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Whalen M, Akula M, McNamee SM, DeAngelis MM, Haider NB. Seeing the Future: A Review of Ocular Therapy. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:179. [PMID: 38391665 PMCID: PMC10886198 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11020179] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Ocular diseases present a unique challenge and opportunity for therapeutic development. The eye has distinct advantages as a therapy target given its accessibility, compartmentalization, immune privilege, and size. Various methodologies for therapeutic delivery in ocular diseases are under investigation that impact long-term efficacy, toxicity, invasiveness, and delivery range. While gene, cell, and antibody therapy and nanoparticle delivery directly treat regions that have been damaged by disease, they can be limited in the duration of the therapeutic delivery and have a focal effect. In contrast, contact lenses and ocular implants can more effectively achieve sustained and widespread delivery of therapies; however, they can increase dilution of therapeutics, which may result in reduced effectiveness. Current therapies either offer a sustained release or a broad therapeutic effect, and future directions should aim toward achieving both. This review discusses current ocular therapy delivery systems and their applications, mechanisms for delivering therapeutic products to ocular tissues, advantages and challenges associated with each delivery system, current approved therapies, and clinical trials. Future directions for the improvement in existing ocular therapies include combination therapies, such as combined cell and gene therapies, as well as AI-driven devices, such as cortical implants that directly transmit visual information to the cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiya Whalen
- Department of Biology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA
| | | | | | - Margaret M DeAngelis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Neena B Haider
- Shifa Precision, Boston, MA 02138, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02138, USA
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2
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Boddu SH, Acharya D, Hala V, Jani H, Pande S, Patel C, Shahwan M, Jwala R, Ranch KM. An Update on Strategies to Deliver Protein and Peptide Drugs to the Eye. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:35470-35498. [PMID: 37810716 PMCID: PMC10552503 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
In the past few decades, advancements in protein engineering, biotechnology, and structural biochemistry have resulted in the discovery of various techniques that enhanced the production yield of proteins, targetability, circulating half-life, product purity, and functionality of proteins and peptides. As a result, the utilization of proteins and peptides has increased in the treatment of many conditions, including ocular diseases. Ocular delivery of large molecules poses several challenges due to their high molecular weight, hydrophilicity, unstable nature, and poor permeation through cellular and enzymatic barriers. The use of novel strategies for delivering protein and peptides such as glycoengineering, PEGylation, Fc-fusion, chitosan nanoparticles, and liposomes have improved the efficacy, safety, and stability, which consequently expanded the therapeutic potential of proteins. This review article highlights various proteins and peptides that are useful in ocular disorders, challenges in their delivery to the eye, and strategies to enhance ocular bioavailability using novel delivery approaches. In addition, a few futuristic approaches that will assist in the ocular delivery of proteins and peptides were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai H.
S. Boddu
- College
of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
- Center
of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Devarshi Acharya
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Vivek Hala
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Harshil Jani
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
- Gujarat
Technological University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382424, India
| | - Sonal Pande
- Gujarat
Technological University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382424, India
- Department
of Pharmacology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Chirag Patel
- Department
of Pharmacology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Moyad Shahwan
- College
of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
- Center
of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Renukuntla Jwala
- School
of
Pharmacy, The University of Texas at El
Paso, 1101 N Campbell
St., El Paso, Texas 79902, United States
- Department
of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, High Point University, High Point, North Carolina, 27240, United States
| | - Ketan M. Ranch
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
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3
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Abla KK, Mehanna MM. Lipid-based nanocarriers challenging the ocular biological barriers: Current paradigm and future perspectives. J Control Release 2023; 362:70-96. [PMID: 37591463 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Eye is the most specialized and sensory body organ and treating eye diseases efficiently is necessary. Despite various attempts, the design of a consummate ophthalmic drug delivery system remains unsolved because of anatomical and physiological barriers that hinder drug transport into the desired ocular tissues. It is important to advance new platforms to manage ocular disorders, whether they exist in the anterior or posterior cavities. Nanotechnology has piqued the interest of formulation scientists because of its capability to augment ocular bioavailability, control drug release, and minimize inefficacious drug absorption, with special attention to lipid-based nanocarriers (LBNs) because of their cellular safety profiles. LBNs have greatly improved medication availability at the targeted ocular site in the required concentration while causing minimal adverse effects on the eye tissues. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms by which lipid-based nanocarriers can bypass different ocular barriers are still unclear and have not been discussed. Thus, to bridge this gap, the current work aims to highlight the applications of LBNs in the ocular drug delivery exploring the different ocular barriers and the mechanisms viz. adhesion, fusion, endocytosis, and lipid exchange, through which these platforms can overcome the barrier characteristics challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawthar K Abla
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research lab, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohammed M Mehanna
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon.
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Carvalho C, Lemos L, Antas P, Seabra MC. Gene therapy for inherited retinal diseases: exploiting new tools in genome editing and nanotechnology. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2023; 3:1270561. [PMID: 38983081 PMCID: PMC11182192 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2023.1270561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) encompass a diverse group of genetic disorders that lead to progressive visual impairment and blindness. Over the years, considerable strides have been made in understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of IRDs, laying the foundation for novel therapeutic interventions. Gene therapy has emerged as a compelling approach for treating IRDs, with notable advancements achieved through targeted gene augmentation. However, several setbacks and limitations persist, hindering the widespread clinical success of gene therapy for IRDs. One promising avenue of research is the development of new genome editing tools. Cutting-edge technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 nucleases, base editing and prime editing provide unprecedented precision and efficiency in targeted gene manipulation, offering the potential to overcome existing challenges in gene therapy for IRDs. Furthermore, traditional gene therapy encounters a significant challenge due to immune responses to viral vectors, which remain crucial obstacles in achieving long-lasting therapeutic effects. Nanotechnology has emerged as a valuable ally in the quest to optimize gene therapy outcomes for ocular diseases. Nanoparticles engineered with nanoscale precision offer improved gene delivery to specific retinal cells, allowing for enhanced targeting and reduced immunogenicity. In this review, we discuss recent advancements in gene therapy for IRDs and explore the setbacks that have been encountered in clinical trials. We highlight the technological advances in genome editing for the treatment of IRDs and how integrating nanotechnology into gene delivery strategies could enhance the safety and efficacy of gene therapy, ultimately offering hope for patients with IRDs and potentially paving the way for similar advancements in other ocular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia Carvalho
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS | FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luísa Lemos
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Antas
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS | FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel C Seabra
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS | FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisboa, Portugal
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Kramer RH. Suppressing Retinal Remodeling to Mitigate Vision Loss in Photoreceptor Degenerative Disorders. Annu Rev Vis Sci 2023; 9:131-153. [PMID: 37713276 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-vision-112122-020957] [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: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Rod and cone photoreceptors degenerate in retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration, robbing the visual system of light-triggered signals necessary for sight. However, changes in the retina do not stop with the photoreceptors. A stereotypical set of morphological and physiological changes, known as remodeling, occur in downstream retinal neurons. Some aspects of remodeling are homeostatic, with structural or functional changes compensating for partial loss of visual inputs. However, other aspects are nonhomeostatic, corrupting retinal information processing to obscure vision mediated naturally by surviving photoreceptors or artificially by vision-restoration technologies. In this review, I consider the mechanism of remodeling and its consequences for residual and restored visual function; discuss the role of retinoic acid, a critical molecular trigger of detrimental remodeling; and discuss strategies for suppressing retinoic acid biosynthesis or signaling as therapeutic possibilities for mitigating vision loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard H Kramer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, USA;
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6
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Tian Y, Zhang T, Li J, Tao Y. Advances in development of exosomes for ophthalmic therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114899. [PMID: 37236425 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes contain multiple bioactive molecules and maintain the connection between cells. Recent advances in exosome-based therapeutics have witnessed unprecedented opportunities in treating ophthalmic diseases, including traumatic diseases, autoimmune diseases, chorioretinal diseases and others. Utilization of exosomes as delivery vectors to encapsulate both drugs and therapeutic genes could yield higher efficacy and avoid the unnecessary immune responses. However, exosome-based therapies also come with some potential ocular risks. In this review, we first present a general introduction to exosomes. Then we provide an overview of available applications and discuss their potential risks. Moreover, we review recently reported exosomes as delivery vectors for ophthalmic diseases. Finally, we put forward future perspectives to grapple with its translation and underlying issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, PR China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, PR China
| | - Jing Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of DNA Damage Response, College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, PR China
| | - Yong Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, PR China.
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Chapa González C, Martínez Saráoz JV, Roacho Pérez JA, Olivas Armendáriz I. Lipid nanoparticles for gene therapy in ocular diseases. Daru 2023; 31:75-82. [PMID: 36790734 PMCID: PMC10238339 DOI: 10.1007/s40199-023-00455-1] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Lipid nanoparticles, as a nucleic acid delivery system, have been used as an alternative to treat ocular diseases, since they can cross the ocular barrier and efficiently transfecting nucleic acids to various cells of the eye. The size influences the transfection of genes, biological distribution, diffusion, and cellular uptake. It is therefore important to establish a relationship between size, formulation, and encapsulation percentage. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION In this review, we used a search strategy to compare studies of nanomedicine systems aimed at eye diseases where the size of the nanoparticles and the efficiency of encapsulation of genetic material are reported based on the criteria of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA ScR 2020 guidelines). RESULTS Out of the initial 5932, 169 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included to form the basis of the analysis. Nanoparticles reported are composed mainly of PEG-modified lipids, cholesterol, and cationic lipids, that in combination with messenger or interference RNA, allow the formulation of a nanoparticle with an encapsulation efficiency greater than 95%. The diseases treated mainly focus on conditions related to the retina and cornea. Certain characteristics of nanoparticles increase encapsulation efficiency, such as the size of the nanoparticle and the charge of the outer layer of the nanoparticle. CONCLUSION It is still unknown what characteristics lipid nanoparticles should have to successfully treat human eye illnesses. The in vitro and in vivo investigations covered in this review, however, present encouraging results. To improve encapsulation effectiveness and disease gene silencing, nanoparticle formulation is essential. The most stable nanoparticles are those made mostly of cationic lipids, PEG lipids, and cholesterol, which also effectively encapsulate RNA. The encapsulation efficiency is not only influenced by size, but also by other factors such as methods of preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Chapa González
- Grupo de Investigación en Nanomedicina, Instituto de Ingeniería y Tecnología de la Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, 32310, Ciudad Juárez, Chih, Mexico.
| | - Jessica Victoria Martínez Saráoz
- Grupo de Investigación en Nanomedicina, Instituto de Ingeniería y Tecnología de la Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, 32310, Ciudad Juárez, Chih, Mexico
- Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados, 66600, Apodaca, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Jorge Alberto Roacho Pérez
- Grupo de Investigación en Nanomedicina, Instituto de Ingeniería y Tecnología de la Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, 32310, Ciudad Juárez, Chih, Mexico
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, 64460, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Imelda Olivas Armendáriz
- Departamento de Física y Matemáticas de la Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, 32310, Ciudad Juárez, Chih, Mexico
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8
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Hashida N, Nishida K. Recent advances and future prospects: current status and challenges of the intraocular injection of drugs for vitreoretinal diseases. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 198:114870. [PMID: 37172783 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Effective drug therapy for vitreoretinal disease is a major challenge in the field of ophthalmology; various protective systems, including anatomical and physiological barriers, complicate drug delivery to precise targets. However, as the eye is a closed cavity, it is an ideal target for local administration. Various types of drug delivery systems have been investigated that take advantage of this aspect of the eye, enhancing ocular permeability and optimizing local drug concentrations. Many drugs, mainly anti-VEGF drugs, have been evaluated in clinical trials and have provided clinical benefit to many patients. In the near future, innovative drug delivery systems will be developed to avoid frequent intravitreal administration of drugs and maintain effective drug concentrations for a long period of time. Here, we review the published literature on various drugs and administration routes and current clinical applications. Recent advances in drug delivery systems are discussed along with future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyasu Hashida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Kohji Nishida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan; Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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9
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Shastri DH, Silva AC, Almeida H. Ocular Delivery of Therapeutic Proteins: A Review. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15010205. [PMID: 36678834 PMCID: PMC9864358 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic proteins, including monoclonal antibodies, single chain variable fragment (ScFv), crystallizable fragment (Fc), and fragment antigen binding (Fab), have accounted for one-third of all drugs on the world market. In particular, these medicines have been widely used in ocular therapies in the treatment of various diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, corneal neovascularization, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion. However, the formulation of these biomacromolecules is challenging due to their high molecular weight, complex structure, instability, short half-life, enzymatic degradation, and immunogenicity, which leads to the failure of therapies. Various efforts have been made to overcome the ocular barriers, providing effective delivery of therapeutic proteins, such as altering the protein structure or including it in new delivery systems. These strategies are not only cost-effective and beneficial to patients but have also been shown to allow for fewer drug side effects. In this review, we discuss several factors that affect the design of formulations and the delivery of therapeutic proteins to ocular tissues, such as the use of injectable micro/nanocarriers, hydrogels, implants, iontophoresis, cell-based therapy, and combination techniques. In addition, other approaches are briefly discussed, related to the structural modification of these proteins, improving their bioavailability in the posterior segments of the eye without affecting their stability. Future research should be conducted toward the development of more effective, stable, noninvasive, and cost-effective formulations for the ocular delivery of therapeutic proteins. In addition, more insights into preclinical to clinical translation are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyesh H. Shastri
- Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, K.B. Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kadi Sarva Vishwavidyalaya, Sarva Vidyalaya Kelavani Mandal, Gandhinagar 382016, India
- Correspondence:
| | - Ana Catarina Silva
- FP-I3ID (Instituto de Investigação, Inovação e Desenvolvimento), FP-BHS (Biomedical and Health Sciences Research Unit), Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
- UCIBIO (Research Unit on Applied Molecular Biosciences), REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), MEDTECH (Medicines and Healthcare Products), Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Hugo Almeida
- UCIBIO (Research Unit on Applied Molecular Biosciences), REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), MEDTECH (Medicines and Healthcare Products), Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Mesosystem Investigação & Investimentos by Spinpark, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
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Khan SU, Khan MU, Khan MI, Kalsoom F, Zahra A. Current Landscape and Emerging Opportunities of Gene Therapy with Non-viral Episomal Vectors. Curr Gene Ther 2023; 23:135-147. [PMID: 36200188 DOI: 10.2174/1566523222666221004100858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy has proven to be extremely beneficial in the management of a wide range of genetic disorders for which there are currently no or few effective treatments. Gene transfer vectors are very significant in the field of gene therapy. It is possible to attach a non-viral attachment vector to the donor cell chromosome instead of integrating it, eliminating the negative consequences of both viral and integrated vectors. It is a safe and optimal express vector for gene therapy because it does not cause any adverse effects. However, the modest cloning rate, low expression, and low clone number make it unsuitable for use in gene therapy. Since the first generation of non-viral attachment episomal vectors was constructed, various steps have been taken to regulate their expression and stability, such as truncating the MAR element, lowering the amount of CpG motifs, choosing appropriate promoters and utilizing regulatory elements. This increases the transfection effectiveness of the non-viral attachment vector while also causing it to express at a high level and maintain a high level of stability. A vector is a genetic construct commonly employed in gene therapy to treat various systemic disorders. This article examines the progress made in the development of various optimization tactics for nonviral attachment vectors and the future applications of these vectors in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safir Ullah Khan
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Munir Ullah Khan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, International Research Center for X Polymers, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China
| | - Muhammad Imran Khan
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China,Hefei 230027,People's Republic of China
- Department of Pathology, District Headquarters Hospital Jhang 35200, Punjab Province, Islamic Republic of Pakistan
| | - Fadia Kalsoom
- Department of Pathology, District Headquarters Hospital Jhang 35200, Punjab Province, Islamic Republic of Pakistan
| | - Aqeela Zahra
- Department of Family and Community Medicine. College of Medicine, University of Ha'il, Ha'il 81451, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Lee D, Kwak G, Johnson TV, Suk JS. Formulation and Evaluation of Polymer-Based Nanoparticles for Intravitreal Gene-Delivery Applications. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e607. [PMID: 36469609 PMCID: PMC9731353 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.607] [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] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The advent of the first-ever retinal gene therapy product, involving subretinal administration of a virus-based gene delivery platform, has garnered hope that this state-of-the-art therapeutic modality may benefit a broad spectrum of patients with diverse retinal disorders. On the other hand, clinical studies have revealed limitations of the applied delivery strategy that may restrict its universal use. To this end, intravitreal administration of synthetic gene-delivery platforms, such as polymer-based nanoparticles (PNPs), has emerged as an attractive alternative to the current mainstay. To achieve success, however, it is imperative that synthetic platforms overcome key biological barriers in human eyes encountered following intravitreal administration, including the vitreous gel and inner limiting membrane (ILM). Here, we introduce a series of experiments, from the fabrication of PNPs to a comprehensive evaluation in relevant experimental models, to determine whether PNPs overcome these barriers and efficiently deliver therapeutic gene payloads to retinal cells. We conclude the article by discussing a few important considerations for successful implementation of the strategy. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Preparation and characterization of PNPs Basic Protocol 2: Evaluation of in vitro transfection efficacy Basic Protocol 3: Evaluation of PNP diffusion in vitreous gel Basic Protocol 4: Ex vivo assessment of PNP penetration within vitreoretinal explant culture Basic Protocol 5: Assessment of in vivo transgene expression mediated by intravitreally administered PNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiheon Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Gijung Kwak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Thomas V. Johnson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jung Soo Suk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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12
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Hayashi K, Matsuda M, Nakahata M, Takashima Y, Tanaka M. Stimulus-Responsive, Gelatin-Containing Supramolecular Nanofibers as Switchable 3D Microenvironments for Cells. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14204407. [PMID: 36297985 PMCID: PMC9607093 DOI: 10.3390/polym14204407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymer- and/or protein-based nanofibers that promote stable cell adhesion have drawn increasing attention as well-defined models of the extracellular matrix. In this study, we fabricated two classes of stimulus-responsive fibers containing gelatin and supramolecular crosslinks to emulate the dynamic cellular microenvironment in vivo. Gelatin enabled cells to adhere without additional surface functionalization, while supramolecular crosslinks allowed for the reversible switching of the Young’s modulus through changes in the concentration of guest molecules in culture media. The first class of nanofibers was prepared by coupling the host–guest inclusion complex to gelatin before electrospinning (pre-conjugation), while the second class of nanofibers was fabricated by coupling gelatin to polyacrylamide functionalized with host or guest moieties, followed by conjugation in the electrospinning solution (post-conjugation). In situ AFM nano-indentation demonstrated the reversible switching of the Young’s modulus between 2–3 kPa and 0.2–0.3 kPa under physiological conditions by adding/removing soluble guest molecules. As the concentration of additives does not affect cell viability, the supramolecular fibers established in this study are a promising candidate for various biomedical applications, such as standardized three-dimensional culture matrices for somatic cells and the regulation of stem cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Hayashi
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Physics, Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Mami Matsuda
- Department of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka 560-0043, Japan
| | - Masaki Nakahata
- Department of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka 560-0043, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Takashima
- Department of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka 560-0043, Japan
- Institute for Advanced Co-Creation Studies, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Correspondence: (Y.T.); (M.T.)
| | - Motomu Tanaka
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Physics, Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- Physical Chemistry of Biosystems, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence: (Y.T.); (M.T.)
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