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Saddam Hussain M, Khetan R, Clulow AJ, Ganesan R, MacMillan A, Robinson N, Ahmed-Cox A, Krasowska M, Albrecht H, Blencowe A. Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks: A Global Approach to Enhancing the Cytotoxicity of Drug-Loaded, Non-responsive Micelles Using Oligoelectrolytes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:9736-9748. [PMID: 38349780 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c16551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Polymeric micelles have been extensively studied as vectors for the delivery of hydrophobic drugs for the treatment of cancers and other diseases. Despite intensive research, few formulations provide significant benefits, and even fewer have been clinically approved. While many traditional non-responsive micelles have excellent safety profiles, they lack the ability to respond to the intracellular environment and release their cargo in a spatiotemporally defined manner to effectively deliver large doses of cytotoxic drugs into the cytosol of cells that overwhelm efflux pumps. As a novel and adaptable strategy, we hypothesized that well-established non-responsive polymeric micelles could be augmented with a pH-trigger via the co-encapsulation of cytocompatible oligoelectrolytes, which would allow rapid cargo release in the endosome, leading to increased cytotoxicity. Herein, we demonstrate how this strategy can be applied to render non-responsive micelles pH-responsive, resulting in abrupt cargo release at specific and tunable pH values compatible with endosomal delivery, which significantly increased their cytotoxicity up to 3-fold in an ovarian adenocarcinoma (SKOV-3) cell line compared to non-responsive micelles. In comparison, the oligoelectrolyte-loaded micelles were significantly less toxic to healthy 3T3 fibroblasts, indicating a selective cargo release in cancer cell lines. Oligoelectrolytes can be co-encapsulated in the micelles along with drugs at high encapsulation efficiency percentages, which are both ejected from the micelle core upon oligoelectrolyte ionization. Mechanistically, the increase in cytotoxicity appears to also result from the accelerated endosomal escape of the cargo caused by disruption of the endosomal membrane by the simultaneous release of the oligoelectrolytes from the micelles. Furthermore, we show how this approach is broadly applicable to non-responsive micelles regardless of their composition and various classes of hydrophobic chemotherapeutics. The preliminary studies presented here reveal the versatility and wide scope of oligoelectrolyte-mediated, pH-triggered drug release as a compelling and powerful strategy to enhance the cytotoxicity of non-responsive polymeric micelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Saddam Hussain
- Applied Chemistry and Translational Biomaterials (ACTB) Group, Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation (CPI), UniSA CHS, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Riya Khetan
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation (CPI), UniSA CHS, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Andrew J Clulow
- Australian Synchrotron, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), 800 Blackburn Road, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
- Drug Delivery, Disposition & Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Raja Ganesan
- Centre for Cancer Biology, UniSA CHS, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Alexander MacMillan
- Katharina Gaus Light Microscopy Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2033, Australia
| | - Nirmal Robinson
- Centre for Cancer Biology, UniSA CHS, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Aria Ahmed-Cox
- Katharina Gaus Light Microscopy Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2033, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2750, Australia
- Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, Faculty of Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Marta Krasowska
- Surface Interactions and Soft Matter (SISM) Group, Future Industries Institute, UniSA STEM, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia 5095, Australia
| | - Hugo Albrecht
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation (CPI), UniSA CHS, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Anton Blencowe
- Applied Chemistry and Translational Biomaterials (ACTB) Group, Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation (CPI), UniSA CHS, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
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Mead H, Paraskevopoulou V, Smith N, Gibson R, Amerio-Cox M, Taylor-Vine G, Armstrong T, Harris K, Wren S, Mann J. Developing a robust in vitro release method for a polymeric nanoparticle: Challenges and learnings. Int J Pharm 2023; 644:123317. [PMID: 37586575 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123317] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Nanomedicines have emerged as a promising approach for targeted therapeutic delivery and specifically as a beneficial alternative to conventional cancer therapies as they can deliver higher concentrations of chemotherapeutic agents at the tumour site compared to healthy tissue, thus providing improved drug efficacy and lower systemic toxicity. Long acting injectables are increasingly becoming the focus of pharmaceutical research, as they can reduce dosing frequency and improve the life quality of patients. Development of an in vitro release (IVR) method for modified release nanomedicines is challenging because of the uniqueness and range of different formulation design approaches, as well as the complex nature of drug release mechanisms which may result in inherent variability. Regulatory guidance on the development of dissolution or release methods for parenteral products is limited relative to oral products. This article details the extensive in vitro release method development work conducted on a polymeric nanoparticle to develop the release media composition and selection of suitable apparatus and sampling technique to separate the released drug from the formulation. The aim was to develop a suitably robust analytical method that generated clinically relevant in vitro release data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Mead
- New Modalities & Parenteral Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK.
| | - Vasiliki Paraskevopoulou
- New Modalities & Parenteral Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
| | - Natalie Smith
- New Modalities & Parenteral Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
| | - Rhiannon Gibson
- New Modalities & Parenteral Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
| | - Marius Amerio-Cox
- New Modalities & Parenteral Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
| | - Georgia Taylor-Vine
- New Modalities & Parenteral Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
| | - Thomas Armstrong
- New Modalities & Parenteral Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
| | - Kate Harris
- New Modalities & Parenteral Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
| | - Stephen Wren
- New Modalities & Parenteral Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
| | - James Mann
- Oral Product Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
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Wallenwein CM, Ashtikar M, Hofhaus G, Haferland I, Thurn M, König A, Pinter A, Dressman J, Wacker MG. How wound environments trigger the release from Rifampicin-loaded liposomes. Int J Pharm 2023; 633:122606. [PMID: 36632921 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122606] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic wounds often contain high levels of proinflammatory cytokines that prolong the wound-healing process. Patients suffering from these conditions are likely to benefit from topical rifampicin therapy. Although recent research indicates considerable anti-inflammatory properties of the antibiotic, currently, there are no commercial topical wound healing products available. To address this medical need, a liposomal drug delivery system was developed. A mechanistic investigation outlined major influences of wound environments that affect the release kinetics and, as a consequence, local bioavailability. METHODS Liposomes were prepared using the thin-film hydration method and subsequently freeze-dried at the pilot scale to improve their stability. We investigated the influence of oxidation, plasma proteins, and lipolysis on the in vitro release of rifampicin and its two main degradation products using the Dispersion Releaser technology. A novel simulated wound fluid provided a standardized environment to study critical influences on the release. It reflects the pathophysiological environment regarding pH, buffer capacity, and protein content. RESULTS During storage, the liposomes efficiently protect rifampicin from degradation. After the dispersion of the vesicles in simulated wound fluid, despite the significant albumin binding (>70%), proteins have no considerable effect on the release. Also, the presence of lipase at pathophysiologically elevated concentrations did not trigger the liberation of rifampicin. Surprisingly, the oxidative environment of the wound bed represents the strongest accelerating influence and triggers the release. CONCLUSION A stable topical delivery system of rifampicin has been developed. Once the formulation comes in contact with simulated wound fluid, drug oxidation accelerates the release. The influence of lipases that are assumed to trigger the liberation from liposomes depends on the drug-to-lipid ratio. Considering that inflamed tissues exhibit elevated levels of oxidative stress, the trigger mechanism identified for rifampicin contributes to targeted drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal M Wallenwein
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mukul Ashtikar
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Götz Hofhaus
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology, and Allergology, University Hospital, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Isabel Haferland
- Cryo Electron Microscopy, CellNetworks, BioQuant, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manuela Thurn
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Anke König
- Cryo Electron Microscopy, CellNetworks, BioQuant, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Pinter
- Cryo Electron Microscopy, CellNetworks, BioQuant, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Dressman
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Matthias G Wacker
- National University of Singapore, Department of Pharmacy, 4 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117544, Singapore.
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Wallenwein CM, Weigel V, Hofhaus G, Dhakal N, Schatton W, Gelperina S, Groeber-Becker FK, Dressman J, Wacker MG. Pharmaceutical Development of Nanostructured Vesicular Hydrogel Formulations of Rifampicin for Wound Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416207. [PMID: 36555855 PMCID: PMC9788359 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416207] [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: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic wounds exhibit elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, resulting in the release of proteolytic enzymes which delay wound-healing processes. In recent years, rifampicin has gained significant attention in the treatment of chronic wounds due to an interesting combination of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Unfortunately, rifampicin is sensitive to hydrolysis and oxidation. As a result, no topical drug product for wound-healing applications has been approved. To address this medical need two nanostructured hydrogel formulations of rifampicin were developed. The liposomal vesicles were embedded into hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) gel or a combination of hyaluronic acid and marine collagen. To protect rifampicin from degradation in aqueous environments, a freeze-drying method was developed. Before freeze-drying, two well-defined hydrogel preparations were obtained. After freeze-drying, the visual appearance, chemical stability, residual moisture content, and redispersion time of both preparations were within acceptable limits. However, the morphological characterization revealed an increase in the vesicle size for collagen-hyaluronic acid hydrogel. This was confirmed by subsequent release studies. Interactions of marine collagen with phosphatidylcholine were held responsible for this effect. The HPMC hydrogel formulation remained stable over 6 months of storage. Moving forward, this product fulfills all criteria to be evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal M. Wallenwein
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Verena Weigel
- Translational Center for Regenerative Therapies, Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Neunerplatz 2, 97082 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Götz Hofhaus
- Cryo Electron Microscopy, CellNetworks, BioQuant, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Namrata Dhakal
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 4 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117544, Singapore
| | | | - Svetlana Gelperina
- Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Technologies and Biomedical Drugs, D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, Miusskaya pl. 9, 125047 Moscow, Russia
| | - Florian K. Groeber-Becker
- Translational Center for Regenerative Therapies, Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Neunerplatz 2, 97082 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Dressman
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Matthias G. Wacker
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 4 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117544, Singapore
- Correspondence:
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Villa Nova M, Gan K, Wacker MG. Biopredictive tools for the development of injectable drug products. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2022; 19:671-684. [PMID: 35603724 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2022.2081682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Biopredictive release tests are commonly used in the evaluation of oral medicines. They support decision-making in formulation development and allow predictions of the expected in-vivo performances. So far, there is limited experience in the application of these methodologies to injectable drug products. AREAS COVERED Parenteral drug products cover a variety of dosage forms and administration sites including subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous injections. In this area, developing biopredictive and biorelevant methodologies often confronts us with unique challenges and knowledge gaps. Here, we provide a formulation-centric approach and explain the key considerations and workflow when designing biopredictive assays. Also, we outline the key role of computational methods in achieving clinical relevance and put all considerations into context using liposomal nanomedicines as an example. EXPERT OPINION Biopredictive tools are the need of the hour to exploit the tremendous opportunities of injectable drug products. A growing number of biopharmaceuticals such as peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids require different strategies and a better understanding of the influences on drug absorption. Here, our design strategy must maintain the balance of robustness and complexity required for effective formulation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mônica Villa Nova
- State University of Maringá, Department of Pharmacy, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Kennard Gan
- National University of Singapore, Department of Pharmacy, Singapore
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