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Zheng H, Li M, Wu L, Liu W, Liu Y, Gao J, Lu Z. Progress in the application of hydrogels in immunotherapy of gastrointestinal tumors. Drug Deliv 2023; 30:2161670. [PMID: 36587630 PMCID: PMC9809389 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2022.2161670] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal tumors are the most common cancers with the highest morbidity and mortality worldwide. Surgery accompanied by chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy remains the first option for gastrointestinal tumors. However, poor specificity for tumor cells of these postoperative treatments often leads to severe side effects and poor prognosis. Tumor immunotherapy, including checkpoint blockade and tumor vaccines, has developed rapidly in recent years, showing good curative effects and minimal side effects in the treatment of gastrointestinal tumors. National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend tumor immunotherapy as part of the treatment of gastrointestinal tumors. However, the heterogeneity of tumor cells, complicacy of the tumor microenvironment and poor tumor immunogenicity hamper the effectiveness of tumor immunotherapy. Hydrogels, defined as three-dimensional, hydrophilic, and water-insoluble polymeric networks, could significantly improve the overall response rate of immunotherapy due to their superior drug loading efficacy, controlled release and drug codelivery ability. In this article, we briefly describe the research progress made in recent years on hydrogel delivery systems in immunotherapy for gastrointestinal tumors and discuss the potential future application prospects and challenges to provide a reference for the clinical application of hydrogels in tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lili Wu
- Changhai Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenshang Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Changhai Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China,Jie Gao Changhai Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai200433, China
| | - Zhengmao Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China,CONTACT Zhengmao Lu Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai200433, China
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2
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Yan J, Ou BS, Saouaf OM, Meany EL, Eckman N, Appel EA. A regimen compression strategy for commercial vaccines leveraging an injectable hydrogel depot technology for sustained vaccine exposure. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.23.534005. [PMID: 36993717 PMCID: PMC10055424 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.23.534005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Equitable global access to vaccines requires we overcome challenges associated with complex immunization schedules and their associated economic burdens that hinder delivery in under resourced environments. The rabies vaccine, for example, requires multiple immunizations for effective protection and each dose is cost prohibitive, and therefore inaccessibility disproportionately impacts low- and middle-income countries. In this work we developed an injectable hydrogel depot technology for sustained delivery of commercial inactivated rabies virus vaccines. In a mouse model, we showed that a single immunization of a hydrogel-based rabies vaccine elicited comparable antibody titers to a standard prime-boost bolus regimen of a commercial rabies vaccine, despite these hydrogel vaccines comprising only half of the total dose delivered in the bolus control. Moreover, these hydrogel-based vaccines elicited similar antigen-specific T-cell responses and neutralizing antibody responses compared to the bolus vaccine. Notably, we demonstrated that while addition of a potent clinical TLR4 agonist adjuvant to the gels slightly improved binding antibody responses, inclusion of this adjuvant to the inactivated virion vaccine was detrimental to neutralizing responses. Taken together, these results suggest that these hydrogels can enable an effective regimen compression and dosesparing strategy for improving global access to vaccines.
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3
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Pan H, Li W, Qu Y, Li S, Yusufu A, Wang J, Yin L. Injectable enzyme-catalyzed crosslinking hydrogels as BMSCs-laden tunable scaffold for osteogenic differentiation. JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE. POLYMER EDITION 2023; 34:463-481. [PMID: 36128775 DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2022.2127181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Bone defects caused by trauma or tumor are a significant challenge in clinical practice. Hydrogel-based tissue engineering has been considered an effective strategy. This study successfully formed a series of injectable hydrogels by enzyme-catalyzed crosslinking hyaluronic acid-tyramine (HA-TA) and sodium alginate-tyramine (ALG-TA) under physiological conditions in the presence of both horseradish peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide. The morphology, mechanical properties, swelling properties, and biodegradation properties of hydrogels were investigated. The results showed that the mechanical properties, swelling properties and biodegradation of HA/ALG hydrogels varied with the precursor solution concentration. Furthermore, the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs within the HA/ALG hydrogels were evaluated in vitro. The results illustrated that the hydrogels could offer an excellent microenvironment for BMSCs growth and promote osteogenic differentiation. Therefore, the injectable hydrogels can be used as an effective 3 D scaffold for bone repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Pan
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wanxin Li
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yue Qu
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Simei Li
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ayixiemu Yusufu
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Oral Implantology, School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lihua Yin
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Oral Implantology, School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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Correa S, Meany EL, Gale EC, Klich JH, Saouaf OM, Mayer AT, Xiao Z, Liong CS, Brown RA, Maikawa CL, Grosskopf AK, Mann JL, Idoyaga J, Appel EA. Injectable Nanoparticle-Based Hydrogels Enable the Safe and Effective Deployment of Immunostimulatory CD40 Agonist Antibodies. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2103677. [PMID: 35975424 PMCID: PMC9534946 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202103677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
When properly deployed, the immune system can eliminate deadly pathogens, eradicate metastatic cancers, and provide long-lasting protection from diverse diseases. Unfortunately, realizing these remarkable capabilities is inherently risky as disruption to immune homeostasis can elicit dangerous complications or autoimmune disorders. While current research is continuously expanding the arsenal of potent immunotherapeutics, there is a technological gap when it comes to controlling when, where, and how long these drugs act on the body. Here, this study explored the ability of a slow-releasing injectable hydrogel depot to reduce dose-limiting toxicities of immunostimulatory CD40 agonist (CD40a) while maintaining its potent anticancer efficacy. A previously described polymer-nanoparticle (PNP) hydrogel system is leveraged that exhibits shear-thinning and yield-stress properties that are hypothesized to improve locoregional delivery of CD40a immunotherapy. Using positron emission tomography, it is demonstrated that prolonged hydrogel-based delivery redistributes CD40a exposure to the tumor and the tumor draining lymph node (TdLN), thereby reducing weight loss, hepatotoxicity, and cytokine storm associated with standard treatment. Moreover, CD40a-loaded hydrogels mediate improved local cytokine induction in the TdLN and improve treatment efficacy in the B16F10 melanoma model. PNP hydrogels, therefore, represent a facile, drug-agnostic method to ameliorate immune-related adverse effects and explore locoregional delivery of immunostimulatory drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Correa
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringStanford UniversityStanfordCA94305USA
| | - Emily L. Meany
- Department of BioengineeringStanford UniversityStanfordCA94305USA
| | - Emily C. Gale
- Department of BiochemistryStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCA94305USA
| | - John H. Klich
- Department of BioengineeringStanford UniversityStanfordCA94305USA
| | - Olivia M. Saouaf
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringStanford UniversityStanfordCA94305USA
| | - Aaron T. Mayer
- Department of BioengineeringStanford UniversityStanfordCA94305USA
| | - Zunyu Xiao
- Department of BioengineeringStanford UniversityStanfordCA94305USA
| | - Celine S. Liong
- Department of BioengineeringStanford UniversityStanfordCA94305USA
| | - Ryanne A. Brown
- Department of PathologyStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCA94305USA
| | | | | | - Joseph L. Mann
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringStanford UniversityStanfordCA94305USA
| | - Juliana Idoyaga
- Department of Microbiology & ImmunologyStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCA94305USA
- Stanford ChEM‐H InstituteStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCA94305USA
- Stanford Cancer InstituteStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCA94305USA
| | - Eric A. Appel
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringStanford UniversityStanfordCA94305USA
- Stanford ChEM‐H InstituteStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCA94305USA
- Stanford Cancer InstituteStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCA94305USA
- Department of Pediatrics – EndocrinologyStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCA94305USA
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5
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Domingues C, Santos A, Alvarez-Lorenzo C, Concheiro A, Jarak I, Veiga F, Barbosa I, Dourado M, Figueiras A. Where Is Nano Today and Where Is It Headed? A Review of Nanomedicine and the Dilemma of Nanotoxicology. ACS NANO 2022; 16:9994-10041. [PMID: 35729778 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c00128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide nanotechnology development and application have fueled many scientific advances, but technophilic expectations and technophobic demands must be counterbalanced in parallel. Some of the burning issues today are the following: (1) Where is nano today? (2) How good are the communication and investment networks between academia/research and governments? (3) Is there any spotlight application for nanotechnology? Nanomedicine is a particular arm of nanotechnology within the healthcare landscape, focused on diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of emerging (such as coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19) and contemporary (including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer) diseases. However, it may only represent the bright side of the coin. In fact, in the recent past, the concept of nanotoxicology has emerged to address the dark shadows of nanomedicine. The nanomedicine field requires more nanotoxicological studies to identify undesirable effects and guarantee safety. Here, we provide an overall perspective on nanomedicine and nanotoxicology as central pieces of the giant puzzle of nanotechnology. First, the impact of nanotechnology on education and research is highlighted, followed by market trends and scientific output tendencies. In the next section, the nanomedicine and nanotoxicology dilemma is addressed through the interplay of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo models with the support of omics and microfluidic approaches. Lastly, a reflection on the regulatory issues and clinical trials is provided. Finally, some conclusions and future perspectives are proposed for a clearer and safer translation of nanomedicines from the bench to the bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Domingues
- Univ. Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Univ. Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ. Coimbra, Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Santos
- Univ. Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, I+D Farma (GI-1645), Facultad de Farmacia, iMATUS, and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Angel Concheiro
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, I+D Farma (GI-1645), Facultad de Farmacia, iMATUS, and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ivana Jarak
- Univ. Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Veiga
- Univ. Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Univ. Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel Barbosa
- Univ. Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Phamaceutical Chemistry Laboratory, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marília Dourado
- Univ. Coimbra, Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ. Coimbra, Center for Health Studies and Research of the University of Coimbra (CEISUC), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ. Coimbra, Center for Studies and Development of Continuous and Palliative Care (CEDCCP), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Figueiras
- Univ. Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Univ. Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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6
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Correa S, Grosskopf AK, Klich JH, Hernandez HL, Appel EA. Injectable Liposome-based Supramolecular Hydrogels for the Programmable Release of Multiple Protein Drugs. MATTER 2022; 5:1816-1838. [PMID: 35800848 PMCID: PMC9255852 DOI: 10.1016/j.matt.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Directing biological functions is at the heart of next-generation biomedical initiatives in tissue and immuno-engineering. However, the ambitious goal of engineering complex biological networks requires the ability to precisely perturb specific signaling pathways at distinct times and places. Using lipid nanotechnology and the principles of supramolecular self-assembly, we developed an injectable liposomal nanocomposite hydrogel platform to precisely control the release of multiple protein drugs. By integrating modular lipid nanotechnology into a hydrogel, we introduced multiple mechanisms of release based on liposome surface chemistry. To validate the utility of this system for multi-protein delivery, we demonstrated synchronized, sustained, and localized release of IgG antibody and IL-12 cytokine in vivo, despite the significant size differences between these two proteins. Overall, liposomal hydrogels are a highly modular platform technology with the ability the mediate orthogonal modes of protein release and the potential to precisely coordinate biological cues both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Correa
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Abigail K. Grosskopf
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - John H. Klich
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Hector Lopez Hernandez
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Eric A. Appel
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- ChEM-H Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Pediatrics – Endocrinology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Lead contact
- To whom correspondence should be addressed;
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7
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Grosskopf AK, Labanieh L, Klysz DD, Roth GA, Xu P, Adebowale O, Gale EC, Jons CK, Klich JH, Yan J, Maikawa CL, Correa S, Ou BS, d’Aquino AI, Cochran JR, Chaudhuri O, Mackall CL, Appel EA. Delivery of CAR-T cells in a transient injectable stimulatory hydrogel niche improves treatment of solid tumors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn8264. [PMID: 35394838 PMCID: PMC8993118 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn8264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has proven to be highly effective in treating blood cancers, but traditional approaches to ACT are poorly effective in treating solid tumors observed clinically. Novel delivery methods for therapeutic cells have shown promise for treatment of solid tumors when compared with standard intravenous administration methods, but the few reported approaches leverage biomaterials that are complex to manufacture and have primarily demonstrated applicability following tumor resection or in immune-privileged tissues. Here, we engineer simple-to-implement injectable hydrogels for the controlled co-delivery of CAR-T cells and stimulatory cytokines that improve treatment of solid tumors. The unique architecture of this material simultaneously inhibits passive diffusion of entrapped cytokines and permits active motility of entrapped cells to enable long-term retention, viability, and activation of CAR-T cells. The generation of a transient inflammatory niche following administration affords sustained exposure of CAR-T cells, induces a tumor-reactive CAR-T phenotype, and improves efficacy of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail K. Grosskopf
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford
University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Louai Labanieh
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University,
Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Dorota D. Klysz
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer
Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305,
USA
| | - Gillie A. Roth
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University,
Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Peng Xu
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer
Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305,
USA
| | - Omokolade Adebowale
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford
University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Emily C. Gale
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University,
Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Carolyn K. Jons
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering,
Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - John H. Klich
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University,
Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jerry Yan
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University,
Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Caitlin L. Maikawa
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University,
Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Santiago Correa
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering,
Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ben S. Ou
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University,
Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Andrea I. d’Aquino
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering,
Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jennifer R. Cochran
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford
University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University,
Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford
University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Crystal L. Mackall
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer
Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305,
USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School
of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School
of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of
Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Eric A. Appel
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University,
Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering,
Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School
of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School
of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- ChEM-H Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
94305, USA
- Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford
University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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8
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Nunes D, Andrade S, Ramalho MJ, Loureiro JA, Pereira MC. Polymeric Nanoparticles-Loaded Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications: A Systematic Review on In Vivo Findings. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14051010. [PMID: 35267833 PMCID: PMC8912535 DOI: 10.3390/polym14051010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinically available medications face several hurdles that limit their therapeutic activity, including restricted access to the target tissues due to biological barriers, low bioavailability, and poor pharmacokinetic properties. Drug delivery systems (DDS), such as nanoparticles (NPs) and hydrogels, have been widely employed to address these issues. Furthermore, the DDS improves drugs’ therapeutic efficacy while reducing undesired side effects caused by the unspecific distribution over the different tissues. The integration of NPs into hydrogels has emerged to improve their performance when compared with each DDS individually. The combination of both DDS enhances the ability to deliver drugs in a localized and targeted manner, paired with a controlled and sustained drug release, resulting in increased drug therapeutic effectiveness. With the incorporation of the NPs into hydrogels, it is possible to apply the DDS locally and then provide a sustained release of the NPs in the site of action, allowing the drug uptake in the required location. Additionally, most of the materials used to produce the hydrogels and NPs present low toxicity. This article provides a systematic review of the polymeric NPs-loaded hydrogels developed for various biomedical applications, focusing on studies that present in vivo data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Nunes
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (D.N.); (S.A.); (M.J.R.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Stéphanie Andrade
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (D.N.); (S.A.); (M.J.R.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Ramalho
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (D.N.); (S.A.); (M.J.R.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana A. Loureiro
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (D.N.); (S.A.); (M.J.R.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (J.A.L.); (M.C.P.)
| | - Maria Carmo Pereira
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (D.N.); (S.A.); (M.J.R.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (J.A.L.); (M.C.P.)
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