The overall partitioning of anthracyclines into phosphatidyl-containing model membranes depends neither on the drug charge nor the presence of anionic phospholipids

Melamine enhancing Cu-Fenton reaction for degradation of anthracyclines

Melamine (MA) enhanced Cu-Fenton process was developed for the degradation of anthracyclines. Taking daunorubicin (DNR) degradation as an example, we found that the initial first-order apparent constant of Cu2+/MA/H2O2 system with a molar ratio of 1:8 for Cu2+:MA was 5.2 times higher than that of conventional Cu2+/H2O2 system. The in-situ reductive coordination between Cu2+ and MA facilitated the generation and stabilization of Cu+ species, thereby accelerating the rate-limiting step of Cu2+/Cu+ conversion and maintaining high levels of Cu+ during the degradation process. Moreover, pre-synthesized Cu+-MA complexes (e.g., CM-250) further enhanced the efficiency of the Cu-Fenton reaction by increasing both the Cu+ proportion and MA chelation. The apparent activation energy for DNR degradation in CM-250 mediated Fenton reaction (15.9 kJ mol-1) was lower than that in systems involving Cu2+/MA (41.2 kJ mol-1) and Cu2+ (65.6 kJ mol-1). Enhanced generation of various reactive oxygen species (·OH,·O2-, and 1O2) was confirmed, with 1O2 playing a dominant role, significantly improving both degradation rate and mineralization degree for DNR. MA-enhanced Cu-Fenton process also offers a convenient alternative to effectively remove other anthracyclines and organic micropollutants, holding great promise for advancing advanced oxidation processes as well as practical large-scale degradation applications targeting multiple pollutants.

Insights into Transfer of Supramolecular Doxorubicin/Congo Red Aggregates through Phospholipid Membranes

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug, from the anthracycline class, which is genotoxic to neoplastic cells via a DNA intercalation mechanism. It is effective and universal; however, it also causes numerous side effects. The most serious of them are cardiotoxicity and a decrease in the number of myeloid cells. For this reason, targeted DOX delivery systems are desirable, since they would allow lowering the drug dose and therefore limiting systemic side effects. Recently, synthetic dyes, in particular Congo red (CR), have been proposed as possible DOX carriers. CR is a planar molecule, built of a central biphenyl moiety and two substituted naphthalene rings, connected with diazo bonds. In water, it forms elongated ribbon-shaped supramolecular structures, which are able to selectively interact with immune complexes. In our previous studies, we have shown that CR aggregates can intercalate DOX molecules. In this way, they preclude DOX precipitation in water solutions and increase its uptake by MCF7 breast cancer cells. In the present work, we further explore the interactions between DOX, CR, and their aggregates (CR/DOX) with phospholipid membranes. In addition to neutral molecules, the protonated doxorubicin form, DXP, is also studied. Molecular dynamics simulations are employed to study the transfer of CR, DOX, DXP, and their aggregates through POPC bilayers. Interactions of CR, DOX, and CR/DOX with model monolayers are studied with Langmuir trough measurements. This study shows that CR may support the transfer of doxorubicin molecules into the bilayer. Both electrostatic and van der Waals interactions with lipids are important in this respect. The former promote the initial stages of the insertion process, the latter keep guest molecules inside the bilayer.

D-to-E and T19V Variants of the pH-Low Insertion Peptide and Their Doxorubicin Conjugates Interact with Membrane at Higher pH Ranges Than WT

To improve targeted cargo delivery to cancer cells, pH-Low Insertion Peptide (pHLIP) variants were developed to interact with the membrane at pH values higher than those of the WT. The Asp-to-Glu variants aim to increase side chain pKa without disturbing the sequence of protonations that underpin membrane insertion. The Thr19 variants represent efforts to perturb the critical Pro20 residue. To study the effect of cargo on pHLIP insertion, doxorubicin (Dox), a fluorescent antineoplastic drug, was conjugated to selected variants near the inserting C-terminus. Variants and conjugates were characterized on a POPC membrane using Trp and Dox fluorescence methods to define the entire pH range of insertion (pHinitial-pHfinal). Compared to WT with a pHi-pHf range of 6.7-5.6, D25E-D31E-D33E, D14E-D25E-D31E-D33E, and T19V-D25E variants demonstrated higher pHi-pHf ranges of 7.3-6.1, 7.3-6.3, and 8.2-5.4, respectively. The addition of Dox expanded the pHi-pHf range, mainly by shifting pHi to higher pH values (e.g., WT pHLIP-Dox has a pHi-pHf range of 7.7-5.2). Despite the low Hill coefficient observed for the conjugates, D14E-D25E-D31E-D33E pHLIP-Dox completed insertion by a pHf of 5.7. However, the Dox cargo remained in the hydrophobic membrane interior after pHLIP insertion, which may impede drug release. Finally, a logistic function can describe pHLIP insertion as a peripheral-to-TM (start-to-finish) two-state transition; wherever possible, we discuss data deviating from such sigmoidal fitting in support of the idea that pH-specific intermediate states distinct from the initial peripheral state and the final TM state exist at intervening pH values.

Water-resistant free-standing DNA-complexed films with antioxidant and H2O2-responsive activity

Water-insoluble DNA complexes are suitable for producing free-standing DNA films due to their low water sensitivity, which prevents their rapid degradation in aqueous environments. Here, we proposed two types of free-standing films that exhibit low dissolution rates in water: low molecular weight chitosan (LCS)-DNA films and phosphatidylcholine (PC)-cetyltrimethylammonium (CTMA)-DNA films. The structure and binding characteristics of the LCS-DNA and PC-CTMA-DNA complexes were investigated with UV-Vis spectroscopy and via the fluorescent characteristics of daunorubicin bound to them. A simple drop-casting method was then adopted for both complexes to fabricate free-standing films. An increase in antioxidant activity and water-resistance of the LCS-DNA DNA film was observed when the molar ratio of LCS to DNA was increased, but the dissolution rate of the LCS-DNA film was also dependent on the ionic strength of the dissolving solution. Fourteen days were required to dissolve the LCS-DNA film in deionized water, whereas immediate dissolution was observed in 1× phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Deformation of the PC-CTMA-DNA film was accelerated by H₂O₂, such that the PC-CTMA-DNA film was degraded after 21 days of immersion in 1× PBS with H₂O₂. Due to the low dissolution rate in water and antioxidant activity, the free-standing LCS-DNA film should be able to store and protect embedded clinical materials, such as proteins and intercalating drugs, from moisture and enable localized delivery of treatments to designated sites. Also, the free-standing PC-CTMA-DNA film could be a biocompatible candidate for use as a membrane or sensor for detecting the levels of reactive oxygen species.

Intrinsically Fluorescent Anti-Cancer Drugs

At present, about one-third of the total protein targets in the pharmaceutical research sector are kinase-based. While kinases have been attractive targets to combat many diseases, including cancer, selective kinase inhibition has been challenging, because of the high degree of structural homology in the active site where many kinase inhibitors bind. Despite efficacy as cancer drugs, kinase inhibitors can exhibit limited target specificity and rationalizing their target profiles in the context of precise molecular mechanisms or rearrangements is a major challenge for the field. Spectroscopic approaches such as infrared, Raman, NMR and fluorescence have the potential to provide significant insights into drug-target and drug-non-target interactions because of sensitivity to molecular environment. This review places a spotlight on the significance of fluorescence for extracting information related to structural properties, discovery of hidden conformers in solution and in target-bound state, binding properties (e.g., location of binding sites, hydrogen-bonding, hydrophobicity), kinetics as well as dynamics of kinase inhibitors. It is concluded that the information gleaned from an understanding of the intrinsic fluorescence from these classes of drugs may aid in the development of future drugs with improved side-effects and less disease resistance.

Graphene Quantum Dot Assisted Translocation of Daunomycin through an Ordered Lipid Membrane: A Study by Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy and Resonance Energy Transfer

Daunomycin (DN) is a well-known chemotherapy drug frequently used in treating acute myeloid and lymphoblastic leukemia. It needs to be delivered to the therapeutic target by a delivering agent that beats the blood-brain barrier. DN is known to be specifically located at the membrane surface and scantly to the bilayer. Penetration of DN into the membrane bilayer depends on the molecular packing of the lipid. It does not travel promptly to the interior of the cells and needs a carrier to serve the purpose. Here, we have demonstrated, by fluorescence lifetime imaging spectroscopy (FLIM) and resonance energy transfer (RET) phenomenon, that ultrasmall graphene quantum dots (GQDs) can be internalized into the aqueous pool of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) made from dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) lipids, which, in turn, help in fast translocation of DN through the membrane without any delivery vehicle.

Complexation and organization of doxorubicin on polystyrene sulfonate chains: impacts on doxorubicin dimerization and quenching

The doxorubicin hydrochloride (DX) interaction with polystyrene sulfonate leads to fluorescence quenching due to dimer formation.

Polarity studies of single polyelectrolyte layers in polyelectrolyte multilayers probed by steady state and life time doxorubicin fluorescence

HYPOTHESIS

Polarity in polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) may vary from the inner to the top layers of the film as the charge compensation of the layers is more effective inside the PEMs than in outer layers. Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DX) is used here to sense polarity at the single polyelectrolyte level inside PEMS.

EXPERIMENTAL

DX is complexed electrostatically to a polyanion, either polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) or polyacrylic acid (PAA) and assembled at selected positions in a multilayer of the polyanion and polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH) as polycation. Local polarity in the layer domain is evaluated through changes in the intensity ratio of the first to second band of spectra of DX (I₁/I₂ ratio) by steady state fluorescence, and by Lifetime fluorescence.

FINDINGS

PAH/PSS multilayers, show a polarity similar to water with DX/PSS as top layer, decreasing to I₁/I₂ ratios similar to organic solvents as the number of polyelectrolyte layers assembled on top increases. For PAH/PAA multilayers, polarity values reflect a more polar environment than water when DX/PAA is the top layer, remaining unaltered by the assembly of polyelectrolyte layers on top. Results show that different polar environments may be present in a PEM when considering polarity at the single layer level.

Microfluidic-assisted fabrication of phosphatidylcholine-based liposomes for controlled drug delivery of chemotherapeutics

Microfluidic enables precise control over the continuous mixing of fluid phases at the micrometre scale, aiming to optimize the processing parameters and to facilitate scale-up feasibility. The optimization of parameters to obtain monodispersed drug-loaded liposomes however is challenging. In this work, two phosphatidylcholines (PC) differing in acyl chain length were selected, and used to control the release of the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin hydrochloride, an effective drug used to treat breast cancer. Microfluidics was used to rapidly screen manufacturing parameters and PC formulations to obtain monodispersed unilamellar liposomal formulations with a reproducible size (i.e. < 200 nm). Cholesterol was included in all liposomal formulations; some formulations also contained DMPC(1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) and/or DSPC(1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine). Systematic variations in microfluidics total flow rate (TFR) settings were performed, while keeping a constant flow rate ratio (FRR). A total of six PC-based liposomes were fabricated using the optimal manufacturing parameters (TFR 500 μL/min, FRR 0.1) for the production of reproducible, stable liposome formulations with a narrow size distribution. Liposomes actively encapsulating doxorubicin exhibited high encapsulation efficiencies (>80%) for most of the six formulations, and sustained drug release profiles in vitro over 48 h. Drug release profiles varied as a function of the DMPC/DSPC mol content in the lipid bilayer, with DMPC-based liposomes exhibiting a sustained release of doxorubicin when compared to DSPC liposomes. The PC-based liposomes, with a slower release of doxorubicin, were tested in vitro, as to investigate their cytotoxic activity against three human breast cancer cell lines: the non-metastatic ER+/PR + MCF7 cells, the triple-negative aggressive MDA-MB 231 cells, and the metastatic HER2-overexpressing/PR + BT474 cells. Similar cytotoxicity levels to that of free doxorubicin were reported for DMPC₅ and DMPC₃ binary liposomes (IC₅₀ ~ 1 μM), whereas liposomes composed of a single PC were less cytotoxic (IC₅₀ ~ 3-4 μM). These results highlight that microfluidics is suitable for the manufacture of monodispersed and size-specific PC-based liposomes in a controlled single-step; furthermore, selected PC-based liposome represent promising nanomedicines for the prolonged release of chemotherapeutics, with the aim of improving outcomes for patients.

A Fluorescence Study of the Interaction of Anticancer Drug Molecule Doxorubicin Hydrochloride in Pluronic P123 and F127 Micelles

Drug delivery systems for the sustained and target delivery of doxorubicin to tumor cells are a topic of interest due to the efficacy of the doxorubicin in cancer treatment. The use of polymers such as Pluronic is being studied widely for the formulation of doxorubicin hydrochloride. However, the basic understanding of the physicochemical properties of pluronic micelles in presence of doxorubicin hydrochloride is a very essential topic of study. Doxorubicin hydrochloride is fluorescent; this helped us to study its sensitivity towards the Pluronic microenvironment using the fluorescence technique. In this work, the interaction and place of location of doxorubicin hydrochloride in Pluronic F127 and P123 micelles has been studied extensively using steady-state fluorescence intensity, dynamic fluorescence lifetime, quenching studies, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential measurements, at different Pluronic concentrations. Using a fluorescence quenching experiment, doxorubicin hydrochloride was found to reside near the hydrophilic PEO corona region of the Pluronic micelles. For both the Pluronic, in the concentration range of study, the micellar size was found to be below 30 nm; this may have a greater advantage for various applications.

Interactions of anticancer drugs doxorubicin and idarubicin with lipid monolayers: New insight into the composition, structure and morphology

We quantify directly here for the first time the extents of interactions of two different anthracycline drugs with pure and mixed lipid monolayers with respect to the surface pressure and elucidate differences in the resulting interaction mechanisms. The work concerns interactions of doxorubicin (DOx) and idarubicin (IDA) with monolayers of the zwitterionic DMPC (1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) and negatively charged DMPS (1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine (sodium salt)) as well as a 7:3 mixture of the two lipids. These drugs are used in current cancer treatments, while the lipid systems were chosen as phosphocholines are the major lipid component of healthy cell membranes, and phosphoserines are the major lipid component that is externalized into the outer leaflet of cancerous cell membranes. It is shown that DOx interacts with DMPS monolayers to a greater extent than with DMPC monolayers by lower limits of a factor of 5 at a surface pressure of 10 mN/m and a factor of 12 at 30 mN/m. With increasing surface pressure, the small amount of drug (~0.3 µmol/m²) bound to DMPC monolayers is excluded from the interface, yet its interaction with DMPS monolayers is enhanced until there is even more drug (~3.2 µmol/m²) than lipid (~2.6 µmol/m²) at the interface. Direct evidence is presented for all systems studied that upon surface area compression lipid is reproducibly expelled from the monolayer, which we infer to be in the form of drug-lipid aggregates, yet the nature of adsorption of material back to the monolayer upon expansion is system-dependent. At 30 mN/m, most relevant to human physiology, the interactions of DOx and IDA are starkly different. For DOx, there is a conformational change in the interfacial layer driven by aggregation, resulting in the formation of lateral domains that have extended layers of drug. For the more lipophilic IDA, there is penetration of the drug into the hydrophobic acyl chain region of the monolayer and no indication of lateral segregation. In addition to the Langmuir technique, these advances were made as a result of direct measurements of the interfacial composition, structure and morphology using two different implementations of neutron reflectometry and Brewster angle microscopy. The results provide new insight into key processes that determine the uptake of drugs such as limited drug penetration through cell membranes by passive diffusion as well as activation of drug removal mechanisms related to multidrug resistance.

Probing the Assembly of HDL Mimetic, Drug Carrying Nanoparticles Using Intrinsic Fluorescence

Reconstituted high-density lipoprotein (HDL) containing apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I) mimics the structure and function of endogenous (human plasma) HDL due to its function and potential therapeutic utility in atherosclerosis, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammatory diseases. Recently, a new class of HDL mimetics has emerged, involving peptides with amino acid sequences that simulate the the primary structure of the amphipathic alpha helices within the Apo A-I protein. The findings reported in this communication were obtained using a similar amphiphilic peptide (modified via conjugation of a myristic acid residue at the amino terminal aspartic acid) that self-assembles (by itself) into nanoparticles while retaining the key features of endogenous HDL. The studies presented here involve the macromolecular assembly of the myristic acid conjugated peptide (MYR-5A) into nanomicellar structures and its characterization via steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. The structural differences between the free peptide (5A) and MYR-5A conjugate were also probed, using tryptophan fluorescence, Fӧrster resonance energy transfer (FRET), dynamic light scattering, and gel exclusion chromatography. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a lipoprotein assembly generated from a single ingredient and without a separate lipid component. The therapeutic utility of these nanoparticles (due to their capablity to incorporate a wide range of drugs into their core region for targeted delivery) was also investigated by probing the role of the scavenger receptor type B1 in this process. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Although lipoproteins have been considered as effective drug delivery agents, none of these nanoformulations has entered clinical trials to date. A major challenge to advancing lipoprotein-based formulations to the clinic has been the availability of a cost-effective protein or peptide constituent, needed for the assembly of the drug/lipoprotein nanocomplexes. This report of a robust, spontaneously assembling drug transport system from a single component could provide the template for a superior, targeted drug delivery strategy for therapeutics of cancer and other diseases (Counsell and Pohland, 1982).

Lipophilicity profiling of anthracycline antibiotics by microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography-effects on cardiotoxicity and endotheliotoxicity

Accurate profiling of the lipophilicity of amphoteric compounds might be complex and laborious. In the present work the lipophilicity of 12 anthracycline antibiotics-four parent drugs: doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epidoxorubicin, and epidaunorubicin and eight novel formamidyne derivatives with attached morpholine, hexamethylenoimine or piperidine rings-was determined based on novel approach using MEEKC. In the second stage, lipophilicity was correlated with anthracycline toxicity towards two cell lines. In rat cardiomyoblast cell line (h9c2) a significant correlation between the logP and toxicity was found. The anthracycline lipophilicity was not correlated with toxicity towards the endothelial hybrid cell line (EAhy.926). In conclusion, the lipophilicity of anthracyclines seems to determine their toxicity towards cardiomyoblasts but not on endothelial cells, suggesting a different mechanism of anthracyclines intercellular transport or extrusion in cardiomyoblast and endothelial cells.

A fluorescence study of the loading and time stability of doxorubicin in sodium cholate/PEO-PPO-PEO triblock copolymer mixed micelles

HYPOTHESIS

Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DX) is one of the most powerful anticancer agents though its clinical use is impaired by severe undesired side effects. DX encapsulation in nanocarrier systems has been introduced as a mean to reduce its toxicity. Micelles of the nonionic triblock copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) (PEO-PPO-PEO), are very promising carrier systems. The positive charge of DX confines the drug to the hydrophilic corona region of the micelles. The use of mixed micelles of PEO-PPO-PEO copolymers and a negatively charged bile salt should favour the solubilization of DX in the apolar core region of the micelles.

EXPERIMENTS

We studied the DX uptake in the micellar systems formed by sodium cholate (NaC) and the PEO₁₀₀PPO₆₅PEO₁₀₀ (F127) copolymer, prepared with different mole ratios (MR = n_NaC/n_F127) in the range 0 ÷ 1. The systems were characterized by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS); DX encapsulation was followed by steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy.

FINDINGS

The successful solubilization of DX in the host micellar systems did not affect their structure, as evidenced by both SAXS and DLS data. In the presence of NaC, DX experiences a more apolar environment as indicated by its characteristic fluorescent behaviour. The almost complete uptake of the drug occurred shortly after the sample preparation; however, time resolved fluorescence revealed a slow partition of DX between corona and core regions of the micelles. DX degradation in the mixed micellar systems was markedly reduced relative to aqueous DX solutions.

A biophysical approach to daunorubicin interaction with model membranes: relevance for the drug's biological activity

Daunorubicin is extensively used in chemotherapy for diverse types of cancer. Over the years, evidence has suggested that the mechanisms by which daunorubicin causes cytotoxic effects are also associated with interactions at the membrane level. The aim of the present work was to study the interplay between daunorubicin and mimetic membrane models composed of different ratios of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC), sphingomyelin (SM) and cholesterol (Chol). Several biophysical parameters were assessed using liposomes as mimetic model membranes. Thereby, the ability of daunorubicin to partition into lipid bilayers, its apparent location within the membrane and its effect on membrane fluidity were investigated. The results showed that daunorubicin has higher affinity for lipid bilayers composed of DMPC, followed by DMPC : SM, DMPC : Chol and lastly by DMPC : SM : Chol. The addition of SM or Chol into DMPC membranes not only increases the complexity of the model membrane but also decreases its fluidity, which, in turn, reduces the amount of anticancer drug that can partition into these mimetic models. Fluorescence quenching studies suggest a broad distribution of the drug across the bilayer thickness, with a preferential location in the phospholipid tails. The gathered data support that daunorubicin permeates all types of membranes to different degrees, interacts with phospholipids through electrostatic and hydrophobic bonds and causes alterations in the biophysical properties of the bilayers, namely in membrane fluidity. In fact, a decrease in membrane fluidity can be observed in the acyl region of the phospholipids. Ultimately, such outcomes can be correlated with daunorubicin's biological action, where membrane structure and lipid composition have an important role. In fact, the results indicate that the intercalation of daunorubicin between the phospholipids can also take place in rigid domains, such as rafts that are known to be involved in different receptor processes, which are important for cellular function.

Position and orientational preferences of drug-like compounds in lipid membranes: a computational and NMR approach

Permeation of drugs across lipid bilayers is a key factor in dictating how effective they will be. In vivo, the issue is compounded by the presence of drug-exporter proteins such as P-glycoprotein. However, despite intense effort, exactly what controls permeation and susceptibility to export is still poorly understood. In this work we examine two well-studied drugs for which interaction with P-glycoprotein has been studied before: amitriptyline, a known substrate and clozapine, which is not a substrate. Extensive MD simulations, including potential of mean force (PMF) profiles of the compounds in all possible protonation states, reveal that the preferred location of the compounds in different bilayers in different protonation states is remarkably similar. For both molecules in charged states, there is a substantial barrier to crossing the bilayer. Clozapine however, shows an energetic barrier to movement across the bilayer even in a protonation state that results in an uncharged molecule. For amitriptyline there is only a very small barrier of approximately 1.3 kcal mol(-1). Further analysis revealed that the conformational and orientational behavior of the two compounds was also similar, with the sidechain interacting with the lipid headgroups. This effect was much stronger if the sidechain was charged (protonated). These interactions with lipid bilayers were confirmed by NMR ROESY experiments. The results are discussed in terms of their potential interactions with export proteins like P-glycoprotein.

Double targeting, controlled release and reversible delivery of daunorubicin to cancer cells by polyvalent aptamers-modified gold nanoparticles

Clinical use of daunorubicin (Dau) in treatment of leukemia has been restricted because of its cardiotoxicity. Targeted delivery of anticancer drugs could decrease their off-target effects and enhance their efficacy. In this study a modified polyvalent aptamers (PA)-Daunorubicin (Dau)-Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) complex was designed and its efficacy was assessed in Molt-4 cells (human acute lymphoblastic leukemia T-cell, target). Dau was efficiently loaded (10.5 μM) onto 1mL of PA-modified AuNPs. Dau was released from the PA-Dau-AuNPs complex in a pH-sensitive manner (faster release at pH5.5). The results of flow cytometry analysis indicated that the PA-Dau-AuNPs complex was efficiently internalized into target cells, but not into nontarget cells. The results of MTT assay were consistent with the internalization data. PA-Dau-AuNPs complex had less cytotoxicity in U266 cells compared to Dau alone and even Apt-Dau-AuNPs complex. The PA-Dau-AuNPs complex had more cytotoxicity in Molt-4 cells compared to Dau alone and even Apt-Dau-AuNPs complex. Cytotoxicity of PA-Dau-AuNPs complex was effectively antagonized using antisense of polyvalent aptamers. In conclusion, the designed drug delivery system inherited the properties of efficient drug loading, tumor targeting, pH-dependent drug release and controllable delivery of Dau to tumor cells.

Modulation of vincristine and doxorubicin binding and release from silk films

Sustained release drug delivery systems remain a major clinical need for small molecule therapeutics in oncology. Here, mechanisms of small molecule interactions with silk protein films were studied with cationic oncology drugs, vincristine and doxorubicin, with a focus on hydrophobicity (non-ionic surfactant) and charge (pH and ionic strength). Interactions were primarily driven by charge interactions between the positively charged drugs and the negatively charged groups within the silk films. Exploiting chemical modifications of silk further modulated the drug interactions in a controlled fashion. Increasing anionic side groups via carboxylate- and sulfonate-modifications of tyrosine side chains in the silk protein using diazonium coupling chemistry, increased drug binding and altered drug release. The effects of silk film protein crystallinity, beta sheet content, on drug binding and release were also explored. Lower crystallinity supported more rapid drug binding when compared to higher crystalline silk films. The drug release kinetics were governed by the protonation state of vincristine and doxorubicin and were tunable based on silk crystallinity and chemistry. These studies depict an approach to characterize small molecule-silk protein interactions and methods to tune drug binding and release kinetics from this protein delivery matrix.

Targeted and controlled release delivery of daunorubicin to T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia by aptamer-modified gold nanoparticles

Clinical administration of daunorubicin (Dau) in treatment of leukemia has been limited by its cardiotoxicity. Targeted delivery of chemotherapy drugs could reduce their side effects and increase the therapeutic efficacy of these drugs. Biocompatibility and large surface area of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) make these nanoparticles great candidates for biomedical applications. In this study sgc8c aptamer (Apt)-Dau-AuNPs complex was designed and evaluated for treatment of Molt-4 cells (human acute lymphoblastic leukemia T-cell, target). Apt-Dau-AuNPs complex formation was analyzed by fluorometric analysis and gel retardation assay. Dau release profiles from the complex were evaluated in pHs 5.5 and 7.4. For cytotoxic studies (MTT assay) U266 (B lymphocyte human myeloma, nontarget) and Molt-4 cells (target) were treated with Dau Apt-Dau conjugate and Apt-Dau-AuNPs complex. Internalization was monitored by flow cytometry and confocal imaging. 12 μM Dau was efficiently loaded onto 1 mL of Apt-modified AuNPs. Dau was released from the complex in a pH-dependent manner (higher rate of release at pH 5.5). The results of flow cytometry analysis and confocal imaging showed that the complex was effectively internalized into Molt-4 cells, but not into U266 cells. The results of MTT assay also confirmed the internalization data. Apt-Dau-AuNPs complex was less cytotoxic in U266 cells compared to Dau alone and even Apt-Dau conjugate. The complex was more cytotoxic in target cells in comparison with Dau alone and even Apt-Dau conjugate. In conclusion, Apt-Dau-AuNPs complex was able to selectively target Molt-4 cells. Another advantage of this system was pH-dependent release of drug from the complex. Furthermore, this complex has characteristics which make it ideal for clinical use.

The role of payload hydrophobicity in nanotherapeutic pharmacokinetics

Although drug delivery with nanovectors is regarded as one of the paradigm-shifting advances in modern medicine, the compatibility and performance of drug-vector formulations have not been systematically studied in terms of their physicochemistry and pharmacokinetics (PKs). The drug delivery systems (DDSs), currently available in clinics or trials, were analyzed based on hydrophobicity and anatomical therapeutic chemical (ATC) classification of drug payloads. Four major types of DDSs differentiated based on DDS structure and drug hydrophobicity, where payload hydrophobicity decreased: micelles, serum albumin, liposome membrane, and liposome interior. A strong relationship between the increase in half-life in DDS formulation and drug hydrophobicity was found with up to 200-fold greater increase for hydrophilic drugs. The analysis results seemingly integrated PKs, ATC, and hydrophobicity to reinforce the development or optimization of drug delivery vectors and their formulations.

Interactions of doxorubicin with organized interfacial assemblies. 1. Electrochemical characterization

Doxorubicin is an anthracycline that has found wide use as a chemotherapeutic agent, with the primary target of its action being nuclear DNA. Despite the large body of knowledge on this family of compounds, the mechanism of doxorubicin penetration through the cellular or nuclear membrane remains understood to a limited extent. The plasma membrane acts as a barrier to the permeation of polar molecules, and this effect is mainly due to the hydrophobicity of membrane interior. The partitioning of DOX molecules into the lipid bilayer must thus be the basis for its passive transport across the biological membrane and therefore a key area of research activity lies in understanding how the structure of the anthracycline influences its interactions with amphiphilic interfaces. We have studied interactions between doxorubicin and Langmuir/Langmuir-Blodgett monomolecular films of octadecylamine (C18NH2), dihexadecylphosphate (DHP) and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC), and DMPC bilayer films (Langmuir-Schaeffer) on a polycrystalline gold surface using ellipsometry, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and quartz crystal microbalance measurements. For all biomimetic films there is a substantial interaction between doxorubicin and the interface, and the extent of this interaction depends on the hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties of the film formed and its organization.

Acute doxorubicin insult in the mouse ovary is cell- and follicle-type dependent

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is one of the many unintended consequences of chemotherapy faced by the growing number of female cancer survivors. While ovarian repercussions of chemotherapy have long been recognized, the acute insult phase and primary sites of damage are not well-studied, hampering efforts to design effective intervention therapies to protect the ovary. Utilizing doxorubicin (DXR) as a model chemotherapy agent, we defined the acute timeline for drug accumulation, induced DNA damage, and subsequent cellular and follicular demise in the mouse ovary. DXR accumulated first in the core ovarian stroma cells, then redistributed outwards into the cortex and follicles in a time-dependent manner, without further increase in total ovarian drug levels after four hours post-injection. Consistent with early drug accumulation and intimate interactions with the blood supply, stroma cell-enriched populations exhibited an earlier DNA damage response (measurable at 2 hours) than granulosa cells (measurable at 4 hours), as quantified by the comet assay. Granulosa cell-enriched populations were more sensitive however, responding with greater levels of DNA damage. The oocyte DNA damage response was delayed, and not measurable above background until 10-12 hours post-DXR injection. By 8 hours post-DXR injection and prior to the oocyte DNA damage response, the number of primary, secondary, and antral follicles exhibiting TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling)-positive granulosa cells plateaued, indicating late-stage apoptosis and suggesting damage to the oocytes is subsequent to somatic cell failure. Primordial follicles accumulate significant DXR by 4 hours post-injection, but do not exhibit TUNEL-positive granulosa cells until 48 hours post-injection, indicating delayed demise. Taken together, the data suggest effective intervention therapies designed to protect the ovary from chemotherapy accumulation and induced insult in the ovary must act almost immediately to prevent acute insult as significant damage was seen in stroma cells within the first two hours.

Liposomes as a model for the biological membrane: studies on daunorubicin bilayer interaction

In this study the interaction of the antitumoral drug daunorubicin with egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC) liposomes, used as a cell membrane model, was quantified by determination of the partition coefficient (K(p)). The liposome/aqueous-phase K(p) of daunorubicin was determined by derivative spectrophotometry and measurement of the zeta-potential. Mathematical models were used to fit the experimental data, enabling determination of K(p). In the partition of daunorubicin within the membrane both superficial electrostatic and inner hydrophobic interactions seem to be involved. The results are affected by the two types of interaction since spectrophotometry measures mainly hydrophobic interactions, while zeta-potential is affected by both interpenetration of amphiphilic charged molecules in the bilayer and superficial electrostatic interaction. Moreover, the degree of the partition of daunorubicin with the membrane changes with the drug concentration, due mainly to saturation factors. Derivative spectrophotometry and zeta-potential variation results, together with the broad range of concentrations studied, revealed the different types of interactions involved. The mathematical formalism applied also allowed quantification of the number of lipid molecules associated with one drug molecule.

Anthelmintics are substrates and activators of nematode P glycoprotein

P glycoproteins (Pgp), members of the ABC transporter superfamily, play a major role in chemoresistance. In nematodes, Pgp are responsible for resistance to anthelmintics, suggesting that they are Pgp substrates, as they are in mammalian cells. However, their binding to nematode Pgp and the functional consequences of this interaction have not been investigated. Our study showed that levamisole and most of the macrocyclic lactones (MLs) are Pgp substrates in nematodes. Ivermectin, although a very good substrate in mammalian cells, is poorly transported. In contrast to their inhibitory effect on mammalian Pgp, these drugs had a stimulatory effect on the transport activity of the reference Pgp substrate rhodamine 123 (R123) in the nematode. This may be due to a specific sequence of nematode Pgp, which shares only 44% identity with mammalian Pgp. Other factors, such as the affinity of anthelmintics for Pgp and their concentration in the Pgp microenvironment, could also differ in nematodes, as suggested by the specific relationship observed between the octanol-water partition coefficient (log P) of MLs and R123 efflux. Nevertheless, some similarities were also observed in the functional activities of the mammalian and nematode Pgp. As in mammalian cells, substrates known to bind the H site (Hoechst 33342 and colchicine) activated the R site, resulting in an increased R123 efflux. Our findings thus show that ML anthelmintics, which inhibit Pgp-mediated efflux in mammals, activate transport activity in nematodes and suggest that several substituents in the ML structure are involved in modulating the stimulatory effect.

Interactions of doxorubicin with self-assembled monolayer-modified electrodes: electrochemical, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and gravimetric studies

We present the results on the partitioning of doxorubicin (DOX), a potent anticancer drug, through the model membrane system, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold electrodes. The monolayers were formed from alkanethiols of comparable length with different ω-terminal groups facing the aqueous electrolyte: the hydrophobic -CH(3) groups for the case of dodecanethiol SAMs or hydrophilic -OH groups of mercaptoundecanol SAMs. The electrochemical experiments combined with the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and gravimetric studies show that doxorubicin is likely adsorbed onto the surface of hydrophilic monolayer, while for the case of the hydrophobic one the drug mostly penetrates the monolayer moiety. The adsorption of the drug hinders further penetration of doxorubicin into the monolayer moiety.

On the interaction of doxorubicin with oleate ions: fluorescence spectroscopy and liquid-liquid extraction study

Increase of lipophilicity of cationic doxorubicin (DOX) by its association with a fatty acid ion is of interest for pharmaceutical formulations and could have an impact on the drug delivery into cancer cells. On the basis of spectroscopic analysis of intrinsic DOX fluorescence, this study provides an experimental evidence of DOX-oleate interactions as function of ion/drug molar ratio (R) and pH. An electrostatic attraction to oleates is dominant for the cationic form of DOX (pH 6.5) and a hydrophobic interaction is characteristic of the molecular form of DOX (pH 8.6). A high content of sodium oleate vesicles ([oleate]>/=0.2 mM, R>/=20) limits the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions at pH 6.5 while favoring the hydrophobic interactions at pH 8.6. The influence of these interactions on the lipophilicity of the cationic form of DOX is analyzed by measuring the apparent partition coefficient (aqueous buffer pH 6.5/methylene chloride). The results show a lipophilicity gain for the cationic form of DOX in presence of 10 : 1 ion/drug molar ratio, while no lipophilicity increase is observed at 50 : 1 molar ratio.

Comparative study of doxorubicin-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles prepared by single and double emulsion methods

This study describes how the control of doxorubicin (DOX) polarity allows to encapsulate it inside poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles formulated either by a single oil-in-water (O/W) or a double water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsification method (SE and DE, respectively). DOX is commercially available as a water soluble hydrochloride salt, which is useful for DE. The main difficulty related to DE approach is that the low affinity of hydrophilic drugs to the polymer limits entrapment efficiency. Compared to DE method, SE protocol is easier and should provide an additional gain in entrapment efficiency. To be encapsulated by SE technique, DOX should be used in a more lipophilic molecular form. We evaluated the lipophilicity of DOX in terms of apparent partition coefficient (P) and modulated it by adjusting the pH of the aqueous phase. The highest P values were obtained at pH ranging from 8.6 to 9, i. e. between two DOX pK(a) values (8.2 and 9.6). The conditions favorable for the drug lipophilicity were then used to formulate DOX-loaded PLGA nanoparticles by SE method. DOX encapsulation efficiency as well as release profiles were evaluated for these nanoparticles and compared to those with nanoparticles formulated by DE. Our results indicate that the encapsulation of DOX in nanoparticles formulated by SE provides an increased drug entrapment efficiency and decreases the burst effect.

Localization of Multidrug Transporter Substrates within Model Membranes†

Active extrusion of drugs from the cell interior by primary and secondary efflux pumps is an essential mechanism underlying the phenomenon of multidrug resistance. The first discovered and best characterized primary efflux pump found in humans is the ABC transporter P-glycoprotein (PGP), which shows very broad substrate specificity. Many of these molecules are lipophilic, and binding most likely takes place within the membrane. PGP could either translocate them from the inner to the outer leaflet (flippase) or extrude them from the membrane into the extracellular environment (hydrophobic vacuum cleaner). Recognition and binding of such a diverse set of substrates must be associated with a preferred membrane location, determined by molecular properties and lipid interactions. Therefore, a systematic study of the interaction among seven PGP substrates (phenazine, doxorubicin, cephalexin, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, penicillin G, and quercetin) and two modulators (quinidine and nicardipine) and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) model membranes is reported here. The location profile of these molecules across the membrane was determined by (1)H NOESY MAS NMR based on (1)H-(1)H cross-peaks between their aromatic fingerprint region and lipid resonances. Although structurally rather diverse, all tested substances are found to have their highest concentration between the phosphate of the lipid headgroup and the upper segments of the lipid hydrocarbon chains. Our findings are consistent with PGP substrate and modulator binding from the membrane interface region.

6-mercaptopurine and daunorubicin double drug liposomes-preparation, drug-drug interaction and characterization

This article addresses and investigates the dual incorporation of daunorubicin (DR) and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) in liposomes for better chemotherapy. These drugs are potential candidates for interaction due to the quinone (H acceptor) and hydroxyl (H donor) groups on DR and 6-MP, respectively. Interactions between the two drugs in solution were monitored by UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. Interaction between the two drugs inside the liposomes was evaluated by HPLC (for 6-MP) and by fluorescence spectroscopy (for daunorubicin) after phospholipase-mediated liposome lysis. Our results provide evidence for the lack of interaction between the two drugs in solution and in liposomes. The entrapment efficiencies of 6-MP in the neutral Phosphatidyl choline (PC):Cholesterol (Chol):: 2:1 and anionic PC:Chol:Cardiolipin (CL) :: 4:5:1 single and double drug liposomes were found to be 0.4% and 1.5% (on average), respectively. The entrapment efficiencies of DR in the neutral and anionic double drug liposomes were found to be 55% and 31%, respectively. The corresponding entrapment of daunorubicin in the single drug liposomes was found to be 62% on average. Our thin layer chromatography (TLC) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results suggest stability of lipid and liposomes, thus pointing plausible existence of double drug liposomes. Cytotoxicity experiments were performed by using both single drug and double drug liposomes. By comparing the results of phase contrast and fluorescence microscopy, it was observed that the double drug liposomes were internalized in the jurkat and Hut78 (highly resistant cell line) leukemia cells as viewed by the fluorescence of daunorubicin. The cytotoxicity was dose dependent and had shown a synergistic effect when double drug liposome was used.

SMR proteins SugE and EmrE bind ligand with similar affinity and stoichiometry

Suppressor of a groEL mutation protein E (SugE) is a small multidrug resistance (SMR) homologue. In comparison with other SMR proteins, SugE promotes bacterial resistance to a narrow range of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs). Isothermal titration calorimetry was used to study the binding of QACs to Escherichia coli SugE in different membrane mimetic environments. In this study, the binding stoichiometry of SugE to drug was found to be 1:1, and the binding of SugE to drug was observed with the dissociation constant (K(D)) in the micromolar range for each of the drugs in the membrane mimetic environments explored. This interaction appears to be enthalpy-driven with enthalpies of 8-12 kcal/mol for each of the drugs. These results are similar to those found with drug binding to the SMR protein EmrE in an earlier study.

Transport of anthracyclines and mitoxantrone across membranes by a flip-flop mechanism

The objectives of the present work are to characterize the transport of mitoxantrone and three anthracyclines in terms of binding to the membrane surface, flip-flop across the lipid core of the membrane, and release into the medium. Mitoxantrone and anthracyclines are positively charged amphipathic molecules, and as such are located at the surface of membranes among the headgroups of the phospholipids. Therefore, their transport across membranes occurs by a flip-flop mechanism, rather than by diffusion down a continuous concentration gradient located in the lipid core of the membrane. Flip-flop rates have been estimated with liposomes labeled at their surface with 7-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl (NBD) moiety attached to the headgroup of phosphatidylethanolamine. Flip-flop of mitoxantrone, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, and idarubicin occurred with half-lives of 6, 0.7, 0.15, and 0.1min, respectively. Partition of the drugs into the membrane occurred with lipid phase/aqueous medium coefficients of 230,000, 8600, 23,000, and 40,000 for mitoxantrone, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, and idarubicin, respectively, which are much higher than their corresponding octanol/aqueous medium values. There was no direct correlation between the lipophilicity of the drugs and their lipid phase/aqueous medium partition coefficient or their flip-flop rate. Mitoxantrone exhibited the highest affinity toward liposome membranes, but the slowest flip-flop across the lipid core of the membranes. Simulation of drug uptake into liposomes revealed that transmembrane movement of the mitoxantrone and anthracyclines is determined by their flip-flop rate and affinity toward membranes.

Substantial increases in idarubicin plasma concentration by liposome encapsulation mediates improved antitumor activity

Idarubicin has been successfully encapsulated in cholesterol-free liposomes, however, little is known about how the rate of drug release from circulating liposomes influences therapeutic activity. The studies described herein assess the attributes of a liposome formulation required to significantly increase the plasma levels of idarubicin and further establish whether increases in the circulation longevity of the drug mediate improved antitumor activity. Pharmacokinetic assessments of 6 different 3[H]-labelled liposome formulations were compared to free idarubicin. The highest idarubicin plasma concentrations were observed with DSPC/DSPE-PEG2000 liposomes formulated with 2 mol% DSPE-PEG2000 and 150 mM (iso-osmotic) internal citrate concentration. It was shown that increased levels of PEG-lipid incorporation augmented IDA release and the optimal liposomal formulation needed to be prepared under iso-osmotic conditions. For efficacy studies in a murine leukemia model, groups of 12-14 mice were treated i.v. with saline or equivalent doses (1, 2, 3 mg/kg) of free or liposomal IDA. Liposomal treatment groups exhibited a higher % increase in life span (ILS) as compared to equivalent doses of free drug. Efficacy studies completed in two drug resistant models, P388/ADR and MDA435LCC6/MDR1, demonstrated that neither the free nor liposomal formulation of idarubicin was therapeutically active. Encapsulation of IDA in liposomes increased antitumor activity in an IDA sensitive model, however, the significant increase in plasma drug levels was not sufficient to overcome multidrug resistance.

Mechanism of multidrug resistance in relation to passive membrane permeation

Passive uptake of drugs into cells is described in terms of the following steps: (1) massive immediate binding of the drugs to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane resulting in practical equilibrium between extremely high drug concentrations at the cell surface compared to the drug concentration in the medium. (2) Due to their amphipathic nature, anticancer drugs are practically excluded from the lipid core of the membrane. They cross the lipid core by distinct flip-flop events that occur in the case of doxorubicin and daunorubicin after an average period of 0.7 and 0.15 min, respectively. (3) The drug reaching the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane is in practical equilibrium with the drug present in the cytoplasm. (4) Almost all the amounts of anticancer drugs present in the cells are bound by molecular sinks, such as DNA or cytoskeleton elements. The resistance afforded to multidrug resistant (MDR) cells by extrusion pumps, such as P-glycoprotein, is negatively correlated with the affinity of the drugs to the membranes and with their flip-flop rates across membranes. Binding rates of the drugs to membranes and intracellular sinks have no effect on drug concentration in the cytoplasm once equilibrium is reached between the passive uptake of drugs and their active extrusion.

Investigation of ligand binding to the multidrug resistance protein EmrE by isothermal titration calorimetry

Escherichia coli multidrug resistance protein E (EmrE) is an integral membrane protein spanning the inner membrane of Escherichia coli that is responsible for this organism's resistance to a variety of lipophilic cations such as quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) and interchelating dyes. EmrE is a 12-kDa protein of four transmembrane helices considered to be functional as a multimer. It is an efflux transporter that can bind and transport cytoplasmic QACs into the periplasm using the energy of the proton gradient across the inner membrane. Isothermal titration calorimetry provides information about the stoichiometry and thermodynamic properties of protein-ligand interactions, and can be used to monitor the binding of QACs to EmrE in different membrane mimetic environments. In this study the ligand binding to EmrE solubilized in dodecyl maltoside, sodium dodecyl sulfate and reconstituted into small unilamellar vesicles is examined by isothermal titration calorimetry. The binding stoichiometry of EmrE to drug was found to be 1:1, demonstrating that oligomerization of EmrE is not necessary for binding to drug. The binding of EmrE to drug was observed with the dissociation constant (K(D)) in the micromolar range for each of the drugs in any of the membrane mimetic environments. Thermodynamic properties demonstrated this interaction to be enthalpy-driven with similar enthalpies of 8-12 kcal/mol for each of the drugs in any of the membrane mimetics.

Antiestrogen Binding Site and Estrogen Receptor Mediate Uptake and Distribution of 4-Hydroxytamoxifen-Targeted Doxorubicin−Formaldehyde Conjugate in Breast Cancer Cells

The anthracycline antitumor drug, doxorubicin (DOX), has long been used as a broad spectrum chemotherapeutic. The literature now documents the role of formaldehyde in the cytotoxic mechanism, and anthracycline-formaldehyde conjugates possess substantially enhanced activity in vitro and in vivo. We have recently reported the design, synthesis, and preliminary evaluation of a doxorubicin-formaldehyde conjugate targeted, via 4-hydroxytamoxifen, to the estrogen receptor (ER) and antiestrogen binding site (AEBS), which are commonly present in breast cancer cells. The lead targeted doxorubicin-formaldehyde conjugate, called DOX-TEG-TAM, was found to possess superior cell growth inhibition characteristics relative to clinical doxorubicin and an untargeted control conjugate, especially in ER-negative, multidrug resistant MCF-7/Adr cells. The enhanced activity in the absence of estrogen receptor raised the possibility that targeting was also mediated via AEBS. Fluorescence microscopy of an ER-negative, AEBS-positive cell line as a function of time showed initial DOX-TEG-TAM localization in cytosol, in contrast to initial DOX and untargeted doxorubicin-formaldehyde conjugate localization in the nucleus. DOX-TEG-TAM was taken up by four AEBS-positive cell lines to a greater extent than doxorubicin and an untargeted doxorubicin-formaldehyde conjugate. Of the four cell lines, three were ER negative. DOX-TEG-TAM uptake was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by the presence of a competing AEBS ligand. DOX-TEG-TAM retains 60% of the affinity of 4-hydroxytamoxifen for AEBS. DOX-TEG-TAM was also taken up by the AEBS-negative, ER-positive cancer cell line Rtx-6; with these cells uptake was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by the ER ligand, estradiol. The data support the hypothesis that uptake of 4-hydroxytamoxifen targeted doxorubicin-formaldehyde conjugate is mediated by both the antiestrogen binding site and estrogen receptor.