1
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Su B, Chi T, Chen W, Xian S, Liu D, Addonizio CJ, Xiang Y, Webber MJ. Using a biocatalyzed reaction cycle for transient and pH-dependent host-guest supramolecular hydrogels. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:4666-4672. [PMID: 38647183 PMCID: PMC11095629 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00545g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The formation of transient structures plays important roles in biological processes, capturing temporary states of matter through influx of energy or biological reaction networks catalyzed by enzymes. These natural transient structures inspire efforts to mimic this elegant mechanism of structural control in synthetic analogues. Specifically, though traditional supramolecular materials are designed on the basis of equilibrium formation, recent efforts have explored out-of-equilibrium control of these materials using both direct and indirect mechanisms; the preponderance of such works has been in the area of low molecular weight gelators. Here, a transient supramolecular hydrogel is realized through cucurbit[7]uril host-guest physical crosslinking under indirect control from a biocatalyzed network that regulates and oscillates pH. The duration of transient hydrogel formation, and resulting mechanical properties, are tunable according to the dose of enzyme, substrate, or pH stimulus. This tunability enables control over emergent functions, such as the programmable burst release of encapsulated model macromolecular payloads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Su
- Department of Chemcial & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA.
| | - Teng Chi
- Department of Chemcial & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA.
| | - Weike Chen
- Department of Chemcial & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA.
| | - Sijie Xian
- Department of Chemcial & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA.
| | - Dongping Liu
- Department of Chemcial & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA.
| | - Christopher J Addonizio
- Department of Chemcial & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA.
| | - Yuanhui Xiang
- Department of Chemcial & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA.
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemcial & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA.
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2
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Webber MJ. Engineering a Pathway to Glucose-Responsive Therapeutics. Diabetes 2024:dbi230029. [PMID: 38608241 DOI: 10.2337/dbi23-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
In 2014, the American Diabetes Association instituted a novel funding paradigm to support diabetes research through its Pathway to Stop Diabetes® Program. Pathway took a multifaceted approach to provide key funding to diabetes researchers in advancing a broad spectrum of research programs centered on all aspects of understanding, managing, and treating diabetes. Herein the personal perspective of a 2019 Pathway Accelerator awardee is offered, describing a research program seeking to advance a materials-centered approach to engineering glucose-responsive devices and new delivery tools for better therapeutic outcomes in treating diabetes. This is offered alongside a personal reflection on five years of support from the ADA Pathway Program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Webber
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
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3
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Webber MJ. Engineering a Pathway to Glucose-Responsive Therapeutics. Diabetes 2024:dbi230029. [PMID: 38602880 DOI: 10.2337/dbi230-029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
In 2014, the American Diabetes Association instituted a novel funding paradigm to support diabetes research through its Pathway to Stop Diabetes® Program. Pathway took a multifaceted approach to provide key funding to diabetes researchers in advancing a broad spectrum of research programs centered on all aspects of understanding, managing, and treating diabetes. Herein the personal perspective of a 2019 Pathway Accelerator awardee is offered, describing a research program seeking to advance a materials-centered approach to engineering glucose-responsive devices and new delivery tools for better therapeutic outcomes in treating diabetes. This is offered alongside a personal reflection on five years of support from the ADA Pathway Program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Webber
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
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4
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Yu S, Ye Z, Roy R, Sonani RR, Pramudya I, Xian S, Xiang Y, Liu G, Flores B, Nativ-Roth E, Bitton R, Egelman EH, Webber MJ. Glucose-Triggered Gelation of Supramolecular Peptide Nanocoils with Glucose-Binding Motifs. Adv Mater 2024; 36:e2311498. [PMID: 38095904 PMCID: PMC11031314 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202311498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Peptide self-assembly is a powerful tool to prepare functional materials at the nanoscale. Often, the resulting materials have high aspect-ratio, with intermolecular β-sheet formation underlying 1D fibrillar structures. Inspired by dynamic structures in nature, peptide self-assembly is increasingly moving toward stimuli-responsive designs wherein assembled structures are formed, altered, or dissipated in response to a specific cue. Here, a peptide bearing a prosthetic glucose-binding phenylboronic acid (PBA) is demonstrated to self-assemble into an uncommon nanocoil morphology. These nanocoils arise from antiparallel β-sheets, with molecules aligned parallel to the long axis of the coil. The binding of glucose to the PBA motif stabilizes and elongates the nanocoil, driving entanglement and gelation at physiological glucose levels. The glucose-dependent gelation of these materials is then explored for the encapsulation and release of a therapeutic agent, glucagon, that corrects low blood glucose levels. Accordingly, the release of glucagon from the nanocoil hydrogels is inversely related to glucose level. When evaluated in a mouse model of severe acute hypoglycemia, glucagon delivered from glucose-stabilized nanocoil hydrogels demonstrates increased protection compared to delivery of the agent alone or within a control nanocoil hydrogel that is not stabilized by glucose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihan Yu
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 105 McCourtney Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Zhou Ye
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 105 McCourtney Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Rajdip Roy
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 105 McCourtney Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Ravi R Sonani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Irawan Pramudya
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 105 McCourtney Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Sijie Xian
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 105 McCourtney Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Yuanhui Xiang
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 105 McCourtney Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Guoqiang Liu
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Belen Flores
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 105 McCourtney Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Einat Nativ-Roth
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Ronit Bitton
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Edward H Egelman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 105 McCourtney Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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5
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Yu S, Chen W, Liu G, Flores B, DeWolf EL, Fan B, Xiang Y, Webber MJ. Glucose-Driven Droplet Formation in Complexes of a Supramolecular Peptide and Therapeutic Protein. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:7498-7505. [PMID: 38465595 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c13139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Biology achieves remarkable function through processes arising from spontaneous or transient liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of proteins and other biomolecules. While polymeric systems can achieve similar phenomena through simple or complex coacervation, LLPS with supramolecular materials has been less commonly shown. Functional applications for synthetic LLPS systems are an expanding area of emphasis, with particular focus on capturing the transient and dynamic state of these structures for use in biomedicine. Here, a net-cationic supramolecular peptide amphiphile building block with a glucose-binding motif is shown that forms LLPS structures when combined with a net-negatively charged therapeutic protein, dasiglucagon, in the presence of glucose. The droplets that arise are dynamic and coalesce quickly. However, the interface can be stabilized by addition of a 4-arm star PEG. When the stabilized droplets formed in glucose are transferred to a bulk phase containing different glucose concentrations, their stability and lifetime decrease according to bulk glucose concentration. This glucose-dependent formation translates into an accelerated release of dasiglucagon in the absence of glucose; this hormone analogue itself functions therapeutically to correct low blood glucose (hypoglycemia). These droplets also offer function in mitigating the most severe effects of hypoglycemia arising from an insulin overdose through delivery of dasiglucagon in a mouse model of hypoglycemic rescue. Accordingly, this approach to use complexation between a supramolecular peptide amphiphile and a therapeutic protein in the presence of glucose leads to droplets with functional potential to dissipate for the release of the therapeutic material in low blood glucose environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihan Yu
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Weike Chen
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Guoqiang Liu
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Belen Flores
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Emily L DeWolf
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Bowen Fan
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Yuanhui Xiang
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
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6
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Narayanan RP, Prasad A, Buchberger A, Zou L, Bernal-Chanchavac J, MacCulloch T, Fahmi NE, Yan H, Zhang F, Webber MJ, Stephanopoulos N. High-Affinity Host-Guest Recognition for Efficient Assembly and Enzymatic Responsiveness of DNA Nanostructures. Small 2024; 20:e2307585. [PMID: 37849034 PMCID: PMC10922742 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202307585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
The combination of multiple orthogonal interactions enables hierarchical complexity in self-assembled nanoscale materials. Here, efficient supramolecular polymerization of DNA origami nanostructures is demonstrated using a multivalent display of small molecule host-guest interactions. Modification of DNA strands with cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and its adamantane guest, yielding a supramolecular complex with an affinity of order 1010 m-1 , directs hierarchical assembly of origami monomers into 1D nanofibers. This affinity regime enables efficient polymerization; a lower-affinity β-cyclodextrin-adamantane complex does not promote extended structures at a similar valency. Finally, the utility of the high-affinity CB[7]-adamantane interactions is exploited to enable responsive enzymatic actuation of origami nanofibers assembled using peptide linkers. This work demonstrates the power of high-affinity CB[7]-guest recognition as an orthogonal axis to drive self-assembly in DNA nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghu Pradeep Narayanan
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Abhay Prasad
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Alex Buchberger
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Lei Zou
- Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Julio Bernal-Chanchavac
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Tara MacCulloch
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Nour Eddine Fahmi
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Hao Yan
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Fei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Rutgers University-Newark, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Nicholas Stephanopoulos
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
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7
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Xian S, Xiang Y, Liu D, Fan B, Mitrová K, Ollier RC, Su B, Alloosh MA, Jiráček J, Sturek M, Alloosh M, Webber MJ. Insulin-Dendrimer Nanocomplex for Multi-Day Glucose-Responsive Therapy in Mice and Swine. Adv Mater 2024; 36:e2308965. [PMID: 37994248 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202308965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The management of diabetes in a manner offering autonomous insulin therapy responsive to glucose-directed need, and moreover with a dosing schedule amenable to facile administration, remains an ongoing goal to improve the standard of care. While basal insulins with reduced dosing frequency, even once-weekly administration, are on the horizon, there is still no approved therapy that offers glucose-responsive insulin function. Herein, a nanoscale complex combining both electrostatic- and dynamic-covalent interactions between a synthetic dendrimer carrier and an insulin analogue modified with a high-affinity glucose-binding motif yields an injectable insulin depot affording both glucose-directed and long-lasting insulin availability. Following a single injection, it is even possible to control blood glucose for at least one week in diabetic swine subjected to daily oral glucose challenges. Measurements of serum insulin concentration in response to challenge show increases in insulin corresponding to elevated blood glucose levels, an uncommon finding even in preclinical work on glucose-responsive insulin. Accordingly, the subcutaneous nanocomplex that results from combining electrostatic- and dynamic-covalent interactions between a modified insulin and a synthetic dendrimer carrier affords a glucose-responsive insulin depot for week-long control following a single routine injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijie Xian
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, 105 McCourtney Hall, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Yuanhui Xiang
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, 105 McCourtney Hall, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Dongping Liu
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, 105 McCourtney Hall, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Bowen Fan
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, 105 McCourtney Hall, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Katarína Mitrová
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Prague, 16610, Czech Republic
| | - Rachel C Ollier
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, 105 McCourtney Hall, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Bo Su
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, 105 McCourtney Hall, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | | | - Jiří Jiráček
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Prague, 16610, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, 105 McCourtney Hall, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
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8
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Webber MJ, Kim J, Dankers PYW. Therapeutic Hydrogels. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2300533. [PMID: 38050925 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 105 McCourtney Hall, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Jaeyun Kim
- Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), School of Chemical Engineering, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Patricia Y W Dankers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, PO Box 513, Eindhoven, 5600 MB, The Netherlands
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9
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VandenBerg MA, Xian S, Xiang Y, Webber MJ. Dynamic-Covalent Crosslinking of Benzenetricarboxamide-Phenylboronate Conjugates. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2300001. [PMID: 36786665 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
In an effort to augment the function of supramolecular biomaterials, recent efforts have explored the creation of hybrid materials that couple supramolecular and covalent components. Here, the benzenetricarboxamide (BTA) supramolecular polymer motif is modified to present a phenylboronic acid (PBA) in order to promote the crosslinking of 1D BTA stacks by PBA-diol dynamic-covalent bonds through the addition of a multi-arm diol-bearing crosslinker. Interestingly, the combination of these two motifs serves to frustrate the resulting assembly process, yielding hydrogels with worse mechanical properties than those prepared without the multi-arm diol crosslinker. Both systems with and without the crosslinker do, however, respond to the presence of a physiological level of glucose with a reduction in their mechanical integrity; repulsive electrostatic interactions in the BTA stacks occur in both cases upon glucose binding, with added competition from glucose with PBA-diol bonds amplifying glucose response in the hybrid material. Accordingly, the present results point to an unexpected outcome of reduced hydrogel mechanics, yet increased glucose response, when two disparate dynamic motifs of BTA supramolecular polymerization and PBA-diol crosslinking are combined, offering a vision for future preparation of glucose-responsive supramolecular biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A VandenBerg
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, 205 McCourtney Hall, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Sijie Xian
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, 205 McCourtney Hall, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Yuanhui Xiang
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, 205 McCourtney Hall, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, 205 McCourtney Hall, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
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10
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Fan F, Su B, Kolodychak A, Ekwueme E, Alderfer L, Saha S, Webber MJ, Hanjaya-Putra D. Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels with Phototunable Supramolecular Cross-Linking for Spatially Controlled Lymphatic Tube Formation. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023; 15:58181-58195. [PMID: 38065571 PMCID: PMC10739586 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c12514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
The dynamics of the extracellular matrix (ECM) influences stem cell differentiation and morphogenesis into complex lymphatic networks. While dynamic hydrogels with stress relaxation properties have been developed, many require detailed chemical processing to tune viscoelasticity, offering a limited opportunity for in situ and spatiotemporal control. Here, a hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel is reported with viscoelasticity that is controlled and spatially tunable using UV light to direct the extent of supramolecular and covalent cross-linking interactions. This is achieved using UV-mediated photodimerization of a supramolecular ternary complex of pendant trans-Brooker's Merocyanine (BM) guests and a cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) macrocycle. The UV-mediated conversion of this supramolecular complex to its covalent photodimerized form is catalyzed by CB[8], offering a user-directed route to spatially control hydrogel dynamics in combination with orthogonal photopatterning by UV irradiation through photomasks. This material thus achieves spatial heterogeneity of substrate dynamics, recreating features of native ECM without the need for additional chemical reagents. Moreover, these dynamic hydrogels afford spatial control of substrate mechanics to direct human lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) to form lymphatic cord-like structures (CLS). Specifically, cells cultured on viscoelastic supramolecular hydrogels have enhanced formation of CLS, arising from increased expression of key lymphatic markers, such as LYVE-1, Podoplanin, and Prox1, compared to static elastic hydrogels prepared from fully covalent cross-linking. Viscoelastic hydrogels promote lymphatic CLS formation through the expression of Nrp2, VEGFR2, and VEGFR3 to enhance the VEGF-C stimulation. Overall, viscoelastic supramolecular hydrogels offer a facile route to spatially control lymphatic CLS formation, providing a tool for future studies of basic lymphatic biology and tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Fan
- Bioengineering
Graduate Program, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Bo Su
- Chemical
and Biomolecular Engineering, University
of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Alexander Kolodychak
- Chemical
and Biomolecular Engineering, University
of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Ephraim Ekwueme
- Bioengineering
Graduate Program, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Laura Alderfer
- Bioengineering
Graduate Program, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Sanjoy Saha
- Bioengineering
Graduate Program, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Matthew J. Webber
- Chemical
and Biomolecular Engineering, University
of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Donny Hanjaya-Putra
- Bioengineering
Graduate Program, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
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11
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Ollier RC, Xiang Y, Yacovelli AM, Webber MJ. Biomimetic strain-stiffening in fully synthetic dynamic-covalent hydrogel networks. Chem Sci 2023; 14:4796-4805. [PMID: 37181784 PMCID: PMC10171040 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc00011g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanoresponsiveness is a ubiquitous feature of soft materials in nature; biological tissues exhibit both strain-stiffening and self-healing in order to prevent and repair deformation-induced damage. These features remain challenging to replicate in synthetic and flexible polymeric materials. In recreating both the mechanical and structural features of soft biological tissues, hydrogels have been often explored for a number of biological and biomedical applications. However, synthetic polymeric hydrogels rarely replicate the mechanoresponsive character of natural biological materials, failing to match both strain-stiffening and self-healing functionality. Here, strain-stiffening behavior is realized in fully synthetic ideal network hydrogels prepared from flexible 4-arm polyethylene glycol macromers via dynamic-covalent boronate ester crosslinks. Shear rheology reveals the strain-stiffening response in these networks as a function of polymer concentration, pH, and temperature. Across all three of these variables, hydrogels of lower stiffness exhibit higher degrees of stiffening, as quantified by the stiffening index. The reversibility and self-healing nature of this strain-stiffening response is also evident upon strain-cycling. The mechanism underlying this unusual stiffening response is attributed to a combination of entropic and enthalpic elasticity in these crosslink-dominant networks, contrasting with natural biopolymers that primarily strain-stiffen due to a strain-induced reduction in conformational entropy of entangled fibrillar structures. This work thus offers key insights into crosslink-driven strain-stiffening in dynamic-covalent phenylboronic acid-diol hydrogels as a function of experimental and environmental parameters. Moreover, the biomimetic mechano- and chemoresponsive nature of this simple ideal-network hydrogel offers a promising platform for future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C Ollier
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame Notre Dame IN 46556 USA
| | - Yuanhui Xiang
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame Notre Dame IN 46556 USA
| | - Adriana M Yacovelli
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame Notre Dame IN 46556 USA
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame Notre Dame IN 46556 USA
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12
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Fan B, Torres García D, Salehi M, Webber MJ, van Kasteren SI, Eelkema R. Dynamic Covalent Dextran Hydrogels as Injectable, Self-Adjuvating Peptide Vaccine Depots. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:652-659. [PMID: 36799174 PMCID: PMC10028604 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Dextran-based hydrogels are promising therapeutic materials for drug delivery, tissue regeneration devices, and cell therapy vectors, due to their high biocompatibility, along with their ability to protect and release active therapeutic agents. This report describes the synthesis, characterization, and application of a new dynamic covalent dextran hydrogel as an injectable depot for peptide vaccines. Dynamic covalent crosslinks based on double Michael addition of thiols to alkynones impart the dextran hydrogel with shear-thinning and self-healing capabilities, enabling hydrogel injection. These injectable, non-toxic hydrogels show adjuvant potential and have predictable sub-millimolar loading and release of the peptide antigen SIINFEKL, which after its release is able to activate T-cells, demonstrating that the hydrogels deliver peptides without modifying their immunogenicity. This work demonstrates the potential of dynamic covalent dextran hydrogels as a sustained-release material for the delivery of peptide vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Fan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Diana Torres García
- Division of Bio-Organic Synthesis, Leiden Institute of Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Immunology, Leiden University, Gorlaeus Laboratory, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marziye Salehi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
- Division of Bio-Organic Synthesis, Leiden Institute of Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Immunology, Leiden University, Gorlaeus Laboratory, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Sander I van Kasteren
- Division of Bio-Organic Synthesis, Leiden Institute of Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Immunology, Leiden University, Gorlaeus Laboratory, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rienk Eelkema
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
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13
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Su B, Chi T, Ye Z, Xiang Y, Dong P, Liu D, Addonizio CJ, Webber MJ. Transient and Dissipative Host-Guest Hydrogels Regulated by Consumption of a Reactive Chemical Fuel. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202216537. [PMID: 36598411 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202216537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The transient self-assembly of molecules under the direction of a consumable fuel source is fundamental to biological processes such as cellular organization and motility. Such biomolecular assemblies exist in an out-of-equilibrium state, requiring continuous consumption of high energy molecules. At the same time, the creation of bioinspired supramolecular hydrogels has traditionally focused on associations occurring at the thermodynamic equilibrium state. Here, hydrogels are prepared from cucurbit[7]uril host-guest supramolecular interactions through transient physical crosslinking driven by the consumption of a reactive chemical fuel. Upon action from this fuel, the affinity and dynamics of CB[7]-guest recognition are altered. In this way, the lifetime of transient hydrogel formation and the dynamic modulus obtained are governed by fuel consumption, rather than being directed by equilibrium complex formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Su
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 46556, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Teng Chi
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 46556, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Zhou Ye
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 46556, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Yuanhui Xiang
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 46556, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Ping Dong
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 46556, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Dongping Liu
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 46556, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Christopher J Addonizio
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 46556, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 46556, Notre Dame, IN, USA
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14
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Su B, Chi T, Ye Z, Xiang Y, Dong P, Liu D, Addonizio CJ, Webber MJ. Transient and Dissipative Host–Guest Hydrogels Regulated by Consumption of a Reactive Chemical Fuel. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202300987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Su
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering University of Notre Dame 46556 Notre Dame IN USA
| | - Teng Chi
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering University of Notre Dame 46556 Notre Dame IN USA
| | - Zhou Ye
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering University of Notre Dame 46556 Notre Dame IN USA
| | - Yuanhui Xiang
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering University of Notre Dame 46556 Notre Dame IN USA
| | - Ping Dong
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering University of Notre Dame 46556 Notre Dame IN USA
| | - Dongping Liu
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering University of Notre Dame 46556 Notre Dame IN USA
| | - Christopher J. Addonizio
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering University of Notre Dame 46556 Notre Dame IN USA
| | - Matthew J. Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering University of Notre Dame 46556 Notre Dame IN USA
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15
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Su B, Chi T, Ye Z, Xiang Y, Dong P, Liu D, Addonizio CJ, Webber MJ. Transient and Dissipative Host–Guest Hydrogels Regulated by Consumption of a Reactive Chemical Fuel. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202300987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Su
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering University of Notre Dame 46556 Notre Dame IN USA
| | - Teng Chi
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering University of Notre Dame 46556 Notre Dame IN USA
| | - Zhou Ye
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering University of Notre Dame 46556 Notre Dame IN USA
| | - Yuanhui Xiang
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering University of Notre Dame 46556 Notre Dame IN USA
| | - Ping Dong
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering University of Notre Dame 46556 Notre Dame IN USA
| | - Dongping Liu
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering University of Notre Dame 46556 Notre Dame IN USA
| | - Christopher J. Addonizio
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering University of Notre Dame 46556 Notre Dame IN USA
| | - Matthew J. Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering University of Notre Dame 46556 Notre Dame IN USA
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16
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Clauss ZS, Meudom R, Su B, VandenBerg MA, Saini SS, Webber MJ, Chou DHC, Kramer JR. Supramolecular Protein Stabilization with Zwitterionic Polypeptide-Cucurbit[7]uril Conjugates. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:481-488. [PMID: 36512327 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Protein aggregation is an obstacle for the development of new biopharmaceuticals, presenting challenges in shipping and storage of vital therapies. Though a variety of materials and methods have been explored, the need remains for a simple material that is biodegradable, nontoxic, and highly efficient at stabilizing protein therapeutics. In this work, we investigated zwitterionic polypeptides prepared using a rapid and scalable polymerization technique and conjugated to a supramolecular macrocycle host, cucurbit[7]uril, for the ability to inhibit aggregation of model protein therapeutics insulin and calcitonin. The polypeptides are based on the natural amino acid methionine, and zwitterion sulfonium modifications were compared to analogous cationic and neutral structures. Each polymer was end-modified with a single cucurbit[7]uril macrocycle to afford supramolecular recognition and binding to terminal aromatic amino acids on proteins. Only conjugates prepared from zwitterionic structures of sufficient chain lengths were efficient inhibitors of insulin aggregation and could also inhibit aggregation of calcitonin. This polypeptide exhibited no cytotoxicity in human cells even at concentrations that were five-fold of the intended therapeutic regime. We explored treatment of the zwitterionic polypeptides with a panel of natural proteases and found steady biodegradation as expected, supporting eventual clearance when used as a protein formulation additive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary S Clauss
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Rolande Meudom
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94304, United States
| | - Bo Su
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Michael A VandenBerg
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Simranpreet S Saini
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Danny Hung-Chieh Chou
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94304, United States
| | - Jessica R Kramer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
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17
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Su B, Chi T, Ye Z, Xiang Y, Dong P, Liu D, Addonizio CJ, Webber MJ. Transient and Dissipative Host–Guest Hydrogels Regulated by Consumption of a Reactive Chemical Fuel. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202216537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Su
- University of Notre Dame Chemical Engineering UNITED STATES
| | - Teng Chi
- University of Notre Dame Chemical Engineering UNITED STATES
| | - Zhou Ye
- University of Notre Dame Chemical Engineering UNITED STATES
| | - Yuanhui Xiang
- University of Notre Dame Chemical Engineering UNITED STATES
| | - Ping Dong
- University of Notre Dame Chemical Engineering UNITED STATES
| | - Dongping Liu
- University of Notre Dame Chemical Engineering UNITED STATES
| | | | - Matthew J Webber
- University of Notre Dame Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering 205B Mccourtney Hall46556United States 46556 Notre Dame UNITED STATES
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18
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Gates BD, Vyletel JB, Zou L, Webber MJ. Multivalent Cucurbituril Dendrons for Cell Membrane Engineering with Supramolecular Receptors. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:2262-2268. [PMID: 35802933 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The affinity possible from certain supramolecular motifs rivals that for some of the best-recognized interactions in biology. Cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) macrocycles, for example, are capable of achieving affinities in their binding to certain guests that rival that of biotin-avidin. Supramolecular host-guest recognition between CB[7] and certain guests has been demonstrated to spatially localize guest-linked agents to desired sites in vivo, offering opportunities to better exploit this affinity axis for applications in biomedicine. Herein, architectures of CB[7] are prepared from a polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer scaffold, installing a PEG-linked cholesterol anchor on the opposite end of the dendron to facilitate cell membrane integration. Cells are then modified with this dendritic CB[7] construct in vitro, demonstrating the ability to deliver a model guest-linked agent to the cell membrane. This approach to realize synthetic supramolecular "membrane receptors" may be leveraged in the future for in situ imaging or modulation of cell-based therapies or to facilitate a synthetic supramolecular recognition axis on the cell membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brant D Gates
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556 United States
| | - Jackson B Vyletel
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556 United States
| | - Lei Zou
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556 United States
| | - Matthew J Webber
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556 United States
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19
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Xian S, VandenBerg MA, Xiang Y, Yu S, Webber MJ. Glucose-Responsive Injectable Thermogels via Dynamic-Covalent Cross-Linking of Pluronic Micelles. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:4873-4885. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sijie Xian
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Michael A. VandenBerg
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Yuanhui Xiang
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Sihan Yu
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Matthew J. Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
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20
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Ye Z, Xiang Y, Monroe T, Yu S, Dong P, Xian S, Webber MJ. Polymeric Microneedle Arrays with Glucose-Sensing Dynamic-Covalent Bonding for Insulin Delivery. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:4401-4411. [PMID: 36173091 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing rise in diabetes incidence necessitates improved therapeutic strategies to enable precise blood glucose control with convenient device form factors. Microneedle patches are one such device platform capable of achieving therapeutic delivery through the skin. In recent years, polymeric microneedle arrays have been reported using methods of in situ polymerization and covalent crosslinking in microneedle molds. In spite of promising results, in situ polymerization carries a risk of exposure to toxic unreacted precursors remaining in the device. Here, a polymeric microneedle patch is demonstrated that uses dynamic-covalent phenylboronic acid (PBA)-diol bonds in a dual role affording both network crosslinking and glucose sensing. By this approach, a pre-synthesized and purified polymer bearing pendant PBA motifs is combined with a multivalent diol crosslinker to prepare dynamic-covalent hydrogel networks. The ability of these dynamic hydrogels to shear-thin and self-heal enables their loading to a microneedle mold by centrifugation. Subsequent drying then yields a patch of uniformly shaped microneedles with the requisite mechanical properties to penetrate skin. Insulin release from these materials is accelerated in the presence of glucose. Moreover, short-term blood glucose control in a diabetic rat model following application of the device to the skin confirms insulin activity and bioavailability. Accordingly, dynamic-covalent crosslinking facilitates a route for fabricating microneedle arrays circumventing the toxicity concerns of in situ polymerization, offering a convenient device form factor for therapeutic insulin delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Ye
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556 United States
| | - Yuanhui Xiang
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556 United States
| | - Thomas Monroe
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556 United States
| | - Sihan Yu
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556 United States
| | - Ping Dong
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556 United States
| | - Sijie Xian
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556 United States
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556 United States
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21
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Cai P, Su B, Zou L, Webber MJ, Heilshorn SC, Spakowitz AJ. Rheological Characterization and Theoretical Modeling Establish Molecular Design Rules for Tailored Dynamically Associating Polymers. ACS Cent Sci 2022; 8:1318-1327. [PMID: 36188349 PMCID: PMC9523779 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.2c00432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Dynamically associating polymers have long been of interest due to their highly tunable viscoelastic behavior. Many applications leverage this tunability to create materials that have specific rheological properties, but designing such materials is an arduous, iterative process. Current models for dynamically associating polymers are phenomenological, assuming a structure for the relationship between association kinetics and network relaxation. We present the Brachiation model, a molecular-level theory of a polymer network with dynamic associations that is rooted in experimentally controllable design parameters, replacing the iterative experimental process with a predictive model for how experimental modifications to the polymer will impact rheological behavior. We synthesize hyaluronic acid chains modified with supramolecular host-guest motifs to serve as a prototypical dynamic network exhibiting tunable physical properties through control of polymer concentration and association rates. We use dynamic light scattering microrheology to measure the linear viscoelasticity of these polymers across six decades in frequency and fit our theory parameters to the measured data. The parameters are then altered by a magnitude corresponding to changes made to the experimental parameters and used to obtain new rheological predictions that match the experimental results well, demonstrating the ability for this theory to inform the design process of dynamically associating polymeric materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela
C. Cai
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Bo Su
- Department
of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre
Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Lei Zou
- Department
of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre
Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Matthew J. Webber
- Department
of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre
Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Sarah C. Heilshorn
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford
University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Andrew J. Spakowitz
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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22
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Webber MJ. Less is more when forming gels by dilution. Science 2022; 377:153-154. [PMID: 35857552 DOI: 10.1126/science.abo7656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Molecular self-assembly yields soft materials arising from the liquid state when diluted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
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23
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Sis MJ, Ye Z, La Costa K, Webber MJ. Energy Landscapes of Supramolecular Peptide–Drug Conjugates Directed by Linker Selection and Drug Topology. ACS Nano 2022; 16:9546-9558. [PMID: 35639629 PMCID: PMC10019486 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c02804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Sis
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Zhou Ye
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Katherine La Costa
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Matthew J. Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
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24
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Braegelman AS, Ollier RC, Su B, Addonizio CJ, Zou L, Cole SL, Webber MJ. Macromolecular Solute Transport in Supramolecular Hydrogels Spanning Dynamic to Quasi-Static States. ACS Appl Bio Mater 2022; 5:10.1021/acsabm.2c00165. [PMID: 35623099 PMCID: PMC10019485 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels prepared from supramolecular cross-linking motifs are appealing for use as biomaterials and drug delivery technologies. The inclusion of macromolecules (e.g., protein therapeutics) in these materials is relevant to many of their intended uses. However, the impact of dynamic network cross-linking on macromolecule diffusion must be better understood. Here, hydrogel networks with identical topology but disparate cross-link dynamics are explored. These materials are prepared from cross-linking with host-guest complexes of the cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) macrocycle and two guests of different affinity. Rheology confirms differences in bulk material dynamics arising from differences in cross-link thermodynamics. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) provides insight into macromolecule diffusion as a function of probe molecular weight and hydrogel network dynamics. Together, both rheology and FRAP enable the estimation of the mean network mesh size, which is then related to the solute hydrodynamic diameters to further understand macromolecule diffusion. Interestingly, the thermodynamics of host-guest cross-linking are correlated with a marked deviation from classical diffusion behavior for higher molecular weight probes, yielding solute aggregation in high-affinity networks. These studies offer insights into fundamental macromolecular transport phenomena as they relate to the association dynamics of supramolecular networks. Translation of these materials from in vitro to in vivo is also assessed by bulk release of an encapsulated macromolecule. Contradictory in vitro to in vivo results with inverse relationships in release between the two hydrogels underscores the caution demanded when translating supramolecular biomaterials into application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam S. Braegelman
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
- University of Notre Dame, Bioengineering PhD Program, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Rachel C. Ollier
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Bo Su
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Christopher J. Addonizio
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Lei Zou
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Sara L. Cole
- University of Notre Dame, Integrated Imaging Facility, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Matthew J. Webber
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
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25
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Abstract
Biomaterials offer elegant frameworks to uncover mysteries of biology and vital tools to treat diseased or damaged tissues. Complex natural materials in the living world inspire the design of many engineered biomaterial constructs. Yet, complexity in materials design introduces practical, functional, and economic constraints. These challenges point to some virtues for a simplified approach in the design of biomaterials, especially when intended for clinical impact. But what is simplicity, and how can simple synthetic systems interface and intervene with application-specific complexities in the living world? Herein, both the philosophy and inherent benefits of simplicity in biomaterials design are discussed.
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26
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
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27
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Abstract
The fields of precision imaging and drug delivery have revealed a number of tools to improve target specificity and increase efficacy in diagnosing and treating disease. Biological molecules, such as antibodies, continue to be the primary means of assuring active targeting of various payloads. However, molecular-scale recognition motifs have emerged in recent decades to achieve specificity through the design of interacting chemical motifs. In this regard, an assortment of bioorthogonal covalent conjugations offer possibilities for in situ complexation under physiological conditions. Herein, a related concept is discussed that leverages interactions from noncovalent or supramolecular motifs to facilitate in situ recognition and complex formation in the body. Classic supramolecular motifs based on host-guest complexation offer one such means of facilitating recognition. In addition, synthetic bioinspired motifs based on oligonucleotide hybridization and coiled-coil peptide bundles afford other routes to form complexes in situ. The architectures to include recognition of these various motifs for targeting enable both monovalent and multivalent presentation, seeking high affinity or engineered avidity to facilitate conjugation even under dilute conditions of the body. Accordingly, supramolecular "click chemistry" offers a complementary tool in the growing arsenal targeting improved healthcare efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Addonizio
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556 United States
| | - Brant D Gates
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556 United States
| | - Matthew J Webber
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556 United States
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28
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Maikawa CL, d’Aquino AI, Vuong ET, Su B, Zou L, Chen PC, Nguyen LT, Autzen AAA, Mann JL, Webber MJ, Appel EA. Affinity-Directed Dynamics of Host-Guest Motifs for Pharmacokinetic Modulation via Supramolecular PEGylation. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:3565-3573. [PMID: 34314146 PMCID: PMC8627827 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Proteins are an impactful class of therapeutics but can exhibit suboptimal therapeutic performance, arising from poor control over the timescale of clearance. Covalent PEGylation is one established strategy to extend circulation time but often at the cost of reduced activity and increased immunogenicity. Supramolecular PEGylation may afford similar benefits without necessitating that the protein be permanently modified with a polymer. Here, we show that insulin pharmacokinetics can be modulated by tuning the affinity-directed dynamics of a host-guest motif used to non-covalently endow insulin with a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chain. When administered subcutaneously, supramolecular PEGylation with higher binding affinities extends the time of total insulin exposure systemically. Pharmacokinetic modeling reveals that the extension in the duration of exposure arises specifically from decreased absorption from the subcutaneous depot governed directly by the affinity and dynamics of host-guest exchange. The lifetime of the supramolecular interaction thus dictates the rate of absorption, with negligible impact attributed to association of the PEG upon rapid dilution of the supramolecular complex in circulation. This modular approach to supramolecular PEGylation offers a powerful tool to tune protein pharmacokinetics in response to the needs of different disease applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin L. Maikawa
- 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
| | - Eric T. Vuong
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Bo Su
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Lei Zou
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Peyton C. Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Leslee T. Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Anton A. A. Autzen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Science and Technology, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Joseph L. Mann
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Matthew J. Webber
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, 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 Endocrinology (Pediatrics), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- ChEM-H Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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29
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Abstract
Nature achieves remarkable function from the formation of transient, nonequilibrium materials realized through continuous energy input. The role of enzymes in catalyzing chemical transformations to drive such processes, often as part of stimuli-directed signaling, governs both material formation and lifetime. Inspired by the intricate nonequilibrium nanostructures of the living world, this work seeks to create transient materials in the presence of a consumable glucose stimulus under enzymatic control of glucose oxidase. Compared to traditional glucose-responsive materials, which typically engineer degradation to release insulin under high-glucose conditions, the transient nanofibrillar hydrogel materials here are stabilized in the presence of glucose but destabilized under conditions of limited glucose to release encapsulated glucagon. In the context of blood glucose control, glucagon offers a key antagonist to insulin in responding to hypoglycemia by signaling the release of glucose stored in tissues so as to restore normal blood glucose levels. Accordingly, these materials are evaluated in a prophylactic capacity in diabetic mice to release glucagon in response to a sudden drop in blood glucose brought on by an insulin overdose. Delivery of glucagon using glucose-fueled nanofibrillar hydrogels succeeds in limiting the onset and severity of hypoglycemia in mice. This general strategy points to a new paradigm in glucose-responsive materials, leveraging glucose as a stabilizing cue for responsive glucagon delivery in combating hypoglycemia. Moreover, compared to most fundamental reports achieving nonequilibrium and/or fueled classes of materials, the present work offers a rare functional example using a disease-relevant fuel to drive deployment of a therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihan Yu
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Sijie Xian
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Zhou Ye
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Irawan Pramudya
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Matthew J Webber
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Webber
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Neha P Kamat
- Northwestern University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Phillip B Messersmith
- University of California Berkeley, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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Abstract
Hydrogels prepared via self-assembly offer scalable and tunable platforms for drug delivery applications. Molecular-scale self-assembly leverages an interplay of attractive and repulsive forces; drugs and other active molecules can be incorporated into such materials by partitioning in hydrophobic domains, affinity-mediated binding, or covalent integration. Peptides have been widely used as building blocks for self-assembly due to facile synthesis, ease of modification with bioactive molecules, and precise molecular-scale control over material properties through tunable interactions. Additional opportunities are manifest in stimuli-responsive self-assembly for more precise drug action. Hydrogels can likewise be fabricated from macromolecular self-assembly, with both synthetic polymers and biopolymers used to prepare materials with controlled mechanical properties and tunable drug release. These include clinical approaches for solubilization and delivery of hydrophobic drugs. To further enhance mechanical properties of hydrogels prepared through self-assembly, recent work has integrated self-assembly motifs with polymeric networks. For example, double-network hydrogels capture the beneficial properties of both self-assembled and covalent networks. The expanding ability to fabricate complex and precise materials, coupled with an improved understanding of biology, will lead to new classes of hydrogels specifically tailored for drug delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Webber
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - E Thomas Pashuck
- Lehigh University, Department of Bioengineering, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA.
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Abstract
Hydrogels comprise a class of soft materials which are extremely useful in a number of contexts, for example as matrix-mimetic biomaterials for applications in regenerative medicine and drug delivery. One particular subclass of hydrogels consists of materials prepared through non-covalent physical crosslinking afforded by supramolecular recognition motifs. The dynamic, reversible, and equilibrium-governed features of these molecular-scale motifs often transcend length-scales to endow the resulting hydrogels with these same properties on the bulk scale. In efforts to engineer hydrogels of all types with more precise or application-specific uses, inclusion of stimuli-responsive sol-gel transformations has been broadly explored. In the context of biomedical uses, temperature is an interesting stimulus which has been the focus of numerous hydrogel designs, supramolecular or otherwise. Most supramolecular motifs are inherently temperature-sensitive, with elevated temperatures commonly disfavoring motif formation and/or accelerating its dissociation. In addition, supramolecular motifs have also been incorporated for physical crosslinking in conjunction with polymeric or macromeric building blocks which themselves exhibit temperature-responsive changes to their properties. Through molecular-scale engineering of supramolecular recognition, and selection of a particular motif or polymeric/macromeric backbone, it is thus possible to devise a number of supramolecular hydrogel materials to empower a variety of future biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijie Xian
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
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Cai PC, Krajina BA, Kratochvil MJ, Zou L, Zhu A, Burgener EB, Bollyky PL, Milla CE, Webber MJ, Spakowitz AJ, Heilshorn SC. Dynamic light scattering microrheology for soft and living materials. Soft Matter 2021; 17:1929-1939. [PMID: 33427280 PMCID: PMC7938343 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm01597k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
We present a method for using dynamic light scattering in the single-scattering limit to measure the viscoelastic moduli of soft materials. This microrheology technique only requires a small sample volume of 12 μL to measure up to six decades in time of rheological behavior. We demonstrate the use of dynamic light scattering microrheology (DLSμR) on a variety of soft materials, including dilute polymer solutions, covalently-crosslinked polymer gels, and active, biological fluids. In this work, we detail the procedure for applying the technique to new materials and discuss the critical considerations for implementing the technique, including a custom analysis script for analyzing data output. We focus on the advantages of applying DLSμR to biologically relevant materials: breast cancer cells encapsulated in a collagen gel and cystic fibrosis sputum. DLSμR is an easy, efficient, and economical rheological technique that can guide the design of new polymeric materials and facilitate the understanding of the underlying physics governing behavior of naturally derived materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela C Cai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Brad A Krajina
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Michael J Kratochvil
- Department of Materials Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. and Stanford Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lei Zou
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Audrey Zhu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Elizabeth B Burgener
- Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Paul L Bollyky
- Stanford Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Carlos E Milla
- Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Andrew J Spakowitz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. and Department of Materials Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. and Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA and Biophysics Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sarah C Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Olson JE, Braegelman AS, Zou L, Webber MJ, Camden JP. Capture of Phenylalanine and Phenylalanine-Terminated Peptides Using a Supramolecular Macrocycle for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Detection. Appl Spectrosc 2020; 74:1374-1383. [PMID: 32508116 DOI: 10.1177/0003702820937333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n]) family of macrocycles are known to bind a variety of small molecules with high affinity. These motifs thus have promise in an ever-growing list of trace detection methods. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection schemes employing CB[n] motifs exhibit increased sensitivity due to selective concentration of the analyte at the nanoparticle surface, coupled with the ability of CB[n] to facilitate the formation of well-defined electromagnetic hot spots. Herein, we report a CB[7] SERS assay for quantification of phenylalanine (Phe) and further demonstrate its utility for detecting peptides with an N-terminal Phe. The CB[7]-guest interaction improves the sensitivity 5-25-fold over direct detection of Phe using citrate-capped silver nanoparticle aggregates, enabling use of a portable Raman system. We further illustrate detection of insulin via binding of CB[7] to the N-terminal Phe residue on its B-chain, suggesting a general strategy for detecting Phe-terminated peptides of clinically relevant biomolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob E Olson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, USA
| | - Adam S Braegelman
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, USA
| | - Lei Zou
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, USA
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, USA
| | - Jon P Camden
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, USA
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Zou L, Addonizio CJ, Su B, Sis MJ, Braegelman AS, Liu D, Webber MJ. Supramolecular Hydrogels via Light-Responsive Homoternary Cross-Links. Biomacromolecules 2020; 22:171-182. [PMID: 32804483 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Host-guest physical cross-linking has been used to prepare supramolecular hydrogels for various biomedical applications. More recent efforts to endow these materials with stimuli-responsivity offers an opportunity to precisely tune their function for a target use. In the context of light-responsive materials, azobenzenes are one prevailing motif. Here, an asymmetric azobenzene was explored for its ability to form homoternary complexes with the cucurbit[8]uril macrocycle, exhibiting an affinity (Keq) of 6.21 × 1010 M-2 for sequential binding, though having negative cooperativity. Copolymers were first prepared from different and tunable ratios of NIPAM and DMAEA, and DMAEA groups were then postsynthetically modified with this asymmetric azobenzene. Upon macrocycle addition, these polymers formed supramolecular hydrogels; relaxation dynamics increased with temperature due to temperature-dependent affinity reduction for the ternary complex. Application of UV light disrupted the supramolecular motif through azobenzene photoisomerization, prompting a gel-to-sol transition in the hydrogel. Excitingly, within several minutes at room temperature, thermal relaxation of azobenzene to its trans state afforded rapid hydrogel recovery. By revealing this supramolecular motif and employing facile means for its attachment onto pre-synthesized polymers, the approach described here may further enable stimuli-directed control of supramolecular hydrogels for a number of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zou
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Christopher J Addonizio
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Bo Su
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Matthew J Sis
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Adam S Braegelman
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Dongping Liu
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Matthew J Webber
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
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36
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VandenBerg MA, Sahoo JK, Zou L, McCarthy W, Webber MJ. Divergent Self-Assembly Pathways to Hierarchically Organized Networks of Isopeptide-Modified Discotics under Kinetic Control. ACS Nano 2020; 14:5491-5505. [PMID: 32297733 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b09610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Natural proteins traverse complex free energy landscapes to assemble into hierarchically organized structures, often through stimuli-directed kinetic pathways in response to relevant biological cues. Bioinspired strategies have sought to emulate the complexity, dynamicity, and modularity exhibited in these natural processes with synthetic analogues. However, these efforts are limited by many factors that complicate the rational design and predictable assembly of synthetic constructs, especially in aqueous environments. Herein, a model discotic amphiphile gelator is described that undergoes pathway-dependent structural maturation when exposed to varying application rates of a pH stimulus, investigated by electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and X-ray scattering techniques. Under the direction of a slowly changing pH stimulus, complex hierarchical assemblies result, characterized by mesoscale elongated "superstructure" bundles embedded in a percolated mesh of narrow nanofibers. In contrast, the assembly under a rapidly applied pH stimulus is characterized by homogeneous structures that are reminiscent of the superstructures arising from the more deliberate path, except with significantly reduced scale and concomitantly large increases in bulk rheological properties. This synthetic system bears resemblance to the pathway complexity and hierarchical ordering observed for native structures, such as collagen, and points to fundamental design principles that might be applied toward enhanced control of the properties of supramolecular self-assembly across length scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A VandenBerg
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Jugal Kishore Sahoo
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Lei Zou
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - William McCarthy
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
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37
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Maikawa CL, Smith AAA, Zou L, Roth GA, Gale EC, Stapleton LM, Baker SW, Mann JL, Yu AC, Correa S, Grosskopf AK, Liong CS, Meis CM, Chan D, Troxell M, Maahs DM, Buckingham BA, Webber MJ, Appel EA. A co-formulation of supramolecularly stabilized insulin and pramlintide enhances mealtime glucagon suppression in diabetic pigs. Nat Biomed Eng 2020; 4:507-517. [PMID: 32393892 PMCID: PMC7274092 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-020-0555-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Treatment of patients with diabetes with insulin and pramlintide (an amylin analogue) is more effective than treatment with insulin only. However, because mixtures of insulin and pramlintide are unstable and have to be injected separately, amylin analogues are only used by 1.5% of people with diabetes needing rapid-acting insulin. Here, we show that the supramolecular modification of insulin and pramlintide with cucurbit[7]uril-conjugated polyethylene glycol improves the pharmacokinetics of the dual-hormone therapy and enhances postprandial glucagon suppression in diabetic pigs. The co-formulation is stable for over 100 h at 37 °C under continuous agitation, whereas commercial formulations of insulin analogues aggregate after 10 h under similar conditions. In diabetic rats, the administration of the stabilized co-formulation increased the area-of-overlap ratio of the pharmacokinetic curves of pramlintide and insulin from 0.4 ± 0.2 to 0.7 ± 0.1 (mean ± s.d.) for the separate administration of the hormones. The co-administration of supramolecularly stabilized insulin and pramlintide better mimics the endogenous kinetics of co-secreted insulin and amylin, and holds promise as a dual-hormone replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin L Maikawa
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anton A A Smith
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lei Zou
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Gillie A Roth
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Emily C Gale
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Sam W Baker
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Joseph L Mann
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anthony C Yu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Santiago Correa
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Celine S Liong
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Catherine M Meis
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Doreen Chan
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Megan Troxell
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David M Maahs
- Department of Pediatrics (Endocrinology), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Diabetes Research Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Bruce A Buckingham
- Department of Pediatrics (Endocrinology), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Diabetes Research Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Eric A Appel
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics (Endocrinology), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Diabetes Research Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Maikawa CL, Smith AAA, Zou L, Meis CM, Mann JL, Webber MJ, Appel EA. Stable Monomeric Insulin Formulations Enabled by Supramolecular PEGylation of Insulin Analogues. Adv Ther (Weinh) 2020; 3:1900094. [PMID: 32190729 PMCID: PMC7079736 DOI: 10.1002/adtp.201900094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Current "fast-acting" insulin analogues contain amino acid modifications meant to inhibit dimer formation and shift the equilibrium of association states toward the monomeric state. However, the insulin monomer is highly unstable and current formulation techniques require insulin to primarily exist as hexamers to prevent aggregation into inactive and immunogenic amyloids. Insulin formulation excipients have thus been traditionally selected to promote insulin association into the hexameric form to enhance formulation stability. This study exploits a novel excipient for the supramolecular PEGylation of insulin analogues, including aspart and lispro, to enhance the stability and maximize the prevalence of insulin monomers in formulation. Using multiple techniques, it is demonstrated that judicious choice of formulation excipients (tonicity agents and parenteral preservatives) enables insulin analogue formulations with 70-80% monomer and supramolecular PEGylation imbued stability under stressed aging for over 100 h without altering the insulin association state. Comparatively, commercial "fast-acting" formulations contain less than 1% monomer and remain stable for only 10 h under the same stressed aging conditions. This simple and effective formulation approach shows promise for next-generation ultrafast insulin formulations with a short duration of action that can reduce the risk of post-prandial hypoglycemia in the treatment of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin L Maikawa
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Anton A A Smith
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lei Zou
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Catherine M Meis
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Joseph L Mann
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Eric A Appel
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Sahoo JK, VandenBerg MA, Webber MJ. Kinetic Evolution in Metal-Dependent Self-Assembly of Peptide-Terpyridine Conjugates. Macromol Rapid Commun 2019; 41:e1900565. [PMID: 31880036 DOI: 10.1002/marc.201900565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Nature realizes impressive structures and emergent functions through precisely organized non-covalent interactions, and this inspires the use of supramolecular motifs to engineer new materials. Herein, an amphiphilic peptide-terpyridine conjugate is reported that forms 1D nanostructures leading to hydrogels. Upon the addition of metal, a slow kinetic transition occurs, resulting in nanostructures which are dictated by the chosen metal binding to the terpyridine ligand. As such, bis-complex formation between terminal terpyridines redirects the assembly from peptide-driven 1D structures to an assortment of new nanostructures which evolve and appear over the course of weeks. Studies where pre-existing peptide structures are disrupted prior to metal addition yield these same structures right away, further confirming the kinetically labored pathway to their formation when beginning from an assembled state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jugal Kishore Sahoo
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Michael A VandenBerg
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
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Zheng N, Karra P, VandenBerg MA, Kim JH, Webber MJ, Holland WL, Chou DHC. Synthesis and Characterization of an A6-A11 Methylene Thioacetal Human Insulin Analogue with Enhanced Stability. J Med Chem 2019; 62:11437-11443. [PMID: 31804076 PMCID: PMC7217704 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Insulin has been a life-saving drug for millions of people with diabetes. However, several challenges exist which limit therapeutic benefits and reduce patient convenience. One key challenge is the fibrillation propensity, which necessitates refrigeration for storage. To address this limitation, we chemically synthesized and evaluated a methylene thioacetal human insulin analogue (SCS-Ins). The synthesized SCS-Ins showed enhanced serum stability and aggregation resistance while retaining bioactivity compared with native insulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States
| | - Prasoona Karra
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States
| | - Michael A. VandenBerg
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
| | - Jin Hwan Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States
| | - Matthew J. Webber
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
| | - William L. Holland
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States
| | - Danny Hung-Chieh Chou
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States
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Zou L, Su B, Addonizio CJ, Pramudya I, Webber MJ. Temperature-Responsive Supramolecular Hydrogels by Ternary Complex Formation with Subsequent Photo-Cross-linking to Alter Network Dynamics. Biomacromolecules 2019; 20:4512-4521. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zou
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Bo Su
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Christopher J. Addonizio
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Irawan Pramudya
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Matthew J. Webber
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
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42
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Xiong X, Blakely A, Karra P, VandenBerg MA, Ghabash G, Whitby F, Zhang YW, Webber MJ, Holland WL, Hill CP, Chou DHC. Novel four-disulfide insulin analog with high aggregation stability and potency. Chem Sci 2019; 11:195-200. [PMID: 32110371 PMCID: PMC7012051 DOI: 10.1039/c9sc04555d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel four-disulfide insulin analog was designed with retained bioactivity and increased fibrillation stability.
Although insulin was first purified and used therapeutically almost a century ago, there is still a need to improve therapeutic efficacy and patient convenience. A key challenge is the requirement for refrigeration to avoid inactivation of insulin by aggregation/fibrillation. Here, in an effort to mitigate this problem, we introduced a 4th disulfide bond between a C-terminal extended insulin A chain and residues near the C-terminus of the B chain. Insulin activity was retained by an analog with an additional disulfide bond between residues A22 and B22, while other linkages tested resulted in much reduced potency. Furthermore, the A22-B22 analog maintains the native insulin tertiary structure as demonstrated by X-ray crystal structure determination. We further demonstrate that this four-disulfide analog has similar in vivo potency in mice compared to native insulin and demonstrates higher aggregation stability. In conclusion, we have discovered a novel four-disulfide insulin analog with high aggregation stability and potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochun Xiong
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA . ;
| | - Alan Blakely
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA . ;
| | - Prasoona Karra
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA
| | - Michael A VandenBerg
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering , University of Notre Dame , IN 46556 , USA
| | - Gabrielle Ghabash
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA . ;
| | - Frank Whitby
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA . ;
| | - Yi Wolf Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA . ;
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering , University of Notre Dame , IN 46556 , USA
| | - William L Holland
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA
| | - Christopher P Hill
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA . ;
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Fenton OS, Tibbitt MW, Appel EA, Jhunjhunwala S, Webber MJ, Langer R. Injectable Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Local Immune Cell Recruitment. Biomacromolecules 2019; 20:4430-4436. [PMID: 31682423 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The ability to engineer immune function has transformed modern medicine, highlighted by the success of vaccinations and recent efforts in cancer immunotherapy. Further directions in programming the immune system focus on the design of immunomodulatory biomaterials that can recruit, engage with, and program immune cells locally in vivo. Here, we synthesized shear-thinning and self-healing polymer-nanoparticle (PNP) hydrogels as a tunable and injectable biomaterial platform for local dendritic cell (DC) recruitment. PNP gels were formed from two populations of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-polylactide (PEG-b-PLA) NPs with the same diameter but different PEG brush length (2 or 5 kDa). PEG-b-PLA NPs with the longer PEG brush exhibited improved gel formation following self-assembly and faster recovery after shear-thinning. In all cases, model protein therapeutics were released via Fickian diffusion in vitro, and minor differences in the release rate between the gel formulations were observed. PNP hydrogels were loaded with the DC cytokine CCL21 and injected subcutaneously in a murine model. CCL21-loaded PNP hydrogels recruited DCs preferentially to the site of injection in vivo relative to non-CCL21-loaded hydrogels. Thus, PNP hydrogels comprise a simple and tunable platform biomaterial for in vivo immunomodulation following minimally invasive subcutaneous injection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark W Tibbitt
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering , ETH Zürich , Zürich 8092 , Switzerland
| | - Eric A Appel
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Department of Bioengineering , Stanford University , Stanford , California 94305 , United States
| | - Siddharth Jhunjhunwala
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering , Indian Institute of Science , Bangalore 560012 , India
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering , University of Notre Dame , Notre Dame , Indiana 46556 , United States
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Sis MJ, Webber MJ. Drug Delivery with Designed Peptide Assemblies. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2019; 40:747-762. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2019.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Sahoo JK, VandenBerg MA, Ruiz Bello EE, Nazareth CD, Webber MJ. Electrostatic-driven self-sorting and nanostructure speciation in self-assembling tetrapeptides. Nanoscale 2019; 11:16534-16543. [PMID: 31455952 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr03440d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Significant efforts in the field of supramolecular materials have strived to co-assemble small molecules in order to realize individual nanostructures with multiple, tunable activities. The design of self-assembling motifs bearing opposite charges is one commonly used method, with favorable electrostatic interactions used to promote mixing in a resulting co-assembly. This approach, at the same time, contrasts with a typical thermodynamic preference for self-sorting. Moreover, rigorous experimental techniques which can clearly elucidate co-assembly from self-sorting are limited. Here we describe the self-assembly of two oppositely charged tetrapeptides yielding highly disparate nanostructures of fibrillar and spherical assemblies. Upon mixing at different ratios, the disparate nanostructure of the parent peptides remain. Interestingly, while the assemblies appear self-sorted, surface-mediated interactions between spherical and fibrous assemblies translate to increased mechanical properties through enhanced fiber bundling. Moreover, the observed self-sorting is a thermodynamic product and not a result of kinetically trapped pre-existing structures. Taken together, and with the benefit of disparate nanostructures in the parent peptides, we have shown in our system experimental evidence for electrostatic-driven self-sorting in oligopeptide self-assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jugal Kishore Sahoo
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - Michael A VandenBerg
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - Edgar E Ruiz Bello
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - Calvin D Nazareth
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
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Zou L, Braegelman AS, Webber MJ. Spatially Defined Drug Targeting by in Situ Host-Guest Chemistry in a Living Animal. ACS Cent Sci 2019; 5:1035-1043. [PMID: 31263763 PMCID: PMC6598162 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.9b00195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Ensuring effective drug concentration specifically at sites of need, while limiting systemic side effects, remains a challenge in the discovery and use of new drug molecules. Carriers targeted through biological affinity (e.g., antibodies) afford a common means of drug localization, yet often deliver considerably less than 1% of an administered drug to a desired site in the body. We report on an alternative targeting paradigm using pendant guest motifs to direct molecules to sites distinguished by a hydrogel bearing a high density of a complementary cucurbituril supramolecular host. Host-guest affinity (K eq) of 1012 M-1 serves to spatially localize ∼4% of a model small molecule within hours of its administration in mice. These high-affinity interactions furthermore ensure long-lasting retention of the model compound at the site of interest, and the site can be serially targeted upon repeated dosing. This supramolecular homing axis extends the localization of small molecule payloads beyond injectable hydrogels, enabling targeting of modified biomaterials. This approach also has promising therapeutic utility, improving efficacy of a guest-modified chemotherapeutic agent in a tumor model.
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VandenBerg MA, Webber MJ. Biologically Inspired and Chemically Derived Methods for Glucose-Responsive Insulin Therapy. Adv Healthc Mater 2019; 8:e1801466. [PMID: 30605265 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201801466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The controlled delivery of therapeutics in a manner responsive to physiological indicators has promise in realizing new therapeutic approaches to combat disease. This approach is especially relevant in the context of diabetes. Natural fluctuations in blood glucose seen in the healthy state, complete with peaks and troughs, are poorly regulated as a result of detrimental production or ineffective signaling of the insulin hormone. While several manifestations of diabetes are treated with regularly administered exogenous insulin, the present standard of care results in suboptimal glycemic management that poorly recreates natural hormone control, leading to long-term instability and a significantly increased risk for secondary health complications. New synthetic technologies that make insulin available only when needed, and at the exact dose required, have been explored under the broad vision of realizing a "fully synthetic pancreas." Yet, many challenges remain to realizing a technology that is appropriately responsive, safe, and well integrated into a manageable routine. Herein, many of the approaches explored thus far to sense physiological blood glucose and elicit response through the release of therapeutic insulin are summarized. The approaches point to a new, autonomous approach to managing diabetes with biomimetic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. VandenBerg
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular EngineeringUniversity of Notre Dame 205 McCourtney Hall Notre Dame IN 46556 USA
| | - Matthew J. Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular EngineeringUniversity of Notre Dame 205 McCourtney Hall Notre Dame IN 46556 USA
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Braegelman AS, Webber MJ. Integrating Stimuli-Responsive Properties in Host-Guest Supramolecular Drug Delivery Systems. Theranostics 2019; 9:3017-3040. [PMID: 31244940 PMCID: PMC6567965 DOI: 10.7150/thno.31913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Host-guest motifs are likely the most recognizable manifestation of supramolecular chemistry. These complexes are characterized by the organization of small molecules on the basis of preferential association of a guest within the portal of a host. In the context of their therapeutic use, the primary application of these complexes has been as excipients which enhance the solubility or improve the stability of drug formulations, primarily in a vial. However, there may be opportunities to go significantly beyond such a role and leverage key features of the affinity, specificity, and dynamics of the interaction itself toward "smarter" therapeutic designs. One approach in this regard would seek stimuli-responsive host-guest recognition, wherein a complex forms in a manner that is sensitive to, or can be governed by, externally applied triggers, disease-specific proteins and analytes, or the presence of a competing guest. This review will highlight the general and phenomenological design considerations governing host-guest recognition and the specific types of chemistry which have been used and are available for different applications. Finally, a discussion of the molecular engineering and design approaches which enable sensitivity to a variety of different stimuli are highlighted. Ultimately, these molecular-scale approaches offer an assortment of new chemistry and material design tools toward improving precision in drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew J. Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
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Zou L, Braegelman AS, Webber MJ. Dynamic Supramolecular Hydrogels Spanning an Unprecedented Range of Host-Guest Affinity. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2019; 11:5695-5700. [PMID: 30707553 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b22151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) macrocycles exhibit a broad range of host-guest binding affinity. Attaching pendant CB[7] and complementary guests on 8-arm PEG macromers affords supramolecular hydrogels with cross-link affinity spanning more than 5 orders of magnitude (1.5 × 107 to 5.4 × 1012 M-1) without changing network topology. Cross-link affinity translates directly to bulk dynamic properties; hydrogels with high-affinity cross-linking behave like covalent gels with limited ability to relax or self-heal. Cross-link affinity furthermore dictates the release rate of encapsulated macromolecules, as well as cell infiltration and material clearance in vivo. This work thus informs a role for affinity in dictating supramolecular hydrogel properties by quantifying and isolating this feature over an unprecedented range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zou
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering , University of Notre Dame , Notre Dame , Indiana 46556 , United States
| | - Adam S Braegelman
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering , University of Notre Dame , Notre Dame , Indiana 46556 , United States
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering , University of Notre Dame , Notre Dame , Indiana 46556 , United States
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Webber
- University of Notre Dame; Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering; 205 McCourtney Hall Notre Dame IN 46556 USA
| | - Patricia Y. W. Dankers
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems; Department of Biomedical Engineering; PO Box 513 Eindhoven MB 5600 The Netherlands
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