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Moreira R, Nóbrega C, de Almeida LP, Mendonça L. Brain-targeted drug delivery - nanovesicles directed to specific brain cells by brain-targeting ligands. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:260. [PMID: 38760847 PMCID: PMC11100082 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02511-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by extensive loss of function or death of brain cells, hampering the life quality of patients. Brain-targeted drug delivery is challenging, with a low success rate this far. Therefore, the application of targeting ligands in drug vehicles, such as lipid-based and polymeric nanoparticles, holds the promise to overcome the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and direct therapies to the brain, in addition to protect their cargo from degradation and metabolization. In this review, we discuss the barriers to brain delivery and the different types of brain-targeting ligands currently in use in brain-targeted nanoparticles, such as peptides, proteins, aptamers, small molecules, and antibodies. Moreover, we present a detailed review of the different targeting ligands used to direct nanoparticles to specific brain cells, like neurons (C4-3 aptamer, neurotensin, Tet-1, RVG, and IKRG peptides), astrocytes (Aquaporin-4, D4, and Bradykinin B2 antibodies), oligodendrocytes (NG-2 antibody and the biotinylated DNA aptamer conjugated to a streptavidin core Myaptavin-3064), microglia (CD11b antibody), neural stem cells (QTRFLLH, VPTQSSG, and NFL-TBS.40-63 peptides), and to endothelial cells of the BBB (transferrin and insulin proteins, and choline). Reports demonstrated enhanced brain-targeted delivery with improved transport to the specific cell type targeted with the conjugation of these ligands to nanoparticles. Hence, this strategy allows the implementation of high-precision medicine, with reduced side effects or unwanted therapy clearance from the body. Nevertheless, the accumulation of some of these nanoparticles in peripheral organs has been reported indicating that there are still factors to be improved to achieve higher levels of brain targeting. This review is a collection of studies exploring targeting ligands for the delivery of nanoparticles to the brain and we highlight the advantages and limitations of this type of approach in precision therapies.
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Grants
- under BrainHealth2020 projects (CENTRO-01-0145-FEDER-000008), through the COMPETE 2020 - Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalization and Portuguese national funds via FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, under projects - UIDB/04539/2020 and UIDP/04539/2020, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030737 (NeuroStemForMJD, PTDC/BTM-ORG/30737/2017), CEECIND/04242/2017, and PhD Scholarship European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Centro 2020 Regional Operational Programme
- under BrainHealth2020 projects (CENTRO-01-0145-FEDER-000008), through the COMPETE 2020 - Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalization and Portuguese national funds via FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, under projects - UIDB/04539/2020 and UIDP/04539/2020, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030737 (NeuroStemForMJD, PTDC/BTM-ORG/30737/2017), CEECIND/04242/2017, and PhD Scholarship European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Centro 2020 Regional Operational Programme
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Moreira
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, polo 1, Coimbra, FMUC, 3004-504, Portugal
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3004-504, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, polo 1, Coimbra, FMUC, 3004-504, Portugal
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3004-504, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3030-789, Portugal
| | - Liliana Mendonça
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, polo 1, Coimbra, FMUC, 3004-504, Portugal.
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3004-504, Portugal.
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3030-789, Portugal.
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2
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Zheng J, Wang R, Wang Y. New concepts drive the development of delivery tools for sustainable treatment of diabetic complications. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116206. [PMID: 38278022 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetic complications, especially diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy and painful diabetic neuropathy, account for a large portion of patients with diabetes and display rising global prevalence. They are the leading causes of blindness, kidney failure and hypersensitivity to pain caused by diabetes. Current approved therapeutics against the diabetic complications are few and exhibit limited efficacy. The enhanced cell-specificity, stability, biocompatibility, and loading capacity of drugs are essential for the mitigation of diabetic complications. In the article, we have critically discussed the recent studies over the past two years in material sciences and biochemistry. The insightful concepts in these studies drive the development of novel nanoparticles and mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles to meet the need for treatment of diabetic complications. Their underlying biochemical principles, advantages and limitations have been in-depth analyzed. The nanoparticles discussed in the article include double-headed nanodelivery system, nanozyme, ESC-HCM-B system, soft polymer nanostars, tetrahedral DNA nanostructures and hydrogels. They ameliorate the diabetic complication through attenuation of inflammation, apoptosis and restoration of metabolic homeostasis. Moreover, mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles efficiently deliver therapeutic proteins to the retinal cells to suppress the angiogenesis, inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress to reverse diabetic retinopathy. Collectively, we provide a critical discussion on the concept, mechanism and therapeutic applicability of new delivery tools to treat these three devastating diabetic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Zheng
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Ru Wang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, China.
| | - Yibing Wang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, China.
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Spencer AP, Leiro V, Pêgo AP. Unravelling the interactions of biodegradable dendritic nucleic acid carriers and neural cells. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:1499-1516. [PMID: 36602540 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm01114j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Nanomedicines based on nanoparticles as carriers of therapeutics are expected to drastically influence the future of healthcare. However, clinical translation of these technologies can be very challenging. The development process of nanoparticles for biological applications encompasses the analysis and understanding of several steps in vitro, before in vivo, and subsequent clinical applications, namely, the in-depth study of biosafety, cellular interaction, and intracellular trafficking. Recently, we proposed a new family of fully biodegradable PEG-GATGE (Poly(Ethylene Glycol)-Gallic Acid-Triethylene Glycol Ester) dendritic block copolymers to act as versatile delivery vectors in nanomedicine. These nanosystems showed great promise in complexing, protecting, and delivering nucleic acids to cells, forming nanoscaled complexes called dendriplexes. Due to these favourable features, in the present study, the dendriplexes' characterization was expanded and, in addition, their biocompatibility, cellular uptake, and cellular path in neuronal cells from the peripheral and central nervous systems were assessed. Our fully biodegradable dendritic nanosystem was found to be biocompatible in all the studied neuronal cells and mediates fast cellular interaction and endocytosis in both cell line tested and primary mouse cortical neurons. Nevertheless, the mechanism of dendriplex cell entry and intracellular fate was found to be different in cell lines and primary cultures. Dendriplexes' internalization was observed to be mediated by clathrin in ND7/23 and HT22 cells, while caveolin-mediated endocytosis occurred in primary mouse cortical neurons, in which, after internalization, dendriplexes were not colocalized with lysosomes or autophagosomes. Taken together, these results further point to PEG-GATGE dendrimers as biosafe delivery vectors of nucleic acids to neuronal cells in vitro, suggesting their feasibility as carriers in the context of nervous system applications. Furthermore, our data reinforce the importance of testing the performance of new vectors in different models to verify their potential applicability in vitro and/or in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Patrícia Spencer
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal. .,INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.,FEUP - Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Victoria Leiro
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal. .,INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Pêgo
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal. .,INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.,ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-343 Porto, Portugal
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4
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Tundisi LL, Ataide JA, Costa JSR, Coêlho DDF, Liszbinski RB, Lopes AM, Oliveira-Nascimento L, de Jesus MB, Jozala AF, Ehrhardt C, Mazzola PG. Nanotechnology as a tool to overcome macromolecules delivery issues. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 222:113043. [PMID: 36455361 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.113043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Nanocarriers can deliver drugs to specific organs or cells, potentially bridging the gap between a drug's function and its interaction with biological systems such as human physiology. The untapped potential of nanotechnology stems from its ability to manipulate materials, allowing control over physical and chemical properties and overcoming drug-related problems, e.g., poor solubility or poor bioavailability. For example, most protein drugs are administered parenterally, each with challenges and peculiarities. Some problems faced by bioengineered macromolecule drugs leading to poor bioavailability are short biological half-life, large size and high molecular weight, low permeability through biological membranes, and structural instability. Nanotechnology emerges as a promising strategy to overcome these problems. Nevertheless, the delivery system should be carefully chosen considering loading efficiency, physicochemical properties, production conditions, toxicity, and regulations. Moving from the bench to the bedside is still one of the major bottlenecks in nanomedicine, and toxicological issues are the greatest challenges to overcome. This review provides an overview of biotech drug delivery approaches, associated nanotechnology novelty, toxicological issues, and regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janaína Artem Ataide
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, Brazil.
| | - Juliana Souza Ribeiro Costa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, Brazil; Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology (Latef), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Raquel Bester Liszbinski
- Nano-Cell Interactions Lab., Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, Brazil
| | - André Moreni Lopes
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Laura Oliveira-Nascimento
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, Brazil; Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology (Latef), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Bispo de Jesus
- Nano-Cell Interactions Lab., Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Angela Faustino Jozala
- LAMINFE - Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology and Fermentation Process, University of Sorocaba, Sorocaba, Brazil
| | - Carsten Ehrhardt
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Priscila Gava Mazzola
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, Brazil
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5
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Sood A, Kumar A, Gupta VK, Kim CM, Han SS. Translational Nanomedicines Across Human Reproductive Organs Modeling on Microfluidic Chips: State-of-the-Art and Future Prospects. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:62-84. [PMID: 36541361 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Forecasting the consequence of nanoparticles (NPs) and therapeutically significant molecules before materializing for human clinical trials is a mainstay for drug delivery and screening processes. One of the noteworthy obstacles that has prevented the clinical translation of NP-based drug delivery systems and novel drugs is the lack of effective preclinical platforms. As a revolutionary technology, the organ-on-a-chip (OOC), a coalition of microfluidics and tissue engineering, has surfaced as an alternative to orthodox screening platforms. OOC technology recapitulates the structural and physiological features of human organs along with intercommunications between tissues on a chip. The current review discusses the concept of microfluidics and confers cutting-edge fabrication processes for chip designing. We also outlined the advantages of microfluidics in analyzing NPs in terms of characterization, transport, and degradation in biological systems. The review further elaborates the scope and research on translational nanomedicines in human reproductive organs (testis, placenta, uterus, and menstrual cycle) by taking the advantages offered by microfluidics and shedding light on their potential future implications. Finally, we accentuate the existing challenges for clinical translation and scale-up dynamics for microfluidics chips and emphasize its future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Sood
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea
| | - Anuj Kumar
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea.,Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea
| | - Vijai Kumar Gupta
- Biorefining and Advanced Materials Research Center, Scotland's Rural College, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, United Kingdom
| | - Chul Min Kim
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Gyeongsang National University, 33 Dongjin-ro, Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do 52725, South Korea
| | - Sung Soo Han
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea.,Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea
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6
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Neuron–Microglia Contact-Dependent Mechanisms Attenuate Methamphetamine-Induced Microglia Reactivity and Enhance Neuronal Plasticity. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030355. [PMID: 35159165 PMCID: PMC8834016 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to methamphetamine (Meth) has been classically associated with damage to neuronal terminals. However, it is now becoming clear that addiction may also result from the interplay between glial cells and neurons. Recently, we demonstrated that binge Meth administration promotes microgliosis and microglia pro-inflammation via astrocytic glutamate release in a TNF/IP3R2-Ca2+-dependent manner. Here, we investigated the contribution of neuronal cells to this process. As the crosstalk between microglia and neurons may occur by contact-dependent and/or contact-independent mechanisms, we developed co-cultures of primary neurons and microglia in microfluidic devices to investigate how their interaction affects Meth-induced microglia activation. Our results show that neurons exposed to Meth do not activate microglia in a cell-autonomous way but require astrocyte mediation. Importantly, we found that neurons can partially prevent Meth-induced microglia activation via astrocytes, which seems to be achieved by increasing arginase 1 expression and strengthening the CD200/CD200r pathway. We also observed an increase in synaptic individual area, as determined by co-localization of pre- and post-synaptic markers. The present study provides evidence that contact-dependent mechanisms between neurons and microglia can attenuate pro-inflammatory events such as Meth-induced microglia activation.
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7
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Liu Y, Zeng S, Ji W, Yao H, Lin L, Cui H, Santos HA, Pan G. Emerging Theranostic Nanomaterials in Diabetes and Its Complications. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2102466. [PMID: 34825525 PMCID: PMC8787437 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202102466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) refers to a group of metabolic disorders that are characterized by hyperglycemia. Oral subcutaneously administered antidiabetic drugs such as insulin, glipalamide, and metformin can temporarily balance blood sugar levels, however, long-term administration of these therapies is associated with undesirable side effects on the kidney and liver. In addition, due to overproduction of reactive oxygen species and hyperglycemia-induced macrovascular system damage, diabetics have an increased risk of complications. Fortunately, recent advances in nanomaterials have provided new opportunities for diabetes therapy and diagnosis. This review provides a panoramic overview of the current nanomaterials for the detection of diabetic biomarkers and diabetes treatment. Apart from diabetic sensing mechanisms and antidiabetic activities, the applications of these bioengineered nanoparticles for preventing several diabetic complications are elucidated. This review provides an overall perspective in this field, including current challenges and future trends, which may be helpful in informing the development of novel nanomaterials with new functions and properties for diabetes diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuntao Liu
- School of Food & Biological EngineeringJiangsu UniversityZhenjiang212013China
- College of Food ScienceSichuan Agricultural UniversityYaan625014China
| | - Siqi Zeng
- College of Food ScienceSichuan Agricultural UniversityYaan625014China
| | - Wei Ji
- Department of PharmaceuticsSchool of PharmacyJiangsu UniversityZhenjiangJiangsu212013China
| | - Huan Yao
- Sichuan Institute of Food InspectionChengdu610097China
| | - Lin Lin
- School of Food & Biological EngineeringJiangsu UniversityZhenjiang212013China
| | - Haiying Cui
- School of Food & Biological EngineeringJiangsu UniversityZhenjiang212013China
| | - Hélder A. Santos
- Drug Research ProgramDivision of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and TechnologyFaculty of PharmacyUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFI‐00014Finland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials ScienceUniversity of Groningen/University Medical Center GroningenAnt. Deusinglaan 1Groningen9713 AVThe Netherlands
| | - Guoqing Pan
- Institute for Advanced MaterialsSchool of Materials Science and EngineeringJiangsu UniversityZhenjiangJiangsu212013China
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8
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Summers HD, Gomes CP, Varela-Moreira A, Spencer AP, Gomez-Lazaro M, Pêgo AP, Rees P. Data-Driven Modeling of the Cellular Pharmacokinetics of Degradable Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11102606. [PMID: 34685047 PMCID: PMC8538870 DOI: 10.3390/nano11102606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticle drug delivery vehicles introduce multiple pharmacokinetic processes, with the delivery, accumulation, and stability of the therapeutic molecule influenced by nanoscale processes. Therefore, considering the complexity of the multiple interactions, the use of data-driven models has critical importance in understanding the interplay between controlling processes. We demonstrate data simulation techniques to reproduce the time-dependent dose of trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles in an ND7/23 neuronal cell line, used as an in vitro model of native peripheral sensory neurons. Derived analytical expressions of the mean dose per cell accurately capture the pharmacokinetics by including a declining delivery rate and an intracellular particle degradation process. Comparison with experiment indicates a supply time constant, τ = 2 h. and a degradation rate constant, b = 0.71 h−1. Modeling the dose heterogeneity uses simulated data distributions, with time dependence incorporated by transforming data-bin values. The simulations mimic the dynamic nature of cell-to-cell dose variation and explain the observed trend of increasing numbers of high-dose cells at early time points, followed by a shift in distribution peak to lower dose between 4 to 8 h and a static dose profile beyond 8 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huw D. Summers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8QQ, UK;
- Correspondence:
| | - Carla P. Gomes
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (C.P.G.); (A.V.-M.); (A.P.S.); (M.G.-L.); (A.P.P.)
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica INEB, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (FEUP), Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Aida Varela-Moreira
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (C.P.G.); (A.V.-M.); (A.P.S.); (M.G.-L.); (A.P.P.)
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica INEB, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana P. Spencer
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (C.P.G.); (A.V.-M.); (A.P.S.); (M.G.-L.); (A.P.P.)
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica INEB, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (FEUP), Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Gomez-Lazaro
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (C.P.G.); (A.V.-M.); (A.P.S.); (M.G.-L.); (A.P.P.)
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica INEB, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana P. Pêgo
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (C.P.G.); (A.V.-M.); (A.P.S.); (M.G.-L.); (A.P.P.)
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica INEB, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (FEUP), Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paul Rees
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8QQ, UK;
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9
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Spencer AP, Torrado M, Custódio B, Silva-Reis SC, Santos SD, Leiro V, Pêgo AP. Breaking Barriers: Bioinspired Strategies for Targeted Neuronal Delivery to the Central Nervous System. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E192. [PMID: 32102252 PMCID: PMC7076453 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12020192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) disorders encompass a vast spectrum of pathological conditions and represent a growing concern worldwide. Despite the high social and clinical interest in trying to solve these pathologies, there are many challenges to bridge in order to achieve an effective therapy. One of the main obstacles to advancements in this field that has hampered many of the therapeutic strategies proposed to date is the presence of the CNS barriers that restrict the access to the brain. However, adequate brain biodistribution and neuronal cells specific accumulation in the targeted site also represent major hurdles to the attainment of a successful CNS treatment. Over the last few years, nanotechnology has taken a step forward towards the development of therapeutics in neurologic diseases and different approaches have been developed to surpass these obstacles. The versatility of the designed nanocarriers in terms of physical and chemical properties, and the possibility to functionalize them with specific moieties, have resulted in improved neurotargeted delivery profiles. With the concomitant progress in biology research, many of these strategies have been inspired by nature and have taken advantage of physiological processes to achieve brain delivery. Here, the different nanosystems and targeting moieties used to achieve a neuronal delivery reported in the open literature are comprehensively reviewed and critically discussed, with emphasis on the most recent bioinspired advances in the field. Finally, we express our view on the paramount challenges in targeted neuronal delivery that need to be overcome for these promising therapeutics to move from the bench to the bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P. Spencer
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.P.S.); (M.T.); (B.C.); (S.C.S.-R.); (S.D.S.); (V.L.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- FEUP—Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marília Torrado
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.P.S.); (M.T.); (B.C.); (S.C.S.-R.); (S.D.S.); (V.L.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Custódio
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.P.S.); (M.T.); (B.C.); (S.C.S.-R.); (S.D.S.); (V.L.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara C. Silva-Reis
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.P.S.); (M.T.); (B.C.); (S.C.S.-R.); (S.D.S.); (V.L.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia D. Santos
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.P.S.); (M.T.); (B.C.); (S.C.S.-R.); (S.D.S.); (V.L.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Victoria Leiro
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.P.S.); (M.T.); (B.C.); (S.C.S.-R.); (S.D.S.); (V.L.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana P. Pêgo
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.P.S.); (M.T.); (B.C.); (S.C.S.-R.); (S.D.S.); (V.L.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- FEUP—Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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10
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Carvalho CR, Silva-Correia J, Oliveira JM, Reis RL. Nanotechnology in peripheral nerve repair and reconstruction. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 148:308-343. [PMID: 30639255 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana R Carvalho
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Headquarters at University of Minho, AvePark, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joana Silva-Correia
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joaquim M Oliveira
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Headquarters at University of Minho, AvePark, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Headquarters at University of Minho, AvePark, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal.
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11
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Pereira Gomes C, Leiro V, Ferreira Lopes CD, Spencer AP, Pêgo AP. Fine tuning neuronal targeting of nanoparticles by adjusting the ligand grafting density and combining PEG spacers of different length. Acta Biomater 2018; 78:247-259. [PMID: 30092376 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) has been extensively used to coat the surface of nanocarriers to improve their physicochemical properties and allow the grafting of targeting moieties. Still, to date there is no common agreement on the ideal PEG coverage-density or length to be used for optimum vector performance. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of both PEG density and length on the vectoring capacity of neuron-targeted gene-carrying trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles. The non-toxic fragment from the tetanus toxin (HC) was coupled to a 5 kDa heterobifunctional PEG (HC-PEG5k) reactive for the thiol groups inserted into the polymer backbone and grafted at different densities onto the nanoparticles. Internalization and transfection studies on neuronal versus non-neuronal cell lines allowed to determine the PEG density of 2 mol% of PEG chains per mol of primary amine groups as the one with superior biological performance. To enhance HC exposure and maximize cell-nanoparticle specific interaction, NPs containing different ratios of HC-PEG5k and 2 kDa methoxy-PEG at the same grafting density were produced. By intercalating HC-PEG5k with methoxy-PEG2k we attained the best performance in terms of internalization (higher payload delivery into cells) and transfection efficiency, using twice lower amount of HC. This outcome highlights the need for fine-tuning of PEG-modified nanoparticles towards the achievement of optimal targeting. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The amount and exposure of targeting moieties at a nanoparticle surface are critical parameters regarding the targeting potential of nanosized delivery vectors. However, to date, few studies have considered fundamental aspects impacting the ligand-receptor pair interaction, such as the effect of spacer chain length, flexibility or conformation. By optimizing the PEG spacer density and chain length grafted into nanoparticles, we were able to establish the formulation that maximizes cell-nanoparticle specific interaction and has superior biological performance. Our work shows that the precise adjustment of the PEG coverage-density presents a significant impact on the selectivity and bioactivity of the developed formulation, emphasizing the need for the fine-tuning of PEG-modified nanoparticles for the successful development of the next-generation nanomedicines.
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12
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Effects of Pulse Interval and Dosing Flux on Cells Varying the Relative Velocity of Micro Droplets and Culture Solution. Processes (Basel) 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/pr6080119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Microdroplet dosing to cell on a chip could meet the demand of narrow diffusion distance, controllable pulse dosing and less impact to cells. In this work, we studied the diffusion process of microdroplet cell pulse dosing in the three-layer sandwich structure of PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane)/PCTE (polycarbonate) microporous membrane/PDMS chip. The mathematical model is established to solve the diffusion process and the process of rhodamine transfer to micro-traps is simulated. The rhodamine mass fraction distribution, pressure field and velocity field around the microdroplet and cell surfaces are analyzed for further study of interdiffusion and convective diffusion effect. The cell pulse dosing time and drug delivery efficiency could be controlled by adjusting microdroplet and culture solution velocity without impairing cells at micro-traps. Furthermore, the accuracy and controllability of the cell dosing pulse time and maximum drug mass fraction on cell surfaces are achieved and the drug effect on cells could be analyzed more precisely especially for neuron cell dosing.
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13
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Gomes CP, Lopes CDF, Leitner M, Ebner A, Hinterdorfer P, Pêgo AP. Atomic Force Microscopy as a Tool to Assess the Specificity of Targeted Nanoparticles in Biological Models of High Complexity. Adv Healthc Mater 2017; 6. [PMID: 28752592 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201700597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The ability to design nanoparticle delivery systems capable of selectively target their payloads to specific cell populations is still a major caveat in nanomedicine. One of the main hurdles is the fact that each nanoparticle formulation needs to be precisely tuned to match the specificities of the target cell and route of administration. In this work, molecular recognition force spectroscopy (MRFS) is presented as a tool to evaluate the specificity of neuron-targeted trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles to neuronal cell populations in biological samples of different complexity. The use of atomic force microscopy tips functionalized with targeted or non-targeted nanoparticles made it possible to assess the specific interaction of each formulation with determined cell surface receptors in a precise fashion. More importantly, the combination of MRFS with fluorescent microscopy allowed to probe the nanoparticles vectoring capacity in models of high complexity, such as primary mixed cultures, as well as specific subcellular regions in histological tissues. Overall, this work contributes for the establishment of MRFS as a powerful alternative technique to animal testing in vector design and opens new avenues for the development of advanced targeted nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla P. Gomes
- INEB – Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde Rua Alfredo Allen 208 4200‐135 Porto Portugal
- Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto R. Dr. Roberto Frias 4200‐465 Porto Portugal
| | - Cátia D. F. Lopes
- INEB – Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde Rua Alfredo Allen 208 4200‐135 Porto Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro 4200‐319 Porto Portugal
| | - Michael Leitner
- Institute of Biophysics Johannes Kepler University Gruberstraße 40 4020 Linz Austria
| | - Andreas Ebner
- Institute of Biophysics Johannes Kepler University Gruberstraße 40 4020 Linz Austria
| | - Peter Hinterdorfer
- Institute of Biophysics Johannes Kepler University Gruberstraße 40 4020 Linz Austria
| | - Ana P. Pêgo
- INEB – Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde Rua Alfredo Allen 208 4200‐135 Porto Portugal
- Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto R. Dr. Roberto Frias 4200‐465 Porto Portugal
- ICBAS – Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar Universidade do Porto Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228 4050‐313 Porto Portugal
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14
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Lopes CDF, Gonçalves NP, Gomes CP, Saraiva MJ, Pêgo AP. BDNF gene delivery mediated by neuron-targeted nanoparticles is neuroprotective in peripheral nerve injury. Biomaterials 2016; 121:83-96. [PMID: 28081461 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neuron-targeted gene delivery is a promising strategy to treat peripheral neuropathies. Here we propose the use of polymeric nanoparticles based on thiolated trimethyl chitosan (TMCSH) to mediate targeted gene delivery to peripheral neurons upon a peripheral and minimally invasive intramuscular administration. Nanoparticles were grafted with the non-toxic carboxylic fragment of the tetanus neurotoxin (HC) to allow neuron targeting and were explored to deliver a plasmid DNA encoding for the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in a peripheral nerve injury model. The TMCSH-HC/BDNF nanoparticle treatment promoted the release and significant expression of BDNF in neural tissues, which resulted in an enhanced functional recovery after injury as compared to control treatments (vehicle and non-targeted nanoparticles), associated with an improvement in key pro-regenerative events, namely, the increased expression of neurofilament and growth-associated protein GAP-43 in the injured nerves. Moreover, the targeted nanoparticle treatment was correlated with a significantly higher density of myelinated axons in the distal stump of injured nerves, as well as with preservation of unmyelinated axon density as compared with controls and a protective role in injury-denervated muscles, preventing them from denervation. These results highlight the potential of TMCSH-HC nanoparticles as non-viral gene carriers to deliver therapeutic genes into the peripheral neurons and thus, pave the way for their use as an effective therapeutic intervention for peripheral neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia D F Lopes
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; FMUP - Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nádia P Gonçalves
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla P Gomes
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; FEUP - Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria J Saraiva
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana P Pêgo
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; FEUP - Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, Portugal.
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