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Enayati M, Liu W, Madry H, Neisiany RE, Cucchiarini M. Functionalized hydrogels as smart gene delivery systems to treat musculoskeletal disorders. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 331:103232. [PMID: 38889626 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2024.103232] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Despite critical advances in regenerative medicine, the generation of definitive, reliable treatments for musculoskeletal diseases remains challenging. Gene therapy based on the delivery of therapeutic genetic sequences has strong value to offer effective, durable options to decisively manage such disorders. Furthermore, scaffold-mediated gene therapy provides powerful alternatives to overcome hurdles associated with classical gene therapy, allowing for the spatiotemporal delivery of candidate genes to sites of injury. Among the many scaffolds for musculoskeletal research, hydrogels raised increasing attention in addition to other potent systems (solid, hybrid scaffolds) due to their versatility and competence as drug and cell carriers in tissue engineering and wound dressing. Attractive functionalities of hydrogels for musculoskeletal therapy include their injectability, stimuli-responsiveness, self-healing, and nanocomposition that may further allow to upgrade of them as "intelligently" efficient and mechanically strong platforms, rather than as just inert vehicles. Such functionalized hydrogels may also be tuned to successfully transfer therapeutic genes in a minimally invasive manner in order to protect their cargos and allow for their long-term effects. In light of such features, this review focuses on functionalized hydrogels and demonstrates their competence for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders using gene therapy procedures, from gene therapy principles to hydrogel functionalization methods and applications of hydrogel-mediated gene therapy for musculoskeletal disorders, while remaining challenges are being discussed in the perspective of translation in patients. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Despite advances in regenerative medicine, the generation of definitive, reliable treatments for musculoskeletal diseases remains challenging. Gene therapy has strong value in offering effective, durable options to decisively manage such disorders. Scaffold-mediated gene therapy provides powerful alternatives to overcome hurdles associated with classical gene therapy. Among many scaffolds for musculoskeletal research, hydrogels raised increasing attention. Functionalities including injectability, stimuli-responsiveness, and self-healing, tune them as "intelligently" efficient and mechanically strong platforms, rather than as just inert vehicles. This review introduces functionalized hydrogels for musculoskeletal disorder treatment using gene therapy procedures, from gene therapy principles to functionalized hydrogels and applications of hydrogel-mediated gene therapy for musculoskeletal disorders, while remaining challenges are discussed from the perspective of translation in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadsaeid Enayati
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrbergerstr. Bldg 37, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Wei Liu
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrbergerstr. Bldg 37, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Henning Madry
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrbergerstr. Bldg 37, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Rasoul Esmaeely Neisiany
- Biotechnology Centre, Silesian University of Technology, Krzywoustego 8, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland; Department of Polymer Engineering, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar 9617976487, Iran
| | - Magali Cucchiarini
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrbergerstr. Bldg 37, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany.
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2
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Yang J, Tan Q, Li K, Liao J, Hao Y, Chen Y. Advances and Trends of Photoresponsive Hydrogels for Bone Tissue Engineering. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:1921-1945. [PMID: 38457377 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01485] [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] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
The development of static hydrogels as an optimal choice for bone tissue engineering (BTE) remains a difficult challenge primarily due to the intricate nature of bone healing processes, continuous physiological functions, and pathological changes. Hence, there is an urgent need to exploit smart hydrogels with programmable properties that can effectively enhance bone regeneration. Increasing evidence suggests that photoresponsive hydrogels are promising bioscaffolds for BTE due to their advantages such as controlled drug release, cell fate modulation, and the photothermal effect. Here, we review the current advances in photoresponsive hydrogels. The mechanism of photoresponsiveness and its advanced applications in bone repair are also elucidated. Future research would focus on the development of more efficient, safer, and smarter photoresponsive hydrogels for BTE. This review is aimed at offering comprehensive guidance on the trends of photoresponsive hydrogels and shedding light on their potential clinical application in BTE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yang
- West China School of Nursing/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Qingqing Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Ka Li
- West China School of Nursing/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Jinfeng Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Ying Hao
- Laboratory of Heart Valve Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Yuwen Chen
- West China School of Nursing/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
- Laboratory of Heart Valve Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
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3
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McCormick K, Moreno Herrero J, Haas H, Fattah S, Heise A, O’Brien FJ, Cryan SA. Optimizing the Delivery of mRNA to Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Tissue Engineering Applications. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:1662-1676. [PMID: 38504417 PMCID: PMC10988554 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00898] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) represents a promising therapeutic tool in the field of tissue engineering for the fast and transient production of growth factors to support new tissue regeneration. However, one of the main challenges to optimizing its use is achieving efficient uptake and delivery to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have been long reported as difficult-to-transfect. The aim of this study was to systematically screen a range of nonviral vectors to identify optimal transfection conditions for mRNA delivery to MSCs. Furthermore, for the first time, we wanted to directly compare the protein expression profile from three different types of mRNA, namely, unmodified mRNA (uRNA), base-modified mRNA (modRNA), and self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) in MSCs. A range of polymer- and lipid-based vectors were used to encapsulate mRNA and directly compared in terms of physicochemical properties as well as transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity in MSCs. We found that both lipid- and polymer-based materials were able to successfully condense and encapsulate mRNA into nanosized particles (<200 nm). The overall charge and encapsulation efficiency of the nanoparticles was dependent on the vector type as well as the vector:mRNA ratio. When screened in vitro, lipid-based vectors proved to be superior in terms of mRNA delivery to MSCs cultured in a 2D monolayer and from a 3D collagen-based scaffold with minimal effects on cell viability, thus opening the potential for scaffold-based mRNA delivery. Modified mRNA consistently showed the highest levels of protein expression in MSCs, demonstrating 1.2-fold and 5.6-fold increases versus uRNA and saRNA, respectively. In summary, we have fully optimized the nonviral delivery of mRNA to MSCs, determined the importance of careful selection of the mRNA type used, and highlighted the strong potential of mRNA for tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie McCormick
- Tissue
Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative
Medicine, RCSI, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
- Science
Foundation Ireland Advance Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre, Dublin D02 W9K7, Ireland
| | | | | | - Sarinj Fattah
- Tissue
Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative
Medicine, RCSI, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
- School
of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Andreas Heise
- Science
Foundation Ireland Advance Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre, Dublin D02 W9K7, Ireland
- Dept.
of Chemistry, RCSI, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
- Science
Foundation Ireland Centre for Research in Medical Devices, Galway H91 W2TY, Ireland
| | - Fergal J. O’Brien
- Tissue
Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative
Medicine, RCSI, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
- Science
Foundation Ireland Advance Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre, Dublin D02 W9K7, Ireland
- Science
Foundation Ireland Centre for Research in Medical Devices, Galway H91 W2TY, Ireland
- Trinity
Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity
College Dublin, Dublin D02 R590, Ireland
| | - Sally-Ann Cryan
- Tissue
Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative
Medicine, RCSI, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
- Science
Foundation Ireland Advance Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre, Dublin D02 W9K7, Ireland
- Science
Foundation Ireland Centre for Research in Medical Devices, Galway H91 W2TY, Ireland
- Trinity
Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity
College Dublin, Dublin D02 R590, Ireland
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Laiva AL, O'Brien FJ, Keogh MB. Dual delivery gene-activated scaffold directs fibroblast activity and keratinocyte epithelization. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:016104. [PMID: 38283135 PMCID: PMC10821797 DOI: 10.1063/5.0174122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts are the most abundant cell type in dermal skin and keratinocytes are the most abundant cell type in the epidermis; both play a crucial role in wound remodeling and maturation. We aim to assess the functionality of a novel dual gene activated scaffold (GAS) on human adult dermal fibroblasts (hDFs) and see how the secretome produced could affect human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMVECs) and human epidermal keratinocyte (hEKs) growth and epithelization. Our GAS is a collagen chondroitin sulfate scaffold loaded with pro-angiogenic stromal derived factor (SDF-1α) and/or an anti-aging β-Klotho plasmids. hDFs were grown on GAS for two weeks and compared to gene-free scaffolds. GAS produced a significantly better healing outcome in the fibroblasts than in the gene-free scaffold group. Among the GAS groups, the dual GAS induced the most potent pro-regenerative maturation in fibroblasts with a downregulation in proliferation (twofold, p < 0.05), fibrotic remodeling regulators TGF-β1 (1.43-fold, p < 0.01) and CTGF (1.4-fold, p < 0.05), fibrotic cellular protein α-SMA (twofold, p < 0.05), and fibronectin matrix deposition (twofold, p < 0.05). The dual GAS secretome also showed enhancements of paracrine keratinocyte pro-epithelializing ability (1.3-fold, p < 0.05); basement membrane regeneration through laminin (6.4-fold, p < 0.005) and collagen IV (8.7-fold, p < 0.005) deposition. Our findings demonstrate enhanced responses in dual GAS containing hDFs by proangiogenic SDF-1α and β-Klotho anti-fibrotic rejuvenating activities. This was demonstrated by activating hDFs on dual GAS to become anti-fibrotic in nature while eliciting wound repair basement membrane proteins; enhancing a proangiogenic HDMVECs paracrine signaling and greater epithelisation of hEKs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael B. Keogh
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Tel.: +973 17351450
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5
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So RB, Li G, Brentville V, Daly JM, Dixon JE. Combined biolistic and cell penetrating peptide delivery for the development of scalable intradermal DNA vaccines. J Control Release 2024; 367:209-222. [PMID: 38244841 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.031] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Physical-based gene delivery via biolistic methods (such as the Helios gene gun) involve precipitation of nucleic acids onto microparticles and direct transfection through cell membranes of exposed tissue (e.g. skin) by high velocity acceleration. The glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-binding enhanced transduction (GET) system exploits novel fusion peptides consisting of cell-binding, nucleic acid condensing, and cell-penetrating domains, which enable enhanced transfection across multiple cell types. In this study, we combined chemical (GET) and physical (gene gun) DNA delivery systems, and hypothesized the combination would generate enhanced distribution and effective uptake in cells not initially transfected by biolistic penetration. Physicochemical characterization, optimization of bullet contents and transfection experiments in vitro in cell monolayers and engineered tissue demonstrated these formulations transfected efficiently, including DC2.4 dendritic cells. We incorporated these formulations into a biolistic format for gene gun by forming fireable dry bullets obtained via lyophilization (freeze drying). This system is simple and with enhanced scalability compared to conventional methods to generate bullets. Flushed GET bullet contents retained their ability to mediate transfection (17-fold greater and 13-fold greater reporter gene expression than standard spermidine bullets in the absence and presence of serum, respectively). Fired GET bullets in vitro (in cells and collagen gels) and in vivo (mice) showed increased reporter gene transfection compared to untreated controls, whilst maintaining cell viability in vitro and having no obvious toxicity in vivo. Lastly, a SARS-CoV-2 plasmid DNA vaccine with spike (S) protein-receptor binding domain (S-RBD) was delivered by gene gun using GET bullets. Specific T cell and antibody responses comparable to the conventional system were generated. The non-physical and physical combination of GET‑gold-DNA carriers using gene gun shows potential as an alternative DNA delivery method that is scalable for mass deployable vaccination and intradermal gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roizza Beth So
- Regenerative Medicine & Cellular Therapies (RMCT), Biodiscovery Institute (BDI), School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Gang Li
- Regenerative Medicine & Cellular Therapies (RMCT), Biodiscovery Institute (BDI), School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Victoria Brentville
- Scancell Ltd, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Janet M Daly
- One Virology, Wolfson Centre for Global Virus Research, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - James E Dixon
- Regenerative Medicine & Cellular Therapies (RMCT), Biodiscovery Institute (BDI), School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
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6
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Dixon JE, Wellington V, Elnima A, Eltaher HM. Effects of Microenvironment and Dosing on Efficiency of Enhanced Cell Penetrating Peptide Nonviral Gene Delivery. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:5014-5023. [PMID: 38313497 PMCID: PMC10831962 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Transfection, defined as functional delivery of cell-internalized nucleic acids, is dependent on many factors linked to formulation, vector, cell type, and microenvironmental culture conditions. We previously developed a technology termed glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-binding enhanced transduction (GET) to efficiently deliver a variety of cargoes intracellularly, using GAG-binding peptides and cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) in the form of nanoparticles, using conventional cell culture. Herein, we demonstrate that the most simple GET transfection formulation (employing the FLR peptide) is relatively poor at transfecting cells at increasingly lower dosages. However, with an endosomally escaping version (FLR:FLH peptide formulations) we demonstrate more effective transfection of cells with lower quantities of plasmid (p)DNA in vitro. We assessed the ability of single and serial delivery of our formulations to readily transfect cells and determined that temperature, pH, and atmospheric pressure can significantly affect transfected cell number and expression levels. Cytocompatible temperatures that maintain high cell metabolism (20-37 °C) were the optimal for transfection. Interestingly, serial delivery can maintain and enhance expression without viability being compromised, and alkaline pH conditions can aid overall efficiencies. Positive atmospheric pressures can also improve the transgene expression levels generated by GET transfection on a single-cell level. Novel nanotechnologies and gene therapeutics such as GET could be transformative for future regenerative medicine strategies. It will be important to understand how such approaches can be optimized at the formulation and application levels in order to achieve efficacy that will be competitive with viral strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E. Dixon
- Regenerative
Medicine and Cellular Therapies Division, The University of Nottingham
Biodiscovery Institute (BDI), School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
- NIHR
Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University
of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Vanessa Wellington
- Regenerative
Medicine and Cellular Therapies Division, The University of Nottingham
Biodiscovery Institute (BDI), School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Alaa Elnima
- Regenerative
Medicine and Cellular Therapies Division, The University of Nottingham
Biodiscovery Institute (BDI), School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Hoda M. Eltaher
- Regenerative
Medicine and Cellular Therapies Division, The University of Nottingham
Biodiscovery Institute (BDI), School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
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7
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Velot É, Balmayor ER, Bertoni L, Chubinskaya S, Cicuttini F, de Girolamo L, Demoor M, Grigolo B, Jones E, Kon E, Lisignoli G, Murphy M, Noël D, Vinatier C, van Osch GJVM, Cucchiarini M. Women's contribution to stem cell research for osteoarthritis: an opinion paper. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1209047. [PMID: 38174070 PMCID: PMC10762903 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1209047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Émilie Velot
- Laboratory of Molecular Engineering and Articular Physiopathology (IMoPA), French National Centre for Scientific Research, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Elizabeth R. Balmayor
- Experimental Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic, Trauma, and Reconstructive Surgery, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
- Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Lélia Bertoni
- CIRALE, USC 957, BPLC, École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Flavia Cicuttini
- Musculoskeletal Unit, Monash University and Rheumatology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Laura de Girolamo
- IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant'Ambrogio, Orthopaedic Biotechnology Laboratory, Milan, Italy
| | - Magali Demoor
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, BIOTARGEN, Caen, France
| | - Brunella Grigolo
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Laboratorio RAMSES, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Jones
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Elizaveta Kon
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department ofBiomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Gina Lisignoli
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Laboratorio di Immunoreumatologia e Rigenerazione Tissutale, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mary Murphy
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Danièle Noël
- IRMB, University of Montpellier, Inserm, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Claire Vinatier
- Nantes Université, Oniris, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, Nantes, France
| | - Gerjo J. V. M. van Osch
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Magali Cucchiarini
- Center of Experimental Orthopedics, Saarland University and Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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Sadowska JM, Ziminska M, Ferreira C, Matheson A, Balouch A, Bogle J, Wojda S, Redmond J, Elkashif A, Dunne N, McCarthy HO, Donahue S, O'Brien FJ. Development of miR-26a-activated scaffold to promote healing of critical-sized bone defects through angiogenic and osteogenic mechanisms. Biomaterials 2023; 303:122398. [PMID: 37979514 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Very large bone defects significantly diminish the vascular, blood, and nutrient supply to the injured site, reducing the bone's ability to self-regenerate and complicating treatment. Delivering nanomedicines from biomaterial scaffolds that induce host cells to produce bone-healing proteins is emerging as an appealing solution for treating these challenging defects. In this context, microRNA-26a mimics (miR-26a) are particularly interesting as they target the two most relevant processes in bone regeneration-angiogenesis and osteogenesis. However, the main limitation of microRNAs is their poor stability and issues with cytosolic delivery. Thus, utilising a collagen-nanohydroxyapatite (coll-nHA) scaffold in combination with cell-penetrating peptide (RALA) nanoparticles, we aimed to develop an effective system to deliver miR-26a nanoparticles to regenerate bone defects in vivo. The microRNA-26a complexed RALA nanoparticles, which showed the highest transfection efficiency, were incorporated into collagen-nanohydroxyapatite scaffolds and in vitro assessment demonstrated the miR-26a-activated scaffolds effectively transfected human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) resulting in enhanced production of vascular endothelial growth factor, increased alkaline phosphatase activity, and greater mineralisation. After implantation in critical-sized rat calvarial defects, micro CT and histomorphological analysis revealed that the miR-26a-activated scaffolds improved bone repair in vivo, producing new bone of superior quality, which was highly mineralised and vascularised compared to a miR-free scaffold. This innovative combination of osteogenic collagen-nanohydroxyapatite scaffolds with multifunctional microRNA-26a complexed nanoparticles provides an effective carrier delivering nanoparticles locally with high efficacy and minimal off-target effects and demonstrates the potential of targeting osteogenic-angiogenic coupling using scaffold-based nanomedicine delivery as a new "off-the-shelf" product capable of healing complex bone injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna M Sadowska
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Dept. of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Monika Ziminska
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Cole Ferreira
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA
| | - Austyn Matheson
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Dept. of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Auden Balouch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA
| | - Jasmine Bogle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA
| | - Samantha Wojda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA
| | - John Redmond
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), RCSI and TCD, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ahmed Elkashif
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Dunne
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom; Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), RCSI and TCD, Dublin, Ireland; Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (I-Form), School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland; Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Dublin, Ireland; School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Helen O McCarthy
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Seth Donahue
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA
| | - Fergal J O'Brien
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Dept. of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA; Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Dublin, Ireland.
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Chastagnier L, Marquette C, Petiot E. In situ transient transfection of 3D cell cultures and tissues, a promising tool for tissue engineering and gene therapy. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 68:108211. [PMID: 37463610 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108211] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Various research fields use the transfection of mammalian cells with genetic material to induce the expression of a target transgene or gene silencing. It is a tool widely used in biological research, bioproduction, and therapy. Current transfection protocols are usually performed on 2D adherent cells or suspension cultures. The important rise of new gene therapies and regenerative medicine in the last decade raises the need for new tools to empower the in situ transfection of tissues and 3D cell cultures. This review will present novel in situ transfection methods based on a chemical or physical non-viral transfection of cells in tissues and 3D cultures, discuss the advantages and remaining gaps, and propose future developments and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Chastagnier
- 3D Innovation Lab - 3d.FAB - ICBMS, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, INSA, CPE-Lyon, UMR 5246, bat. Lederer, 5 rue Gaston Berger, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Christophe Marquette
- 3D Innovation Lab - 3d.FAB - ICBMS, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, INSA, CPE-Lyon, UMR 5246, bat. Lederer, 5 rue Gaston Berger, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Emma Petiot
- 3D Innovation Lab - 3d.FAB - ICBMS, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, INSA, CPE-Lyon, UMR 5246, bat. Lederer, 5 rue Gaston Berger, 69100 Villeurbanne, France.
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10
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O'Shea DG, Hodgkinson T, Curtin CM, O'Brien FJ. An injectable and 3D printable pro-chondrogenic hyaluronic acid and collagen type II composite hydrogel for the repair of articular cartilage defects. Biofabrication 2023; 16:015007. [PMID: 37852239 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad047a] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Current treatments for repairing articular cartilage defects are limited. However, pro-chondrogenic hydrogels formulated using articular cartilage matrix components (such as hyaluronic acid (HA) and collagen type II (Col II)), offer a potential solution if they could be injected into the defect via minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures, or used as bioinks to 3D print patient-specific customised regenerative scaffolds-potentially combined with cells. However, HA and Col II are difficult to incorporate into injectable/3D printable hydrogels due to poor physicochemical properties. This study aimed to overcome this by developing an articular cartilage matrix-inspired pro-chondrogenic hydrogel with improved physicochemical properties for both injectable and 3D printing (3DP) applications. To achieve this, HA was methacrylated to improve mechanical properties and mixed in a 1:1 ratio with Col I, a Col I/Col II blend or Col II. Col I possesses superior mechanical properties to Col II and so was hypothesised to enhance hydrogel mechanical properties. Rheological analysis showed that the pre-gels had viscoelastic and shear thinning properties. Subsequent physicochemical analysis of the crosslinked hydrogels showed that Col II inclusion resulted in a more swollen and softer polymer network, without affecting degradation time. While all hydrogels exhibited exemplary injectability, only the Col I-containing hydrogels had sufficient mechanical stability for 3DP applications. To facilitate 3DP of multi-layered scaffolds using methacrylated HA (MeHA)-Col I and MeHA-Col I/Col II, additional mechanical support in the form of a gelatin slurry support bath freeform reversible embedding of suspended hydrogels was utilised. Biological analysis revealed that Col II inclusion enhanced hydrogel-embedded MSC chondrogenesis, thus MeHA-Col II was selected as the optimal injectable hydrogel, and MeHA-Col I/Col II as the preferred bioink. In summary, this study demonstrates how tailoring biomaterial composition and physicochemical properties enables development of pro-chondrogenic hydrogels with potential for minimally invasive delivery to injured articular joints or 3DP of customised regenerative implants for cartilage repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donagh G O'Shea
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), RCSI and TCD, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tom Hodgkinson
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Dublin, Ireland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), RCSI and TCD, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Caroline M Curtin
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Dublin, Ireland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), RCSI and TCD, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fergal J O'Brien
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Dublin, Ireland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), RCSI and TCD, Dublin, Ireland
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Sainsbury E, Costard L, O'Brien FJ, Curtin CM. Assessment of Cell Cytotoxicity in 3D Biomaterial Scaffolds Following miRNA Transfection. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2595:203-210. [PMID: 36441464 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2823-2_14] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Assessment of cell cytotoxicity following transfection of cells with microRNA (miRNA) is an essential step in the evaluation of basic miRNA functional effects within cells in both 2D and 3D microenvironments. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay is a colorimetric assay that provides a basic, dependable method for determining cellular cytotoxicity through assessment of the level of plasma membrane damage in a cell population. Here, we describe the overexpression of miRNA in breast cancer cells when cultured in 3D collagen-based biomaterial scaffolds, achieved by Lipofectamine transfection, with subsequent examination of cell cytotoxicity using the LDH assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Sainsbury
- Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG), Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lara Costard
- Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG), Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fergal J O'Brien
- Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG), Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering (TCBE), Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Dublin, Ireland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), RCSI and TCD, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Caroline M Curtin
- Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG), Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Dublin, Ireland.
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering (TCBE), Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Dublin, Ireland.
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), RCSI and TCD, Dublin, Ireland.
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Eltaher HM, Blokpoel Ferreras LA, Jalal AR, Dixon JE. Direct contact-mediated non-viral gene therapy using thermo-sensitive hydrogel-coated dressings. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 143:213177. [PMID: 36371970 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nanotechnologies are being increasingly applied as systems for peptide and nucleic acid macromolecule drug delivery. However systemic targeting of these, or efficient topical and localized delivery remains an issue. A controlled release system that can be patterned and locally administered such as topically to accessible tissue (skin, eye, intestine) would therefore be transformative in realizing the potential of such strategies. We previously developed a technology termed GAG-binding enhanced transduction (GET) to efficiently deliver a variety of cargoes intracellularly, using GAG-binding peptides to mediate cell targeting, and cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) to promote uptake. Herein we demonstrate that the GET transfection system can be used with the moisturizing thermo-reversible hydrogel Pluronic-F127 (PF127) and methyl cellulose (MC) to mediate site specific and effective intracellular transduction and gene delivery through GET nanoparticles (NPs). We investigated hydrogel formulation and the temperature dependence of delivery, optimizing the delivery system. GET-NPs retain their activity to enhance gene transfer within our formulations, with uptake transferred to cells in direct contact with the therapy-laden hydrogel. By using Azowipe™ material in a bandage approach, we were able to show for the first-time localized gene transfer in vitro on cell monolayers. The ability to simply control localization of gene delivery on millimetre scales using contact-mediated transfer from moisture-providing thermo-reversible hydrogels will facilitate new drug delivery methods. Importantly our technology to site-specifically deliver the activity of novel nanotechnologies and gene therapeutics could be transformative for future regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda M Eltaher
- Division of Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom, NG7 2RD, UK; Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt, 21521
| | - Lia A Blokpoel Ferreras
- Division of Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Aveen R Jalal
- Division of Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - James E Dixon
- Division of Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom, NG7 2RD, UK.
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