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Harmon DM, Cao Z, Sherman AM, Takanti N, Murati K, Wimsatt MM, Cousineau ML, Hwang Y, Taylor LS, Simpson GJ. Diffusion Mapping with Diffractive Optical Elements for Periodically Patterned Photobleaching. Anal Chem 2024; 96:10161-10169. [PMID: 38864607 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c05728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Fourier transform-fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FT-FRAP) using a diffractive optical element (DOE) is shown to support distance-dependent diffusion analysis in biologically relevant media. Integration of DOEs enables patterning of a dot array for parallel acquisition of point-bleach FRAP measurements at multiple locations across the field of view. In homogeneous media, the spatial harmonics of the dot array analyzed in the spatial Fourier transform domain yield diffusion recovery curves evaluated over specific well-defined distances. Relative distances for diffusive recovery in the spatial Fourier transform domain are directly connected to the 2D (h,k) Miller indices of the corresponding lattice lines. The distribution of the photobleach power across the entire field of view using a multidot array pattern greatly increases the overall signal power in the spatial FT-domain for signal-to-noise improvements. Derivations are presented for the mathematical underpinnings of FT-FRAP performed with 2D periodicity in the photobleach patterns. Retrofitting of FT-FRAP into instrumentation for high-throughput FRAP analysis (Formulatrix) supports automated analysis of robotically prepared 96-well plates for precise quantification of molecular mobility. Figures of merit are evaluated for FT-FRAP in analysis for both slow diffusion of fluorescent dyes in glassy polymer matrices spanning several days and model proteins and monoclonal antibodies within aqueous solutions recovering in matters of seconds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin M Harmon
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Ziyi Cao
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Alex M Sherman
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Nita Takanti
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Kevin Murati
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Maura M Wimsatt
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Michelle L Cousineau
- Department of Industrial and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Yechan Hwang
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Lynne S Taylor
- Department of Industrial and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Garth J Simpson
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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2
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Chang YN, Huang TR, Yao DJ. A Novel EWOD Platform for Freely Transporting Droplets in Double and Single-Plate Structures. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:797. [PMID: 38930767 PMCID: PMC11206092 DOI: 10.3390/mi15060797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
This study developed a novel dielectric wetting microfluidic operation platform combining parallel-plate and coplanar-plate regions with a curved surface structure as the connection structure. With the new electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) platform, "droplet pull-out" has been successfully achieved and viewed as an essential new operation for microfluidics with the dielectric wetting technique. The EWOD system is divided into a PDMS substrate top plate and an indium tin oxide (ITO) glass substrate as a bottom layer on this chip. In the parallel-plate region, the droplets can be generated and transported through the square parallel electrodes; in the single-plate area, the droplets can be pulled out from the parallel structure, transported and mixed through the common grounded coplanar electrodes. In dielectric wetting performance testing, coplanar electrodes can apply a maximum driving force of 31.22 µN to DI water and 13.38 µN to propylene carbonate (PC). This driving force is sufficient to detach the sample from the top cover and pull the sub-droplet from the parallel plate structure for DI water, PC and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) buffer. The novel EWOD system also possesses the advantage of precise volume control for liquid samples; the volume error of the generated droplet can be controlled within 0.1% to 2%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yii-Nuoh Chang
- Institute of Nano Engineering and MicroSystems, College of Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan;
| | - Ting-Rui Huang
- Department of Power Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan;
| | - Da-Jeng Yao
- Institute of Nano Engineering and MicroSystems, College of Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan;
- Department of Power Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan;
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Richbourg NR, Irakoze N, Kim H, Peyton SR. Outlook and opportunities for engineered environments of breast cancer dormancy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl0165. [PMID: 38457510 PMCID: PMC10923521 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl0165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Dormant, disseminated breast cancer cells resist treatment and may relapse into malignant metastases after decades of quiescence. Identifying how and why these dormant breast cancer cells are triggered into outgrowth is a key unsolved step in treating latent, metastatic breast cancer. However, our understanding of breast cancer dormancy in vivo is limited by technical challenges and ethical concerns with triggering the activation of dormant breast cancer. In vitro models avoid many of these challenges by simulating breast cancer dormancy and activation in well-controlled, bench-top conditions, creating opportunities for fundamental insights into breast cancer biology that complement what can be achieved through animal and clinical studies. In this review, we address clinical and preclinical approaches to treating breast cancer dormancy, how precisely controlled artificial environments reveal key interactions that regulate breast cancer dormancy, and how future generations of biomaterials could answer further questions about breast cancer dormancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan R. Richbourg
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Ninette Irakoze
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Hyuna Kim
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Shelly R. Peyton
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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Widener AE, Roberts A, Phelps EA. Granular Hydrogels for Harnessing the Immune Response. Adv Healthc Mater 2023:e2303005. [PMID: 38145369 PMCID: PMC11196388 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303005] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
This review aims to understand the current progress in immune-instructive granular hydrogels and identify the key features used as immunomodulatory strategies. Published work is systematically reviewed and relevant information about granular hydrogels used throughout these studies is collected. The base polymer, microgel generation technique, polymer crosslinking chemistry, particle size and shape, annealing strategy, granular hydrogel stiffness, pore size and void space, degradability, biomolecule presentation, and drug release are cataloged for each work. Several granular hydrogel parameters used for immune modulation: porosity, architecture, bioactivity, drug release, cell delivery, and modularity, are identified. The authors found in this review that porosity is the most significant factor influencing the innate immune response to granular hydrogels, while incorporated bioactivity is more significant in influencing adaptive immune responses. Here, the authors' findings and summarized results from each section are presented and suggestions are made for future studies to better understand the benefits of using immune-instructive granular hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne E Widener
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, 1275 Center Dr., Gainesville, 32611, USA
| | - Abilene Roberts
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, 1275 Center Dr., Gainesville, 32611, USA
| | - Edward A Phelps
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, 1275 Center Dr., Gainesville, 32611, USA
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Richbourg NR, Peppas NA. Structurally decoupled stiffness and solute transport in multi-arm poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels. Biomaterials 2023; 301:122272. [PMID: 37573839 PMCID: PMC10785603 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122272] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic hydrogels are widely used as artificial 3D environments for cell culture, facilitating the controlled study of cell-environment interactions. However, most hydrogels are limited in their ability to represent the physical properties of biological tissues because stiffness and solute transport properties in hydrogels are closely correlated. Resultingly, experimental investigations of cell-environment interactions in hydrogels are confounded by simultaneous changes in multiple physical properties. Here, we overcame this limitation by simultaneously manipulating four structural parameters to synthesize a library of multi-arm poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel formulations with robustly decoupled stiffness and solute transport. This structural design approach avoids chemical alterations or additions to the network that might have unanticipated effects on encapsulated cells. An algorithm created to statistically evaluate stiffness-transport decoupling within the dataset identified 46 of the 73 synthesized formulations as robustly decoupled. We show that the swollen polymer network model accurately predicts 11 out of 12 structure-property relationships, suggesting that this approach to decoupling stiffness and solute transport in hydrogels is fundamentally validated and potentially broadly applicable. Furthermore, the unprecedented control of hydrogel network structure provided by multi-arm PEG hydrogels confirmed several fundamental modeling assumptions. This study enables nuanced hydrogel design for uncompromised investigation of cell-environment interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan R Richbourg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
| | - Nicholas A Peppas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas, Austin, TX, 78712, USA; McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas, Austin, TX, 78712, USA; Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas, Austin, TX, 78712, USA; Departments of Surgery and Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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Foreman K, Tran-Ba KH. Single-Particle Tracking in Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Diacrylate: Probe Size Effect on the Diffusion Behaviors of Nanoparticles in Unentangled Polymer Solutions. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:7091-7102. [PMID: 37527454 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c03499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
A thorough understanding of the relevant factors governing the transport of nanoparticles in poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) is crucial for many applications utilizing this polymer. Here, single-particle tracking (SPT) was used to systematically investigate the role of the probe size (3-200 nm) on the diffusion behaviors of individual fluorescent nanoparticles in semidilute and unentangled PEGDA solutions. The quantitative assessment of the SPT data via the recorded single-particle trajectories and diffusion coefficients (D) not only showed that the observed probe dynamics in PEGDA were temporally and spatially heterogeneous, but more importantly that the measured D were observed to be significantly reduced (vs in solvent) and strongly size-dependent. We explained these results based on a modified multiscale model for particle diffusion, built upon well-established hydrodynamics and obstruction theories. We furthermore showed that the presence of steric interactions and probe confinement effects in highly crowded, unentangled PEGDA microstructures can lead to deviations in the single-particle displacements from the expected Gaussian behavior, as revealed by the van Hove displacement distributions and the associated non-Gaussian parameters. This study has demonstrated the power of SPT methods in offering an advanced characterization of the transport characteristics in complex polymer structures, overcoming challenges posed by traditional characterization techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Foreman
- Department of Chemistry, Towson University, Towson, Maryland 21252, United States
| | - Khanh-Hoa Tran-Ba
- Department of Chemistry, Towson University, Towson, Maryland 21252, United States
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Thang NH, Chien TB, Cuong DX. Polymer-Based Hydrogels Applied in Drug Delivery: An Overview. Gels 2023; 9:523. [PMID: 37504402 PMCID: PMC10379988 DOI: 10.3390/gels9070523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Polymer-based hydrogels are hydrophilic polymer networks with crosslinks widely applied for drug delivery applications because of their ability to hold large amounts of water and biological fluids and control drug release based on their unique physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. Current trends in the development of hydrogel drug delivery systems involve the release of drugs in response to specific triggers such as pH, temperature, or enzymes for targeted drug delivery and to reduce the potential for systemic toxicity. In addition, developing injectable hydrogel formulations that are easily used and sustain drug release during this extended time is a growing interest. Another emerging trend in hydrogel drug delivery is the synthesis of nano hydrogels and other functional substances for improving targeted drug loading and release efficacy. Following these development trends, advanced hydrogels possessing mechanically improved properties, controlled release rates, and biocompatibility is developing as a focus of the field. More complex drug delivery systems such as multi-drug delivery and combination therapies will be developed based on these advancements. In addition, polymer-based hydrogels are gaining increasing attention in personalized medicine because of their ability to be tailored to a specific patient, for example, drug release rates, drug combinations, target-specific drug delivery, improvement of disease treatment effectiveness, and healthcare cost reduction. Overall, hydrogel application is advancing rapidly, towards more efficient and effective drug delivery systems in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Hoc Thang
- Faculty of Chemical Technology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Food Industry, 140 Le Trong Tan, Tan Phu Distrist, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
| | - Truong Bach Chien
- Faculty of Chemical Technology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Food Industry, 140 Le Trong Tan, Tan Phu Distrist, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
| | - Dang Xuan Cuong
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, Ho Chi Minh City University of Food Industry, 140 Le Trong Tan, Tan Phu Distrist, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
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El Yousfi R, Brahmi M, Dalli M, Achalhi N, Azougagh O, Tahani A, Touzani R, El Idrissi A. Recent Advances in Nanoparticle Development for Drug Delivery: A Comprehensive Review of Polycaprolactone-Based Multi-Arm Architectures. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15081835. [PMID: 37111982 PMCID: PMC10142392 DOI: 10.3390/polym15081835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Controlled drug delivery is a crucial area of study for improving the targeted availability of drugs; several polymer systems have been applied for the formulation of drug delivery vehicles, including linear amphiphilic block copolymers, but with some limitations manifested in their ability to form only nanoaggregates such as polymersomes or vesicles within a narrow range of hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance, which can be problematic. For this, multi-arm architecture has emerged as an efficient alternative that overcame these challenges, with many interesting advantages such as reducing critical micellar concentrations, producing smaller particles, allowing for various functional compositions, and ensuring prolonged and continuous drug release. This review focuses on examining the key variables that influence the customization of multi-arm architecture assemblies based on polycaprolactone and their impact on drug loading and delivery. Specifically, this study focuses on the investigation of the structure-property relationships in these formulations, including the thermal properties presented by this architecture. Furthermore, this work will emphasize the importance of the type of architecture, chain topology, self-assembly parameters, and comparison between multi-arm structures and linear counterparts in relation to their impact on their performance as nanocarriers. By understanding these relationships, more effective multi-arm polymers can be designed with appropriate characteristics for their intended applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ridouan El Yousfi
- Laboratory Applied Chemistry and Environmental (LCAE-URAC18), Faculty of Sciences of Oujda, University Mohamed Premier, Oujda 60000, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Brahmi
- Physical Chemistry of Natural Substances and Process Team, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry and Environment (LCAE-CPSUNAP), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University Mohamed Premier, Oujda 60000, Morocco
| | - Mohammed Dalli
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohamed Premier, Oujda 60000, Morocco
| | - Nafea Achalhi
- Laboratory Applied Chemistry and Environmental (LCAE-URAC18), Faculty of Sciences of Oujda, University Mohamed Premier, Oujda 60000, Morocco
| | - Omar Azougagh
- Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Environment (LMCME), Department of Chemistry, Faculty Multidisciplinary Nador, University Mohamed Premier, P. B. 300, Nador 62700, Morocco
| | - Abdesselam Tahani
- Physical Chemistry of Natural Substances and Process Team, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry and Environment (LCAE-CPSUNAP), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University Mohamed Premier, Oujda 60000, Morocco
| | - Rachid Touzani
- Laboratory Applied Chemistry and Environmental (LCAE-URAC18), Faculty of Sciences of Oujda, University Mohamed Premier, Oujda 60000, Morocco
| | - Abderrahmane El Idrissi
- Laboratory Applied Chemistry and Environmental (LCAE-URAC18), Faculty of Sciences of Oujda, University Mohamed Premier, Oujda 60000, Morocco
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