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Ray P, Sedigh A, Confeld M, Alhalhooly L, Iduoku K, Casanola-Martin GM, Pham-The H, Rasulev B, Choi Y, Yang Z, Mallik S, Quadir M. Design and evaluation of nanoscale materials with programmed responsivity towards epigenetic enzymes. J Mater Chem B 2024. [PMID: 39021201 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00514g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Self-assembled materials capable of modulating their assembly properties in response to specific enzymes play a pivotal role in advancing 'intelligent' encapsulation platforms for biotechnological applications. Here, we introduce a previously unreported class of synthetic nanomaterials that programmatically interact with histone deacetylase (HDAC) as the triggering stimulus for disassembly. These nanomaterials consist of co-polypeptides comprising poly(acetyl L-lysine) and poly(ethylene glycol) blocks. Under neutral pH conditions, they self-assemble into particles. The hydrodynamic diameters of particles were typically withing the range of 108-190 nm, depending on degree of acetylation of the hydrophobic block. However, their stability is compromised upon exposure to HDACs, depending on enzyme concentration and exposure time. Our investigation, utilizing HDAC8 as the model enzyme, revealed that the primary mechanism behind disassembly involves a decrease in amphiphilicity within the block copolymer due to the deacetylation of lysine residues within the particles' hydrophobic domains. To elucidate the response mechanism, we encapsulated a fluorescent dye within these nanoparticles. Upon incubation with HDAC, the nanoparticle structure collapsed, leading to controlled release of the dye over time. Notably, this release was not triggered by denatured HDAC8, other proteolytic enzymes like trypsin, or the co-presence of HDAC8 and its inhibitor. We also demonstrated the biocompatibility and cellular effects of these materials in the context of drug delivery in different types of anticancer cell lines, such as MIA PaCa-2, PANC-1, cancer like stem cells (CSCs), and non-cancerous HPNE cells. We observed that the release of a model drug (such as a STAT3 pathway inhibitor, Napabucasin) can be loaded into these nanoparticles, with >90% of the dosage can be released over 3 h under the influence of HDAC8 enzyme in a controlled fashion. Further, we conducted a comprehensive computational study to unveil the possible interaction mechanism between enzymes and particles. By drawing parallels to the mechanism of naturally occurring histone proteins, this research represents a pioneering step toward developing functional materials capable of harnessing the activity of epigenetic enzymes such as HDACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Ray
- Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA.
| | - Abbas Sedigh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
| | - Matthew Confeld
- Deapartment of Physics, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
| | - Lina Alhalhooly
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
| | - Kweeni Iduoku
- Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA.
| | - Gerardo M Casanola-Martin
- Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA.
| | - Hai Pham-The
- University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
| | - Bakhtiyor Rasulev
- Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA.
| | - Yongki Choi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
| | - Zhongyu Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
| | - Sanku Mallik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
| | - Mohiuddin Quadir
- Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA.
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Xu Q, Wang Y, Zheng Y, Zhu Y, Li Z, Liu Y, Ding M. Polymersomes in Drug Delivery─From Experiment to Computational Modeling. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:2114-2135. [PMID: 38011222 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Polymersomes, composed of amphiphilic block copolymers, are self-assembled vesicles that have gained attention as potential drug delivery systems due to their good biocompatibility, stability, and versatility. Various experimental techniques have been employed to characterize the self-assembly behaviors and properties of polymersomes. However, they have limitations in revealing molecular details and underlying mechanisms. Computational modeling techniques have emerged as powerful tools to complement experimental studies and enabled researchers to examine drug delivery mechanisms at molecular resolution. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state of the art in the field of polymersome-based drug delivery systems, with an emphasis on insights gained from both experimental and computational studies. Specifically, we focus on polymersome morphologies, self-assembly kinetics, fusion and fission, behaviors in flow, as well as drug encapsulation and release mechanisms. Furthermore, we also identify existing challenges and limitations in this rapidly evolving field and suggest possible directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianru Xu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China
| | - Yiwei Wang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China
| | - Yi Zheng
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China
| | - Yuling Zhu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China
| | - Zifen Li
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China
| | - Mingming Ding
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China
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Ray P, Sedigh A, Confeld M, Alhalhooly L, Iduoku K, Casanola-Martin GM, Pham-The H, Rasulev B, Choi Y, Yang Z, Mallik S, Quadir M. Design and Evaluation of Nanoscale Materials with Programmed Responsivity towards Epigenetic Enzymes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.26.585429. [PMID: 38586020 PMCID: PMC10996597 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.26.585429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Self-assembled materials capable of modulating their assembly properties in response to specific enzymes play a pivotal role in advancing 'intelligent' encapsulation platforms for biotechnological applications. Here, we introduce a previously unreported class of synthetic nanomaterials that programmatically interact with histone deacetylase (HDAC) as the triggering stimulus for disassembly. These nanomaterials consist of co-polypeptides comprising poly (acetyl L-lysine) and poly(ethylene glycol) blocks. Under neutral pH conditions, they self-assemble into particles. However, their stability is compromised upon exposure to HDACs, depending on enzyme concentration and exposure time. Our investigation, utilizing HDAC8 as the model enzyme, revealed that the primary mechanism behind disassembly involves a decrease in amphiphilicity within the block copolymer due to the deacetylation of lysine residues within the particles' hydrophobic domains. To elucidate the response mechanism, we encapsulated a fluorescent dye within these nanoparticles. Upon incubation with HDAC, the nanoparticle structure collapsed, leading to controlled release of the dye over time. Notably, this release was not triggered by denatured HDAC8, other proteolytic enzymes like trypsin, or the co-presence of HDAC8 and its inhibitor. We further demonstrated the biocompatibility and cellular effects of these materials and conducted a comprehensive computational study to unveil the possible interaction mechanism between enzymes and particles. By drawing parallels to the mechanism of naturally occurring histone proteins, this research represents a pioneering step toward developing functional materials capable of harnessing the activity of epigenetic enzymes such as HDACs.
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Negut I, Bita B. Polymersomes as Innovative, Stimuli-Responsive Platforms for Cancer Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:463. [PMID: 38675124 PMCID: PMC11053450 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This review addresses the urgent need for more targeted and less toxic cancer treatments by exploring the potential of multi-responsive polymersomes. These advanced nanocarriers are engineered to deliver drugs precisely to tumor sites by responding to specific stimuli such as pH, temperature, light, hypoxia, and redox conditions, thereby minimizing the side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy. We discuss the design, synthesis, and recent applications of polymersomes, emphasizing their ability to improve therapeutic outcomes through controlled drug release and targeted delivery. Moreover, we highlight the critical areas for future research, including the optimization of polymersome-biological interactions and biocompatibility, to facilitate their clinical adoption. Multi-responsive polymersomes emerge as a promising development in nanomedicine, offering a pathway to safer and more effective cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Negut
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 077125 Magurele, Romania;
| | - Bogdan Bita
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 077125 Magurele, Romania;
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania
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Gouveia MG, Wesseler JP, Ramaekers J, Weder C, Scholten PBV, Bruns N. Polymersome-based protein drug delivery - quo vadis? Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:728-778. [PMID: 36537575 PMCID: PMC9890519 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00106c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Protein-based therapeutics are an attractive alternative to established therapeutic approaches and represent one of the fastest growing families of drugs. While many of these proteins can be delivered using established formulations, the intrinsic sensitivity of proteins to denaturation sometimes calls for a protective carrier to allow administration. Historically, lipid-based self-assembled structures, notably liposomes, have performed this function. After the discovery of polymersome-based targeted drug-delivery systems, which offer manifold advantages over lipid-based structures, the scientific community expected that such systems would take the therapeutic world by storm. However, no polymersome formulations have been commercialised. In this review article, we discuss key obstacles for the sluggish translation of polymersome-based protein nanocarriers into approved pharmaceuticals, which include limitations imparted by the use of non-degradable polymers, the intricacies of polymersome production methods, and the complexity of the in vivo journey of polymersomes across various biological barriers. Considering this complex subject from a polymer chemist's point of view, we highlight key areas that are worthy to explore in order to advance polymersomes to a level at which clinical trials become worthwhile and translation into pharmaceutical and nanomedical applications is realistic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micael G Gouveia
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
| | - Justus P Wesseler
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
| | - Jobbe Ramaekers
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
| | - Christoph Weder
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Philip B V Scholten
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Nico Bruns
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Straße 4, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
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Alhaj-Suliman SO, Wafa EI, Salem AK. Engineering nanosystems to overcome barriers to cancer diagnosis and treatment. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 189:114482. [PMID: 35944587 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, multidisciplinary investigations into the development of nanoparticles for medical applications have continually increased. However, nanoparticles are still subject to biological barriers and biodistribution challenges, which limit their overall clinical potential. This has motivated the implementation of innovational modifications to a range of nanoparticle formulations designed for cancer imaging and/or cancer treatment to overcome specific barriers and shift the accumulation of payloads toward the diseased tissues. In recent years, novel technological and chemical approaches have been employed to modify or functionalize the surface of nanoparticles or manipulate the characteristics of nanoparticles. Combining these approaches with the identification of critical biomarkers provides new strategies for enhancing nanoparticle specificity for both cancer diagnostic and therapeutic applications. This review discusses the most recent advances in the design and engineering of nanoparticles as well as future directions for developing the next generation of nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhaila O Alhaj-Suliman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Emad I Wafa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Aliasger K Salem
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States; Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.
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