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Rosa E, Di Gregorio E, Ferrauto G, Diaferia C, Gallo E, Terreno E, Accardo A. Hybrid PNA-peptide hydrogels as injectable CEST-MRI agents. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:6371-6383. [PMID: 38864345 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00358f] [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: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
The self-assembly of peptides and peptide analogues may be exploited to develop platforms for different biomedical applications, among which CEST-MRI (chemical exchange saturation transfer magnetic resonance imaging) represents one of the most attractive techniques to be explored as a novel metal-free contrast approach in imaging acquisitions. A lysine-containing peptide sequence (LIVAGK-NH2, named K2) was thus modified by insertion, at the N-terminus, of a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) base, leading to a primary amine suitable for the signal generation. a-K2, c-K2, g-K2 and t-K2 peptides were synthesized and characterized. The c-K2 sequence displayed gelling properties and the Watson and Crick pairing, arising from its combination with g-K2, allowed a significant increase in the mechanical responsivity of the hydrogel. These matrices were able to generate a CEST signal around 2.5 ppm from water and, after assessing their cytocompatibility on GL261 (murine glioma), TS/a (murine breast carcinoma), and 3T3-NIH (murine fibroblasts) cell lines, their capability to work as implants for in vivo detection, was proved by intratumor injection in Balb/c mice inoculated with TS/a murine breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Rosa
- Department of Pharmacy and Interuniversity Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB) "Carlo Pedone", University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy.
| | - Enza Di Gregorio
- Molecular and Preclinical Imaging Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Ferrauto
- Molecular and Preclinical Imaging Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, Italy.
| | - Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy and Interuniversity Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB) "Carlo Pedone", University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy.
| | - Enrico Gallo
- IRCCS Synlab SDN, Via Gianturco 113, Naples, 80143, Italy
| | - Enzo Terreno
- Molecular and Preclinical Imaging Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, Italy.
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy and Interuniversity Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB) "Carlo Pedone", University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy.
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Marques AC, Costa PC, Velho S, Amaral MH. Rheological and Injectability Evaluation of Sterilized Poloxamer-407-Based Hydrogels Containing Docetaxel-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles. Gels 2024; 10:307. [PMID: 38786224 PMCID: PMC11121564 DOI: 10.3390/gels10050307] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have the potential to increase the bioavailability and reduce the side effects of docetaxel (DTX). However, only a small fraction of nanoparticles given intravenously can reach a solid tumor. In situ-forming gels combined with nanoparticles facilitate local administration and promote drug retention at the tumor site. Injectable hydrogels based on poloxamer 407 are excellent candidates for this hybrid nanoparticle-hydrogel system because of their thermoresponsive behavior and biocompatibility. Therefore, this work aimed to develop injectable poloxamer hydrogels containing NLCs for intratumoral delivery of DTX. To ensure sterility, the obtained hydrogels were autoclaved (121 °C for 15 min) after preparation. Then, the incorporation of NLCs into the poloxamer hydrogels and the impact of steam sterilization on the nanocomposite hydrogels were evaluated concerning sol-gel transition, injectability, and physicochemical stability. All formulations were extruded through the tested syringe-needle systems with acceptable force (2.2-13.4 N) and work (49.5-317.7 N·mm) of injection. Following steam sterilization, injection became easier in most cases, and the physicochemical properties of all hydrogels remained practically unchanged according to the spectroscopical and thermal analysis. The rheological evaluation revealed that the nanocomposite hydrogels were liquid at 25 °C and underwent rapid gelation at 37 °C. However, their sterilized counterparts gelled at 1-2 °C above body temperature, suggesting that the autoclaving conditions employed had rendered these nanocomposite hydrogels unsuitable for local drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Camila Marques
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, MEDTECH, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulo C. Costa
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, MEDTECH, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sérgia Velho
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Helena Amaral
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, MEDTECH, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Liu B, Chen K. Advances in Hydrogel-Based Drug Delivery Systems. Gels 2024; 10:262. [PMID: 38667681 PMCID: PMC11048949 DOI: 10.3390/gels10040262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels, with their distinctive three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers, drive innovations across various biomedical applications. The ability of hydrogels to absorb and retain significant volumes of water, coupled with their structural integrity and responsiveness to environmental stimuli, renders them ideal for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound healing. This review delves into the classification of hydrogels based on cross-linking methods, providing insights into their synthesis, properties, and applications. We further discuss the recent advancements in hydrogel-based drug delivery systems, including oral, injectable, topical, and ocular approaches, highlighting their significance in enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, we address the challenges faced in the clinical translation of hydrogels and propose future directions for leveraging their potential in personalized medicine and regenerative healthcare solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boya Liu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kuo Chen
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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Guo S, Wang J, Wang Q, Wang J, Qin S, Li W. Advances in peptide-based drug delivery systems. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26009. [PMID: 38404797 PMCID: PMC10884816 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug delivery systems (DDSs) are designed to deliver drugs to their specific targets to minimize their toxic effects and improve their susceptibility to clearance during targeted transport. Peptides have high affinity, low immunogenicity, simple amino acid composition, and adjustable molecular size; therefore, most peptides can be coupled to drugs via linkers to form peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) and act as active pro-drugs. PDCs are widely thought to be promising DDSs, given their ability to improve drug bio-compatibility and physiological stability. Peptide-based DDSs are often used to deliver therapeutic substances such as anti-cancer drugs and nucleic acid-based drugs, which not only slow the degradation rate of drugs in vivo but also ensure the drug concentration at the targeted site and prolong the half-life of drugs in vivo. This article provides an profile of the advancements and future development in functional peptide-based DDSs both domestically and internationally in recent years, in the expectation of achieving targeted drug delivery incorporating functional peptides and taking full advantage of synergistic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijie Guo
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, 266112, China
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, 266112, China
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Jinxin Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Song Qin
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Wenjun Li
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, 266112, China
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
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Gallo E, Diaferia C, Giordano S, Rosa E, Carrese B, Piccialli G, Borbone N, Morelli G, Oliviero G, Accardo A. Ultrashort Cationic Peptide Fmoc-FFK as Hydrogel Building Block for Potential Biomedical Applications. Gels 2023; 10:12. [PMID: 38247735 PMCID: PMC10815546 DOI: 10.3390/gels10010012] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Fmoc-diphenylalanine (Fmoc-FF) is a low-molecular-weight peptide hydrogelator. This simple all-aromatic peptide can generate self-supporting hydrogel materials, which have been proposed as novel materials for diagnostic and pharmaceutical applications. Our knowledge of the molecular determinants of Fmoc-FF aggregation is used as a guide to design new peptide-based gelators, with features for the development of improved tools. Here, we enlarge the plethora of Fmoc-FF-based hydrogelated matrices by studying the properties of the Fmoc-FFK tripeptide, alone or in combination with Fmoc-FF. For multicomponent matrices, the relative weight ratios between Fmoc-FFK and Fmoc-FF (specifically, 1/1, 1/5, 1/10, and 1/20 w/w) are evaluated. All the systems and their multiscale organization are studied using different experimental techniques, including rheology, circular dichroism, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Preliminary profiles of biocompatibility for the studied systems are also described by testing them in vitro on HaCaT and 3T3-L1 cell lines. Additionally, the lysine (K) residue at the C-terminus of the Fmoc-FF moiety introduces into the supramolecular material chemical functions (amino groups) which may be useful for modification/derivatization with bioactive molecules of interest, including diagnostic probes, chelating agents, active pharmaceutical ingredients, or peptide nucleic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Gallo
- IRCCS SYNLAB SDN, Via Gianturco 113, 80143 Naples, Italy; (E.G.); (S.G.); (B.C.)
| | - Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.D.); (E.R.); (G.P.); (N.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Sabrina Giordano
- IRCCS SYNLAB SDN, Via Gianturco 113, 80143 Naples, Italy; (E.G.); (S.G.); (B.C.)
| | - Elisabetta Rosa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.D.); (E.R.); (G.P.); (N.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Barbara Carrese
- IRCCS SYNLAB SDN, Via Gianturco 113, 80143 Naples, Italy; (E.G.); (S.G.); (B.C.)
| | - Gennaro Piccialli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.D.); (E.R.); (G.P.); (N.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.D.); (E.R.); (G.P.); (N.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.D.); (E.R.); (G.P.); (N.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Giorgia Oliviero
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.D.); (E.R.); (G.P.); (N.B.); (G.M.)
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