nucleic acid therapies. Second, we describe the theory and methods of LNP self-assembly. The common idea behind all of the preparation methods is inducing electrostatic interactions between the nucleic acid and charged lipids and promoting nanoparticle growth via hydrophobic interactions. Third, we break down the LNP composition with special attention to the fundamental properties and purposes of each component. This includes the identified molecular design criteria, commercial sourcing, impact on intracellular trafficking, and contribution to the properties of LNPs. One of the key components of LNPs is ionizable lipids, which initiate electrostatic binding with endosomal membranes and facilitate cytosolic release; however, the roles of other lipid components should not be disregarded, as they are associated with stability, clearance, and distribution of LNPs. Fourth, we review the attributes of LNP constructs as a whole that can heavily influence RNA delivery. These attributes are LNP size, charge, internal structure, lipid packing, lipid membrane hydration, stability, and affinity toward biomacromolecules. We also discuss the specific techniques used to examine these attributes and how they can be adjusted. Finally, we offer our perspective on the future of RNA therapies and some questions that remain in the realm of LNP formulation and optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Eygeris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Mohit Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Jeonghwan Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
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19
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Enabling online determination of the size-dependent RNA content of lipid nanoparticle-based RNA formulations. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2021; 1186:123015. [PMID: 34741934 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2021.123015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The potential of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as nucleic acid delivery vehicles has been demonstrated in recent years, culminating in the emergency use approval of LNP-based mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in late 2020. The determination of RNA content relative to LNP size can be important to the understanding of efficacy and adverse effects. This work presents the first description of a facile and rapid analytical method for online, size-dependent RNA payload distribution measurement using data from multi-angle light scattering, ultraviolet and refractive index detectors following separation of the LNPs by size-exclusion chromatography. The analysis was validated by size-based fractionation of the LNPs with subsequent offline analysis of the fractions. Four LNPs formulated with different PEG-lipids and different lipid compositions were tested. Good agreement was observed between the online and offline size-based RNA distributions among all four LNPs, demonstrating the utility of the online method for LNP-encapsulated RNA in general, and suggesting a means for simplified biophysical quantitation of a dosing-related critical quality attribute.
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20
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Paclitaxel loading in cationic liposome vectors is enhanced by replacement of oleoyl with linoleoyl tails with distinct lipid shapes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7311. [PMID: 33790325 PMCID: PMC8012651 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86484-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid carriers of hydrophobic paclitaxel (PTX) are used in clinical trials for cancer chemotherapy. Improving their loading capacity requires enhanced PTX solubilization. We compared the time-dependence of PTX membrane solubility as a function of PTX content in cationic liposomes (CLs) with lipid tails containing one (oleoyl; DOPC/DOTAP) or two (linoleoyl; DLinPC/newly synthesized DLinTAP) cis double bonds by using microscopy to generate kinetic phase diagrams. The DLin lipids displayed significantly increased PTX membrane solubility over DO lipids. Remarkably, 8 mol% PTX in DLinTAP/DLinPC CLs remained soluble for approximately as long as 3 mol% PTX (the solubility limit, which has been the focus of most previous studies and clinical trials) in DOTAP/DOPC CLs. The increase in solubility is likely caused by enhanced molecular affinity between lipid tails and PTX, rather than by the transition in membrane structure from bilayers to inverse cylindrical micelles observed with small-angle X-ray scattering. Importantly, the efficacy of PTX-loaded CLs against prostate cancer cells (their IC50 of PTX cytotoxicity) was unaffected by changing the lipid tails, and toxicity of the CL carrier was negligible. Moreover, efficacy was approximately doubled against melanoma cells for PTX-loaded DLinTAP/DLinPC over DOTAP/DOPC CLs. Our findings demonstrate the potential of chemical modifications of the lipid tails to increase the PTX membrane loading while maintaining (and in some cases even increasing) the efficacy of CLs. The increased PTX solubility will aid the development of liposomal PTX carriers that require significantly less lipid to deliver a given amount of PTX, reducing side effects and costs.
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21
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Brader ML, Williams SJ, Banks JM, Hui WH, Zhou ZH, Jin L. Encapsulation state of messenger RNA inside lipid nanoparticles. Biophys J 2021; 120:2766-2770. [PMID: 33773963 PMCID: PMC8390897 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the structure of messenger RNA (mRNA) lipid nanoparticles, and specifically the microenvironment of the mRNA molecules within these entities, is fundamental to advancing their biomedical potential. Here, we show that a permeating cationic dye, thionine, can serve as a cryogenic electron microscopy contrasting agent by binding selectively to encapsulated mRNA without disturbing lipid nanoparticle morphology. Cryo-electron microscopy images identify the mRNA location, revealing that mRNA may exist within solvent-filled cavities or may be substantially lipid associated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wong H Hui
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Z Hong Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Lin Jin
- Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
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22
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Kulkarni JA, Thomson SB, Zaifman J, Leung J, Wagner PK, Hill A, Tam YYC, Cullis PR, Petkau TL, Leavitt BR. Spontaneous, solvent-free entrapment of siRNA within lipid nanoparticles. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:23959-23966. [PMID: 33241838 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr06816k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations of nucleic acid are leading vaccine candidates for COVID-19, and enabled the first approved RNAi therapeutic, Onpattro. LNPs are composed of ionizable cationic lipids, phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-lipids, and are produced using rapid-mixing techniques. These procedures involve dissolution of the lipid components in an organic phase and the nucleic acid in an acidic aqueous buffer (pH 4). These solutions are then combined using a continuous mixing device such as a T-mixer or microfluidic device. In this mixing step, particle formation and nucleic acid entrapment occur. Previous work from our group has shown that, in the absence of nucleic acid, the particles formed at pH 4 are vesicular in structure, a portion of these particles are converted to electron-dense structures in the presence of nucleic acid, and the proportion of electron-dense structures increases with nucleic acid content. What remained unclear from previous work was the mechanism by which vesicles form electron-dense structures. In this study, we use cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering to show that efficient siRNA entrapment occurs in the absence of ethanol (contrary to the established paradigm), and suggest that nucleic acid entrapment occurs through inversion of preformed vesicles. We also leverage this phenomenon to show that specialized mixers are not required for siRNA entrapment, and that preformed particles at pH 4 can be used for in vitro transfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayesh A Kulkarni
- NanoMedicines Innovation Network, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Lipid-Nucleic Acid Complexes: Physicochemical Aspects and Prospects for Cancer Treatment. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25215006. [PMID: 33126767 PMCID: PMC7662579 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25215006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is an extremely complex disease, typically caused by mutations in cancer-critical genes. By delivering therapeutic nucleic acids (NAs) to patients, gene therapy offers the possibility to supplement, repair or silence such faulty genes or to stimulate their immune system to fight the disease. While the challenges of gene therapy for cancer are significant, the latter approach (a type of immunotherapy) starts showing promising results in early-stage clinical trials. One important advantage of NA-based cancer therapies over synthetic drugs and protein treatments is the prospect of a more universal approach to designing therapies. Designing NAs with different sequences, for different targets, can be achieved by using the same technologies. This versatility and scalability of NA drug design and production on demand open the way for more efficient, affordable and personalized cancer treatments in the future. However, the delivery of exogenous therapeutic NAs into the patients’ targeted cells is also challenging. Membrane-type lipids exhibiting permanent or transient cationic character have been shown to associate with NAs (anionic), forming nanosized lipid-NA complexes. These complexes form a wide variety of nanostructures, depending on the global formulation composition and properties of the lipids and NAs. Importantly, these different lipid-NA nanostructures interact with cells via different mechanisms and their therapeutic potential can be optimized to promising levels in vitro. The complexes are also highly customizable in terms of surface charge and functionalization to allow a wide range of targeting and smart-release properties. Most importantly, these synthetic particles offer possibilities for scaling-up and affordability for the population at large. Hence, the versatility and scalability of these particles seem ideal to accommodate the versatility that NA therapies offer. While in vivo efficiency of lipid-NA complexes is still poor in most cases, the advances achieved in the last three decades are significant and very recently a lipid-based gene therapy medicine was approved for the first time (for treatment of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis). Although the path to achieve efficient NA-delivery in cancer therapy is still long and tenuous, these advances set a new hope for more treatments in the future. In this review, we attempt to cover the most important biophysical and physicochemical aspects of non-viral lipid-based gene therapy formulations, with a perspective on future cancer treatments in mind.
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Patel S, Ashwanikumar N, Robinson E, Xia Y, Mihai C, Griffith JP, Hou S, Esposito AA, Ketova T, Welsher K, Joyal JL, Almarsson Ö, Sahay G. Naturally-occurring cholesterol analogues in lipid nanoparticles induce polymorphic shape and enhance intracellular delivery of mRNA. Nat Commun 2020; 11:983. [PMID: 32080183 PMCID: PMC7033178 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14527-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endosomal sequestration of lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) remains a formidable barrier to delivery. Herein, structure-activity analysis of cholesterol analogues reveals that incorporation of C-24 alkyl phytosterols into LNPs (eLNPs) enhances gene transfection and the length of alkyl tail, flexibility of sterol ring and polarity due to -OH group is required to maintain high transfection. Cryo-TEM displays a polyhedral shape for eLNPs compared to spherical LNPs, while x-ray scattering shows little disparity in internal structure. eLNPs exhibit higher cellular uptake and retention, potentially leading to a steady release from the endosomes over time. 3D single-particle tracking shows enhanced intracellular diffusivity of eLNPs relative to LNPs, suggesting eLNP traffic to productive pathways for escape. Our findings show the importance of cholesterol in subcellular transport of LNPs carrying mRNA and emphasize the need for greater insights into surface composition and structural properties of nanoparticles, and their subcellular interactions which enable designs to improve endosomal escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Sciences Building, 2730 Southwest Moody Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - N Ashwanikumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Sciences Building, 2730 Southwest Moody Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Ema Robinson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Sciences Building, 2730 Southwest Moody Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Yan Xia
- Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Cosmin Mihai
- Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Joseph P Griffith
- French Family Science Center, Department of Chemistry, 124 Science Drive, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Shangguo Hou
- French Family Science Center, Department of Chemistry, 124 Science Drive, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Adam A Esposito
- Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Tatiana Ketova
- Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Kevin Welsher
- French Family Science Center, Department of Chemistry, 124 Science Drive, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - John L Joyal
- Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Örn Almarsson
- Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Sciences Building, 2730 Southwest Moody Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 Southwest Moody Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
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25
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Sato H, Kaneko Y, Yamada K, Ristroph KD, Lu HD, Seto Y, Chan HK, Prud’homme RK, Onoue S. Polymeric Nanocarriers With Mucus-Diffusive and Mucus-Adhesive Properties to Control Pharmacokinetic Behavior of Orally Dosed Cyclosporine A. J Pharm Sci 2020; 109:1079-1085. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2019.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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26
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Bouxsein NF, Leal C, McAllister CS, Li Y, Ewert KK, Samuel CE, Safinya CR. 3D Columnar Phase of Stacked Short DNA Organized by Coherent Membrane Undulations. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:11891-11901. [PMID: 31408350 PMCID: PMC6743479 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b01726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We report on the discovery of a new organized lipid-nucleic acid phase upon intercalation of blunt duplexes of short DNA (sDNA) within cationic multilayer fluid membranes. End-to-end interactions between sDNA leads to columnar stacks. At high membrane charge density, with the inter-sDNA column spacing (dsDNA) comparable but larger than the diameter of sDNA, a 2D columnar phase (i.e., a 2D smectic) is found similar to the phase in cationic liposome-DNA complexes with long lambda-phage DNA. Remarkably, with increasing dsDNA as the membrane charge density is lowered, a transition is observed to a 3D columnar phase of stacked sDNA. This occurs even though direct DNA-DNA electrostatic interactions across layers are screened by diffusing cationic lipids near the phosphate groups of sDNA. Softening of the membrane bending rigidity (κ), which further promotes membrane undulations, significantly enhances the 3D columnar phase. These observations are consistent with a model by Schiessel and Aranda-Espinoza where local membrane undulations, due to electrostatically induced membrane wrapping around sDNA columns, phase lock from layer-to-layer, thereby precipitating coherent "crystal-like" undulations coupled to sDNA columns with long-range position and orientation order. The finding that this new phase is stable at large dsDNA and enhanced with decreasing κ is further supportive of the model where the elastic cost of membrane deformation per unit area around sDNA columns (∝ κh2/dsDNA4, h2 = sum of square of amplitudes of the inner and outer monolayer undulations) is strongly reduced relative to the favorable electrostatic attractions of partially wrapped membrane around sDNA columns. The findings have broad implications in the design of membrane-mediated assembly of functional nanoparticles in 3D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan F. Bouxsein
- Materials Department, Physics Department, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
| | - Cecília Leal
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Christopher S. McAllister
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
| | - Youli Li
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
| | - Kai K. Ewert
- Materials Department, Physics Department, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
| | - Charles E. Samuel
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
| | - Cyrus R. Safinya
- Materials Department, Physics Department, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
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27
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Robinson E, MacDonald KD, Slaughter K, McKinney M, Patel S, Sun C, Sahay G. Lipid Nanoparticle-Delivered Chemically Modified mRNA Restores Chloride Secretion in Cystic Fibrosis. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2034-2046. [PMID: 29910178 PMCID: PMC6094356 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Revised: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The promise of gene therapy for the treatment of cystic fibrosis has yet to be fully clinically realized despite years of effort toward correcting the underlying genetic defect in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). mRNA therapy via nanoparticle delivery represents a powerful technology for the transfer of genetic material to cells with large, widespread populations, such as airway epithelia. We deployed a clinically relevant lipid-based nanoparticle (LNP) for packaging and delivery of large chemically modified CFTR mRNA (cmCFTR) to patient-derived bronchial epithelial cells, resulting in an increase in membrane-localized CFTR and rescue of its primary function as a chloride channel. Furthermore, nasal application of LNP-cmCFTR restored CFTR-mediated chloride secretion to conductive airway epithelia in CFTR knockout mice for at least 14 days. On day 3 post-transfection, CFTR activity peaked, recovering up to 55% of the net chloride efflux characteristic of healthy mice. This magnitude of response is superior to liposomal CFTR DNA delivery and is comparable with outcomes observed in the currently approved drug ivacaftor. LNP-cmRNA-based systems represent a powerful platform technology for correction of cystic fibrosis and other monogenic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ema Robinson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Kelvin D MacDonald
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Kai Slaughter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Madison McKinney
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Siddharth Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Conroy Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA; Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA.
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28
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Advances in structural design of lipid-based nanoparticle carriers for delivery of macromolecular drugs, phytochemicals and anti-tumor agents. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2017; 249:331-345. [PMID: 28477868 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2017.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The present work highlights recent achievements in development of nanostructured dispersions and biocolloids for drug delivery applications. We emphasize the key role of biological small-angle X-ray scattering (BioSAXS) investigations for the nanomedicine design. A focus is given on controlled encapsulation of small molecular weight phytochemical drugs in lipid-based nanocarriers as well as on encapsulation of macromolecular siRNA, plasmid DNA, peptide and protein pharmaceuticals in nanostructured nanoparticles that may provide efficient intracellular delivery and triggered drug release. Selected examples of utilisation of the BioSAXS method for characterization of various types of liquid crystalline nanoorganizations (liposome, spongosome, cubosome, hexosome, and nanostructured lipid carriers) are discussed in view of the successful encapsulation and protection of phytochemicals and therapeutic biomolecules in the hydrophobic or the hydrophilic compartments of the nanocarriers. We conclude that the structural design of the nanoparticulate carriers is of crucial importance for the therapeutic outcome and the triggered drug release from biocolloids.
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29
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Suzuki H, Hamao S, Seto Y, Sato H, Wong J, Prud’homme RK, Chan HK, Onoue S. New nano-matrix oral formulation of nanoprecipitated cyclosporine A prepared with multi-inlet vortex mixer. Int J Pharm 2017; 516:116-119. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2016.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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30
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Weissmueller NT, Lu HD, Hurley A, Prud'homme RK. Nanocarriers from GRAS Zein Proteins to Encapsulate Hydrophobic Actives. Biomacromolecules 2016; 17:3828-3837. [PMID: 27744703 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.6b01440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
One factor limiting the expansion of nanomedicines has been the high cost of the materials and processes required for their production. We present a continuous, scalable, low cost nanoencapsulation process, Flash Nanoprecipitation (FNP) that enables the production of nanocarriers (NCs) with a narrow size distribution using zein corn proteins. Zein is a low cost, GRAS protein (having the FDA status of "Generally Regarded as Safe") currently used in food applications, which acts as an effective encapsulant for hydrophobic compounds using FNP. The four-stream FNP configuration allows the encapsulation of very hydrophobic compounds in a way that is not possible with previous precipitation processes. We present the encapsulation of several model active compounds with as high as 45 wt % drug loading with respect to zein concentration into ∼100 nm nanocarriers. Three examples are presented: (1) the pro-drug antioxidant, vitamin E-acetate, (2) an anticholera quorum-sensing modulator CAI-1 ((S)-3-hydroxytridecan-4-one; CAI-1 that reduces Vibrio cholerae virulence by modulating cellular communication), and (3) hydrophobic fluorescent dyes with a range of hydrophobicities. The specific interaction between zein and the milk protein, sodium caseinate, provides stabilization of the NCs in PBS, LB medium, and in pH 2 solutions. The stability and size changes in the three media provide information on the mechanism of assembly of the zein/active/casein NC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolas T Weissmueller
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and §Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University , Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Hoang D Lu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and §Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University , Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Amanda Hurley
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and §Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University , Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Robert K Prud'homme
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and §Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University , Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
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31
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Swaminathan G, Thoryk EA, Cox KS, Smith JS, Wolf JJ, Gindy ME, Casimiro DR, Bett AJ. A Tetravalent Sub-unit Dengue Vaccine Formulated with Ionizable Cationic Lipid Nanoparticle induces Significant Immune Responses in Rodents and Non-Human Primates. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34215. [PMID: 27703172 PMCID: PMC5050434 DOI: 10.1038/srep34215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus has emerged as an important arboviral infection worldwide. As a complex pathogen, with four distinct serotypes, the development of a successful Dengue virus vaccine has proven to be challenging. Here, we describe a novel Dengue vaccine candidate that contains truncated, recombinant, Dengue virus envelope protein from all four Dengue virus serotypes (DEN-80E) formulated with ionizable cationic lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Immunization studies in mice, Guinea pigs, and in Rhesus macaques, revealed that LNPs induced high titers of Dengue virus neutralizing antibodies, with or without co-administration or encapsulation of a Toll-Like Receptor 9 agonist. Importantly, LNPs were also able to boost DEN-80E specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses. Cytokine and chemokine profiling revealed that LNPs induced strong chemokine responses without significant induction of inflammatory cytokines. In addition to being highly efficacious, the vaccine formulation proved to be well-tolerated, demonstrating no elevation in any of the safety parameters evaluated. Notably, reduction in cationic lipid content of the nanoparticle dramatically reduced the LNP's ability to boost DEN-80E specific immune responses, highlighting the crucial role for the charge of the LNP. Overall, our novel studies, across multiple species, reveal a promising tetravalent Dengue virus sub-unit vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gokul Swaminathan
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck &Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Thoryk
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck &Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Kara S Cox
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck &Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Smith
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck &Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Jayanthi J Wolf
- Safety Assessment &Regulatory Affairs, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck &Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Marian E Gindy
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck &Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Danilo R Casimiro
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck &Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Andrew J Bett
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck &Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
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32
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Structure, activity and uptake mechanism of siRNA-lipid nanoparticles with an asymmetric ionizable lipid. Int J Pharm 2016; 510:350-8. [PMID: 27374199 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2016.06.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) represent the most advanced platform for the systemic delivery of siRNA. We have previously reported the discovery of novel ionizable lipids with asymmetric lipid tails, enabling potent gene-silencing activity in hepatocytes in vivo; however, the structure and delivery mechanism had not been elucidated. Here, we report the structure, activity and uptake mechanism of LNPs with an asymmetric ionizable lipid. Zeta potential and hemolytic activity of LNPs showed that LNPs were neutral at the pH of the blood compartment but become increasingly charged and fusogenic in the acidic endosomal compartment. (31)P NMR experiments indicated that the siRNA was less mobile inside particles, presumably because of an electrostatic interaction with an ionizable lipid. The role of Apolipoprotein E (apoE) was studied using recombinant human apoE both in vitro and in vivo. A comparative study in wild-type and apoE-deficient mice revealed that apoE significantly influenced the in vivo biodistribution of LNPs and enhanced the cellular uptake. Pretreatment of mice with siRNA targeting low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) impaired gene-silencing of the following siRNA treatment, demonstrating that in vivo activity of LNPs is dependent on LDLR. Our studies on the detailed mechanism should lead to the creation of more sophisticated LNP-based RNAi therapeutics.
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33
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Swaminathan G, Thoryk EA, Cox KS, Meschino S, Dubey SA, Vora KA, Celano R, Gindy M, Casimiro DR, Bett AJ. A novel lipid nanoparticle adjuvant significantly enhances B cell and T cell responses to sub-unit vaccine antigens. Vaccine 2015; 34:110-9. [PMID: 26555351 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.10.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Sub-unit vaccines are primarily designed to include antigens required to elicit protective immune responses and to be safer than whole-inactivated or live-attenuated vaccines. But their purity and inability to self-adjuvant often result in weaker immunogenicity. Emerging evidence suggests that bio-engineered nanoparticles can be used as immunomodulatory adjuvants. Therefore, in this study we explored the potential of novel Merck-proprietary lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations to enhance immune responses to sub-unit viral antigens. Immunization of BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice revealed that LNPs alone or in combination with a synthetic TLR9 agonist, immune-modulatory oligonucleotides, IMO-2125 (IMO), significantly enhanced immune responses to hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) and ovalbumin (OVA). LNPs enhanced total B-cell responses to both antigens tested, to levels comparable to known vaccine adjuvants including aluminum based adjuvant, IMO alone and a TLR4 agonist, 3-O-deactytaled monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL). Investigation of the quality of B-cell responses demonstrated that the combination of LNP with IMO agonist elicited a stronger Th1-type response (based on the IgG2a:IgG1 ratio) than levels achieved with IMO alone. Furthermore, the LNP adjuvant significantly enhanced antigen specific cell-mediated immune responses. In ELISPOT assays, depletion of specific subsets of T cells revealed that the LNPs elicited potent antigen-specific CD4(+) and CD8(+)T cell responses. Intracellular FACS analyses revealed that LNP and LNP+IMO formulated antigens led to higher frequency of antigen-specific IFNγ(+)TNFα(+)IL-2(+), multi-functional CD8(+)T cell responses, than unadjuvanted vaccine or vaccine with IMO only. Overall, our results demonstrate that lipid nanoparticles can serve as future sub-unit vaccine adjuvants to boost both B-cell and T-cell responses in vivo, and that addition of IMO can be used to manipulate the quality of immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gokul Swaminathan
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Research, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co. Inc., Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., West Point, PA, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Thoryk
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Research, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co. Inc., Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., West Point, PA, United States
| | - Kara S Cox
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Research, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co. Inc., Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., West Point, PA, United States
| | - Steven Meschino
- Medical Affairs, Merck Global Human Health, Merck & Co. Inc., Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., North Wales, PA, United States
| | - Sheri A Dubey
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Research, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co. Inc., Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., West Point, PA, United States
| | - Kalpit A Vora
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Research, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co. Inc., Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., West Point, PA, United States
| | - Robert Celano
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co. Inc., Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., West Point, PA, United States
| | - Marian Gindy
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co. Inc., Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., West Point, PA, United States
| | - Danilo R Casimiro
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Research, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co. Inc., Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., West Point, PA, United States
| | - Andrew J Bett
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Research, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co. Inc., Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., West Point, PA, United States.
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34
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Ma D, Tian S, Baryza J, Luft JC, DeSimone JM. Reductively Responsive Hydrogel Nanoparticles with Uniform Size, Shape, and Tunable Composition for Systemic siRNA Delivery in Vivo. Mol Pharm 2015; 12:3518-3526. [PMID: 26287725 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
To achieve the great potential of siRNA based gene therapy, safe and efficient systemic delivery in vivo is essential. Here we report reductively responsive hydrogel nanoparticles with highly uniform size and shape for systemic siRNA delivery in vivo. "Blank" hydrogel nanoparticles with high aspect ratio were prepared using continuous particle fabrication based on PRINT (particle replication in nonwetting templates). Subsequently, siRNA was conjugated to "blank" nanoparticles via a disulfide linker with a high loading ratio of up to 18 wt %, followed by surface modification to enhance transfection. This fabrication process could be easily scaled up to prepare large quantity of hydrogel nanoparticles. By controlling hydrogel composition, surface modification, and siRNA loading ratio, siRNA conjugated nanoparticles were highly tunable to achieve high transfection efficiency in vitro. FVII-siRNA conjugated nanoparticles were further stabilized with surface coating for in vivo siRNA delivery to liver hepatocytes, and successful gene silencing was demonstrated at both mRNA and protein levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Ma
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Shaomin Tian
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Carolina Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Jeremy Baryza
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - J Christopher Luft
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Carolina Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Joseph M DeSimone
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Carolina Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Institute for Advanced Materials, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Institute for Nanomedicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States.,Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10021, United States
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35
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Safinya CR, Ewert KK, Majzoub RN, Leal C. Cationic liposome-nucleic acid complexes for gene delivery and gene silencing. NEW J CHEM 2014; 38:5164-5172. [PMID: 25587216 PMCID: PMC4288823 DOI: 10.1039/c4nj01314j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cationic liposomes (CLs) are studied worldwide as carriers of DNA and short interfering RNA (siRNA) for gene delivery and gene silencing, and related clinical trials are ongoing. Optimization of transfection efficiency and silencing efficiency by cationic liposome carriers requires a comprehensive understanding of the structures of CL-nucleic acid complexes and the nature of their interactions with cell membranes as well as events leading to release of active nucleic acids within the cytoplasm. Synchrotron x-ray scattering has revealed that CL-nucleic acid complexes spontaneously assemble into distinct liquid crystalline phases including the lamellar, inverse hexagonal, hexagonal, and gyroid cubic phases, and fluorescence microscopy has revealed CL-DNA pathways and interactions with cells. The combining of custom synthesis with characterization techniques and gene expression and silencing assays has begun to unveil structure-function relations in vitro. As a recent example, this review will briefly describe experiments with surface-functionalized PEGylated CL-DNA nanoparticles. The functionalization, which is achieved through custom synthesis, is intended to address and overcome cell targeting and endosomal escape barriers to nucleic acid delivery faced by PEGylated nanoparticles designed for in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrus R Safinya
- Materials, Physics, and Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology Departments, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Kai K Ewert
- Materials Science & Engineering Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Ramsey N Majzoub
- Materials Science & Engineering Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Cecília Leal
- Materials Science & Engineering Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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Gindy ME, Feuston B, Glass A, Arrington L, Haas RM, Schariter J, Stirdivant SM. Stabilization of Ostwald ripening in low molecular weight amino lipid nanoparticles for systemic delivery of siRNA therapeutics. Mol Pharm 2014; 11:4143-53. [PMID: 25317715 DOI: 10.1021/mp500367k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) represent the most clinically advanced technology for the systemic delivery of therapeutic siRNA in vivo. Toward this end, a novel class of LNPs comprising low molecular weight (MW) ionizable amino lipids having asymmetric architecture was recently reported.1 LNPs of these amino lipids, termed asymmetric LNPs, were shown to be highly efficacious and well tolerated in vivo; advances were enabled by improved endosomal escape, coupled with enhanced amino lipid metabolism and clearance. In this work, we show that, in contrast to their desirable pharmacological performance, asymmetric LNPs present a significant pharmaceutical developability challenge, namely physical instability limiting extended shelf life. Using orthogonal characterization methods, we identify the mechanism of LNP instability as Ostwald ripening and establish it to be driven predominantly by the asymmetric amino lipid component. Through rational optimization of LNP physical and macromolecular properties, we are able to significantly attenuate or entirely eliminate the Ostwald ripening instability. Modulation of LNP size, for example, effectively halts particle growth. Similarly, optimization of LNP macromolecular packing through deliberate selection of structurally matched colipids significantly diminishes the rate of ripening. This later experimental observation is substantiated by molecular dynamics simulations of LNP self-assembly, which establish a quantitative dependence of LNP macromolecular order on colipid structure. In totality, the experimental and molecular dynamics outcomes of this work support the rational design of LNP physical and chemical properties leading to effective Ostwald ripening stabilization and enable the advance of asymmetric LNPs as a clinic-ready platform for siRNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian E Gindy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ‡Department of RNA Therapeutics, §Department of Chemistry Modeling and Informatics, and ∥Department of RNA Biology, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck and Co., Inc. , West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
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