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Pinho JO, Ferreira M, Coelho M, Pinto SN, Aguiar SI, Gaspar MM. Liposomal Rifabutin-A Promising Antibiotic Repurposing Strategy against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:470. [PMID: 38675432 PMCID: PMC11053623 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040470] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (M RSA) infections, in particular biofilm-organized bacteria, remain a clinical challenge and a serious health problem. Rifabutin (RFB), an antibiotic of the rifamycins class, has shown in previous work excellent anti-staphylococcal activity. Here, we proposed to load RFB in liposomes aiming to promote the accumulation of RFB at infected sites and consequently enhance the therapeutic potency. Two clinical isolates of MRSA, MRSA-C1 and MRSA-C2, were used to test the developed formulations, as well as the positive control, vancomycin (VCM). RFB in free and liposomal forms displayed high antibacterial activity, with similar potency between tested formulations. In MRSA-C1, minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for Free RFB and liposomal RFB were 0.009 and 0.013 μg/mL, respectively. Minimum biofilm inhibitory concentrations able to inhibit 50% biofilm growth (MBIC50) for Free RFB and liposomal RFB against MRSA-C1 were 0.012 and 0.008 μg/mL, respectively. Confocal microscopy studies demonstrated the rapid internalization of unloaded and RFB-loaded liposomes in the bacterial biofilm matrix. In murine models of systemic MRSA-C1 infection, Balb/c mice were treated with RFB formulations and VCM at 20 and 40 mg/kg of body weight, respectively. The in vivo results demonstrated a significant reduction in bacterial burden and growth index in major organs of mice treated with RFB formulations, as compared to Control and VCM (positive control) groups. Furthermore, the VCM therapeutic dose was two fold higher than the one used for RFB formulations, reinforcing the therapeutic potency of the proposed strategy. In addition, RFB formulations were the only formulations associated with 100% survival. Globally, this study emphasizes the potential of RFB nanoformulations as an effective and safe approach against MRSA infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta O. Pinho
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.O.P.); (M.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Magda Ferreira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.O.P.); (M.F.); (M.C.)
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mariana Coelho
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.O.P.); (M.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Sandra N. Pinto
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences and Associate Laboratory i4HB−Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Department of Bioengineering, Instituto SuperiorTécnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Sandra I. Aguiar
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.O.P.); (M.F.); (M.C.)
- IBEB, Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
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Fagihi MA, Premathilaka C, O’Neill T, Garré M, Bhattacharjee S. An Investigation into the Acidity-Induced Insulin Agglomeration: Implications for Drug Delivery and Translation. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:25279-25287. [PMID: 37483254 PMCID: PMC10357556 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Insulin undergoes agglomeration with (subtle) changes in its biochemical environment, including acidity, application of heat, ionic imbalance, and exposure to hydrophobic surfaces. The therapeutic impact of such unwarranted insulin agglomeration is unclear and needs further evaluation. A systematic investigation was conducted on recombinant human insulin-with or without labeling with fluorescein isothiocyanate-while preparing insulin suspensions (0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/mL) at pH 3. The suspensions were incubated (37 °C) and analyzed at different time points (t = 2, 4, 24, 48, and 72 h). Transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis identified colloidally stable (zeta potential 15 ± 5 mV) spherical agglomerates of unlabeled insulin (100-500 nm). Circular dichroism established the preservation of insulin's secondary structure rich in α-helices despite exposure to an acidic environment (pH 3) for 72 h. Furthermore, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy illustrated an acidic core inside these spherical agglomerates, while the acidity gradually lessened toward the periphery. Some of these smaller agglomerates fused to form larger chunks with discrete zones of acidity. The data indicated a primary nucleation-driven mechanism of acid-induced insulin agglomeration under physiologically relevant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megren
H. A. Fagihi
- School
of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Clinical
Laboratory Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran 55461, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Chanaka Premathilaka
- Institute
of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu 51006, Estonia
| | - Tiina O’Neill
- Conway
Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Massimiliano Garré
- Super-Resolution
Imaging Consortium, Royal College of Surgeons
in Ireland University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Sourav Bhattacharjee
- School of
Veterinary Medicine, University College
Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Watchorn J, Clasky AJ, Prakash G, Johnston IAE, Chen PZ, Gu FX. Untangling Mucosal Drug Delivery: Engineering, Designing, and Testing Nanoparticles to Overcome the Mucus Barrier. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:1396-1426. [PMID: 35294187 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Mucus is a complex viscoelastic gel and acts as a barrier covering much of the soft tissue in the human body. High vascularization and accessibility have motivated drug delivery to various mucosal surfaces; however, these benefits are hindered by the mucus layer. To overcome the mucus barrier, many nanomedicines have been developed, with the goal of improving the efficacy and bioavailability of drug payloads. Two major nanoparticle-based strategies have emerged to facilitate mucosal drug delivery, namely, mucoadhesion and mucopenetration. Generally, mucoadhesive nanoparticles promote interactions with mucus for immobilization and sustained drug release, whereas mucopenetrating nanoparticles diffuse through the mucus and enhance drug uptake. The choice of strategy depends on many factors pertaining to the structural and compositional characteristics of the target mucus and mucosa. While there have been promising results in preclinical studies, mucus-nanoparticle interactions remain poorly understood, thus limiting effective clinical translation. This article reviews nanomedicines designed with mucoadhesive or mucopenetrating properties for mucosal delivery, explores the influence of site-dependent physiological variation among mucosal surfaces on efficacy, transport, and bioavailability, and discusses the techniques and models used to investigate mucus-nanoparticle interactions. The effects of non-homeostatic perturbations on protein corona formation, mucus composition, and nanoparticle performance are discussed in the context of mucosal delivery. The complexity of the mucosal barrier necessitates consideration of the interplay between nanoparticle design, tissue-specific differences in mucus structure and composition, and homeostatic or disease-related changes to the mucus barrier to develop effective nanomedicines for mucosal delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Watchorn
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Aaron J Clasky
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Gayatri Prakash
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Ian A E Johnston
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Paul Z Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Frank X Gu
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
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Bhattacharjee S. On Harvesting and Handling of Porcine Jejunal Mucus: A Few Tricks of the Trade. J Pharm Sci 2021; 111:1851-1855. [PMID: 34706284 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2021.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
As a heterogeneous hydrogel, mucus has evolved into a formidable physiological barrier protecting the human body from external pathogens and toxic molecules. With mucin as its primary solid component, the viscoelasticity of mucus remains dynamic and dependent upon a plethora of factors, including pathological state, food intake, and infection. Current nanomedicine research strives toward developing nanoformulations that can permeate through the mucus barrier and release the encapsulated cargo of drug molecules at the vicinity of epithelial lining or be directly absorbed into the bloodstream. However, it is difficult to mimic mucus in vitro while the ex vivo models remain inadequate or incompatible with many established microscopic platforms. The UCD School of Veterinary Medicine has a rich legacy of working with porcine gut mucus as an experimental model, while some interesting and innovative ideas were developed by researchers here to address these challenges. This article presents a snapshot of those ideas and life hacks that the author wishes to share with the nanomedicine research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Bhattacharjee
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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Ferreira M, Pinto SN, Aires-da-Silva F, Bettencourt A, Aguiar SI, Gaspar MM. Liposomes as a Nanoplatform to Improve the Delivery of Antibiotics into Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13030321. [PMID: 33801281 PMCID: PMC7999762 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13030321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus biofilm-associated infections are a major public health concern. Current therapies are hampered by reduced penetration of antibiotics through biofilm and low accumulation levels at infected sites, requiring prolonged usage. To overcome these, repurposing antibiotics in combination with nanotechnological platforms is one of the most appealing fast-track and cost-effective approaches. In the present work, we assessed the potential therapeutic benefit of three antibiotics, vancomycin, levofloxacin and rifabutin (RFB), through their incorporation in liposomes. Free RFB displayed the utmost antibacterial effect with MIC and MBIC50 below 0.006 µg/mL towards a methicillin susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). RFB was selected for further in vitro studies and the influence of different lipid compositions on bacterial biofilm interactions was evaluated. Although positively charged RFB liposomes displayed the highest interaction with MSSA biofilms, RFB incorporated in negatively charged liposomes displayed lower MBIC50 values in comparison to the antibiotic in the free form. Preliminary safety assessment on all RFB formulations towards osteoblast and fibroblast cell lines demonstrated that a reduction on cell viability was only observed for the positively charged liposomes. Overall, negatively charged RFB liposomes are a promising approach against biofilm S. aureus infections and further in vivo studies should be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Ferreira
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.F.); (F.A.-d.-S.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Sandra N. Pinto
- Department of Bioengineering, iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Frederico Aires-da-Silva
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.F.); (F.A.-d.-S.)
| | - Ana Bettencourt
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Sandra I. Aguiar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.F.); (F.A.-d.-S.)
- Correspondence: (S.I.A.); (M.M.G.)
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Correspondence: (S.I.A.); (M.M.G.)
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Comparison of the effects of the intestinal permeation enhancers, SNAC and sodium caprate (C 10): Isolated rat intestinal mucosae and sacs. Eur J Pharm Sci 2020; 158:105685. [PMID: 33359131 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2020.105685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
SNAC and C10 are intestinal permeation enhancers (PEs) used in formulations of peptides for oral delivery in clinical trials. Our aims were to compare their: (i) mechanism of action in isolated rat intestinal mucosae mounted in Ussing chambers and in non-everted gut sacs, (ii) effects on mucosa integrity in those models and also in in situ intra-jejunal instillations and (iii) interactions with intestinal mucus. SNAC increased the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) of the paracellular marker, FITC-dextran 4000 (FD4), across isolated rat gastric mucosae in concentration-dependent fashion, whereas C10 did not, while both reduced the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). In isolated jejunal and colonic mucosae, both agents increased the Papp of [14C]-mannitol and FD4 whereas C10 but not SNAC reduced TEER. 20 mM SNAC was required to achieve the efficacy of 10 mM C10 in jejunal and colonic mucosae. In isolated non-everted jejunal and colonics sacs, FD4 flux increases were observed in the presence of both PEs. Histology of mucosae revealed that both PEs induced minor epithelial damage to the mucosa at concentrations that increased fluxes. Jejunal tissue withstood epithelial damage in the following order: intra jejunal in situ instillations > jejunal sacs > isolated jejunal mucosae. Both PEs modulated viscoelastic properties of porcine jejunal mucus without altering rheological properties. In conclusion, SNAC and C10 are reasonably efficacious PEs in rat intestinal tissue with common overall mechanistic features. Their potency and toxic potential are low, in agreement with clinical trial data.
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Bhattacharjee S, Brayden DJ. Addressing the challenges to increase the efficiency of translating nanomedicine formulations to patients. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 16:235-254. [PMID: 33108229 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1826434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nanotechnology is in a growth phase for drug delivery and medical imaging. Nanomaterials with unique properties present opportunities for encapsulation of therapeutics and imaging agents, along with conjugation to ligands for targeting. Favorable chemistry of nanomaterials can create formulations that address critical challenges for therapeutics, such as insolubility and a low capacity to cross the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) and intestinal wall. AREAS COVERED The authors investigate challenges faced during translation of nanomedicines while suggesting reasons as to why some nanoformulations have under-performed in clinical trials. They assess physiological barriers such as the BBB and gut mucus that nanomedicines must overcome to deliver cargos. They also provide an overview with examples of how nanomedicines can be designed to improve localization and site-specific delivery (e.g., encapsulation, bioconjugation, and triggered-release). EXPERT OPINION There are examples where nanomedicines have demonstrated improved efficacy of payload in humans; however, most of the advantages conferred were in improved pharmacokinetics and reduced toxicity. Problematic data show susceptibility of nanoformulations against natural protective mechanisms present in the body, including distribution impediment by physiological barriers and activation of the reticuloendothelial system. Further initiatives should address current challenges while expanding the scope of nanomedicine into advanced biomedical imaging and antibiotic delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Bhattacharjee
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David J Brayden
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.,Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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Siddhanta S, Bhattacharjee S, Harrison SM, Scholz D, Barman I. Shedding Light on the Trehalose-Enabled Mucopermeation of Nanoparticles with Label-Free Raman Spectroscopy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2019; 15:e1901679. [PMID: 31267720 PMCID: PMC6697627 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201901679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have attracted significant interest owing to their promise as tunable platforms that offer improved intracellular release of cargo therapeutics. However, significant challenges remain in maintaining the physiological stability of the mucosal matrix due to the nanoparticle-induced reduction in the matrix diffusivity and promotion of mucin aggregation. Such aggregation also adversely impacts the permeability of the nanoparticles, and thus, diminishes the efficacy of nanoparticle-based formulations. Here, an entirely complementary approach is proposed to the existing nanoparticle functionalization methods to address these challenges by using trehalose, a naturally occurring disaccharide that offers exceptional protein stabilization. Plasmon-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and far-red fluorescence emission of the plasmonic silver nanoparticulate clusters are harnessed to create a unique dual-functional, aggregating, and imaging agent that obviates the need of an additional reporter to investigate mucus-nanoparticle interactions. These spectroscopy-based density mapping tools uncover the mechanism of mucus-nanoparticle interactions and establish the protective role of trehalose microenvironment in minimizing the nanoparticle aggregation. Thus, in contrast to the prevailing belief, these results demonstrate that nonfunctionalized nanoparticles may rapidly penetrate through mucus barriers, and by leveraging the bioprotectant attributes of trehalose, an in vivo milieu for efficient mucosal drug delivery can be generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumik Siddhanta
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Sourav Bhattacharjee
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Sabine M Harrison
- School of Agriculture & Food Science, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Dimitri Scholz
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Ishan Barman
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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