1
|
Patel RA, Webb MA. Data-Driven Design of Polymer-Based Biomaterials: High-throughput Simulation, Experimentation, and Machine Learning. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:510-527. [PMID: 36701125 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Polymers, with the capacity to tunably alter properties and response based on manipulation of their chemical characteristics, are attractive components in biomaterials. Nevertheless, their potential as functional materials is also inhibited by their complexity, which complicates rational or brute-force design and realization. In recent years, machine learning has emerged as a useful tool for facilitating materials design via efficient modeling of structure-property relationships in the chemical domain of interest. In this Spotlight, we discuss the emergence of data-driven design of polymers that can be deployed in biomaterials with particular emphasis on complex copolymer systems. We outline recent developments, as well as our own contributions and takeaways, related to high-throughput data generation for polymer systems, methods for surrogate modeling by machine learning, and paradigms for property optimization and design. Throughout this discussion, we highlight key aspects of successful strategies and other considerations that will be relevant to the future design of polymer-based biomaterials with target properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roshan A Patel
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, United States
| | - Michael A Webb
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Volk AA, Abolhasani M. Performance metrics to unleash the power of self-driving labs in chemistry and materials science. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1378. [PMID: 38355564 PMCID: PMC10866889 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45569-5] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
With the rise of self-driving labs (SDLs) and automated experimentation across chemical and materials sciences, there is a considerable challenge in designing the best autonomous lab for a given problem based on published studies alone. Determining what digital and physical features are germane to a specific study is a critical aspect of SDL design that needs to be approached quantitatively. Even when controlling for features such as dimensionality, every experimental space has unique requirements and challenges that influence the design of the optimal physical platform and algorithm. Metrics such as optimization rate are therefore not necessarily indicative of the capabilities of an SDL across different studies. In this perspective, we highlight some of the critical metrics for quantifying performance in SDLs to better guide researchers in implementing the most suitable strategies. We then provide a brief review of the existing literature under the lens of quantified performance as well as heuristic recommendations for platform and experimental space pairings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda A Volk
- Dept. of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Milad Abolhasani
- Dept. of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ting JM, Tamayo-Mendoza T, Petersen SR, Van Reet J, Ahmed UA, Snell NJ, Fisher JD, Stern M, Oviedo F. Frontiers in nonviral delivery of small molecule and genetic drugs, driven by polymer chemistry and machine learning for materials informatics. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:14197-14209. [PMID: 37955165 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc04705a] [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: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Materials informatics (MI) has immense potential to accelerate the pace of innovation and new product development in biotechnology. Close collaborations between skilled physical and life scientists with data scientists are being established in pursuit of leveraging MI tools in automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to predict material properties in vitro and in vivo. However, the scarcity of large, standardized, and labeled materials data for connecting structure-function relationships represents one of the largest hurdles to overcome. In this Highlight, focus is brought to emerging developments in polymer-based therapeutic delivery platforms, where teams generate large experimental datasets around specific therapeutics and successfully establish a design-to-deployment cycle of specialized nanocarriers. Three select collaborations demonstrate how custom-built polymers protect and deliver small molecules, nucleic acids, and proteins, representing ideal use-cases for machine learning to understand how molecular-level interactions impact drug stabilization and release. We conclude with our perspectives on how MI innovations in automation efficiencies and digitalization of data-coupled with fundamental insight and creativity from the polymer science community-can accelerate translation of more gene therapies into lifesaving medicines.
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang TT, Zhou YN, Luo ZH, Zhu S. Beauty of Explicit Dispersity ( Đ) Equations in Controlled Polymerizations. ACS Macro Lett 2023; 12:1423-1436. [PMID: 37812608 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.3c00484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Dispersity (Đ) as a critical parameter indicates the level of uniformity of the polymer molar mass or chain length. In the past several decades, the development of explicit equations for calculating Đ experiences a continual revolution. This viewpoint tracks the historical evolution of the explicit equations from living to reversible-deactivation polymerization systems. Emphasis is laid on displaying the charm of explicit Đ equations in batch reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP), with highlights of the relevant elegant mathematical manipulations. Some representative emerging applications enabled by the existing explicit equations are shown, involving nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP), atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization systems. Stemming from the several outlined challenges and outlooks, sustained concerns about the explicit Đ equations are still highly deserved. It is expected that these equations will continue to play an important role not only in traditional polymerization kinetic simulation and design of experiments but also in modern intelligent manufacturing of precision polymers and classroom education.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Tian Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Yin-Ning Zhou
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Zheng-Hong Luo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Shiping Zhu
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jafari VF, Mossayebi Z, Allison-Logan S, Shabani S, Qiao GG. The Power of Automation in Polymer Chemistry: Precision Synthesis of Multiblock Copolymers with Block Sequence Control. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202301767. [PMID: 37401148 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202301767] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Machines can revolutionize the field of chemistry and material science, driving the development of new chemistries, increasing productivity, and facilitating reaction scale up. The incorporation of automated systems in the field of polymer chemistry has however proven challenging owing to the demanding reaction conditions, rendering the automation setup complex and costly. There is an imminent need for an automation platform which uses fast and simple polymerization protocols, while providing a high level of control on the structure of macromolecules via precision synthesis. This work combines an oxygen tolerant, room temperature polymerization method with a simple liquid handling robot to automatically prepare precise and high order multiblock copolymers with unprecedented livingness even after many chain extensions. The highest number of blocks synthesized in such a system is reported, demonstrating the capabilities of this automated platform for the rapid synthesis and complex polymer structure formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vianna F Jafari
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Zahra Mossayebi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Stephanie Allison-Logan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Sadegh Shabani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Greg G Qiao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Faurschou NV, Taaning RH, Pedersen CM. Substrate specific closed-loop optimization of carbohydrate protective group chemistry using Bayesian optimization and transfer learning. Chem Sci 2023; 14:6319-6329. [PMID: 37325141 PMCID: PMC10266441 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc01261a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
A new way of performing reaction optimization within carbohydrate chemistry is presented. This is done by performing closed-loop optimization of regioselective benzoylation of unprotected glycosides using Bayesian optimization. Both 6-O-monobenzoylations and 3,6-O-dibenzoylations of three different monosaccharides are optimized. A novel transfer learning approach, where data from previous optimizations of different substrates is used to speed up the optimizations, has also been developed. The optimal conditions found by the Bayesian optimization algorithm provide new insight into substrate specificity, as the conditions found are significantly different. In most cases, the optimal conditions include Et3N and benzoic anhydride, a new reagent combination for these reactions, discovered by the algorithm, demonstrating the power of this concept to widen the chemical space. Further, the developed procedures include ambient conditions and short reaction times.
Collapse
|
7
|
Patterson SBH, Wong R, Barker G, Vilela F. Advances in continuous polymer analysis in flow with application towards biopolymers. J Flow Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s41981-023-00268-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
AbstractBiopolymers, polymers derived from renewable biomass sources, have gained increasing attention in recent years due to their potential to replace traditional petroleum-based polymers in a range of applications. Among the many advantages of biopolymers can be included their biocompatibility, excellent mechanical properties, and availability from renewable feedstock. However, the development of biopolymers has been limited by a lack of understanding of their properties and processing behaviours. Continuous analysis techniques have the potential to hasten progress in this area by providing real-time insights into the properties and processing of biopolymers. Significant research in polymer chemistry has focused on petroleum-derived polymers and has thus provided a wealth of synthetic and analytical methodologies which may be applied to the biopolymer field. Of particular note is the application of flow technology in polymer science and its implications for accelerating progress towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional petroleum-based polymers. In this mini review we have outlined several of the most prominent use cases for biopolymers along with the current state-of-the art in continuous analysis of polymers in flow, including defining and differentiating atline, inline, online and offline analysis. We have found several examples for continuous flow analysis which have direct application to the biopolymer field, and we demonstrate an atline continuous polymer analysis method using size exclusion chromatography.
Graphical abstract
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
How do you get into flow? We trained in flow chemistry during postdoctoral research and are now applying it in new areas: materials chemistry, crystallization, and supramolecular synthesis. Typically, when researchers think of "flow", they are considering predominantly liquid-based organic synthesis; application to other disciplines comes with its own challenges. In this Perspective, we highlight why we use and champion flow technologies in our fields, summarize some of the questions we encounter when discussing entry into flow research, and suggest steps to make the transition into the field, emphasizing that communication and collaboration between disciplines is key.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Laybourn
- Faculty
of Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.,
| | - Karen Robertson
- Faculty
of Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.,
| | - Anna G. Slater
- Department
of Chemistry and Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Martin TB, Audus DJ. Emerging Trends in Machine Learning: A Polymer Perspective. ACS POLYMERS AU 2023. [DOI: 10.1021/acspolymersau.2c00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler B. Martin
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland20899, United States
| | - Debra J. Audus
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland20899, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Clayton AD, Pyzer-Knapp EO, Purdie M, Jones MF, Barthelme A, Pavey J, Kapur N, Chamberlain TW, Blacker AJ, Bourne RA. Bayesian Self-Optimization for Telescoped Continuous Flow Synthesis. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202214511. [PMID: 36346840 PMCID: PMC10108149 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202214511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The optimization of multistep chemical syntheses is critical for the rapid development of new pharmaceuticals. However, concatenating individually optimized reactions can lead to inefficient multistep syntheses, owing to chemical interdependencies between the steps. Herein, we develop an automated continuous flow platform for the simultaneous optimization of telescoped reactions. Our approach is applied to a Heck cyclization-deprotection reaction sequence, used in the synthesis of a precursor for 1-methyltetrahydroisoquinoline C5 functionalization. A simple method for multipoint sampling with a single online HPLC instrument was designed, enabling accurate quantification of each reaction, and an in-depth understanding of the reaction pathways. Notably, integration of Bayesian optimization techniques identified an 81 % overall yield in just 14 h, and revealed a favorable competing pathway for formation of the desired product.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Clayton
- Institute of Process Research and Development, Schools of Chemistry & Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | | | - Mark Purdie
- ISEL, Pharmaceutical Technology and Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
| | - Martin F Jones
- Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Technology and Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
| | | | - John Pavey
- UCB Pharma SA, All. de la Recherche 60, 1070, Anderlecht, Belgium
| | - Nikil Kapur
- Institute of Process Research and Development, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Thomas W Chamberlain
- Institute of Process Research and Development, Schools of Chemistry & Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - A John Blacker
- Institute of Process Research and Development, Schools of Chemistry & Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Richard A Bourne
- Institute of Process Research and Development, Schools of Chemistry & Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Becker D, Schmitt C, Bovetto L, Rauh C, McHardy C, Hartmann C. Optimization of complex food formulations using robotics and active learning. INNOV FOOD SCI EMERG 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ifset.2022.103232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
12
|
Besenhard MO, Pal S, Storozhuk L, Dawes S, Thanh NTK, Norfolk L, Staniland S, Gavriilidis A. A versatile non-fouling multi-step flow reactor platform: demonstration for partial oxidation synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 23:115-124. [PMID: 36454245 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00892k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade flow reactors for material synthesis were firmly established, demonstrating advantageous operating conditions, reproducible and scalable production via continuous operation, as well as high-throughput screening of synthetic conditions. Reactor fouling, however, often restricts flow chemistry and the common fouling prevention via segmented flow comes at the cost of inflexibility. Often, the difficulty of feeding reagents into liquid segments (droplets or slugs) constrains flow syntheses using segmented flow to simple synthetic protocols with a single reagent addition step prior or during segmentation. Hence, the translation of fouling prone syntheses requiring multiple reagent addition steps into flow remains challenging. This work presents a modular flow reactor platform overcoming this bottleneck by fully exploiting the potential of three-phase (gas-liquid-liquid) segmented flow to supply reagents after segmentation, hence facilitating fouling free multi-step flow syntheses. The reactor design and materials selection address the operation challenges inherent to gas-liquid-liquid flow and reagent addition into segments allowing for a wide range of flow rates, flow ratios, temperatures, and use of continuous phases (no perfluorinated solvents needed). This "Lego®-like" reactor platform comprises elements for three-phase segmentation and sequential reagent addition into fluid segments, as well as temperature-controlled residence time modules that offer the flexibility required to translate even complex nanomaterial synthesis protocols to flow. To demonstrate the platform's versatility, we chose a fouling prone multi-step synthesis, i.e., a water-based partial oxidation synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles. This synthesis required I) the precipitation of ferrous hydroxides, II) the addition of an oxidation agent, III) a temperature treatment to initiate magnetite/maghemite formation, and IV) the addition of citric acid to increase the colloidal stability. The platform facilitated the synthesis of colloidally stable magnetic nanoparticles reproducibly at well-controlled synthetic conditions and prevented fouling using heptane as continuous phase. The biocompatible particles showed excellent heating abilities in alternating magnetic fields (ILP values >3 nH m2 kgFe-1), hence, their potential for magnetic hyperthermia cancer treatment. The platform allowed for long term operation, as well as screening of synthetic conditions to tune particle properties. This was demonstrated via the addition of tetraethylenepentamine, confirming its potential to control particle morphology. Such a versatile reactor platform makes it possible to translate even complex syntheses into flow, opening up new opportunities for material synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian O Besenhard
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7JE, UK.
| | - Sayan Pal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7JE, UK.
| | - Liudmyla Storozhuk
- Biophysics Group, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Simon Dawes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7JE, UK.
| | - Nguyen Thi Kim Thanh
- Biophysics Group, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- UCL Healthcare Biomagnetics and Nanomaterials Laboratories, University College London, 21 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BS, UK
| | - Laura Norfolk
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Dainton Building, Brook Hill, Sheffield, S3 7HF, UK
| | - Sarah Staniland
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Dainton Building, Brook Hill, Sheffield, S3 7HF, UK
| | - Asterios Gavriilidis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7JE, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kumar R. Materiomically Designed Polymeric Vehicles for Nucleic Acids: Quo Vadis? ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:2507-2535. [PMID: 35642794 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite rapid advances in molecular biology, particularly in site-specific genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9 and base editing, financial and logistical challenges hinder a broad population from accessing and benefiting from gene therapy. To improve the affordability and scalability of gene therapy, we need to deploy chemically defined, economical, and scalable materials, such as synthetic polymers. For polymers to deliver nucleic acids efficaciously to targeted cells, they must optimally combine design attributes, such as architecture, length, composition, spatial distribution of monomers, basicity, hydrophilic-hydrophobic phase balance, or protonation degree. Designing polymeric vectors for specific nucleic acid payloads is a multivariate optimization problem wherein even minuscule deviations from the optimum are poorly tolerated. To explore the multivariate polymer design space rapidly, efficiently, and fruitfully, we must integrate parallelized polymer synthesis, high-throughput biological screening, and statistical modeling. Although materiomics approaches promise to streamline polymeric vector development, several methodological ambiguities must be resolved. For instance, establishing a flexible polymer ontology that accommodates recent synthetic advances, enforcing uniform polymer characterization and data reporting standards, and implementing multiplexed in vitro and in vivo screening studies require considerable planning, coordination, and effort. This contribution will acquaint readers with the challenges associated with materiomics approaches to polymeric gene delivery and offers guidelines for overcoming these challenges. Here, we summarize recent developments in combinatorial polymer synthesis, high-throughput screening of polymeric vectors, omics-based approaches to polymer design, barcoding schemes for pooled in vitro and in vivo screening, and identify materiomics-inspired research directions that will realize the long-unfulfilled clinical potential of polymeric carriers in gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Kumar
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1613 Illinois St, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Precision Polymer Synthesis by Controlled Radical Polymerization: Fusing the progress from Polymer Chemistry and Reaction Engineering. Prog Polym Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2022.101555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|