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Norimatsu J, Mizuno HL, Watanabe T, Obara T, Nakakido M, Tsumoto K, Cabral H, Kuroda D, Anraku Y. Triphenylphosphonium-modified catiomers enhance in vivo mRNA delivery through stabilized polyion complexation. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024; 11:4711-4721. [PMID: 38988276 DOI: 10.1039/d4mh00325j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Nanocarriers based on cationic materials play a central role in the success of mRNA-based therapies. Traditionally, amine-bearing lipids and polymers have been successfully employed for creating mRNA-loaded nanocarriers, though they still present challenges, such as physical and biological instability, limiting both delivery efficiency and therapeutic potential. Non-amine cations could be a promising avenue in addressing these limitations. However, such alternatives remain notably underexplored. Herein, we introduced triphenylphosphonium (TPP) as an alternative cationic moiety for mRNA delivery, leveraging its advantageous properties for nucleic acid complexation. Through the modification of amine-bearing catiomers, we replaced traditional amine-based counterparts with TPP to create innovative polymeric micelles as mRNA nanocarriers. A comprehensive analysis, encompassing physicochemical, thermodynamic, and computational approaches, revealed that the TPP substitution significantly influenced polymer self-assembly, mRNA binding, and the overall stability of mRNA-loaded polymeric micelles. Upon intravenous injection, TPP-bearing micelles demonstrated a remarkable increase in mRNA bioavailability, facilitating efficient protein production in solid tumors. These findings provide a compelling rationale for substituting amines with TPP, emphasizing their potential for advancing mRNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumpei Norimatsu
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
| | - Hayato L Mizuno
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan.
| | - Takayoshi Watanabe
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
| | - Takumi Obara
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
| | - Makoto Nakakido
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Kouhei Tsumoto
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kanagawa 210-0821, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kuroda
- Research Center of Drug and Vaccine Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan.
| | - Yasutaka Anraku
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan.
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kanagawa 210-0821, Japan
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2
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Xia Q, Jing Q, Lu C, Guo X, Chen X, Tang C, Han J, Wang H, Dong Y, Fang P, Zhang D, Teng X, Ren F. Module-combinatorial design and screening of multifunctional polymers based on polyaspartic acid for DNA delivery. Int J Pharm 2024; 661:124350. [PMID: 38885780 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124350] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
It is crucial to develop non-viral gene vectors that can efficiently and safely transfect plasmid DNA into cells. Low transfection efficiency and high cytotoxicity of cationic polymers hinder their application as gene carriers. Modification of cationic polymers has emerged as an attractive strategy for efficient and safe nucleic acids delivery. In this study, a simple and rapid method is developed to synthesize a series of multifunctional polymers by utilizing biodegradable polyaspartic acid as the backbone and modifying it with three modules. This one-component polymer possesses capabilities for nucleic acid condensation, cellular uptake, and endosomal escape. Polymers containing imidazole, triazole, or pyridine group exhibited promising transfection activity. Substituted with dodecylamine or 2-hexyldecan-1-amine enhance cellular uptake and subsequent transfection. Furthermore, the influence of ionizable amine side chains on gene delivery is investigated. Two optimal polymers, combined with the avian encephalomyelitis virus (AEV) plasmid vaccine, induced robust specific antibody responses and cellular immune responses in mice and chickens. Through module-combination design and screening of polyaspartamide polymers, this study presents a paradigm for the development of gene delivery vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianying Xia
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Qiufang Jing
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Chunjie Lu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xiaoyan Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xinyu Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Chenglan Tang
- Engineering Research Center of Pharmaceutical Process Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jiaxin Han
- Engineering Research Center of Pharmaceutical Process Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Hongxun Wang
- Suzhou Womei Biology Co Ltd, Suzhou 215613, China
| | - Yanpeng Dong
- Suzhou Womei Biology Co Ltd, Suzhou 215613, China
| | - Pengfei Fang
- Suzhou Womei Biology Co Ltd, Suzhou 215613, China
| | - Dahe Zhang
- Suzhou Womei Biology Co Ltd, Suzhou 215613, China
| | - Xiaonuo Teng
- Suzhou Womei Biology Co Ltd, Suzhou 215613, China
| | - Fuzheng Ren
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; Engineering Research Center of Pharmaceutical Process Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
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3
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Jogdeo CM, Siddhanta K, Das A, Ding L, Panja S, Kumari N, Oupický D. Beyond Lipids: Exploring Advances in Polymeric Gene Delivery in the Lipid Nanoparticles Era. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2404608. [PMID: 38842816 PMCID: PMC11384239 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202404608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The recent success of gene therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of effective and safe delivery systems. Complementing lipid-based delivery systems, polymers present a promising alternative for gene delivery. Significant advances have been made in the recent past, with multiple clinical trials progressing beyond phase I and several companies actively working on polymeric delivery systems which provides assurance that polymeric carriers can soon achieve clinical translation. The massive advantage of structural tunability and vast chemical space of polymers is being actively leveraged to mitigate shortcomings of traditional polycationic polymers and improve the translatability of delivery systems. Tailored polymeric approaches for diverse nucleic acids and for specific subcellular targets are now being designed to improve therapeutic efficacy. This review describes the recent advances in polymer design for improved gene delivery by polyplexes and covalent polymer-nucleic acid conjugates. The review also offers a brief note on novel computational techniques for improved polymer design. The review concludes with an overview of the current state of polymeric gene therapies in the clinic as well as future directions on their translation to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmay M Jogdeo
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Kasturi Siddhanta
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ashish Das
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ling Ding
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Sudipta Panja
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Neha Kumari
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - David Oupický
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
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4
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Forgham H, Zhu J, Huang X, Zhang C, Biggs H, Liu L, Wang YC, Fletcher N, Humphries J, Cowin G, Mardon K, Kavallaris M, Thurecht K, Davis TP, Qiao R. Multifunctional Fluoropolymer-Engineered Magnetic Nanoparticles to Facilitate Blood-Brain Barrier Penetration and Effective Gene Silencing in Medulloblastoma. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2401340. [PMID: 38647396 PMCID: PMC11220643 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Patients with brain cancers including medulloblastoma lack treatments that are effective long-term and without side effects. In this study, a multifunctional fluoropolymer-engineered iron oxide nanoparticle gene-therapeutic platform is presented to overcome these challenges. The fluoropolymers are designed and synthesized to incorporate various properties including robust anchoring moieties for efficient surface coating, cationic components to facilitate short interference RNA (siRNA) binding, and a fluorinated tail to ensure stability in serum. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) tailored system demonstrates enhanced BBB penetration, facilitates delivery of functionally active siRNA to medulloblastoma cells, and delivers a significant, almost complete block in protein expression within an in vitro extracellular acidic environment (pH 6.7) - as favored by most cancer cells. In vivo, it effectively crosses an intact BBB, provides contrast for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and delivers siRNA capable of slowing tumor growth without causing signs of toxicity - meaning it possesses a safe theranostic function. The pioneering methodology applied shows significant promise in the advancement of brain and tumor microenvironment-focused MRI-siRNA theranostics for the better treatment and diagnosis of medulloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Forgham
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Jiayuan Zhu
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Xumin Huang
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
- National Imaging FacilityCentre for Advanced ImagingThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Heather Biggs
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Liwei Liu
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Yi Cheng Wang
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Nicholas Fletcher
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
- National Imaging FacilityCentre for Advanced ImagingThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging TechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - James Humphries
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
- National Imaging FacilityCentre for Advanced ImagingThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging TechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Gary Cowin
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
- National Imaging FacilityCentre for Advanced ImagingThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Karine Mardon
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
- National Imaging FacilityCentre for Advanced ImagingThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Maria Kavallaris
- Children's Cancer InstituteLowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South Wales2052Australia
- School of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Medicine & HealthUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South Wales2052Australia
- UNSW Australian Centre for NanomedicineFaculty of EngineeringUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South Wales2052Australia
- UNSW RNA InstituteFaculty of ScienceUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South Wales2052Australia
| | - Kristofer Thurecht
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
- National Imaging FacilityCentre for Advanced ImagingThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging TechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Thomas P. Davis
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Ruirui Qiao
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
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5
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Xin J, Lu X, Cao J, Wu W, Liu Q, Wang D, Zhou X, Ding D. Fluorinated Organic Polymers for Cancer Drug Delivery. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2404645. [PMID: 38678386 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202404645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
In the realm of cancer therapy, the spotlight is on nanoscale pharmaceutical delivery systems, especially polymer-based nanoparticles, for their enhanced drug dissolution, extended presence in the bloodstream, and precision targeting achieved via surface engineering. Leveraging the amplified permeation and retention phenomenon, these systems concentrate therapeutic agents within tumor tissues. Nonetheless, the hurdles of systemic toxicity, biological barriers, and compatibility with living systems persist. Fluorinated polymers, distinguished by their chemical idiosyncrasies, are poised for extensive biomedical applications, notably in stabilizing drug metabolism, augmenting lipophilicity, and optimizing bioavailability. Material science heralds the advent of fluorinated polymers that, by integrating fluorine atoms, unveil a suite of drug delivery merits: the hydrophobic traits of fluorinated alkyl chains ward off lipid or protein disruption, the carbon-fluorine bond's stability extends the drug's lifecycle in the system, and a lower alkalinity coupled with a diminished ionic charge bolsters the drug's ability to traverse cellular membranes. This comprehensive review delves into the utilization of fluorinated polymers for oncological pharmacotherapy, elucidating their molecular architecture, synthetic pathways, and functional attributes, alongside an exploration of their empirical strengths and the quandaries they encounter in both experimental and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingrui Xin
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Xue Lu
- Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai International Advanced Research Institute (Shenzhen, Futian), and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jimin Cao
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, and First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Weihui Wu
- Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai International Advanced Research Institute (Shenzhen, Futian), and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Deping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, and First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, and First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Dan Ding
- Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai International Advanced Research Institute (Shenzhen, Futian), and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
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6
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Luo R, Le H, Wu Q, Gong C. Nanoplatform-Based In Vivo Gene Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2312153. [PMID: 38441386 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202312153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/26/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy uses modern molecular biology methods to repair disease-causing genes. As a burgeoning therapeutic, it has been widely applied for cancer therapy. Since 1989, there have been numerous clinical gene therapy cases worldwide. However, a few are successful. The main challenge of clinical gene therapy is the lack of efficient and safe vectors. Although viral vectors show high transfection efficiency, their application is still limited by immune rejection and packaging capacity. Therefore, the development of non-viral vectors is overwhelming. Nanoplatform-based non-viral vectors become a hotspot in gene therapy. The reasons are mainly as follows. 1) Non-viral vectors can be engineered to be uptaken by specific types of cells or tissues, providing effective targeting capability. 2) Non-viral vectors can protect goods that need to be delivered from degradation. 3) Nanoparticles can transport large-sized cargo such as CRISPR/Cas9 plasmids and nucleoprotein complexes. 4) Nanoparticles are highly biosafe, and they are not mutagenic in themselves compared to viral vectors. 5) Nanoparticles are easy to scale preparation, which is conducive to clinical conversion and application. Here, an overview of the categories of nanoplatform-based non-viral gene vectors, the limitations on their development, and their applications in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Luo
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hao Le
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qinjie Wu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Changyang Gong
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
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7
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Vlasova KY, Kerr A, Pennock ND, Jozic A, Sahel DK, Gautam M, Murthy NTV, Roberts A, Ali MW, MacDonald KD, Walker J, Luxenhofer R, Sahay G. Synthesis of ionizable lipopolymers using split-Ugi reaction for pulmonary delivery of various size RNAs and gene editing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.11.598497. [PMID: 38915714 PMCID: PMC11195133 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.11.598497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
We present an efficient approach for synthesizing cationic poly(ethylene imine) derivatives using the multicomponent split-Ugi reaction to rapidly create a library of complex functional ionizable lipopolymers. We synthesized a diverse library of 155 polymers, formulated them into polyplexes to establish structure-activity relationships crucial for endosomal escape and efficient transfection. After discovering a lead structure, lipopolymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles are introduced to preferentially deliver to and elicit effective mRNA transfection in lung endothelium and immune cells, including T cells with low in vivo toxicity. The lipopolymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles showed 300-fold improvement in systemic mRNA delivery to the lung compared to in vivo -JetPEI ® . Lipopolymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles demonstrated efficient delivery of mRNA-based therapeutics for treatment of two different disease models. Lewis Lung cancer progression was significantly delayed after treatment with loaded IL-12 mRNA in U155@lipids after repeated i.v. administration. Systemic delivery of human CFTR (hCFTR) mRNA resulted in production of functional form of CFTR protein in the lungs. The functionality of hCFTR protein was confirmed by restoration of CFTR- mediated chloride secretion in conductive airway epithelia in CFTR knockout mice after nasal instillation of hCFTR mRNA loaded U155@lipids. We further showed that, U155@lipids nanoparticles can deliver complex CRISPR-Cas9 based RNA cargo to the lung, achieving 5.6 ± 2.4 % gene editing in lung tissue. Moreover, we demonstrated successful PD-1 gene knockout of T cells in vivo . Our results highlight a versatile delivery platform for systemic delivering of mRNA of various sizes for gene therapy for a variety of therapeutics.
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8
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Shuai Q, Xie W, Chen S, Su H, Yan Y. Novel aromatic moieties-modified poly(glycidyl amine)s with potent siRNA delivery and cancer treatment effect. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:3115-3128. [PMID: 38451094 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02876c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The development of safe and effective delivery systems is critical for the clinical applications of siRNA-based therapeutics. Polymer-based vectors have garnered significant attention owing to their structural flexibility and functional tunability. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) has been extensively studied for nucleic acid delivery; nevertheless, its high cytotoxicity has posed challenges for clinical applications. In this study, we have reported poly(glycidyl amine) (PGAm), a linear PEI analogue, demonstrating remarkable siRNA delivery efficacy and improved biocompatibility. By introducing three aromatic moieties (tyrosine, p-hydroxybenzenepropanoic acid, and phenylalanine) at varying ratios to further modify PGAms, we successfully constructed a library comprising 36 PGAm-based carriers. In vitro evaluations revealed that PGAm-based carriers exhibited significantly enhanced biocompatibility and reduced non-specific protein absorption in comparison to PEI25k. Among them, 10 modified PGAms achieved a knockdown of target gene expressions exceeding 80%, and 26 modified PGAms maintained over 70% cell viability when utilized for the in vitro delivery of siRNA to HeLa cells. Explorations into the structure-activity relationship of PGAm-based polyplex nanoparticles (NPs) indicated that the siRNA delivery efficacy of NPs depended on factors such as the molecular weight of PGAm precursors, the type of modifying moieties, and the modification ratio. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that two top-performing NPs, namely 2T100/siLuc and 2A50/siLuc, exhibited potent silencing of target genes in tumors following i.v. injection into mice bearing HeLa-Luc xenografts. The in vivo efficacy of the selected NPs was further validated by a remarkable anti-cancer effect when employed for the delivery of siRNA targeting polo-like kinase 1 (siPLK1) to mice with PC-3 xenograft tumors. The intravenous administration of NPs resulted in a substantial inhibition of tumor growth without significant toxicity. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of employing PGAm in siRNA delivery and provide valuable insights for the development of efficient siRNA carriers based on PGAm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Shuai
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Wanxuan Xie
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Siyuan Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Huahui Su
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Yunfeng Yan
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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9
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Li J, Lin Y, Liu B, Zhou X, Chen W, Shen G. Alkylated Sulfonium Modification of Low Molecular Weight Polyethylenimine to Form Lipopolymers as Gene Vectors. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:2339-2349. [PMID: 38250374 PMCID: PMC10795143 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Hydrophobic modification of low molecular weight polyethylenimine (PEI) is an efficient method to form ideal gene-transfer carriers. Sulfonium-a combination of three different functional groups, was conjugated onto PEI 1.8k at a conjugation ratio of 1:0.1 to form a series of sulfonium PEI (SPs). These SPs were hydrophobically modified and characterized by Fourier transform infrared and HNMR. DNA-condensing abilities of SPs were tested with gel retardation experiment, and their cytotoxicity was evaluated via the MTT assay. The particle size and zeta potential of SP/DNA nanoparticles were measured and evaluated for cellular uptake and transfection ability on HepG2 cell line. The results showed that the sulfonium moiety was attached to PEI 1.8k with a high yield at a conjugation ratio of 1:0.1. SPs containing longer alkyl chains condensed DNA completely at an SP/DNA weight ratio of 2:1. The formed nanoparticle size was in the range of 168-265 nm, and the zeta potential was +16-45 mV. The IC50 values of SPs were 6.5-43.2 μg/mL. The cytotoxicity of SPs increased as the hydrophobic chain got longer. SP/DNA showed much stronger cellular uptakes than PEI 25k; however, pure SPs presented almost no gene transfection on cells. Heparin release experiment showed that SP's strong binding of DNA resulted in low release of DNA and thus hindered the gene transfection process. By mixing SP with PEI 1.8k, the mixture presented adjustable DNA binding and releasing. The mixture formed by 67% SP and 33% PEI 1.8k showed strong gene transfection. In conclusion, sulfonium is an effective linkage to carry hydrophobic groups to adjust cell compatibilities and gene transfection capabilities of PEI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- College
of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang
Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163319, China
- Heilongjiang
Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Recycling
of Argo-Waste in Cold Region, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163319, China
- Key
Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northeastern China,
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs P. R. China, College of
Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang
Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Yue Lin
- College
of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang
Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163319, China
| | - Bingling Liu
- College
of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang
Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163319, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhou
- College
of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang
Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163319, China
| | - Wenyang Chen
- College
of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang
Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163319, China
| | - Guinan Shen
- College
of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang
Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163319, China
- Heilongjiang
Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Recycling
of Argo-Waste in Cold Region, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163319, China
- Key
Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northeastern China,
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs P. R. China, College of
Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang
Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
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10
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Peschel JM, Reichel LS, Hoffmann T, Enzensperger C, Schubert US, Traeger A, Gottschaldt M. Modification of Branched Poly(ethylene imine) with d-Fructose for Selective Delivery of siRNA into Human Breast Cancer Cells. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2300135. [PMID: 37565461 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Branched poly(ethylene imine) (bPEI) is frequently used in RNA interference (RNAi) experiments as a cationic polymer for the delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) because of its ability to form stable polyplexes that facilitate siRNA uptake. However, the use of bPEI in gene delivery is limited by its cytotoxicity and a need for target specificity. In this work, bPEI is modified with d-fructose to improve biocompatibility and target breast cancer cells through the overexpressed GLUT5 transporter. Fructose-substituted bPEI (Fru-bPEI) is accessible in three steps starting from commercially available protected fructopyranosides and bPEI. Several polymers with varying molecular weights, degrees of substitution, and linker positions on d-fructose (C1 and C3) are synthesized and characterized with NMR spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, and elemental analysis. In vitro biological screenings show significantly reduced cytotoxicity of 10 kDa bPEI after fructose functionalization, specific uptake of siRNA polyplexes, and targeted knockdown of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) compared to noncancer cells (HEK293T).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Matthias Peschel
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Liên Sabrina Reichel
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Tim Hoffmann
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Ulrich Sigmar Schubert
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Anja Traeger
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Gottschaldt
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
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11
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Zhang Z, Chen K, Ameduri B, Chen M. Fluoropolymer Nanoparticles Synthesized via Reversible-Deactivation Radical Polymerizations and Their Applications. Chem Rev 2023; 123:12431-12470. [PMID: 37906708 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Fluorinated polymeric nanoparticles (FPNPs) combine unique properties of fluorocarbon and polymeric nanoparticles, which has stimulated massive interest for decades. However, fluoropolymers are not readily available from nature, resulting in synthetic developments to obtain FPNPs via free radical polymerizations. Recently, while increasing cutting-edge directions demand tailored FPNPs, such materials have been difficult to access via conventional approaches. Reversible-deactivation radical polymerizations (RDRPs) are powerful methods to afford well-defined polymers. Researchers have applied RDRPs to the fabrication of FPNPs, enabling the construction of particles with improved complexity in terms of structure, composition, morphology, and functionality. Related examples can be classified into three categories. First, well-defined fluoropolymers synthesized via RDRPs have been utilized as precursors to form FPNPs through self-folding and solution self-assembly. Second, thermally and photoinitiated RDRPs have been explored to realize in situ preparations of FPNPs with varied morphologies via polymerization-induced self-assembly and cross-linking copolymerization. Third, grafting from inorganic nanoparticles has been investigated based on RDRPs. Importantly, those advancements have promoted studies toward promising applications, including magnetic resonance imaging, biomedical delivery, energy storage, adsorption of perfluorinated alkyl substances, photosensitizers, and so on. This Review should present useful knowledge to researchers in polymer science and nanomaterials and inspire innovative ideas for the synthesis and applications of FPNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zexi Zhang
- Department of Macromolecular Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Kaixuan Chen
- Department of Macromolecular Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Bruno Ameduri
- Institute Charles Gerhardt of Montpellier (ICGM), CNRS, University of Montpellier, ENSCM, Montpellier 34296, France
| | - Mao Chen
- Department of Macromolecular Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
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12
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Liu X, Huang P, Yang R, Deng H. mRNA Cancer Vaccines: Construction and Boosting Strategies. ACS NANO 2023; 17:19550-19580. [PMID: 37819640 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c05635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
In late 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a lipid-based mRNA vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19, which has pushed this field to be more closely studied and motivated researchers to delve deeper into mRNA therapeutics. To date, the research on mRNA cancer vaccines has been developed rapidly, and substantial hopeful therapeutic results have been achieved against various solid tumors in clinical trials. In this review, we first introduce three main components of mRNA cancer vaccines, including mRNA antigens, adjuvants, and delivery vectors. Engineering these components can optimize the therapeutic effects of mRNA cancer vaccines. For instance, appropriate modification of mRNA structure can alleviate the poor stability and innate immunogenicity of mRNA, and the use of mRNA delivery vectors can address the issues of low delivery efficiency in vivo. Second, we emphatically discuss some strategies to further improve the efficacy of mRNA cancer vaccines, namely modulating the immunosuppressive tumor environment, optimizing administration routes, achieving targeting delivery to intended tissues or organs, and employing combination therapy. These strategies can strengthen the tumor inhibitory ability of mRNA cancer vaccines and increase the possibility of tumor elimination. Finally, we point out some challenges in the clinical practice of mRNA cancer vaccines and offer our perspectives on future developments in this rapidly evolving field. It is anticipated that mRNA cancer vaccines will be rapidly developed for clinical cancer therapy in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Liu
- School of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Xidian University, Xi'an 710126 China
- Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University & Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710126, China
- International Joint Research Center for Advanced Medical Imaging and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment & Xi'an Key Laboratory of Intelligent Sensing and Regulation of trans-Scale Life Information, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710126, China
| | - Pei Huang
- Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University & Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710126, China
- International Joint Research Center for Advanced Medical Imaging and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment & Xi'an Key Laboratory of Intelligent Sensing and Regulation of trans-Scale Life Information, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710126, China
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore
| | - Rusen Yang
- School of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Xidian University, Xi'an 710126 China
| | - Hongzhang Deng
- Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University & Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710126, China
- International Joint Research Center for Advanced Medical Imaging and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment & Xi'an Key Laboratory of Intelligent Sensing and Regulation of trans-Scale Life Information, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710126, China
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13
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He X, Xiong S, Sun Y, Zhong M, Xiao N, Zhou Z, Wang T, Tang Y, Xie J. Recent Progress of Rational Modified Nanocarriers for Cytosolic Protein Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1610. [PMID: 37376059 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061610] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic proteins garnered significant attention in the field of disease treatment. In comparison to small molecule drugs, protein therapies offer distinct advantages, including high potency, specificity, low toxicity, and reduced carcinogenicity, even at minimal concentrations. However, the full potential of protein therapy is limited by inherent challenges such as large molecular size, delicate tertiary structure, and poor membrane penetration, resulting in inefficient intracellular delivery into target cells. To address these challenges and enhance the clinical applications of protein therapies, various protein-loaded nanocarriers with tailored modifications were developed, including liposomes, exosomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and nanomotors. Despite these advancements, many of these strategies encounter significant issues such as entrapment within endosomes, leading to low therapeutic efficiency. In this review, we extensively discussed diverse strategies for the rational design of nanocarriers, aiming to overcome these limitations. Additionally, we presented a forward-looking viewpoint on the innovative generation of delivery systems specifically tailored for protein-based therapies. Our intention was to offer theoretical and technical support for the development and enhancement of nanocarriers capable of facilitating cytosolic protein delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao He
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
- Center for Cell and Gene Circuit Design, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Department of Geriatrics, The Shenzhen Hospital of Peking University, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Su Xiong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Yansun Sun
- Department of Geriatrics, The Shenzhen Hospital of Peking University, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Min Zhong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Nianting Xiao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Ziwei Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Yaqin Tang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Jing Xie
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
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14
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Wang A, Duan S, Hu Y, Ding X, Xu FJ. Fluorination of Polyethylenimines for Augmentation of Antibacterial Potency via Structural Damage and Potential Dissipation of Bacterial Membranes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:44173-44182. [PMID: 36130111 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c12692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The rise of drug-resistant bacteria (e.g., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA) has continued, making the ″super-bugs″ a formidable threat to global health. Herein, we synthesize a series of fluoroalkylated polyethylenimines (PEI-F) with different grafting degrees of fluoroalkyls via a simple ring-opening reaction and demonstrate for the first time that fluoroalkylated PEIs are able to exert potent antibacterial activity to Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Among the fluoroalkylated polymers, PEI-F3.0 shows the strongest antibacterial activity, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 64 μg mL-1, against both E. coli and S. aureus. More importantly, we find that PEI-F3.0 is able to kill over 99.8% of S. aureus within 1 min, which is extremely desirable for the treatment of acute and severe bacterial infections that require quick disinfection. We also demonstrate that the fluoroalkylated PEIs are able to kill bacteria via structural damage of the outer membrane (OM) and cytoplasmic membrane (CM), potential dissipation of CM, and generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). The in vivo antibacterial test suggests that commercial Vaseline blended with 6.25 wt % of PEI-F3.0 (VL/PEI-F3.0) is able to efficaciously eradicate MRSA infection on a bacterial infected wound model and promote the healing procedure of the wound site. Therefore, the fluoroalkylated PEIs provide a promising strategy to cope with the major challenges of drug-resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anzhi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Shun Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Yang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Xiaokang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Fu-Jian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
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15
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gene delivery vectors are a crucial determinant for gene therapeutic efficacy. Usually, it is necessary to use an excess of cationic vectors to achieve better transfection efficiency. However, it will cause severe cytotoxicity. In addition, cationic vectors are not resistant to serum, suffering from reduced transfection efficiency by forming large aggregates. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop optimized gene delivery vectors. Recently, fluorination of vectors has been extensively applied to increase the gene delivery performance because of the unique properties of both hydrophobicity and lipophobicity, and chemical and biological inertness. AREAS COVERED This review will discuss the fluorophilic effects that impact gene delivery efficiency, and chemical modification approaches for fluorination. Next, recent advances and applications of fluorinated polymeric and lipidic vectors in gene therapy and gene editing are summarized. EXPERT OPINION Fluorinated vectors are a promising candidate for gene delivery. However, it still needs further studies to obtain pure and well-defined fluorinated polymers, guarantee the biosafety, and clarify the detailed mechanism. Apart from the improvements in gene delivery, exploiting other versatility of fluorinated vectors, such as oxygen-carrying ability, high affinity with fluorine-containing drugs, and imaging property upon introducing 19F, will further facilitate their applications in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wan
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Yuhan Yang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Mingyu Wu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Shun Feng
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
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16
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Yu A, Tang S, Ding L, Foley J, Tang W, Jia H, Panja S, Holbert CE, Hang Y, Stewart TM, Smith LM, Sil D, Casero RA, Oupický D. Hyaluronate-coated perfluoroalkyl polyamine prodrugs as bioactive siRNA delivery systems for the treatment of peritoneal cancers. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 136:212755. [PMID: 35813988 PMCID: PMC9268001 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.212755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is an emerging therapeutic modality for cancer, which remains in critical need of effective delivery vectors due to the unfavorable biopharmaceutical properties of small RNAs. Polyamines are essential for functioning of mammalian cells. Dysregulated polyamine metabolism is found in many cancers and has been an attractive therapeutic target in combination therapies. Combination therapies based on drugs that affect polyamine metabolism and nucleic acids promise to enhance anticancer activity due to a cooperative effect on multiple oncogenic pathways. Here, we report bioactive polycationic prodrug (F-PaP) based on an anticancer polyamine analog bisethylnorspermine (BENSpm) modified with perfluoroalkyl moieties. Following encapsulation of siRNA, F-PaP/siRNA nanoparticles were coated with hyaluronic acid (HA) to form ternary nanoparticles HA@F-PaP/siRNA. The presence of perfluoroalkyl moieties and HA reduced cell membrane toxicity and improved stability of the particles with cooperatively enhanced siRNA delivery in pancreatic and colon cancer cell lines. We then tested a therapeutic hypothesis that combining BENSpm with siRNA silencing of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) would result in cooperative cancer cell killing. HA@F-PaP/siPLK1 induced polyamine catabolism and cell cycle arrest, leading to enhanced apoptosis in the tested cell lines. The HA-coated nanoparticles facilitated tumor accumulation and contributed to strong tumor inhibition and favorable modulation of the immune tumor microenvironment in orthotopic pancreatic cancer model. Combination anticancer therapy with polyamine prodrug-mediated delivery of siRNA. Hyaluronate coating of the siRNA nanoparticles facilitates selective accumulation in orthotopic pancreatic tumors. Perfluoroalkyl conjugation reduces toxicity and improves gene silencing effect. Nanoparticle treatment induces polyamine catabolism and cell cycle arrest leading to strong tumor inhibition and favorable modulation of immune tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Yu
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE, USA
| | - Siyuan Tang
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE, USA
| | - Ling Ding
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE, USA
| | - Jackson Foley
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Weimin Tang
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE, USA
| | - Huizhen Jia
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE, USA
| | - Sudipta Panja
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE, USA
| | - Cassandra E. Holbert
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yu Hang
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE, USA
| | - Tracy Murray Stewart
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lynette M. Smith
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE, USA
| | - Diptesh Sil
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE, USA
| | - Robert A. Casero
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David Oupický
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE, USA
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17
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Liu F, Su H, Li M, Xie W, Yan Y, Shuai Q. Zwitterionic Modification of Polyethyleneimine for Efficient In Vitro siRNA Delivery. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095014. [PMID: 35563405 PMCID: PMC9100541 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyethylenimine (PEI) has been widely used in gene delivery. However, its high cytotoxicity and undesired non-specific protein adsorption hinder the overall delivery efficacy and the practical applications of PEI-based gene delivery systems. In this study, we prepared hydrophobically modified PEIs (H-PEIs) via the reaction of octanal with 40% of primary amines in PEI25k and PEI10k, respectively. Two common zwitterionic molecules, 1,3-propanesultone and β-propiolactone, were then used for the modification of the resulting H-PEIs to construct polycationic gene carriers with zwitterionic properties (H-zPEIs). The siRNA delivery efficiency and cytotoxicity of these materials were evaluated in Hela-Luc and A549-Luc cell lines. Compared with their respective parental H-PEIs, different degrees of zwitterionic modification showed different effects in reducing cytotoxicity and delivery efficiency. All zwitterion-modified PEIs showed excellent siRNA binding capacity, reduced nonspecific protein adsorption, and enhanced stability upon nuclease degradation. It is concluded that zwitterionic molecular modification is an effective method to construct efficient vectors by preventing undesired interactions between polycationic carriers and biomacromolecules. It may offer insights into the modification of other cationic carriers of nucleic acid drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengfan Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Process Development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; (F.L.); (H.S.); (M.L.); (W.X.)
| | - Huahui Su
- National Engineering Research Center for Process Development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; (F.L.); (H.S.); (M.L.); (W.X.)
| | - Mengqian Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Process Development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; (F.L.); (H.S.); (M.L.); (W.X.)
| | - Wanxuan Xie
- National Engineering Research Center for Process Development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; (F.L.); (H.S.); (M.L.); (W.X.)
| | - Yunfeng Yan
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (Q.S.)
| | - Qi Shuai
- National Engineering Research Center for Process Development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; (F.L.); (H.S.); (M.L.); (W.X.)
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (Q.S.)
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18
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Lv J, Wang H, Rong G, Cheng Y. Fluorination Promotes the Cytosolic Delivery of Genes, Proteins, and Peptides. Acc Chem Res 2022; 55:722-733. [PMID: 35175741 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.1c00766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The cytosolic delivery of biomolecules such as genes, proteins, and peptides is of great importance for biotherapy but usually limited by multiple barriers during the process. Cell membrane with high hydrophobic character is one of the representative biological barriers for cytosolic delivery. The introduction of hydrophobic ligands such as aliphatic lipids onto materials or biomolecules could improve their membrane permeability. However, these ligands are lipophilic and tend to interact with the phospholipids in the membrane as well as serum proteins, which may hinder efficient intracellular delivery. To solve this issue, our research group proposed the use of fluorous ligands with both hydrophobicity and lipophobicity as ideal alternatives to aliphatic lipids to promote cytosolic delivery.In our first attempt, fluorous ligands were conjugated onto cationic polymers to increase their gene delivery efficacy. The fluorination dramatically increased the gene delivery performance at low polymer doses. In addition, the strategy greatly improved the serum tolerance of cationic polymers, which is critical for efficient gene delivery in vivo. Besides serum tolerance, mechanism studies revealed that fluorination increases multiple steps such as cellular uptake and endosomal escape. Fluorination also allowed the assembly of low-molecular-weight polymers and achieved highly efficient gene delivery with minimal material toxicity. The method showed robust efficiency for polymers, including linear polymers, branched polymers, dendrimers, bola amphiphilies, and dendronized polymers.Besides gene delivery, fluorinated polymers were also used for intracellular protein delivery via a coassembly strategy. For this purpose, two lead fluoropolymers were screened from a library of amphiphilic materials. The fluoropolymers are greatly superior to their nonfluorinated analogues conjugated with aliphatic lipids. The fluorous lipids are beneficial for polymer assembly and protein encapsulation, reduced protein denaturation, facilitated endocytosis, and decreased polymer toxicity compared to nonfluorinated lipids. The materials exhibited potent efficacy in therapeutic protein and peptide delivery to achieve cancer therapy and were able to fabricate a personalized nanovaccine for cancer immunotherapy. Finally, the fluorous lipids were directly conjugated to peptides via a disulfide bond for cytosolic peptide delivery. Fluorous lipids drive the assembly of cargo peptides into uniform nanoparticles with much improved proteolytic stability and promote their delivery into various types of cells. The delivery efficacy of this strategy is greatly superior to traditional techniques such as cell-penetrating peptides both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, the fluorination techniques provide efficient and promising strategies for the cytosolic delivery of biomolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Lv
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P. R. China
| | - Hui Wang
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, School of Molecular Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, P. R. China
| | - Guangyu Rong
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, School of Molecular Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, P. R. China
| | - Yiyun Cheng
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P. R. China
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19
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Song T, Gao Y, Song M, Qian J, Zhang H, Zhou J, Ding Y. Fluoropolymers-mediated efficient biomacromolecule drug delivery. MEDICINE IN DRUG DISCOVERY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medidd.2022.100123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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20
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Pandey M, Ojha D, Bansal S, Rode AB, Chawla G. From bench side to clinic: Potential and challenges of RNA vaccines and therapeutics in infectious diseases. Mol Aspects Med 2021; 81:101003. [PMID: 34332771 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2021.101003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The functional and structural versatility of Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) makes them ideal candidates for overcoming the limitations imposed by small molecule-based drugs. Hence, RNA-based biopharmaceuticals such as messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNA mimics, anti-miRNA oligonucleotides (AMOs), aptamers, riboswitches, and CRISPR-Cas9 are emerging as vital tools for the treatment and prophylaxis of many infectious diseases. Some of the major challenges to overcome in the area of RNA-based therapeutics have been the instability of single-stranded RNAs, delivery to the diseased cell, and immunogenicity. However, recent advancements in the delivery systems of in vitro transcribed mRNA and chemical modifications for protection against nucleases and reducing the toxicity of RNA have facilitated the entry of several exogenous RNAs into clinical trials. In this review, we provide an overview of RNA-based vaccines and therapeutics, their production, delivery, current advancements, and future translational potential in treating infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Pandey
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Divya Ojha
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Sakshi Bansal
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Ambadas B Rode
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, India.
| | - Geetanjali Chawla
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, India.
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21
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Wang H, Zhang S, Lv J, Cheng Y. Design of polymers for siRNA delivery: Recent progress and challenges. VIEW 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/viw.20200026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology School of Molecular Science and Engineering South China University of Technology Guangzhou China
| | - Song Zhang
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology School of Molecular Science and Engineering South China University of Technology Guangzhou China
| | - Jia Lv
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology School of Molecular Science and Engineering South China University of Technology Guangzhou China
| | - Yiyun Cheng
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology School of Molecular Science and Engineering South China University of Technology Guangzhou China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology School of Life Sciences East China Normal University Shanghai China
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22
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Lv J, Cheng Y. Fluoropolymers in biomedical applications: state-of-the-art and future perspectives. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:5435-5467. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00258e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Biomedical applications of fluoropolymers in gene delivery, protein delivery, drug delivery, 19F MRI, PDT, anti-fouling, anti-bacterial, cell culture, and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Lv
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology
- School of Life Sciences
- East China Normal University
- Shanghai
- China
| | - Yiyun Cheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology
- School of Life Sciences
- East China Normal University
- Shanghai
- China
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23
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Wu Y, Wang L, Xiong Y, Zhou Q, Li L, Chen G, Ping Y, Davidson G, Levkin PA, Gao L, Deng W. Cell-based high-throughput screening of cationic polymers for efficient DNA and siRNA delivery. Acta Biomater 2020; 115:410-417. [PMID: 32853811 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Development of non-viral gene vectors which can efficiently and safely transfect plasmid DNA and siRNA into cells is of great importance for gene therapy. Despite lots of efforts spent, it is still imperative to develop suitable gene vectors with better transfection efficiency and low cytotoxicity. To this end, we successfully designed, synthesized and screened a library of 120 polymers (via nucleophilic substitution reaction between dihalides and amines). With cell-based transfection screening assays, 120 polymers were tested to evaluate their transfection efficiency of transporting DNA and siRNA into cells. Our results indicated that hydrophobic modification could greatly enhance cationic polymers' transfection efficiency, and polymers with long linkers usually showed better transfection performance, especially for polymers with the linker of 1, 12-dibromododecane (L3 linker). Besides, polyalkylamines exhibited better transfection efficiency with the polymer particle size around 200 nm and the zeta potential in the range of + 40 mV to +50 mV. Interestingly, polymer particles made from N15HL3 not only exhibited better DNA transfection efficiency in HEK 293T cells but also showed higher siRNA transfection efficiency in U87 Luc-GFP cells together with low cell toxicity than Lipofectamine 2000 (one of commercial transfection reagents). Therefore, it is hoped that our study here not only provides promising gene vector candidates for further evaluation in gene therapy, but also provides valuable insights for better understanding of the relationship between the chemical structures and gene transfection efficiency to rationally design better non-viral gene vectors for gene therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihang Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, P.R. China; Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen 76344, Germany
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, P.R. China
| | - Yue Xiong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, P.R. China
| | - Quanming Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, P.R. China
| | - Linxian Li
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen 76344, Germany; Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Hong Kong
| | - Guanyu Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, P.R. China
| | - Yulei Ping
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, P.R. China
| | - Gary Davidson
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen 76344, Germany
| | - Pavel A Levkin
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen 76344, Germany.
| | - Liqian Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, P.R. China.
| | - Wenbin Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, P.R. China.
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24
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Dammes N, Peer D. Paving the Road for RNA Therapeutics. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 41:755-775. [PMID: 32893005 PMCID: PMC7470715 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic RNA molecules possess high potential for treating medical conditions if they can successfully reach the target cell upon administration. However, unmodified RNA molecules are rapidly degraded and cleared from the circulation. In addition, their large size and negative charge complicates their passing through the cell membrane. The difficulty of RNA therapy, therefore, lies in the efficient intracellular delivery of intact RNA molecules to the tissue of interest without inducing adverse effects. Here, we outline the recent developments in therapeutic RNA delivery and discuss the wide potential in manipulating the function of cells with RNAs. The focus is not only on the variety of delivery strategies but also on the versatile nature of RNA and its wide applicability. This wide applicability is especially interesting when considering the modular nature of nucleic acids. An optimal delivery vehicle, therefore, can facilitate numerous clinical applications of RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Dammes
- Laboratory of Precision NanoMedicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel,School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel,Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel,Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, and Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel,Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Dan Peer
- Laboratory of Precision NanoMedicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, and Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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25
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Chen P, Zhang J, He X, Liu YH, Yu XQ. Hydrophobically modified carbon dots as a multifunctional platform for serum-resistant gene delivery and cell imaging. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:3730-3740. [PMID: 32501458 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm00651c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The development of novel multifunctional gene delivery systems with high efficiency is significant. Herein, due to the unique physical and optical properties of carbon dots (CDs), CDs prepared from polyethyleneimine (PEI) were modified with various hydrophobic chains and different degrees of substitution via an epoxide ring-opening reaction. The modification and substitution degree were confirmed using several analytical methods including 1H NMR spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, TEM, and XPS. These CDs were utilized as multifunctional, safe and efficient non-viral gene vectors. The results showed that these materials possessed capability for dual-channel imaging, which enabled the intracellular tracking of the delivered DNA. Both the type and substitution degree of the hydrophobic chain have a large influence on their transfection efficiency. Among the prepared CDs, Ole1.5-CD gave the highest transfection efficiency, which was up to 200 times higher than that of PEI 25 kDa in the presence of serum in A549 cells. Meanwhile, these CD materials showed much less cytotoxicity and better serum tolerance than the traditional cationic polymeric gene vector. The cellular uptake assay further confirmed the good serum tolerance and structure-activity relationship of the CD materials. Thus, these CDs with good biocompatibility, self-imaging and high gene transfection efficiency may serve as a promising platform for both gene delivery and bio-imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Chen
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China.
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26
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Natural polyphenol assisted delivery of single-strand oligonucleotides by cationic polymers. Gene Ther 2020; 27:383-391. [PMID: 32366887 PMCID: PMC7445782 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-020-0151-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Single-strand oligonucleotides provide promising potential as new therapeutics towards various diseases. However, the efficient delivery of oligonucleotide therapeutics is still challenging due to their susceptibility to nuclease degradation and the lack of effective carriers for condensation. In this study, we reported the use of natural polyphenol to facilitate the condensation of single-strand oligonucleotides by cationic polymers. Green tea catechin complexed with single-strand oligonucleotides to form anionic nanoparticles, which were further coated by low molecular weight cationic polymers to increase their cell internalization. The resulting core-shell structured nanoparticles, so-called green nanoparticles (GNPs), showed improved cargo stability, and achieved high efficiency in the delivery of several types of single-strand oligonucleotides including antisense oligonucleotides, anti-miRNA, and DNAzyme. This study provides a facile strategy for the efficient delivery of single-strand oligonucleotides.
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27
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Wu P, Luo X, Wu H, Zhang Q, Wang K, Sun M, Oupicky D. Combined Hydrophobization of Polyethylenimine with Cholesterol and Perfluorobutyrate Improves siRNA Delivery. Bioconjug Chem 2020; 31:698-707. [PMID: 31967460 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.9b00834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is a promising delivery vector of nucleic acids, but cytotoxicity and only moderate transfection efficacy with small RNAs limit its applications. Here we hypothesized that hydrophobization of PEI by combined modification with perfluorinated moieties (F) and cholesterol (Ch) will help in addressing both the cytotoxicity and siRNA delivery efficacy. To test the hypothesis, we synthesized a series of copolymers (F-PEI-Ch) by modifying PEI by reaction with heptafluorobutyric anhydride and cholesteryl chloroformate. We investigated and compared the effect of the modifications on siRNA delivery in vitro and in vivo. We found that the F-PEI-Ch copolymers assembled into micellar structures and that the copolymer with the highest Ch content exhibited the best siRNA delivery performance, including lower cytotoxicity, enhanced cell uptake, improved endosomal escape, and the best siRNA silencing efficacy in vitro and in vivo when compared with control PEI, F-PEI, and PEI-Ch. Overall, hydrophobization of PEI with a combination of cholesterol and superhydrophobic perfluorinated moieties represents a promising approach to the design of siRNA delivery vectors with decreased toxicity and enhanced transfection efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengkai Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
| | - Xinping Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qingyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Kaikai Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Minjie Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - David Oupicky
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
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28
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Lv J, Fan Q, Wang H, Cheng Y. Polymers for cytosolic protein delivery. Biomaterials 2019; 218:119358. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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29
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Wang M, Xue H, Gao M, Wang Q, Yang H. Synthetic fluorinated polyamides as efficient gene vectors. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2019; 107:2132-2139. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.34307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mian Wang
- Xinxiang Medical University; Jinsui Avenue 601, Xinxiang 453003 China
| | - Han Xue
- Xinxiang Medical University; Jinsui Avenue 601, Xinxiang 453003 China
| | - Min Gao
- Lianyungang Technical College; Chenguang Road 2, Lianyungang 222000 China
| | - Qingli Wang
- Jinyuan Mineral Co. Ltd; Lingbao 472500 China
| | - Haijie Yang
- Xinxiang Medical University; Jinsui Avenue 601, Xinxiang 453003 China
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30
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Zhang Y, Lin L, Liu L, Liu F, Maruyama A, Tian H, Chen X. Ionic-crosslinked polysaccharide/PEI/DNA nanoparticles for stabilized gene delivery. Carbohydr Polym 2018; 201:246-256. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.08.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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31
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Wu P, Luo X, Wu H, Yu F, Wang K, Sun M, Oupicky D. Cholesterol Modification Enhances Antimetastatic Activity and siRNA Delivery Efficacy of Poly(ethylenimine)‐Based CXCR4 Antagonists. Macromol Biosci 2018; 18:e1800234. [DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201800234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pengkai Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesDepartment of PharmaceuticsChina Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Xingping Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesDepartment of PharmaceuticsChina Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Hui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesDepartment of PharmaceuticsChina Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Fei Yu
- Center for Drug Delivery and NanomedicineDepartment of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68198 USA
| | - Kaikai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesDepartment of PharmaceuticsChina Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Minjie Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesDepartment of PharmaceuticsChina Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - David Oupicky
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesDepartment of PharmaceuticsChina Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
- Center for Drug Delivery and NanomedicineDepartment of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68198 USA
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32
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Xun MM, Huang Z, Xiao YP, Liu YH, Zhang J, Zhang JH, Yu XQ. Synthesis and Properties of Low-Molecular-Weight PEI-Based Lipopolymers for Delivery of DNA. Polymers (Basel) 2018; 10:E1060. [PMID: 30960985 PMCID: PMC6403936 DOI: 10.3390/polym10101060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapid enzymatic degradation and fragmentation during DNA administration can result in limited gene expression, and consequently, poor efficacy. It is necessary to use novel vectors for DNA delivery. Herein, we aimed to design useful carriers for enhancing transfection efficiency (TE). These lipopolymers were prepared through Michael addition reactions from low-molecular-weight (LMW) polyethyleneimine (PEI) and linkers with three kinds of steroids. Agarose gel electrophoresis assay results displayed that the three lipopolymers could condense plasmid DNA well, and the formed polyplexes had appropriate sizes around 200⁻300 nm, and zeta potentials of about +25⁻40 mV. The results of in vitro experiments using HeLa, HEK293, and MCF-7 cells showed that these lipopolymers present higher TE than 25-kDa PEI, both in the absence and presence of 10% serum. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy studies also demonstrated that these lipopolymer/DNA complexes present higher cellular uptake and intracellular distribution. The measurement of critical micelle concentration (CMC) revealed that these lipopolymers could form micelles, which are suited for drug delivery. All results suggest that the three materials may serve as hopeful candidates for gene and drug delivery in future in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Miao Xun
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemical Engineering Comprehensive Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan 030000, China.
| | - Zheng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China.
| | - Ya-Ping Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China.
| | - Yan-Hong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China.
| | - Ji Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China.
| | - Ju-Hui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China.
| | - Xiao-Qi Yu
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China.
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33
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The fluorination effect of fluoroamphiphiles in cytosolic protein delivery. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1377. [PMID: 29636457 PMCID: PMC5893556 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03779-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct delivery of proteins into cells avoids many drawbacks of gene delivery, and thus has emerging applications in biotherapy. However, it remains a challenging task owing to limited charges and relatively large size of proteins. Here, we report an efficient protein delivery system via the co-assembly of fluoroamphiphiles and proteins into nanoparticles. Fluorous substituents on the amphiphiles play essential roles in the formation of uniform nanoparticles, avoiding protein denaturation, efficient endocytosis, and maintaining low cytotoxicity. Structure-activity relationship studies reveal that longer fluorous chain length and higher fluorination degree contribute to more efficient protein delivery, but excess fluorophilicity on the polymer leads to the pre-assembly of fluoroamphiphiles into stable vesicles, and thus failed protein encapsulation and cytosolic delivery. This study highlights the advantage of fluoroamphiphiles over other existing strategies for intracellular protein delivery. Proteins can serve as means of medical treatment, but their efficient delivery to cells is difficult. Here, the authors present a type of polymers, fluoroamphiphiles, acting as chemical chaperones that can facilitate the import of proteins into the inner compartment, i.e. cytosol, of cells.
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34
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Tan E, Lv J, Hu J, Shen W, Wang H, Cheng Y. Statistical versus block fluoropolymers in gene delivery. J Mater Chem B 2018; 6:7230-7238. [DOI: 10.1039/c8tb01470a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A statistical fluorocopolymer shows dramatically higher transfection efficiency in gene delivery than a block one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Echuan Tan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology
- School of Life Sciences
- East China Normal University
- Shanghai
- P. R. China
| | - Jia Lv
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology
- School of Life Sciences
- East China Normal University
- Shanghai
- P. R. China
| | - Jingjing Hu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology
- School of Life Sciences
- East China Normal University
- Shanghai
- P. R. China
| | - Wanwan Shen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology
- School of Life Sciences
- East China Normal University
- Shanghai
- P. R. China
| | - Hui Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology
- School of Life Sciences
- East China Normal University
- Shanghai
- P. R. China
| | - Yiyun Cheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology
- School of Life Sciences
- East China Normal University
- Shanghai
- P. R. China
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35
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Fabrication of Low-Generation Dendrimers into Nanostructures for Efficient and Nontoxic Gene Delivery. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2017; 375:62. [DOI: 10.1007/s41061-017-0151-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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36
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Xiao YP, Zhang J, Liu YH, Huang Z, Wang B, Zhang YM, Yu XQ. Cross-linked polymers with fluorinated bridges for efficient gene delivery. J Mater Chem B 2017; 5:8542-8553. [DOI: 10.1039/c7tb02158e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A new strategy for the construction of fluorinated cationic polymers for gene delivery was introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ping Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology (Ministry of Education)
- College of Chemistry
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610064
- P. R. China
| | - Ji Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology (Ministry of Education)
- College of Chemistry
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610064
- P. R. China
| | - Yan-Hong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology (Ministry of Education)
- College of Chemistry
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610064
- P. R. China
| | - Zheng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology (Ministry of Education)
- College of Chemistry
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610064
- P. R. China
| | - Bing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology (Ministry of Education)
- College of Chemistry
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610064
- P. R. China
| | - Yi-Mei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology (Ministry of Education)
- College of Chemistry
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610064
- P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Qi Yu
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology (Ministry of Education)
- College of Chemistry
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610064
- P. R. China
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