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De Breuck J, Streiber M, Ringleb M, Schröder D, Herzog N, Schubert US, Zechel S, Traeger A, Leiske MN. Amino-Acid-Derived Anionic Polyacrylamides with Tailored Hydrophobicity-Physicochemical Properties and Cellular Interactions. ACS POLYMERS AU 2024; 4:222-234. [PMID: 38882030 PMCID: PMC11177303 DOI: 10.1021/acspolymersau.3c00048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Polyanions can internalize into cells via endocytosis without any cell disruption and are therefore interesting materials for biomedical applications. In this study, amino-acid-derived polyanions with different alkyl side-chains are synthesized via postpolymerization modification of poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate), which is synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization, to obtain polyanions with tailored hydrophobicity and alkyl branching. The success of the reaction is verified by size-exclusion chromatography, NMR spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. The hydrophobicity, surface charge, and pH dependence are investigated in detail by titrations, high-performance liquid chromatography, and partition coefficient measurements. Remarkably, the determined pK a-values for all synthesized polyanions are very similar to those of poly(acrylic acid) (pK a = 4.5), despite detectable differences in hydrophobicity. Interactions between amino-acid-derived polyanions with L929 fibroblasts reveal very slow cell association as well as accumulation of polymers in the cell membrane. Notably, the more hydrophobic amino-acid-derived polyanions show higher cell association. Our results emphasize the importance of macromolecular engineering toward ideal charge and hydrophobicity for polymer association with cell membranes and internalization. This study further highlights the potential of amino-acid-derived polymers and the diversity they provide for tailoring properties toward drug delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas De Breuck
- Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Michael Streiber
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Ringleb
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Dennis Schröder
- Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bavarian Polymer Institute, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Natascha Herzog
- Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Ulrich S Schubert
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Zechel
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Anja Traeger
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Meike N Leiske
- Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bavarian Polymer Institute, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
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2
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Lv W, Wang Y, Fu H, Liang Z, Huang B, Jiang R, Wu J, Zhao Y. Recent advances of multifunctional zwitterionic polymers for biomedical application. Acta Biomater 2024; 181:19-45. [PMID: 38729548 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.05.006] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Zwitterionic polymers possess equal total positive and negative charges in the repeating units, making them electrically neutral overall. This unique property results in superhydrophilicity, which makes the zwitterionic polymers highly effective in resisting protein adsorption, thus endowing the drug carriers with long blood circulation time, inhibiting thrombus formation on biomedical devices in contact with blood, and ensuring the good sensitivity of sensors in biomedical application. Moreover, zwitterionic polymers have tumor-targeting ability and pH-responsiveness, rendering them ideal candidates for antitumor drug delivery. Additionally, the high ionic conductivity of zwitterionic polymers makes them an important raw material for ionic skin. Zwitterionic polymers exhibit remarkable resistance to bacterial adsorption and growth, proving their suitability in a wide range of biomedical applications such as ophthalmic applications, and wound dressings. In this paper, we provide an in-depth analysis of the different structures and characteristics of zwitterionic polymers and highlight their unique qualities and suitability for biomedical applications. Furthermore, we discuss the limitations and challenges that must be overcome to realize the full potential of zwitterionic polymers and present an optimistic perspective for zwitterionic polymers in the biomedical fields. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Zwitterionic polymers have a series of excellent properties such as super hydrophilicity, anti-protein adsorption, antibacterial ability and good ionic conductivity. However, biomedical applications of multifunctional zwitterionic polymers are still a major field to be explored. This review focuses on the design and application of zwitterionic polymers-based nanosystems for targeted and responsive delivery of antitumor drugs and cancer diagnostic agents. Moreover, the use of zwitterionic polymers in various biomedical applications such as biomedical devices in contact with blood, biosensors, ionic skin, ophthalmic applications and wound dressings is comprehensively described. We discuss current results and future challenges for a better understanding of multifunctional zwitterionic polymers for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Lv
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Yanhui Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Huayu Fu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Ziyang Liang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Bangqi Huang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Ruiqin Jiang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Bioscience and Biomedical Engineering Thrust, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), Nansha, Guangzhou, 511400, Guangdong, China; Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Yi Zhao
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.
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3
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Leiske MN, De Geest BG, Hoogenboom R. Impact of the polymer backbone chemistry on interactions of amino-acid-derived zwitterionic polymers with cells. Bioact Mater 2023; 24:524-534. [PMID: 36714331 PMCID: PMC9860433 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Zwitterionic polymers are known to interact with cells and have been shown to reveal cancer cell specificity. In this work, the importance of the chemistry of the polymer backbone for the cellular specificity of amino-acid-derived polyzwitterions is demonstrated. A series of glutamic acid (Glu)-based vinyl monomers (i.e., an acrylate, a methacrylate, an acrylamide, and a methacrylamide) were prepared and used for reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerisation, yielding defined polymers with narrow size distribution (Ð < 1.3). All Glu-functionalised, zwitterionic polymers revealed high cytocompatibility; however, differences in cellular association and specificity were observed. In particular, the methacrylamide-derived polymers showed high association with both, breast cancer cells and non-cancerous dendritic cells and, consequently, lack specificity. In contrast, high specificity to only breast cancer cells was observed for polyacrylates, -methacrylates, and -acrylamides. Detailed analysis of the polymers revealed differences in hydrophobicity, zeta potential, and potential side chain hydrolysis, which are impacted by the polymer backbone and might be responsible for the altered the cell association of these polymers. It is shown that a slightly negative net charge is preferred over a neutral charge to retain cell specificity. This was also confirmed by association experiments in the presence of competitive amino acid transporter substrates. The affinity of slightly negatively charged Glu-derived polymers to the xCT Glu/cystine cell membrane antiporter was found to be higher than that of neutrally charged polymers. Our results emphasise the importance of the polymer backbone for the design of cell-specific polymers. This study further highlights the potential to tailor amino-acid-derived zwitterionic materials beyond their side chain functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike N. Leiske
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bruno G. De Geest
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Richard Hoogenboom
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
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4
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Fujii S. Polymeric core-crosslinked particles prepared via a nanoemulsion-mediated process: from particle design and structural characterization to in vivo behavior in chemotherapy. Polym J 2023; 55:1-13. [PMID: 37359987 PMCID: PMC10189226 DOI: 10.1038/s41428-023-00793-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Various polymeric nanoparticles have been used as drug carriers in drug delivery systems (DDSs). Most of them were constructed from dynamic self-assembly systems formed via hydrophobic interactions and from structures that are unstable in an in vivo environment owing to their relatively weak formation forces. As a solution to this issue, physically stabilized core-crosslinked particles (CP) with chemically crosslinked cores have received attention as alternatives to the dynamic nanoparticles. This focused review summarizes recent advances in the construction, structural characterization, and in vivo behavior of polymeric CPs. First, we introduce a nanoemulsion-mediated method to create polyethylene glycol (PEG)-bearing CPs and their structural characterization. The relationship between the PEG chain conformations in the particle shell and the in vivo fate of the CPs is also discussed. After that, the development and advantages of zwitterionic amino acid-based polymer (ZAP)-bearing CPs are presented to address the poor penetration and the internalization of PEG-based CPs into tumor tissues and cells, respectively. Finally, we conclude and discuss prospects for application of polymeric CPs in the DDS field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Fujii
- Polymer Science and Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 USA
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Liu K, Chen Y, Yang Z, Jin J. zwitterionic Pluronic analog-coated PLGA nanoparticles for oral insulin delivery. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 236:123870. [PMID: 36870645 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, zwitterionic materials have drawn great attention in oral drug delivery system due to their capacity for rapid mucus diffusion and enhanced cellular internalization. However, zwitterionic materials tend to show strong polarity that was hard to directly coat hydrophobic nanoparticles (NPs). Inspired by Pluronic coating, a simple and convenient strategy to coat NPs with zwitterionic materials using zwitterionic Pluronic analogs was developed in this investigation. Poly(carboxybetaine)-poly(propylene oxide)-Poly(carboxybetaine) (PCB-PPO-PCB, PPP), containing PPO segments with MW > 2.0 kDa, can effectively adsorb on the surface of PLGA NPs with typical core-shell spherical in shape. The PLGA@PPP4K NPs were stable in gastrointestinal physiological environment and sequentially conquered mucus and epithelium barriers. Proton-assisted amine acid transporter 1 (PAT1) was verified to contribute to the enhanced internalization of PLGA@PPP4K NPs, and the NPs could partially evade lysosomal degradation pathway and utilize retrograde pathway for intracellular transport. In addition, the enhanced villi absorption in situ and oral liver distribution in vivo were also observed compared to PLGA@F127 NPs. Moreover, insulin-loaded PLGA@PPP4K NPs as an oral delivery application for diabetes induce a fine hypoglycemic response in diabetic rats after oral administration. The results of this study demonstrated that zwitterionic Pluronic analogs-coated NPs might provide a new perspective for zwitterionic materials application as well as oral delivery of biotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedong Liu
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yun Chen
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zhaoqi Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Jian Jin
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
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6
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Guo H, Xu W, Nomoto T, Kanamori K, Voon YM, Honda Y, Yamada N, Takemoto H, Matsui M, Nishiyama N. Polymeric ligands comprising sulfur-containing amino acids for targeting tumor-associated amino acid transporters. Biomaterials 2023; 293:121987. [PMID: 36584445 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Various cancer cells overexpress L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) to take up a large number of neutral amino acids such as phenylalanine and methionine, and LAT1 transporter should be a promising target for cancer diagnosis and therapy. However, only a few studies reported drug delivery systems targeting LAT1 probably due to limited knowledge about the interaction between LAT1 and its substrate. Here, we developed polymers having methionine (Met)- or cysteine (Cys)-like structures on their side chains to examine their affinity with LAT1. While both the Met- and Cys-modified polymers exhibited efficient cellular uptake selectively in cancer cells, the Met-modified polymers exhibited higher cellular uptake efficiency in an LAT1-selective manner than the Cys-modified polymers. In the in vivo study, the intraperitoneally injected Met-modified polymers showed appreciable tumor-selective accumulation in the peritoneal dissemination model, and importantly, Met-modified polymers conjugated with photosensitizers exhibited significant therapeutic effects upon photoirradiation with reduced photochemical damage to normal organs. Our results may provide important knowledge about the polymer-LAT1 interaction, and the Met-modified polymers should offer a new concept for designing LAT1-targeting drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haochen Guo
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsutacho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan; Department of Life Science and Technology, School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsutacho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Wen Xu
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsutacho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nomoto
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsutacho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan; Department of Life Science and Technology, School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsutacho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan.
| | - Kaito Kanamori
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsutacho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan; Department of Life Science and Technology, School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsutacho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Yan Ming Voon
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsutacho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan; Department of Life Science and Technology, School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsutacho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Yuto Honda
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsutacho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan; Department of Life Science and Technology, School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsutacho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Naoki Yamada
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsutacho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Takemoto
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsutacho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan; Department of Life Science and Technology, School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsutacho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Makoto Matsui
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsutacho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Nishiyama
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsutacho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan; Department of Life Science and Technology, School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsutacho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan; Innovation Center of Nanomedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 210-0821, Japan.
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7
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Fujii S, Sakurai K. Zwitterionic Amino Acid Polymer-Grafted Core-Crosslinked Particle toward Tumor Delivery. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:3968-3977. [PMID: 36018790 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Zwitterionic amino acid polymers (ZAPs) exhibit biocompatibility and recognition capability for amino acid transporters (AATs) overexpressed on cancer cells. They are potential cancer-targeting ligands in nanoparticle-based nanomedicines utilized in cancer chemotherapy. Here, a poly(glutamine methacrylate) (pGlnMA)-grafted core-crosslinked particle (pGlnMA-CCP) is prepared through the formation of nanoemulsions stabilized using amphiphilic block copolymers comprising pGlnMA as the hydrophilic block. The chain conformation of the grafted polymer and the particle structure of pGlnMA-CCP are precisely elucidated by dynamic light scattering, X-ray scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. pGlnMA-CCP demonstrates active cellular uptake and deep penetration behaviors for cancer cells and spheroids, respectively, via an AAT-mediated mechanism. The in vivo pharmacokinetics of pGlnMA-CCP is practically comparable to those of a CCP covered with poly(polyethylene glycol methacrylate) (pPEGMA), which inhibits protein adsorption and prolongs blood retention, implying that the biocompatible properties of pGlnMA are similar to those of pPEGMA. Furthermore, pGlnMA-CCP accumulates in cancer tissues at a higher level than that of pPEGMA systems. The results demonstrate that the properties of cancer targetability, tumor permeability, efficient tumor accumulation, and biocompatibility can be obtained by grafting pGlnMA onto nanoparticles, suggesting a high potential of pGlnMA as a ligand for cancer-targeting nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Fujii
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0135, Japan
| | - Kazuo Sakurai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0135, Japan
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Leiske MN, Mazrad ZAI, Zelcak A, Wahi K, Davis TP, McCarroll JA, Holst J, Kempe K. Zwitterionic Amino Acid-Derived Polyacrylates as Smart Materials Exhibiting Cellular Specificity and Therapeutic Activity. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:2374-2387. [PMID: 35508075 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The synthesis of new amino acid-containing, cell-specific, therapeutically active polymers is presented. Amino acids served as starting material for the preparation of tailored polymers with different amino acids in the side chain. The reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization of acrylate monomers yielded polymers of narrow size distribution (Đ ≤ 1.3). In particular, glutamate (Glu)-functionalized, zwitterionic polymers revealed a high degree of cytocompatibility and cellular specificity, i.e., showing association to different cancer cell lines, but not with nontumor fibroblasts. Energy-dependent uptake mechanisms were confirmed by means of temperature-dependent cellular uptake experiments as well as localization of the polymers in cellular lysosomes determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The amino acid receptor antagonist O-benzyl-l-serine (BzlSer) was chosen as an active ingredient for the design of therapeutic copolymers. RAFT copolymerization of Glu acrylate and BzlSer acrylate resulted in tailored macromolecules with distinct monomer ratios. The targeted, cytotoxic activity of copolymers was demonstrated by means of multiday in vitro cell viability assays. To this end, polymers with 25 mol % BzlSer content showed cytotoxicity against cancer cells, while leaving fibroblasts unaffected over a period of 3 days. Our results emphasize the importance of biologically derived materials to be included in synthetic polymers and the potential of zwitterionic, amino acid-derived materials for cellular targeting. Furthermore, it highlights that the fine balance between cellular specificity and unspecific cytotoxicity can be tailored by monomer ratios within a copolymer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike N Leiske
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Zihnil A I Mazrad
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Aykut Zelcak
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Kanu Wahi
- School of Medical Sciences and Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Thomas P Davis
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Joshua A McCarroll
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.,Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.,UNSW RNA Institute, Sydney, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Jeff Holst
- School of Medical Sciences and Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Kristian Kempe
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.,Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
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9
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Fujii S, Takano S, Nakazawa K, Sakurai K. Impact of Zwitterionic Polymers on the Tumor Permeability of Molecular Bottlebrush-Based Nanoparticles. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:2846-2855. [PMID: 35486537 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Biocompatible polymers possessing antifouling properties for biomolecules are necessary to be combined with nanoparticles for cancer chemotherapy to improve their retention in blood and subsequent tumor accumulation. However, these properties simultaneously lead to poor affinity to cells, and low tumor tissue permeability subsequently, which is one of the major barriers in achieving efficient anticancer efficacy. To address this, we try to elucidate the tumor permeability of nanoparticles using molecular bottlebrushes (MBs) as model polymeric nanoparticles composed of various biocompatible polymers. An MB comprising nonionic poly[(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] (PEGMA) shows no tumor permeability at all, whereas zwitterionic MBs composed of poly(phosphobetaine methacrylate), poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate), or poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) penetrate deeply into tumor tissues. The carboxybetaine-based MBs showed an efficient cellular uptake into cancer cells while the other MBs did not, which enable them to penetrate into tumor tissues via the transcytosis pathway. Additionally, their permeability is based on intercellular or intracellular pathways, which might be related to the zwitterionic betaine properties that recognize protein transporters on cancer cells. Surprisingly, incorporating only 10 mol % of the zwitterionic betaine polymers into PEGMA-based MBs significantly enhances their tissue permeability. This platform technology enables us to redesign the PEG-based nanoparticles developed for cancer chemotherapy in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Fujii
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0135, Japan
| | - Shin Takano
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0135, Japan
| | - Kohji Nakazawa
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0135, Japan
| | - Kazuo Sakurai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0135, Japan
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