1
|
Fu WY, Chiu YL, Huang SC, Huang WY, Hsu FT, Lee HY, Wang TW, Keng PY. Boron Neutron Capture Therapy Enhanced by Boronate Ester Polymer Micelles: Synthesis, Stability, and Tumor Inhibition Studies. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:4215-4232. [PMID: 38845149 PMCID: PMC11238341 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) targets invasive, radioresistant cancers but requires a selective and high B-10 loading boron drug. This manuscript investigates boron-rich poly(ethylene glycol)-block-(poly(4-vinylphenyl boronate ester)) polymer micelles synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization for their potential application in BNCT. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed spherical micelles with a uniform size of 43 ± 10 nm, ideal for drug delivery. Additionally, probe sonication proved effective in maintaining the micelles' size and morphology postlyophilization and reconstitution. In vitro studies with B16-F10 melanoma cells demonstrated a 38-fold increase in boron accumulation compared to the borophenylalanine drug for BNCT. In vivo studies in a B16-F10 tumor-bearing mouse model confirmed enhanced tumor selectivity and accumulation, with a tumor-to-blood (T/B) ratio of 2.5, surpassing BPA's T/B ratio of 1.8. As a result, mice treated with these micelles experienced a significant delay in tumor growth, highlighting their potential for BNCT and warranting further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wan Yun Fu
- Department of Material Science
and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Lin Chiu
- Department of Material Science
and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan
| | - Shi-Chih Huang
- Department of Material Science
and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yuan Huang
- Department of Material Science
and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Tzu Hsu
- Department of Material Science
and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan
| | - Han Yu Lee
- Department of Material Science
and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Wei Wang
- Department of Material Science
and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan
| | - Pei Yuin Keng
- Department of Material Science
and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chiu YL, Fu WY, Huang WY, Hsu FT, Chen HW, Wang TW, Keng PY. Enhancing Cancer Therapy: Boron-Rich Polyboronate Ester Micelles for Synergistic Boron Neutron Capture Therapy and PD-1/PD-L1 Checkpoint Blockade. Biomater Res 2024; 28:0040. [PMID: 38933089 PMCID: PMC11205919 DOI: 10.34133/bmr.0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Malignant cancers, known for their pronounced heterogeneity, pose substantial challenges to monotherapeutic strategies and contribute to the risk of metastasis. Addressing this, our study explores the synergistic potential of combining boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) with immune checkpoint blockade to enhance cancer treatment efficacy. We synthesized boron-rich block copolymer micelles as a novel boron drug for BNCT. Characterization was conducted using nuclear magnetic resonance, gel-permeation chromatography, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. These micelles, with an optimal size of 91.3 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.18, are suitable for drug delivery applications. In vitro assessments on B16-F10 melanoma cells showed a 13-fold increase in boron uptake with the micelles compared to borophenyl alanine (BPA), the conventional boron drug for BNCT. This resulted in a substantial increase in BNCT efficacy, reducing cell viability to 77% post-irradiation in micelle-treated cells, in contrast to 90% in BPA-treated cells. In vivo, melanoma-bearing mice treated with these micelles exhibited an 8-fold increase in boron accumulation in tumor tissues versus those treated with BPA, leading to prolonged tumor growth delay (5.4 days with micelles versus 3.3 days with BPA). Moreover, combining BNCT with anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy further extended the tumor growth delay to 6.6 days, and enhanced T-cell infiltration and activation at tumor sites, thereby indicating a boosted immune response. This combination demonstrates a promising approach by enhancing cytotoxic T-cell priming and mitigating the immunosuppressive effects of melanoma tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lin Chiu
- Department of Material Science and
Engineering, National Tsing Hua
University, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan
| | - Wan Yun Fu
- Department of Material Science and
Engineering, National Tsing Hua
University, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yuan Huang
- Department of Material Science and
Engineering, National Tsing Hua
University, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Tzu Hsu
- Department of Material Science and
Engineering, National Tsing Hua
University, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Wei Chen
- Department of Material Science and
Engineering, National Tsing Hua
University, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Wei Wang
- Department of Material Science and
Engineering, National Tsing Hua
University, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan
| | - Pei Yuin Keng
- Department of Material Science and
Engineering, National Tsing Hua
University, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhou YT, Cheng K, Liu B, Cao YC, Fan JX, Liu ZG, Zhao YD. Recent progress of nano-drugs in neutron capture therapy. Theranostics 2024; 14:3193-3212. [PMID: 38855185 PMCID: PMC11155403 DOI: 10.7150/thno.95034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
As a developing radiation treatment for tumors, neutron capture therapy (NCT) has less side effects and a higher efficacy than conventional radiation therapy. Drugs with specific isotopes are indispensable counterparts of NCT, as they are the indespensable part of the neutron capture reaction. Since the creation of the first and second generations of boron-containing reagents, NCT has significantly advanced. Notwithstanding, the extant NCT medications, predominantly comprised of small molecule boron medicines, have encountered challenges such monofunctionality, inadequate targeting of tumors, and hypermetabolism. There is an urgent need to promote the research and development of new types of NCT drugs. Bio-nanomaterials can be introduced into the realm of NCT, and nanotechnology can give conventional medications richer functionality and significant adaptability. This can complement the advantages of each other and is expected to develop more new drugs with less toxicity, low side effects, better tumor targeting, and high biocompatibility. In this review, we summarized the research progress of nano-drugs in NCT based on the different types and sources of isotopes used, and introduced the attempts and efforts made by relevant researchers in combining nanomaterials with NCT, hoping to provide pivotal references for promoting the development of the field of tumor radiotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Tong Zhou
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Kai Cheng
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Bo Liu
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Yuan-Cheng Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Electromagnetic Engineering and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Xuan Fan
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Gang Liu
- Cancer Center, the 10th Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Tumors, Dongguan Engineering Research Center for Innovative Boron Drugs and Novel Radioimmune Drugs, the 10th Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Yuan-Di Zhao
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, P. R. China
- NMPA Research Base of Regulatory Science for Medical Devices & Institute of Regulatory Science for Medical Devices, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zavestovskaya IN, Kasatova AI, Kasatov DA, Babkova JS, Zelepukin IV, Kuzmina KS, Tikhonowski GV, Pastukhov AI, Aiyyzhy KO, Barmina EV, Popov AA, Razumov IA, Zavjalov EL, Grigoryeva MS, Klimentov SM, Ryabov VA, Deyev SM, Taskaev SY, Kabashin AV. Laser-Synthesized Elemental Boron Nanoparticles for Efficient Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17088. [PMID: 38069412 PMCID: PMC10707216 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is one of the most appealing radiotherapy modalities, whose localization can be further improved by the employment of boron-containing nanoformulations, but the fabrication of biologically friendly, water-dispersible nanoparticles (NPs) with high boron content and favorable physicochemical characteristics still presents a great challenge. Here, we explore the use of elemental boron (B) NPs (BNPs) fabricated using the methods of pulsed laser ablation in liquids as sensitizers of BNCT. Depending on the conditions of laser-ablative synthesis, the used NPs were amorphous (a-BNPs) or partially crystallized (pc-BNPs) with a mean size of 20 nm or 50 nm, respectively. Both types of BNPs were functionalized with polyethylene glycol polymer to improve colloidal stability and biocompatibility. The NPs did not initiate any toxicity effects up to concentrations of 500 µg/mL, based on the results of MTT and clonogenic assay tests. The cells with BNPs incubated at a 10B concentration of 40 µg/mL were then irradiated with a thermal neutron beam for 30 min. We found that the presence of BNPs led to a radical enhancement in cancer cell death, namely a drop in colony forming capacity of SW-620 cells down to 12.6% and 1.6% for a-BNPs and pc-BNPs, respectively, while the relevant colony-forming capacity for U87 cells dropped down to 17%. The effect of cell irradiation by neutron beam uniquely was negligible under these conditions. Finally, to estimate the dose and regimes of irradiation for future BNCT in vivo tests, we studied the biodistribution of boron under intratumoral administration of BNPs in immunodeficient SCID mice and recorded excellent retention of boron in tumors. The obtained data unambiguously evidenced the effect of a neutron therapy enhancement, which can be attributed to efficient BNP-mediated generation of α-particles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irina N. Zavestovskaya
- P. N. Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia; (M.S.G.); (V.A.R.)
- Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine (PhysBio), National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, Moscow 115409, Russia (I.V.Z.); (G.V.T.); (A.A.P.); (S.M.K.); (S.M.D.)
| | - Anna I. Kasatova
- Laboratory of BNCT, Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.I.K.); (D.A.K.); (K.S.K.); (S.Y.T.)
| | - Dmitry A. Kasatov
- Laboratory of BNCT, Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.I.K.); (D.A.K.); (K.S.K.); (S.Y.T.)
| | - Julia S. Babkova
- Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine (PhysBio), National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, Moscow 115409, Russia (I.V.Z.); (G.V.T.); (A.A.P.); (S.M.K.); (S.M.D.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Ivan V. Zelepukin
- Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine (PhysBio), National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, Moscow 115409, Russia (I.V.Z.); (G.V.T.); (A.A.P.); (S.M.K.); (S.M.D.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Ksenya S. Kuzmina
- Laboratory of BNCT, Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.I.K.); (D.A.K.); (K.S.K.); (S.Y.T.)
| | - Gleb V. Tikhonowski
- Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine (PhysBio), National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, Moscow 115409, Russia (I.V.Z.); (G.V.T.); (A.A.P.); (S.M.K.); (S.M.D.)
| | - Andrei I. Pastukhov
- LP3, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France; (A.I.P.); (A.V.K.)
| | - Kuder O. Aiyyzhy
- A. M. Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia; (K.O.A.); (E.V.B.)
| | - Ekaterina V. Barmina
- A. M. Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia; (K.O.A.); (E.V.B.)
| | - Anton A. Popov
- Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine (PhysBio), National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, Moscow 115409, Russia (I.V.Z.); (G.V.T.); (A.A.P.); (S.M.K.); (S.M.D.)
| | - Ivan A. Razumov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (I.A.R.); (E.L.Z.)
| | - Evgenii L. Zavjalov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (I.A.R.); (E.L.Z.)
| | - Maria S. Grigoryeva
- P. N. Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia; (M.S.G.); (V.A.R.)
| | - Sergey M. Klimentov
- Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine (PhysBio), National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, Moscow 115409, Russia (I.V.Z.); (G.V.T.); (A.A.P.); (S.M.K.); (S.M.D.)
| | - Vladimir A. Ryabov
- P. N. Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia; (M.S.G.); (V.A.R.)
| | - Sergey M. Deyev
- Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine (PhysBio), National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, Moscow 115409, Russia (I.V.Z.); (G.V.T.); (A.A.P.); (S.M.K.); (S.M.D.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Molecular Theranostics, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russia
- “Biomarker” Research Laboratory, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia
| | - Sergey Yu. Taskaev
- Laboratory of BNCT, Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (A.I.K.); (D.A.K.); (K.S.K.); (S.Y.T.)
| | - Andrei V. Kabashin
- LP3, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France; (A.I.P.); (A.V.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lan KW, Huang WY, Chiu YL, Hsu FT, Chien YC, Hsiau YY, Wang TW, Keng PY. In vivo investigation of boron-rich nanodrugs for treating triple-negative breast cancers via boron neutron capture therapy. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 155:213699. [PMID: 37979440 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by highly proliferative cancer cells and is the only subtype of breast cancer that lacks a targeted therapy. Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is an approach that combines chemotherapy with radiotherapy and can potentially offer beneficial targeted treatment for TNBC patients owing to its unique ability to eradicate cancer cells selectively while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy cells. Since BNCT relies on specific delivery of a high loading of B10 to the tumor site, there is growing research interest to develop more potent boron-based drugs for BNCT that can overcome the limitations of small-molecule boron compounds. In this study, polyethylene-glycol-coated boron carbon oxynitride nanoparticles (PEG@BCNO) of size 134.2±23.6nm were prepared as a promising drug for BNCT owing to their high boron content and enhanced biocompatibility. The therapeutic efficiency of PEG@BCNO was compared with a state-of-the-art 10BPA boron drug in mice bearing MDA-MB-231 tumor. In the orthotopic mouse model, PEG@BCNO showed higher B10 accumulation in the tumor tissues (6 μg 10B/g tissue compared to 3 μg 10B/g tissue in mice administered B10-enriched 10BPA drug) despite using the naturally occurring 11B/10B boron precursor in the preparation of the BCNO nanoparticles. The in vivo biodistribution of PEG@BCNO in mice bearing MDA-MB-231 showed a tumor/blood ratio of ~3.5, which is comparable to that of the state-of-the-art 10BPA-fructose drug. We further demonstrated that upon neutron irradiation, the mice bearing MDA-MB-231 tumor cells treated with PEG@BCNO and 10BPA showed tumor growth delay times of 9 days and 1 day, respectively, compared to mice in the control group after BNCT. The doubling times (DTs) for mice treated with PEG@BCNO and 10BPA as well as mice in the control group were calculated to be 31.5, 19.8, and 17.7 days, respectively. Immunohistochemical staining for the p53 and caspase-3 antibodies revealed that mice treated with PEG@BCNO showed lower probability of cancer recurrence and greater level of cellular apoptosis than mice treated with 10BPA and mice in the control group. Our study thus demonstrates the potential of pegylated BCNO nanoparticles in effectively inhibiting the growth of TNBC tumors compared to the state-of-the-art boron drug 10BPA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Wei Lan
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wei-Yuan Huang
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Lin Chiu
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Fang-Tzu Hsu
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yun-Chen Chien
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yong-Yun Hsiau
- College of Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tzu-Wei Wang
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Pei Yuin Keng
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan, ROC.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Oloo SO, Smith KM, Vicente MDGH. Multi-Functional Boron-Delivery Agents for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy of Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3277. [PMID: 37444386 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133277] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a binary cancer treatment that involves the irradiation of 10B-containing tumors with low-energy neutrons (thermal or epithermal). The alpha particles and recoiling Li nuclei that are produced in the 10B-capture nuclear reaction are high-linear-energy transfer particles that destroy boron-loaded tumor cells; therefore, BNCT has the potential to be a localized therapeutic modality. Two boron-delivery agents have been used in clinical trials of BNCT in patients with malignant brain tumors, cutaneous melanoma, or recurrent tumors of the head and neck region, demonstrating the potential of BNCT in the treatment of difficult cancers. A variety of potentially highly effective boron-delivery agents have been synthesized in the past four decades and tested in cells and animal models. These include boron-containing nucleosides, peptides, proteins, polyamines, porphyrins, liposomes, monoclonal antibodies, and nanoparticles of various types. The most promising agents are multi-functional boronated molecules and nanoparticles functionalized with tumor cell-targeting moieties that increase their tumor selectivity and contain a radiolabel or fluorophore to allow quantification of 10B-biodistribution and treatment planning. This review discusses multi-functional boron agents reported in the last decade, but their full potential can only be ascertained after their evaluation in BNCT clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian O Oloo
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Kevin M Smith
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Marforio TD, Mattioli EJ, Zerbetto F, Calvaresi M. Exploiting Blood Transport Proteins as Carborane Supramolecular Vehicles for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:nano13111770. [PMID: 37299673 DOI: 10.3390/nano13111770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Carboranes are promising agents for applications in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), but their hydrophobicity prevents their use in physiological environments. Here, by using reverse docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we identified blood transport proteins as candidate carriers of carboranes. Hemoglobin showed a higher binding affinity for carboranes than transthyretin and human serum albumin (HSA), which are well-known carborane-binding proteins. Myoglobin, ceruloplasmin, sex hormone-binding protein, lactoferrin, plasma retinol-binding protein, thyroxine-binding globulin, corticosteroid-binding globulin and afamin have a binding affinity comparable to transthyretin/HSA. The carborane@protein complexes are stable in water and characterized by favorable binding energy. The driving force in the carborane binding is represented by the formation of hydrophobic interactions with aliphatic amino acids and BH-π and CH-π interactions with aromatic amino acids. Dihydrogen bonds, classical hydrogen bonds and surfactant-like interactions also assist the binding. These results (i) identify the plasma proteins responsible for binding carborane upon their intravenous administration, and (ii) suggest an innovative formulation for carboranes based on the formation of a carborane@protein complex prior to the administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tainah Dorina Marforio
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Edoardo Jun Mattioli
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Zerbetto
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
He J, Zhang X, Liu L, Wang Y, Liu R, Li M, Gao F. Acute and Subacute Toxicity Evaluation of Erythrocyte Membrane-Coated Boron Nitride Nanoparticles. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:jfb14040181. [PMID: 37103271 PMCID: PMC10144386 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14040181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Boron nitride nanoparticles have been reported for boron drug delivery. However, its toxicity has not been systematically elucidated. It is necessary to clarify their potential toxicity profile after administration for clinical application. Here, we prepared erythrocyte membrane-coated boron nitride nanoparticles (BN@RBCM). We expect to use them for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) in tumors. In this study, we evaluated the acute toxicity and subacute toxicity of BN@RBCM of about 100 nm and determined the half-lethal dose (LD50) of the particles for mice. The results showed that the LD50 of BN@RBCM was 258.94 mg/kg. No remarkable pathological changes by microscopic observation were observed in the treated animals throughout the study period. These results indicate that BN@RBCM has low toxicity and good biocompatibility, which have great potential for biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng He
- Department of Basic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; (J.H.); (Y.W.)
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterial and Nano Safety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; (L.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Xuanping Zhang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; (J.H.); (Y.W.)
- Correspondence: (X.Z.); (F.G.)
| | - Linhong Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterial and Nano Safety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; (L.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Yufei Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; (J.H.); (Y.W.)
| | - Renyu Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterial and Nano Safety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; (L.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Min Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterial and Nano Safety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; (L.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Fuping Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterial and Nano Safety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; (L.L.); (M.L.)
- Jinan Laboratory of Applied Nuclear Science, Jinan 251401, China
- Correspondence: (X.Z.); (F.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fan Y, Xiong Y, Wang X, Chen J, Fang D, Huang J, Yuan G. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)-encapsulated iodine-131 nanoparticles fabricated with rhTSH induce apoptosis and immobilization of thyroid cancer cells. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1030105. [PMID: 36776316 PMCID: PMC9911809 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1030105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aggressive thyroid carcinoma (ATC) usually loses radioiodine avidity to iodine-131 (131I) due to the downregulation of sodium/iodide symporter (NIS). The expression of thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) is more persistent than NIS and the administration of recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone (rhTSH) promotes de novo NIS synthesis. Hence, exploring methods integrating 131I with rhTSH might be a feasible therapeutic strategy for selective delivery of 131I into thyroid cancer to fortify the effect of radioiodine ablation. Methods The 131I, poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and rhTSH were used to synthesize of the 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles. The characteristics of the 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles was determined using a light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), autoradiography and immunofluorescence (IF) staining. The diameter of the 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles was measured with a Mastersizer 3000, and the encapsulation efficiency (EF) of 131I in 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles and the radioactivity of a single nanoparticle were determined. Then, the mouse tumor xenograft model was established, and the biodistribution and effect of 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles on apoptosis of thyroid cance cells were investigated in vivo. Thereafter, the role of 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles in cell viability using cell counting kit-8 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays. Subsequently, the underlying mechanism of 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles in reducing cell viability was assessed using immunostaining, boyden invasion assays and phalloidin staining. Results Our results showed that the method of developing nanoparticles-encapsulated 131I using poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and modified with rhTSH (131I-PLGA-rhTSH), was a feasible avenue for the integration of 131I and rhTSH. Meanwhile, the encapsulation efficiency (EF) of 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles was approximately 60%, and the radioactivity of a single nanoparticle was about 1.1×10-2 Bq. Meanwhile, the 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles were selectively delivered into, gradually enriched and slowly downregulated in xenograft tumor after the administration of 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles through tail vein in mouse tumor xenograft model. Thereafter, the tumor weight was significantly reduced after the administration of 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles. Subsequently, the application of 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles facilitated apoptosis and attenuated immobilization via inhibiting F-actin assembling of FTC-133 cells. Conclusion The present study develops a suitable approach integrating 131I and rhTSH, and this strategy is a feasible regimen enhancing the effect of radioiodine ablation for the treatment of thyroid cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongzeng Fan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yalan Xiong
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinhong Wang
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiahao Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Danzhou Fang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiahui Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gengbiao Yuan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China,*Correspondence: Gengbiao Yuan,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Recent Development of Radiofluorination of Boron Agents for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy of Tumor: Creation of 18F-Labeled C-F and B-F Linkages. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16010093. [PMID: 36678590 PMCID: PMC9866017 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a binary therapeutic technique employing a boron agent to be delivered to the tumor site followed by the irradiation of neutrons. Biofunctional molecules/nanoparticles labeled with F-18 can provide an initial pharmacokinetic profile of patients to guide the subsequent treatment planning procedure of BNCT. Borono phenylalanine (BPA), recognized by the l-type amino acid transporter, can cross the blood-brain barrier and be accumulated in gliomas. The radiofluoro BNCT agents are reviewed by considering (1) less cytotoxicity, (2) diagnosing and therapeutic purposes, (3) aqueous solubility and extraction route, as well as (4), the trifluoroborate effect. A trifluoroborate-containing amino acid such as fluoroboronotyrosine (FBY) represents an example with both functionalities of imaging and therapeutics. Comparing with the insignificant cytotoxicity of clinical BPA with IC50 > 500 μM, FBY also shows minute toxicity with IC50 > 500 μM. [18F]FBY is a potential diagnostic agent for its tumor to normal accumulation (T/N) ratio, which ranges from 2.3 to 24.5 from positron emission tomography, whereas the T/N ratio of FBPA is greater than 2.5. Additionally, in serving as a BNCT therapeutic agent, the boron concentration of FBY accumulated in gliomas remains uncertain. The solubility of 3-BPA is better than that of BPA, as evidenced by the cerebral dose of 3.4%ID/g vs. 2.2%ID/g, respectively. While the extraction route of d-BPA differs from that of BPA, an impressive T/N ratio of 6.9 vs. 1.5 is noted. [18F]FBPA, the most common clinical boron agent, facilitates the application of BPA in clinical BNCT. In addition to [18F]FBY, [18F] trifluoroborated nucleoside analog obtained through 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition shows marked tumoral uptake of 1.5%ID/g. Other examples using electrophilic and nucleophilic fluorination on the boron compounds are also reviewed, including diboronopinacolone phenylalanine and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
Collapse
|
11
|
Ailuno G, Balboni A, Caviglioli G, Lai F, Barbieri F, Dellacasagrande I, Florio T, Baldassari S. Boron Vehiculating Nanosystems for Neutron Capture Therapy in Cancer Treatment. Cells 2022; 11:cells11244029. [PMID: 36552793 PMCID: PMC9776957 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Boron neutron capture therapy is a low-invasive cancer therapy based on the neutron fission process that occurs upon thermal neutron irradiation of 10B-containing compounds; this process causes the release of alpha particles that selectively damage cancer cells. Although several clinical studies involving mercaptoundecahydro-closo-dodecaborate and the boronophenylalanine-fructose complex are currently ongoing, the success of this promising anticancer therapy is hampered by the lack of appropriate drug delivery systems to selectively carry therapeutic concentrations of boron atoms to cancer tissues, allowing prolonged boron retention therein and avoiding the damage of healthy tissues. To achieve these goals, numerous research groups have explored the possibility to formulate nanoparticulate systems for boron delivery. In this review. we report the newest developments on boron vehiculating drug delivery systems based on nanoparticles, distinguished on the basis of the type of carrier used, with a specific focus on the formulation aspects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Ailuno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16147 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.A.); (T.F.)
| | - Alice Balboni
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Lai
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Barbieri
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Tullio Florio
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.A.); (T.F.)
| | - Sara Baldassari
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16147 Genova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Uspenskii SA, Khaptakhanova PA. Boron nanoparticles in chemotherapy and radiotherapy: the synthesis, state-of-the-art, and prospects. Russ Chem Bull 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11172-022-3686-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
|