A novel type of self-assembled nanoparticles as targeted gene carriers: an application for plasmid DNA and antimicroRNA oligonucleotide delivery

Development of fucoidan/polyethyleneimine based sorafenib-loaded self-assembled nanoparticles with machine learning and DoE-ANN implementation: Optimization, characterization, and in-vitro assessment for the anticancer drug delivery

This study aims to develop sorafenib-loaded self-assembled nanoparticles (SFB-SANPs) using the combined approach of artificial neural network and design of experiments (ANN-DoE) and to compare it with other machine learning (ML) models. The central composite design (CCD) and ML algorithms were used to screen the effects of concentrations of both the polymers (polyethyleneimine and fucoidan) on the outcome responses, i.e., particle size and entrapment efficiency with defined constraints. The prediction from different ML models (bootstrap forest, K-nearest neighbors, artificial neural network, generalized regression-lasso and support vector machines) were compared with ANN-DoE model. The ANN-DoE model showed better accuracy and predictability and outperformed all the other models. This depicted that the concept of using ANN and DoE combination approach provided the best, uncomplicated and cost-effective way to optimized the nanoformulations. The optimized formulation generated from the ANN-DoE combined model was further evaluated for characterization and anticancer activity. The optimized SFB-SANPs were prepared using the polyelectrolyte complexation method with Polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a cationic polymer and fucoidan (FCD) as an anionic. The SFB-SANPs were nanometric in size (280.4 ± 0.089 nm) and slightly anionic in nature (zeta potential = -6.03 ± 0.92 mV) with an encapsulation efficiency of 95.56 ± 0.30 %. The drug release from SFB-SANPs was controlled and sustained in the cancer microenvironment (pH 5.0). The SFB-SANPs were compatible with red blood cells (RBCs), and the % hemolysis was found to be <5.0 %. The anticancer activity of the SFB-SANPs exhibited an IC50 at 2.017 ± 0.516 μM against MDMB-231 cells, showing a significantly high inhibitory effect on breast cancer cell lines. Therefore, the nanocarriers developed using various ML tools inherit a huge promise in anticancer drug delivery.

miRNA Delivery by Nanosystems: State of the Art and Perspectives

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short (~21-23 nucleotides), non-coding endogenous RNA molecules that modulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level via the endogenous RNA interference machinery of the cell. They have emerged as potential biopharmaceuticals candidates for the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. However, in order to advance miRNAs therapeutics into clinical settings, their delivery remains a major challenge. Different types of vectors have been investigated to allow the delivery of miRNA in the diseased tissue. In particular, non-viral delivery systems have shown important advantages such as versatility, low cost, easy fabrication and low immunogenicity. Here, we present a general overview of the main types of non-viral vectors developed for miRNA delivery, with their advantages, limitations and future perspectives.

Nanoparticle-complexed antimiRs for inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis in prostate carcinoma and melanoma

Background

MiRNAs act as negative regulators of gene expression through target mRNA degradation or inhibition of its translation. In cancer, several miRNAs are upregulated and play crucial roles in tumorigenesis, making the inhibition of these oncomiRs an interesting therapeutic approach. This can be achieved by directly complementary single-stranded anti-miRNA oligonucleotides (antimiRs). A major bottleneck in antimiR therapy, however, is their efficient delivery. The nanoparticle formation with polyethylenimine (PEI) may be particularly promising, based on the PEI’s ability to electrostatically interact with oligonucleotides. This leads to their protection and supports delivery. In the present study, we explore for the first time PEI for antimiR formulation and delivery. We use the branched low molecular weight PEI F25-LMW for the complexation of different antimiRs, and analyse tumor- and metastasis-inhibitory effects of PEI/antimiR complexes in different tumor models.

Results

In prostate carcinoma, transfection of antimiRs against miR-375 and miR-141 leads to tumor cell inhibition in 2D- and 3D-models. More importantly, an in vivo tumor therapy study in prostate carcinoma xenografts reveals anti-tumor effects of the PEI/antimiR complexes. In advanced melanoma and metastasis, we identify by a microRNA screen miR-150 as a particularly relevant oncomiR candidate, and validate this result in vitro and in vivo. Again, the systemic application of PEI/antimiR complexes inhibiting this miRNA, or the previously described antimiR-638, leads to profound tumor growth inhibition. These effects are associated with the upregulation of direct miRNA target genes. In a melanoma metastasis mouse model, anti-metastatic effects of PEI/antimiR treatment are observed as well.

Conclusions

We thus describe PEI-based complexes as efficient platform for antimiR therapy, as determined in two different tumor entities using in vivo models of tumor growth or metastasis. Our study also highlights the therapeutic relevance of miR-375, miR-141, miR-150 and miR-638 as target miRNAs for antimiR-mediated inhibition.

MicroRNA-221 and MicroRNA-222 in Common Human Cancers: Expression, Function, and Triggering of Tumor Progression as a Key Modulator

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short (~22 nucleotides [nt]), single-stranded RNA oligonucleotides that are regulatory in nature and are often dysregulated in various diseases, including cancer. miRNAs can act as oncomiRs (miRNAs associated with cancer) or tumor suppressor miRNAs and have the potential to be a diagnostic, prognostic, noninvasive biomarker for these diseases. MicroRNA-221 (miR-221) and microRNA-222 (miR-222) are homologous miRNAs, located on the human chromosome Xp11.3, which factored significantly in impairment in the regulation of a wide range of cancers. In this review, we have highlighted the most consistently reported dysregulated miRNAs that trigger human tissues to express cancerous features and surveyed the role of those miRNAs in metastasis, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and tumor prognosis. Also, we applied the causes of drug resistance and the role of coordinated actions of these miRNAs to epigenetic changes and selected miRNAs as a potential type of cancer treatment.

Bioconjugated Oligonucleotides: Recent Developments and Therapeutic Applications

Oligonucleotide-based agents have the potential to treat or cure almost any disease, and are one of the key therapeutic drug classes of the future. Bioconjugated oligonucleotides, a subset of this class, are emerging from basic research and being successfully translated to the clinic. In this Review, we first briefly describe two approaches for inhibiting specific genes using oligonucleotides-antisense DNA (ASO) and RNA interference (RNAi)-followed by a discussion on delivery to cells. We then summarize and analyze recent developments in bioconjugated oligonucleotides including those possessing GalNAc, cell penetrating peptides, α-tocopherol, aptamers, antibodies, cholesterol, squalene, fatty acids, or nucleolipids. These novel conjugates provide a means to enhance tissue targeting, cell internalization, endosomal escape, target binding specificity, resistance to nucleases, and more. We next describe those bioconjugated oligonucleotides approved for patient use or in clinical trials. Finally, we summarize the state of the field, describe current limitations, and discuss future prospects. Bioconjugation chemistry is at the centerpiece of this therapeutic oligonucleotide revolution, and significant opportunities exist for development of new modification chemistries, for mechanistic studies at the chemical-biology interface, and for translating such agents to the clinic.

Non-viral nanocarriers for intracellular delivery of microRNA therapeutics

MicroRNAs are small regulatory noncoding RNAs that regulate various biological processes. Herein, we will present the development of the strategies for intracellular miRNAs delivery, and specially focus on the rational designed routes, their mechanisms of action, as well as potential therapeutics used in the host cells orin vivostudies.

In-vitro Transcribed mRNA Delivery Using PLGA/PEI Nanoparticles into Human Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells

Induction of protein synthesis by the external delivery of in-vitro transcription-messenger RNA (IVT-mRNA) has been a useful approach in the realm of cell biology, disease treatment, ‎reprogramming of cells, and vaccine design. Therefore, the development of new formulations for ‎protection of mRNA against nucleases is required to maintain its activity in-vivo. It was the aim of the present study to ‎investigate the uptake, toxicity, transfection efficiency as well as phenotypic consequences of ‎a nanoparticle (NP) in cell culture. NP consists of poly D, L-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) ‎for delivery of in-vitro transcription-messenger RNA (IVT- mRNA) encoded green fluorescent protein (GFP) in human monocyte-derived ‎dendritic cells (moDCs). Nanoparticles that were synthesized and encapsulated with synthetic GFP mRNA, exhibited size distribution in this formulation, with mean particle sizes ranging between 415 and 615 nm. Zeta potential was positive (above 12-13 mV) and the encapsulation efficiency exceeded 73.5%. Our results demonstrated that PLGA/PEI NPs encapsulation of GFP mRNA had ‎no toxic effect on immature monocyte-derived ‎dendritic cells and was capable of delivering of IVT-mRNA into moDCs and was highly effective. The expression of GFP protein 48 h after transfection was confirmed by flow cytometry, microscopic examination and western blotting assay. This NP can make a way to target moDCs to express a variety of antigens by IVT- mRNA. The ‎present study introduced the PLGA/PEI NP, which provided effective delivery of ‎IVT-mRNA that encodes the GFP protein.

Antiproliferative and Apoptosis Triggering Potential of Paclitaxel-Based Targeted-Lipid Nanoparticles with Enhanced Cellular Internalization by Transferrin Receptors-a Study in Leukemia Cells

Leukemia is a typical blood cancer that is characterized by the numerous duplication and proliferation of white blood cells. The main aim of this study was to develop PTX-loaded multifunctional nanoparticles and target to leukemia cells. In this study, transferrin-decorated paclitaxel-loaded lipid nanoparticle (TPLN) was prepared with an aim to increase the chemotherapeutic efficacy in the leukemia cells. Results clearly showed the superior targeting potential of TPLN to the HL-60 cancer cells compared to that of the paclitaxel-loaded nanoparticles (PLN). To be specific, TPLN showed a significantly higher cytotoxic effect in the cancer cells compared to that of the PLN indicating the superior targeting efficiency of the Tf-decorated nanoparticle system. The IC50 value of TPLN was 0.45 μg/ml compared to 2.8 μg/ml for PLN. TPLN induced a most remarkable apoptosis of the cancer cells and much of the cells were distorted with huge presence of the apoptotic body formation. Importantly, TPLN showed a remarkable reduction in the viable cells proportion to ~ 65% with around ~ 30% apoptosis cells (early and late apoptosis). Overall, results clearly showed the targeting potential of ligand-conjugated lipid nanoparticle system to the leukemia cells that might pave the way for the successful cancer treatment.

Non-viral based miR delivery and recent developments

miRNAs are promising therapeutic targets or tools for the treatment of numerous diseases, with most prominently, cancer. The inherent capacity of these short nucleic acids to regulate multiple cancer-related pathways simultaneously has prompted strong research on understanding miR functions and their potential use for therapeutic purposes. A key determinant of miR therapeutics' potential for treatment is their delivery. Viral and non-viral vectors attempt to address the major limitations associated with miR delivery, but several hurdles have been identified. Here, we present an overview on the general limitations of miR delivery, and the delivery strategies exploited to overcome them. We provide an introduction on the advantages and disadvantages of viral and non-viral vectors, and we go into detail to analyze the most prominently used non-viral systems. We provide with an update on the most recent research on this topic and we describe the mechanism and limitations of the lipid-, polymer- and inorganic material- based miR delivery systems.

Polyethyleneimine-capped silver nanoclusters for microRNA oligonucleotide delivery and bacterial inhibition

Efficient and safe nonviral gene delivery systems are a prerequisite for the clinical application of therapeutic genes. In this paper, polyethyleneimine-capped silver nanoclusters (PEI-AgNCs) were prepared for the purpose of microRNA (miRNA) delivery. The resultant PEI-AgNCs were characterized by a photoluminescence assay and transmission electron microscopy. A cytotoxicity assay showed that PEI-AgNCs exhibit relatively low cytotoxicity. Interestingly, PEI-AgNCs were confirmed to transfect miRNA mimics more effectively than PEI in HepG2 and 293A cells. In this regard, hsa-miR-21 or hsa-miR-221 mimics (miR-21/221m) were transported into HepG2 cells by using PEI-AgNCs. The miR-21/221 expression was determined post-transfection by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Compared with the negative control, PEI-AgNCs/miR-21/221m groups exhibited higher miR-21/221 levels. In addition, AgNCs endow PEI with stronger antibacterial activity, and this advantage provided PEI-AgNCs the potential to prevent bacterial contamination during the transfection process. Furthermore, we showed that PEI-AgNCs are viable nanomaterials for plain imaging of the cells by laser scanning confocal microscopy, indicating great potential as an ideal fluorescent probe to track the transfection behavior. These results demonstrated that PEI-AgNCs are promising and novel nonviral vectors for gene delivery.

A review of drug delivery systems based on nanotechnology and green chemistry: green nanomedicine

This review discusses the impact of green and environmentally safe chemistry on the field of nanotechnology-driven drug delivery in a new field termed "green nanomedicine". Studies have shown that among many examples of green nanotechnology-driven drug delivery systems, those receiving the greatest amount of attention include nanometal particles, polymers, and biological materials. Furthermore, green nanodrug delivery systems based on environmentally safe chemical reactions or using natural biomaterials (such as plant extracts and microorganisms) are now producing innovative materials revolutionizing the field. In this review, the use of green chemistry design, synthesis, and application principles and eco-friendly synthesis techniques with low side effects are discussed. The review ends with a description of key future efforts that must ensue for this field to continue to grow.

Co-delivery of paclitaxel and TOS-cisplatin via TAT-targeted solid lipid nanoparticles with synergistic antitumor activity against cervical cancer

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is a major world health problem for women. Currently, cancer research focuses on improving therapy for cervical cancer using various treatment options such as co-delivery of chemotherapeutic agents by nanocarriers.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to develop trans-activating transcriptional activator (TAT)-modified solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for co-delivery of paclitaxel (PTX) and α-tocopherol succinate-cisplatin prodrug (TOS-CDDP) (TAT PTX/TOS-CDDP SLNs) in order to achieve synergistic antitumor activity against cervical cancer.

METHODS

Lipid prodrug of CDDP (TOS-CDDP) and TAT-containing polyethylene glycol-distearoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (TAT-PEG-DSPE) were synthesized. TAT PTX/TOS-CDDP SLNs were prepared by emulsification and solvent evaporation method. Physicochemical characteristics of SLNs such as size, morphology, and release profiles were explored. In vitro and in vivo studies were carried out to assess the efficacy of their antitumor activity in target cells.

RESULTS

TAT PTX/TOS-CDDP SLNs could be successfully internalized by HeLa cells and showed a synergistic effect in the suppression of cervical tumor cell growth. They exhibited high tumor tissue accumulation, superior antitumor efficiency, and much lower toxicity in vivo.

CONCLUSION

The present study indicates that the co-delivery system provides a promising platform as a combination therapy for the treatment of cervical cancer, and possibly other types of cancer as well.

Novel transferrin modified and doxorubicin loaded Pluronic 85/lipid-polymeric nanoparticles for the treatment of leukemia: In vitro and in vivo therapeutic effect evaluation

PURPOSE

Childhood leukemia is a common malignant disease in children. Doxorubicin (DOX) was widely used for the treatment of leukemia. However, severe toxic side effects and drug resistance are the major limitations of DOX. Nanocarriers offer the opportunity to overcome these drawbacks, there are many attempts to enhance the activity of DOX against drug resistance. This study aimed to develop a novel transferrin (Tf) modified and doxorubicin (DOX) loaded Pluronic 85/lipid-polymeric nanoparticles for the treatment of leukemia.

METHODS

In this study, a novel targeted ligand: transferrin-polyethylene glycol-oleic acid (Tf-PEG-OA) was synthesized. Tf modified and DOX loaded Pluronic 85/lipid-polymeric nanoparticles (Tf-DOX P85/LPNs) were prepared via the self-assembly of PLGA, P85, stearic acid and Tf-PEG-OA using the nanoprecipitation method. The physicochemical properties of LPNs were characterized. In vitro and in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of LPNs was evaluated in human promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL-60 cells) and DOX resistance HL-60 cell line (HL-60/DOX cells) including the relevant animal models.

RESULTS

Tf-DOX P85/LPNs displayed strong anti-tumor ability on both HL-60 cells and HL-60/DOX cells than other formulations used as contrast. Also, in HL-60/DOX bearing animal models, Tf-DOX P85/LPNs exhibited the highest efficiency as well as the lowest systemic toxicity.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that Tf P85/LPNs is a promising platform to enhance efficacy, reduce toxicity and overcome drug resistance of DOX for the treatment of leukemia.

Polyethyleneimine-coated quantum dots for miRNA delivery and its enhanced suppression in HepG2 cells

Quantum dots (QDs) have been intensively investigated for bioimaging, drug delivery, and labeling probes because of their unique optical properties. In this study, CdSe/ZnS QDs-based nonviral vectors with the dual functions of delivering miR-26a plasmid and bioimaging were formulated by capping the surface of CdSe/ZnS QDs with polyethyleneimine (PEI). The PEI-coated QDs were capable of condensing miR-26a expression vector into nanocomplexes that can emit strong red luminescence when loaded with CdSe/ZnS QDs. Further results showed that PEI-modified nanoparticles (NPs) could transfect miR-26a plasmid into HepG2 cells in vitro. Meanwhile, imaging of living cells could be achieved based on the CdSe/ZnS QDs. Further study suggested that miR-26a transfection up-regulated miR-26a expression, induced cycle arrest, and triggered proliferation inhibition in HepG2 cells. The results indicated that PEI-coated QD NPs possess the capability of bioimaging and gene delivery and could be a promising vehicle with the engineering of QD NPs for gene therapy in the future.

Anti-tumor efficiency of paclitaxel and DNA when co-delivered by pH responsive ligand modified nanocarriers for breast cancer treatment

CONTEXT

Combination of chemotherapy and nucleic acid therapy generally take advantage of drugs anti-tumor activity together with DNA capacity to transfect cancer cells, showing great promise in cancer treatment. However, effective co-delivery of drugs and DNA in a single carrier for cancer treatment remains a challenge.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to design a tumor targeted, pH sensitive nanocarriers for the co-delivery of gene and drug.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hyaluronic acid - acid sensitive linker - 1,2-distearoyl phosphatideylethanolamine copolymers (HA-as-DSPE) were synthesized. HA-as-DSPE modified, paclitaxel and pDNA loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (HA-PTX/pDNA SLN) was prepared. The physicochemical properties like morphology, size, and zeta potential as well as release properties were evaluated. The ability and therapeutic effects of the novel system for the co-delivery of PTX and pDNA were demonstrated in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

In vitro experiments and in vivo animal studies both confirmed that the HA-PTX/pDNA SLN system could promote the inhibition of tumor, at the same time deliver and transfect gene into the cancer cells.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Highest efficiency achieved by HA-PTX/pDNA SLN might result from the HA ligands that targeted the receptors on the cancer cells, the enhanced cellular uptake by the SLN formulations and also the pH sensitive bound of the carriers let the drug release more in the tumor cells. It could be concluded that HA-PTX/pDNA SLN could be used as a promising delivery system for drug and gene combination therapy.

Cationic microRNA-delivering nanocarriers for efficient treatment of colon carcinoma in xenograft model

Manipulation of tumor microRNAs (miRNAs) may offer novel avenues for treatment of cancer. However, development of safe, robust, non-viral delivery methods remains a main challenge to obtain the promise of gene therapy. The miR-145 is dysregulated in many cancers, including colon carcer, and further in vitro investigation established antiproliferative and proapoptotic roles of miR-145. Herein, we study a PLGA/PEI (poly (d, l-lactide-co-glycolide)/polyethylenimine)-mediated miRNA vector delivery system; the validation of the method was carried out using a colon cancer xenograft model with miR-145 vector encoding for the expression of miR-145 (pDNA). First, high-molecular-weight PEI (25000 Da) was conjugated with cetyl to formulate reducible cetylated PEI (PEI-cet), and then PEI-cet was introduced to PLGA suspension. Next, PLGA/PEI-cet was crosslinked with hyaluronic acid (HA) to facilitate cellular uptake of miRNA plasmid vector via HA receptor-mediated endocytosis. After local administration of PLGA/PEI/HA complexes, intact miRNA plasmid vectors were delivered into HCT-116 colon cancer cells and xenograft tumor-bearing mice, and significant antitumor effects were achieved. The results show that the HA-based miR-145 nanocarrier could efficiently facilitate cellular uptake and significantly enhance miR-145 expression in HCT-116 cells. Consequently, the increased miR-145 induced G1 cell cycle arrest, reduced tumor proliferation and increased apoptosis, inhibited HCT-116 cell migration and suppressed c-MYC expressions, a regulatory target of miR-145. Of particular importance is the significant decrease in tumor growth in the mice model of colon cancer with the targeting miR-145 delivery system. The results in this work show that miR-145 has been effectively delivered to colon carcinomas through a PLGA/PEI/HA vehicle, indicating a promising miRNA replacement therapy strategy.

REDV–polyethyleneimine complexes for selectively enhancing gene delivery in endothelial cells

Gene therapy provides a new strategy for promoting endothelialization, and rapid endothelialization has attracted increasing attention for inhibiting thrombosis and restenosis in artificial vascular implants.