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Kumari P, Ballone P, Paniagua C, Abou-Saleh RH, Benitez-Alfonso Y. Cellulose-Callose Hydrogels: Computational Exploration of Their Nanostructure and Mechanical Properties. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:1989-2006. [PMID: 38410888 PMCID: PMC10934845 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01396] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Polysaccharides play a crucial role in virtually all living systems. They also represent the biocompatible and fully sustainable component of a variety of nanoparticles, which are of increasing interest in biomedicine, food processing, cosmetics, and structural reinforcement of polymeric materials. The computational modeling of complex polysaccharide phases will assist in understanding the properties and behavior of all these systems. In this paper, structural, bonding, and mechanical properties of 10 wt % cellulose-callose hydrogels (β-glucans coexisting in plant cell walls) were investigated by atomistic simulations. Systems of this kind have recently been introduced in experiments revealing unexpected interactions between the polysaccharides. Starting from initial configurations inspired by X-ray diffraction data, atomistic models made of ∼1.6 × 106 atoms provide a qualitatively consistent view of these hydrogels, displaying stability, homogeneity, connectivity, and elastic properties beyond those of a liquid suspension. The simulation shows that the relatively homogeneous distribution of saccharide nanofibers and chains in water is not due to the solubility of cellulose and callose, but to the formation of a number of cross-links among the various sample components. The broad distribution of strength and elasticity among the links implies a degree of anharmonicity and irreversible deformation already evident at low external load. Besides the qualitative agreement with experimental observations, the simulation results display also quantitative disagreements in the estimation of elastic coefficients, such as the Young's modulus, that require further investigation. Complementary simulations of dense cellulose-callose mixtures (no hydrogels) highlight the role of callose in smoothing the contact surface of different nanofibers forming larger bundles. Cellulose-callose structures in these systems displayed an enhanced water uptake and delayed dye release when compared to cellulose alone, highlighting potential new applications as drug delivery scaffolds. The simulation trajectories provide a tuning and testing ground for the development of coarse-grained models that are required for the large scale investigation of mechanical properties of cellulose and callose mixtures in a watery environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallavi Kumari
- The
Astbury Centre and the Centre for Plant Science, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
- School
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Pietro Ballone
- School
of Physics, University College Dublin, Dublin 4 D04 C1P1, Ireland
- Conway
Institute for Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin
4 D04 C1P1, Ireland
| | - Candelas Paniagua
- The
Astbury Centre and the Centre for Plant Science, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
- Instituto
de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea (IHSM-UMA-CSIC).
Dpto. Botánica y Fisiología Vegetal, Universidad de Málaga, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Radwa H. Abou-Saleh
- School
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
- Department
of Physics, Faculty of Science, Galala University, Galala Plateau, Attaka, Suez 43511, Egypt
- Department
of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mansoura
University, El Gomhouria
St, El Mansoura 1, Dakahlia Governorate 35516, Egypt
| | - Yoselin Benitez-Alfonso
- The
Astbury Centre and the Centre for Plant Science, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
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2
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Ingram N, McVeigh LE, Abou-Saleh RH, Batchelor DVB, Loadman PM, McLaughlan JR, Markham AF, Evans SD, Coletta PL. A Single Short 'Tone Burst' Results in Optimal Drug Delivery to Tumours Using Ultrasound-Triggered Therapeutic Microbubbles. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14030622. [PMID: 35335995 PMCID: PMC8953493 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced drug delivery systems, such as ultrasound-mediated drug delivery, show great promise for increasing the therapeutic index. Improvements in delivery by altering the ultrasound parameters have been studied heavily in vitro but relatively little in vivo. Here, the same therapeutic microbubble and tumour type are used to determine whether altering ultrasound parameters can improve drug delivery. Liposomes were loaded with SN38 and attached via avidin: biotin linkages to microbubbles. The whole structure was targeted to the tumour vasculature by the addition of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 antibodies. Tumour drug delivery and metabolism were quantified in SW480 xenografts after application of an ultrasound trigger to the tumour region. Increasing the trigger duration from 5 s to 2 min or increasing the number of 5 s triggers did not improve drug delivery, nor did changing to a chirp trigger designed to stimulate a greater proportion of the microbubble population, although this did show that the short tone trigger resulted in greater release of free SN38. Examination of ultrasound triggers in vivo to improve drug delivery is justified as there are multiple mechanisms at play that may not allow direct translation from in vitro findings. In this setting, a short tone burst gives the best ultrasound parameters for tumoural drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Ingram
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (L.E.M.); (J.R.M.); (A.F.M.)
- Correspondence: (N.I.); (P.L.C.)
| | - Laura E. McVeigh
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (L.E.M.); (J.R.M.); (A.F.M.)
| | - Radwa H. Abou-Saleh
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (R.H.A.-S.); (D.V.B.B.); (S.D.E.)
- Nanoscience and Technology Group, Faculty of Science, Galala University, Galala 43711, Egypt
- Department of Physics, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Damien V. B. Batchelor
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (R.H.A.-S.); (D.V.B.B.); (S.D.E.)
| | - Paul M. Loadman
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK;
| | - James R. McLaughlan
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (L.E.M.); (J.R.M.); (A.F.M.)
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Alexander F. Markham
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (L.E.M.); (J.R.M.); (A.F.M.)
| | - Stephen D. Evans
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (R.H.A.-S.); (D.V.B.B.); (S.D.E.)
| | - P. Louise Coletta
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (L.E.M.); (J.R.M.); (A.F.M.)
- Correspondence: (N.I.); (P.L.C.)
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Salim SA, Kamoun EA, Evans S, EL-Moslamy SH, El-Fakharany EM, Elmazar MM, Abdel-Aziz AF, Abou-Saleh RH, Salaheldin TA. Mercaptopurine-Loaded Sandwiched Tri-Layered Composed of Electrospun Polycaprolactone/Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Nanofibrous Scaffolds as Anticancer Carrier with Antimicrobial and Antibiotic Features: Sandwich Configuration Nanofibers, Release Study and in vitro Bioevaluation Tests. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:6937-6955. [PMID: 34703223 PMCID: PMC8525416 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s332920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP) is a potential anti-cancer agent which its therapeutic and limitation applicability due to its high toxicity. OBJECTIVE Herein, 6-MP was loaded into tri-layered sandwich nanofibrous scaffold (the top layer composed of poly methyl methacrylate/polycaprolactone (PMMA/PCL), the middle layer was PCL/PMMA/6-MP, and the bottom layer was PCL/PMMA to improve its bioactivity, adjusting the release-sustainability and reduce its toxicity. METHODS Electrospun tri-layered nanofibers composed of PCL/PMMA were utilized as nano-mats for controlling sustained drug release. Four groups of sandwich scaffold configurations were investigated with alteration of (PMMA: PCL) composition. RESULTS The sandwich scaffold composed of 2%PCL/4%PMMA/1%6-MP showed the best miscibility, good homogeneity and produced the smoothest nanofibers and low crystallinity. All fabricated 6-MP-loaded-PCL/PMMA scaffolds exhibited antimicrobial properties on the bacterial and fungal organisms, where the cytotoxicity evaluation proved the safety of scaffolds on normal cells, even at high concentration. Scaffolds provided a sustained-drug release profile that was strongly dependent on (PCL: PMMA). As (PCL: PMMA) decreased, the sustained 6-MP release from PCL/PMMA scaffolds increased. Results established that ~18% and 20% of 6-MP were released after 23h from (4%PCL/4%PMMA/1%6-MP) and (2%PCL/4%PMMA/1%6-MP), respectively, where this release was maintained for more than 20 days. The anti-cancer activity of all fabricated scaffolds was also investigated using different cancerous cell lines (e.g., Caco-2, MDA, and HepG-2) results showed that 6-MP-loaded-nanofibrous mats have an anti-cancer effect, with a high selective index for breast cancer. We observed that viability of a cancer cell was dropped to about 10%, using nanofibers containing 2%PCL/4%PMMA/1%6-MP. CONCLUSION Overall, the PCL: PMMA ratio and sandwich configuration imparts a tight control on long-term release profile and initial burst of 6-MP for anticancer treatment purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar A Salim
- Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC), The British University in Egypt (BUE), Cairo, 11837, Egypt
- Biochemistry Group, Chemistry Dep., Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Elbadawy A Kamoun
- Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC), The British University in Egypt (BUE), Cairo, 11837, Egypt
- Polymeric Materials Research Dep., Advanced Technology and New Materials Research Institute (ATNMRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Alexandria, 21934, Egypt
| | - Stephen Evans
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Shahira H EL-Moslamy
- Bioprocess Development Dep., GEBRI, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Alexandria, 21934, Egypt
| | - Esmail M El-Fakharany
- Protein Research Dep. GEBRI, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Alexandria, 21934, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Elmazar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt (BUE), Cairo, 11837, Egypt
| | - A F Abdel-Aziz
- Biochemistry Group, Chemistry Dep., Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - R H Abou-Saleh
- Biophysics Group, Dep. of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
- Nanoscience and Technology Program, Faculty of Advanced Basic Science, Galala University, Suez, Egypt
| | - Taher A Salaheldin
- Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, NY, 12144, USA
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Abou-Saleh RH, Armistead FJ, Batchelor DVB, Johnson BRG, Peyman SA, Evans SD. Horizon: Microfluidic platform for the production of therapeutic microbubbles and nanobubbles. Rev Sci Instrum 2021; 92:074105. [PMID: 34340422 DOI: 10.1063/5.0040213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microbubbles (MBs) have a multitude of applications including as contrast agents in ultrasound imaging and as therapeutic drug delivery vehicles, with further scope for combining their diagnostic and therapeutic properties (known as theranostics). MBs used clinically are commonly made by mechanical agitation or sonication methods, which offer little control over population size and dispersity. Furthermore, clinically used MBs are yet to be used therapeutically and further research is needed to develop these theranostic agents. In this paper, we present our MB production instrument "Horizon," which is a robust, portable, and user-friendly instrument, integrating the key components for producing MBs using microfluidic flow-focusing devices. In addition, we present the system design and specifications of Horizon and the optimized protocols that have so far been used to produce MBs with specific properties. These include MBs with tailored size and low dispersity (monodisperse); MBs with a diameter of ∼2 μm, which are more disperse but also produced in higher concentration; nanobubbles with diameters of 100-600 nm; and therapeutic MBs with drug payloads for targeted delivery. Multiplexed chips were able to improve production rates up to 16-fold while maintaining production stability. This work shows that Horizon is a versatile instrument with potential for mass production and use across many research facilities, which could begin to bridge the gap between therapeutic MB research and clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa H Abou-Saleh
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Fern J Armistead
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Damien V B Batchelor
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin R G Johnson
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Sally A Peyman
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen D Evans
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
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5
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Salim SA, Kamoun EA, Evans S, Taha TH, El-Fakharany EM, Elmazar MM, Abdel-Aziz AF, Abou-Saleh RH, Salaheldin TA. Novel oxygen-generation from electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds with anticancer properties: synthesis of PMMA-conjugate PVP-H 2O 2 nanofibers, characterization, and in vitro bio-evaluation tests. RSC Adv 2021; 11:19978-19991. [PMID: 35479904 PMCID: PMC9033669 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra02575a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Released oxygen plays a critical role in reducing destructive tumor behavior. This study aims to utilize decomposed hydrogen peroxide as an oxygen source by conjugating it with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). PVP-hydrogen peroxide complex (PHP) composed of different ratios of (PVP : H2O2) (0.5 : 1, 1 : 1, 1 : 1.5, 1 : 5, and 1 : 10) were successfully synthesized. PHP complex with a ratio of 1 : 1.5 was chosen as the optimized ratio, and it was incorporated into the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) nanofibrous scaffold via the electrospinning technique. Results have revealed that the PMMA-10% PHP complex provided a significant morphological structure of nanofibrous scaffolds. The mechanical properties of PMMA-10% PHP nanofibers showed the most suitable mechanical features such as Young's modulus, elongation-at-break (%), and maximum strength, in addition to the highest degree of swelling. All PHP complex scaffolds released oxygen in a sustained manner. However, the PMMA-10% PHP complex gave the highest concentration of released-oxygen with (∼8.9 mg L-1, after 2.5 h). PMMA-10% PHP nanofibers provided an ideal model for released-oxygen scaffold with anti-cancer effect and high selectivity for cancer cells, especially for breast cancer cells. Nanofibrous scaffolds with different composition revealed high cell viability for normal cells. Such outcomes support the suitability of using synthesized nanofibrous scaffolds as released-oxygen biomaterials to enhance cancer cells' sensitivity and maximize the treatment effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar A Salim
- Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC), The British University in Egypt (BUE) El-Sherouk City Cairo 11837 Egypt .,Biochemistry Group, Dep. of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University Egypt
| | - Elbadawy A Kamoun
- Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC), The British University in Egypt (BUE) El-Sherouk City Cairo 11837 Egypt .,Polymeric Materials Research Dep., Advanced Technology and New Materials Research Institute (ATNMRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City) New Borg Al-Arab City 21934 Alexandria Egypt
| | - Stephen Evans
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| | - Tarek H Taha
- Environmental Biotechnology Dep., GEBRI, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City) New Borg Al-Arab City 21934 Alexandria Egypt
| | - Esmail M El-Fakharany
- Protein Research Dep., GEBRI, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City) New Borg Al-Arab City 21934 Alexandria Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Elmazar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt (BUE) El-Sherouk City Cairo 11837 Egypt
| | - A F Abdel-Aziz
- Biochemistry Group, Dep. of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University Egypt
| | - R H Abou-Saleh
- Biophysics Group, Dep. of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University Egypt.,Nanoscience and Technology Program, Faculty of Advanced Basic Science, Galala University Egypt
| | - Taher A Salaheldin
- Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Abany NY 12144 USA
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Abou-Saleh RH, Delaney A, Ingram N, Batchelor DVB, Johnson BRG, Charalambous A, Bushby RJ, Peyman SA, Coletta PL, Markham AF, Evans SD. Freeze-Dried Therapeutic Microbubbles: Stability and Gas Exchange. ACS Appl Bio Mater 2020; 3:7840-7848. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c00982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Radwa H. Abou-Saleh
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
- Biophysics Group, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35511, Egypt
| | - Aileen Delaney
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
| | - Nicola Ingram
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner
Building, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, U.K
| | - Damien V. B. Batchelor
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
| | - Benjamin R. G. Johnson
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
| | - Antonia Charalambous
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner
Building, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, U.K
| | - Richard J. Bushby
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
| | - Sally A. Peyman
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner
Building, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, U.K
| | - P. Louise Coletta
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner
Building, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, U.K
| | - Alexander F. Markham
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner
Building, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, U.K
| | - Stephen D. Evans
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
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Ingram N, McVeigh LE, Abou-Saleh RH, Maynard J, Peyman SA, McLaughlan JR, Fairclough M, Marston G, Valleley EMA, Jimenez-Macias JL, Charalambous A, Townley W, Haddrick M, Wierzbicki A, Wright A, Volpato M, Simpson PB, Treanor DE, Thomson NH, Loadman PM, Bushby RJ, Johnson BR, Jones PF, Evans JA, Freear S, Markham AF, Evans SD, Coletta PL. Ultrasound-triggered therapeutic microbubbles enhance the efficacy of cytotoxic drugs by increasing circulation and tumor drug accumulation and limiting bioavailability and toxicity in normal tissues. Theranostics 2020; 10:10973-10992. [PMID: 33042265 PMCID: PMC7532679 DOI: 10.7150/thno.49670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Most cancer patients receive chemotherapy at some stage of their treatment which makes improving the efficacy of cytotoxic drugs an ongoing and important goal. Despite large numbers of potent anti-cancer agents being developed, a major obstacle to clinical translation remains the inability to deliver therapeutic doses to a tumor without causing intolerable side effects. To address this problem, there has been intense interest in nanoformulations and targeted delivery to improve cancer outcomes. The aim of this work was to demonstrate how vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2)-targeted, ultrasound-triggered delivery with therapeutic microbubbles (thMBs) could improve the therapeutic range of cytotoxic drugs. Methods: Using a microfluidic microbubble production platform, we generated thMBs comprising VEGFR2-targeted microbubbles with attached liposomal payloads for localised ultrasound-triggered delivery of irinotecan and SN38 in mouse models of colorectal cancer. Intravenous injection into tumor-bearing mice was used to examine targeting efficiency and tumor pharmacodynamics. High-frequency ultrasound and bioluminescent imaging were used to visualise microbubbles in real-time. Tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to quantitate intratumoral drug delivery and tissue biodistribution. Finally, 89Zr PET radiotracing was used to compare biodistribution and tumor accumulation of ultrasound-triggered SN38 thMBs with VEGFR2-targeted SN38 liposomes alone. Results: ThMBs specifically bound VEGFR2 in vitro and significantly improved tumor responses to low dose irinotecan and SN38 in human colorectal cancer xenografts. An ultrasound trigger was essential to achieve the selective effects of thMBs as without it, thMBs failed to extend intratumoral drug delivery or demonstrate enhanced tumor responses. Sensitive LC-MS/MS quantification of drugs and their metabolites demonstrated that thMBs extended drug exposure in tumors but limited exposure in healthy tissues, not exposed to ultrasound, by persistent encapsulation of drug prior to elimination. 89Zr PET radiotracing showed that the percentage injected dose in tumors achieved with thMBs was twice that of VEGFR2-targeted SN38 liposomes alone. Conclusions: thMBs provide a generic platform for the targeted, ultrasound-triggered delivery of cytotoxic drugs by enhancing tumor responses to low dose drug delivery via combined effects on circulation, tumor drug accumulation and exposure and altered metabolism in normal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Ingram
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
| | - Laura E. McVeigh
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
| | - Radwa H. Abou-Saleh
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Juliana Maynard
- Medicines Discovery Catapult, Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, United Kingdom
| | - Sally A. Peyman
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - James R. McLaughlan
- Faculty of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Fairclough
- Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre, University of Manchester, Palatine Road, Manchester, M20 3LI, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma Marston
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth M. A. Valleley
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
| | - Jorge L. Jimenez-Macias
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
| | - Antonia Charalambous
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
| | - William Townley
- Medicines Discovery Catapult, Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm Haddrick
- Medicines Discovery Catapult, Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, United Kingdom
| | - Antonia Wierzbicki
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, BD7 1DP, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Wright
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
| | - Milène Volpato
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
| | - Peter B. Simpson
- Medicines Discovery Catapult, Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, United Kingdom
| | - Darren E. Treanor
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
| | - Neil H. Thomson
- School of Dentistry, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
| | - Paul M. Loadman
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, BD7 1DP, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J. Bushby
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin R.G. Johnson
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela F. Jones
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
| | - J. Anthony Evans
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Freear
- Faculty of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander F. Markham
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen D. Evans
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - P. Louise Coletta
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
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Batchelor DVB, Abou-Saleh RH, Coletta PL, McLaughlan JR, Peyman SA, Evans SD. Nested Nanobubbles for Ultrasound-Triggered Drug Release. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2020; 12:29085-29093. [PMID: 32501014 PMCID: PMC7333229 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c07022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Because of their size (1-10 μm), microbubble-based drug delivery agents suffer from confinement to the vasculature, limiting tumor penetration and potentially reducing the drug efficacy. Nanobubbles (NBs) have emerged as promising candidates for ultrasound-triggered drug delivery because of their small size, allowing drug delivery complexes to take advantage of the enhanced permeability and retention effect. In this study, we describe a simple method for production of nested-nanobubbles (Nested-NBs) by encapsulation of NBs (∼100 nm) within drug-loaded liposomes. This method combines the efficient and well-established drug-loading capabilities of liposomes while utilizing NBs as an acoustic trigger for drug release. Encapsulation was characterized using transmission electron microscopy with an encapsulation efficiency of 22 ± 2%. Nested-NBs demonstrated echogenicity using diagnostic B-mode imaging, and acoustic emissions were monitored during high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in addition to monitoring of model drug release. Results showed that although the encapsulated NBs were destroyed by pulsed HIFU [peak negative pressure (PNP) 1.54-4.83 MPa], signified by loss of echogenicity and detection of inertial cavitation, no model drug release was observed. Changing modality to continuous wave (CW) HIFU produced release across a range of PNPs (2.01-3.90 MPa), likely because of a synergistic effect of mechanical and increased thermal stimuli. Because of this, we predict that our NBs contain a mixed population of both gaseous and liquid core particles, which upon CW HIFU undergo rapid phase conversion, triggering liposomal drug release. This hypothesis was investigated using previously described models to predict the existence of droplets and their phase change potential and the ability of this phase change to induce liposomal drug release.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Radwa H. Abou-Saleh
- Department of Physics
and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, U.K.
- Department
of Physics, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - P. Louise Coletta
- Leeds
Institute of Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds, U.K.
| | - James. R. McLaughlan
- Leeds
Institute of Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds, U.K.
- School
of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, U.K.
| | - Sally A. Peyman
- Department of Physics
and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, U.K.
- Leeds
Institute of Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds, U.K.
| | - Stephen D. Evans
- Department of Physics
and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, U.K.
- . Phone/Fax: (+44) (0)113 343 3852
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9
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Paterson DA, Bao P, Abou-Saleh RH, Peyman SA, Jones JC, Sandoe JAT, Evans SD, Gleeson HF, Bushby RJ. Control of Director Fields in Phospholipid-Coated Liquid Crystal Droplets. Langmuir 2020; 36:6436-6446. [PMID: 32392071 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c00651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In liquid crystal (LC) droplets, small changes in surface anchoring energy can produce large changes in the director field which result in readily detectable optical effects. This makes them attractive for use as biosensors. Coating LC droplets with a phospholipid monolayer provides a bridge between the hydrophobic world of LCs and the water-based world of biology and makes it possible to incorporate naturally occurring biosensor systems. However, phospholipids promote strong perpendicular (homeotropic) anchoring that can inhibit switching of the director field. We show that the tendency for phospholipid layers to promote perpendicular anchoring can be suppressed by using synthetic phospholipids in which the acyl chains are terminated with bulky tert-butyl or ferrocenyl groups; the larger these end-group(s), the less likely the system is to be perpendicular/radial. Additionally, the droplet director field is found to be dependent on the nature of the LC, particularly its intrinsic surface properties, but not (apparently) on the sign of the dielectric anisotropy, the proximity to the melting/isotropic phase transition, the surface tension (in air), or the values of the Frank elastic constants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Paterson
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
| | - Peng Bao
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
| | - Radwa H Abou-Saleh
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
- Biophysics Group, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Sally A Peyman
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
| | - J Cliff Jones
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
| | - Jonathan A T Sandoe
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
| | - Stephen D Evans
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
| | - Helen F Gleeson
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
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10
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Shafi AS, McClements J, Albaijan I, Abou-Saleh RH, Moran C, Koutsos V. Probing phospholipid microbubbles by atomic force microscopy to quantify bubble mechanics and nanostructural shell properties. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2019; 181:506-515. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2019.04.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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11
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Abou-Saleh RH, McLaughlan JR, Bushby RJ, Johnson BR, Freear S, Evans SD, Thomson NH. Molecular Effects of Glycerol on Lipid Monolayers at the Gas-Liquid Interface: Impact on Microbubble Physical and Mechanical Properties. Langmuir 2019; 35:10097-10105. [PMID: 30901226 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b04130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The production and stability of microbubbles (MBs) is enhanced by increasing the viscosity of both the formation and storage solution, respectively. Glycerol is a good candidate for biomedical applications of MBs, since it is biocompatible, although the exact molecular mechanisms of its action is not fully understood. Here, we investigate the influence glycerol has on lipid-shelled MB properties, using a range of techniques. Population lifetime and single bubble stability were studied using optical microscopy. Bubble stiffness measured by AFM compression is compared with lipid monolayer behavior in a Langmuir-Blodgett trough. We deduce that increasing glycerol concentrations enhances stability of MB populations through a 3-fold mechanism. First, binding of glycerol to lipid headgroups in the interfacial monolayer up to 10% glycerol increases MB stiffness but has limited impact on shell resistance to gas permeation and corresponding MB lifetime. Second, increased solution viscosity above 10% glycerol slows down the kinetics of gas transfer, markedly increasing MB stability. Third, above 10%, glycerol induces water structuring around the lipid monolayer, forming a glassy layer which also increases MB stiffness and resistance to gas loss. At 30% glycerol, the glassy layer is ablated, lowering the MB stiffness, but MB stability is further augmented. Although the molecular interactions of glycerol with the lipid monolayer modulate the MB lipid shell properties, MB lifetime continually increases from 0 to 30% glycerol, indicating that its viscosity is the dominant effect on MB solution stability. This three-fold action and biocompatibility makes glycerol ideal for therapeutic MB formation and storage and gives new insight into the action of glycerol on lipid monolayers at the gas-liquid interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa H Abou-Saleh
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy , University of Leeds , Leeds LS2 9JT , United Kingdom
- Biophysics Group, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science , Mansoura University , Mansoura , Egypt
| | - James R McLaughlan
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering , University of Leeds , Leeds LS2 9JT , United Kingdom
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research , University of Leeds, St. James's University Hospital , Leeds LS9 7TF , United Kingdom
| | - Richard J Bushby
- School of Chemistry , University of Leeds , Leeds LS2 9JT , United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin R Johnson
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy , University of Leeds , Leeds LS2 9JT , United Kingdom
| | - Steven Freear
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering , University of Leeds , Leeds LS2 9JT , United Kingdom
| | - Stephen D Evans
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy , University of Leeds , Leeds LS2 9JT , United Kingdom
| | - Neil H Thomson
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy , University of Leeds , Leeds LS2 9JT , United Kingdom
- Division of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry , University of Leeds , Leeds LS2 9LU , United Kingdom
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12
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Abou-Saleh RH, Hernandez-Gomez MC, Amsbury S, Paniagua C, Bourdon M, Miyashima S, Helariutta Y, Fuller M, Budtova T, Connell SD, Ries ME, Benitez-Alfonso Y. Interactions between callose and cellulose revealed through the analysis of biopolymer mixtures. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4538. [PMID: 30382102 PMCID: PMC6208431 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06820-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [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: 09/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The properties of (1,3)-β-glucans (i.e., callose) remain largely unknown despite their importance in plant development and defence. Here we use mixtures of (1,3)-β-glucan and cellulose, in ionic liquid solution and hydrogels, as proxies to understand the physico-mechanical properties of callose. We show that after callose addition the stiffness of cellulose hydrogels is reduced at a greater extent than predicted from the ideal mixing rule (i.e., the weighted average of the individual components’ properties). In contrast, yield behaviour after the elastic limit is more ductile in cellulose-callose hydrogels compared with sudden failure in 100% cellulose hydrogels. The viscoelastic behaviour and the diffusion of the ions in mixed ionic liquid solutions strongly indicate interactions between the polymers. Fourier-transform infrared analysis suggests that these interactions impact cellulose organisation in hydrogels and cell walls. We conclude that polymer interactions alter the properties of callose-cellulose mixtures beyond what it is expected by ideal mixing. Despite their importance in plant development and defence the properties of (1,3)-β-glucan remain largely unknown. Here, the authors find that addition of (1,3)-β-glucans increases the flexibility of cellulose and its resilience to high strain, an effect originating in molecular level interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa H Abou-Saleh
- Centre for Plant Science, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.,Faculty of Science, Biophysics Division, Department of Physics, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - Sam Amsbury
- Centre for Plant Science, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Candelas Paniagua
- Centre for Plant Science, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Matthieu Bourdon
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Bateman Street, Cambridge, CB2 1LR, UK
| | - Shunsuke Miyashima
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Ykä Helariutta
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Bateman Street, Cambridge, CB2 1LR, UK
| | - Martin Fuller
- Centre for Plant Science, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Tatiana Budtova
- MINES ParisTech, Centre for Material Forming (CEMEF), PSL Research University, UMR CNRS 7635, CS 10207, 06904, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Simon D Connell
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Michael E Ries
- Soft Matter Physics Research Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
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13
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Mico V, Charalambous A, Peyman SA, Abou-Saleh RH, Markham AF, Coletta PL, Evans SD. Evaluation of lipid-stabilised tripropionin nanodroplets as a delivery route for combretastatin A4. Int J Pharm 2017; 526:547-555. [PMID: 28495582 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2017.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Lipid-based nanoemulsions are a cheap and elegant route for improving the delivery of hydrophobic drugs. Easy and quick to prepare, nanoemulsions have promise for the delivery of different therapeutic agents. Although multiple studies have investigated the effects of the oil and preparation conditions on the size of the nanoemulsion nanodroplets for food applications, analogous studies for nanoemulsions for therapeutic applications are limited. Here we present a study on the production of lipid-stabilised oil nanodroplets (LONDs) towards medical applications. A number of biocompatible oils were used to form LONDs with phospholipid coatings, and among these, squalane and tripropionin were chosen as model oils for subsequent studies. LONDs were formed by high pressure homogenisation, and their size was found to decrease with increasing production pressure. When produced at 175MPa, all LONDs samples exhibited sizes between 100 and 300nm, with polydispersity index PI between 0.1 and 0.3. The LONDs were stable for over six weeks, at 4°C, and also under physiological conditions, showing modest changes in size (<10%). The hydrophobic drug combretastatin A4 (CA4) was encapsulated in tripropionin LONDs with an efficiency of approximately 76%, achieving drug concentration of approximately 1.3mg/ml. SVR mouse endothelial cells treated with CA4 tripropionin LONDs showed the microtubule disruption, characteristic of drug uptake for all tested doses, which suggests successful release of the CA4 from the LONDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Mico
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Antonia Charalambous
- Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, St James's University Hospital, University of Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Sally A Peyman
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Radwa H Abou-Saleh
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK; Biophysics Group, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Alexander F Markham
- Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, St James's University Hospital, University of Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - P Louise Coletta
- Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, St James's University Hospital, University of Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Stephen D Evans
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
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14
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McLaughlan JR, Harput S, Abou-Saleh RH, Peyman SA, Evans S, Freear S. Characterisation of Liposome-Loaded Microbubble Populations for Subharmonic Imaging. Ultrasound Med Biol 2017; 43:346-356. [PMID: 27789045 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2016.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic microbubbles could make an important contribution to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Acoustic characterisation was performed on microfluidic generated microbubble populations that either were bare or had liposomes attached. Through the use of broadband attenuation techniques (3-8 MHz), the shell stiffness was measured to be 0.72 ± 0.01 and 0.78 ± 0.05 N/m and shell friction was 0.37 ± 0.05 and 0.74 ± 0.05 × 10-6 kg/s for bare and liposome-loaded microbubbles, respectively. Acoustic scatter revealed that liposome-loaded microbubbles had a lower subharmonic threshold, occurring from a peak negative pressure of 50 kPa, compared with 200 kPa for equivalent bare microbubbles. It was found that liposome loading had a negligible effect on the destruction threshold for this microbubble type, because at a mechanical index >0.4 (570 kPa), 80% of both populations were destroyed.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R McLaughlan
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Division of Biomedical Imaging, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - Sevan Harput
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Radwa H Abou-Saleh
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura City, Egypt
| | - Sally A Peyman
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Stephen Evans
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Steven Freear
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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15
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Abou-Saleh RH, Peyman SA, Johnson BRG, Marston G, Ingram N, Bushby R, Coletta PL, Markham AF, Evans SD. The influence of intercalating perfluorohexane into lipid shells on nano and microbubble stability. Soft Matter 2016; 12:7223-30. [PMID: 27501364 DOI: 10.1039/c6sm00956e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Microbubbles are potential diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In vivo stability is important as the bubbles are required to survive multiple passages through the heart and lungs to allow targeting and delivery. Here we have systematically varied key parameters affecting microbubble lifetime to significantly increase in vivo stability. Whilst shell and core composition are found to have an important role in improving microbubble stability, we show that inclusion of small quantities of C6F14 in the microbubble bolus significantly improves microbubble lifetime. Our results indicate that C6F14 inserts into the lipid shell, decreasing surface tension to 19 mN m(-1), and increasing shell resistance, in addition to saturating the surrounding medium. Surface area isotherms suggest that C6F14 incorporates into the acyl chain region of the lipid at a high molar ratio, indicating ∼2 perfluorocarbon molecules per 5 lipid molecules. The resulting microbubble boluses exhibit a higher in vivo image intensity compared to commercial compositions, as well as longer lifetimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa H Abou-Saleh
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
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16
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Peyman SA, McLaughlan JR, Abou-Saleh RH, Marston G, Johnson BRG, Freear S, Coletta PL, Markham AF, Evans SD. On-chip preparation of nanoscale contrast agents towards high-resolution ultrasound imaging. Lab Chip 2016; 16:679-87. [PMID: 26689151 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc01394a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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
Micron-sized lipid-stabilised bubbles of heavy gas have been utilised as contrast agents for diagnostic ultrasound (US) imaging for many years. Typically bubbles between 1 and 8 μm in diameter are produced to enhance imaging in US by scattering sound waves more efficiently than surrounding tissue. A potential area of interest for Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) are bubbles with diameters <1 μm or 'nanobubbles.' As bubble diameter decreases, ultrasonic resonant frequency increases, which could lead to an improvement in resolution for high-frequency imaging applications when using nanobubbles. In addition, current US contrast agents are limited by their size to the vasculature in vivo. However, molecular-targeted nanobubbles could penetrate into the extra-vascular space of cancerous tissue providing contrast in regions inaccessible to traditional microbubbles. This paper reports a new microfluidic method for the generation of sub-micron sized lipid stabilised particles containing perfluorocarbon (PFC). The nanoparticles are produced in a unique atomisation-like flow regime at high production rates, in excess of 10(6) particles per s and at high concentration, typically >10(11) particles per mL. The average particle diameter appears to be around 100-200 nm. These particles, suspected of being a mix of liquid and gaseous C4F10 due to Laplace pressure, then phase convert into nanometer sized bubbles on the application of US. In vitro ultrasound characterisation from these nanoparticle populations showed strong backscattering compared to aqueous filled liposomes of a similar size. The nanoparticles were stable upon injection and gave excellent contrast enhancement when used for in vivo imaging, compared to microbubbles with an equivalent shell composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally A Peyman
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
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17
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Abou-Saleh RH, Swain M, Evans SD, Thomson NH. Poly(ethylene glycol) lipid-shelled microbubbles: abundance, stability, and mechanical properties. Langmuir 2014; 30:5557-63. [PMID: 24758714 DOI: 10.1021/la404804u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is widely used on the outside of biomedical delivery vehicles to impart stealth properties. Encapsulated gas microbubbles (MBs) are being increasingly considered as effective carriers for therapeutic intervention to deliver drug payloads or genetic vectors. MBs have the advantage that they can be imaged and manipulated by ultrasound fields with great potential for targeted therapy and diagnostic purposes. Lipid-shelled MBs are biocompatible and can be functionalized on the outer surface for tissue targeting and new therapeutic methods. As MBs become a key route for drug delivery, exploring the effect of PEG-ylation on the MB properties is important. Here, we systematically investigate the effect of PEG-lipid solution concentration ranging between 0 and 35 mol % on the formation of MBs in a microfluidic flow-focusing device. The abundance of the MBs is correlated with the MB lifetime and the whole MB mechanical response, as measured by AFM compression using a tipless cantilever. The maximal MB concentration and stability (lifetime) occurs at a low concentration of PEG-lipid (∼5 mol %). For higher PEG-lipid concentrations, the lifetime and MB concentration decrease, and are accompanied by a correlation between the predicted surface PEG configuration and the whole MB stiffness, as measured at higher compression loads. These results inform the rationale design and fabrication of lipid-based MBs for therapeutic applications and suggest that only relatively small amounts of PEG incorporation are required for optimizing MB abundance and stability while retaining similar mechanical response at low loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa H Abou-Saleh
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds , Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
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18
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Heath GR, Abou-Saleh RH, Peyman SA, Johnson BRG, Connell SD, Evans SD. Self-assembly of actin scaffolds on lipid microbubbles. Soft Matter 2014; 10:694-700. [PMID: 24652242 DOI: 10.1039/c3sm52199k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Microbubbles offer unique properties as combined carriers of therapeutic payloads and diagnostic agents. Here we report on the development of novel microbubble architectures that in addition to the usual lipid shell have an actin cytoskeletal cortex assembled on their exterior. We show, using atomic force microscopy that this biomimetic coating creates a thin mesh that allows tuning of the mechanical properties of microbubbles and that the nature of actin assembly is determined by the fluidity of the lipid layer. Further, we show that it is possible to attach payloads and targeting-ligands to the actin scaffold. Resistance to gas permeation showed that the additional actin layer reduces gas diffusion across the shell and thus increases bubble lifetime. This study demonstrates a one step method to creating more complex microbubble architectures, which would be capable of further modification and tuning through the inclusion of actin binding proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- George R Heath
- Molecular Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK. . uk
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19
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Abou-Saleh RH, Peyman SA, Critchley K, Evans SD, Thomson NH. Nanomechanics of lipid encapsulated microbubbles with functional coatings. Langmuir 2013; 29:4096-4103. [PMID: 23448164 DOI: 10.1021/la304093t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Microbubbles (MBs) are increasingly being proposed as delivery vehicles for targeted therapeutics, as well as being contrast agents for ultrasound imaging. MBs formed with a lipid shell are promising candidates due to their biocompatibility and the opportunity for surface functionalization, both for specific targeting of tissues and as a means to tune their mechanical response for localized ultrasound induced destruction in vivo. Herein, we acquired force-deformation data on coated lipid MBs using tip-less microcantilevers in an atomic force microscope. Model lipid MBs were designed to test the effects of adding a functional coating on the outside of the lipid leaflet, including a protein coat (streptavidin) or the addition of quantum dots (Q-dots) as optical reporters. MBs (~3 μm diameter) were repeatedly compressed for deformations up to ~50% to obtain a full bubble response. Addition of a coating increased the initial deformation stiffness related to shell bending ~2-fold for streptavidin and ∼3-fold for Q-dots. The presence of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) linker in between the lipid and functional coating, led to enhanced stiffening at high deformations. The plasticity index has been determined and only those MBs that included the PEG linker showed a force dependent short time-scale (<~1s) plasticity. This study demonstrates modulation of the mechanical response of biocompatible MBs through the addition of functional coatings necessary for rationale design of therapeutic lipid MBs for targeted drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa H Abou-Saleh
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
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20
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Peyman SA, Abou-Saleh RH, McLaughlan JR, Ingram N, Johnson BRG, Critchley K, Freear S, Evans JA, Markham AF, Coletta PL, Evans SD. Expanding 3D geometry for enhanced on-chip microbubble production and single step formation of liposome modified microbubbles. Lab Chip 2012; 12:4544-52. [PMID: 22968592 DOI: 10.1039/c2lc40634a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Micron sized, lipid stabilized bubbles of gas are of interest as contrast agents for ultra-sound (US) imaging and increasingly as delivery vehicles for targeted, triggered, therapeutic delivery. Microfluidics provides a reproducible means for microbubble production and surface functionalisation. In this study, microbubbles are generated on chip using flow-focussing microfluidic devices that combine streams of gas and liquid through a nozzle a few microns wide and then subjecting the two phases to a downstream pressure drop. While microfluidics has successfully demonstrated the generation of monodisperse bubble populations, these approaches inherently produce low bubble counts. We introduce a new micro-spray flow regime that generates consistently high bubble concentrations that are more clinically relevant compared to traditional monodisperse bubble populations. Final bubble concentrations produced by the micro-spray regime were up to 10(10) bubbles mL(-1). The technique is shown to be highly reproducible and by using multiplexed chip arrays, the time taken to produce one millilitre of sample containing 10(10) bubbles mL(-1) was ∼10 min. Further, we also demonstrate that it is possible to attach liposomes, loaded with quantum dots (QDs) or fluorescein, in a single step during MBs formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally A Peyman
- Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
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Allan P, Uitte de Willige S, Abou-Saleh RH, Connell SD, Ariëns RAS. Evidence that fibrinogen γ' directly interferes with protofibril growth: implications for fibrin structure and clot stiffness. J Thromb Haemost 2012; 10:1072-80. [PMID: 22463367 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2012.04717.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrinogen contains an alternatively spliced γ-chain (γ'), which mainly exists as a heterodimer with the common γA-chain (γA/γ'). Fibrinogen γ' has been reported to inhibit thrombin and modulate fibrin structure, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism underpinning the influence of γ' on fibrin polymerization, structure and viscoelasticity. METHODS γA/γA and γA/γ' fibrinogens were separated using anion exchange chromatography. Cross-linking was controlled with purified FXIIIa and a synthetic inhibitor. Fibrin polymerization was analyzed by turbidity and gel-point time was measured using a coagulometer. We used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to image protofibril formation while final clot structure was assessed by confocal and scanning electron microscopy. Clot viscoelasticity was measured using a magnetic microrheometer. RESULTS γA/γ' fibrin formed shorter oligomers by AFM than γA/γA, which in addition gelled earlier. γA/γ' clots displayed a non-homogenous arrangement of thin fibers compared with the uniform arrangements of thick fibers for γA/γA clots. These differences in clot structure were not due to thrombin inhibition as demonstrated in clots made with reptilase. Non-cross-linked γA/γA fibrin was approximately 2.7 × stiffer than γA/γ'. Cross-linking by FXIIIa increased the stiffness of both fibrin variants; however, the difference in stiffness increased to approximately 4.6 × (γA/γA vs. γA/γ'). CONCLUSIONS Fibrinogen γ' is associated with the formation of mechanically weaker, non-uniform clots composed of thin fibers. This is caused by direct disruption of protofibril formation by γ'.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Allan
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Abou-Saleh RH, Connell SD, Harrand R, Ajjan RA, Mosesson MW, Smith DAM, Grant PJ, Ariëns RAS. Nanoscale probing reveals that reduced stiffness of clots from fibrinogen lacking 42 N-terminal Bbeta-chain residues is due to the formation of abnormal oligomers. Biophys J 2009; 96:2415-27. [PMID: 19289066 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2008.12.3913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2008] [Revised: 12/12/2008] [Accepted: 12/15/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Removal of Bbetal-42 from fibrinogen by Crotalus atrox venom results in a molecule lacking fibrinopeptide B and part of a thrombin binding site. We investigated the mechanism of polymerization of desBbeta1-42 fibrin. Fibrinogen trinodular structure was clearly observed using high resolution noncontact atomic force microscopy. E-regions were smaller in desBbeta1-42 than normal fibrinogen (1.2 nm +/- 0.3 vs. 1.5 nm +/- 0.2), whereas there were no differences between the D-regions (1.7 nm +/- 0.4 vs. 1.7 nm +/- 0.3). Polymerization rate for desBbeta1-42 was slower than normal, resulting in clots with thinner fibers. Differences in oligomers were found, with predominantly lateral associations for desBbeta1-42 and longitudinal associations for normal fibrin. Clot elasticity as measured by magnetic tweezers showed a G' of approximately 1 Pa for desBbeta1-42 compared with approximately 8 Pa for normal fibrin. Spring constants of early stage desBbeta1-42 single fibers determined by atomic force microscopy were approximately 3 times less than normal fibers of comparable dimensions and development. We conclude that Bbeta1-42 plays an important role in fibrin oligomer formation. Absence of Bbeta1-42 influences oligomer structure, affects the structure and properties of the final clot, and markedly reduces stiffness of the whole clot as well as individual fibrin fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa H Abou-Saleh
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Hashish AH, El-Missiry MA, Abdelkader HI, Abou-Saleh RH. Assessment of biological changes of continuous whole body exposure to static magnetic field and extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields in mice. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2008; 71:895-902. [PMID: 17996303 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2007.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2006] [Revised: 09/11/2007] [Accepted: 10/02/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The question whether static magnetic fields (SMFs) and extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) cause biological effects is of special interest. We investigated the effects of continuous whole body exposure to both fields for 30 days on some liver and blood parameters in mice. Two exposure systems were designed; the first produced a gradient SMF while the second generated uniform 50 Hz ELF-EMF. The results showed a gradual body weight loss when mice were exposed to either field. This is coupled with a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the levels of glucose, total protein and the activity of alkaline phosphatase in serum. A significant increase in lactate dehydrogenase activity was demonstrated in serum and liver paralleled with a significant elevation in hepatic γ-glutamyl transferase activity. The glutathione-S-transferase activity and lipid peroxidation level in the liver were significantly increased while a significant decrease in hepatic gluthathione content was recorded. A significant decrease in the counts of monocytes, platelets, peripheral lymphocytes as well as splenic total, T and B lymphocytes levels was observed for SMF and ELF-EMF exposed groups. The granulocytes percentage was significantly increased. The results indicate that there is a relation between the exposure to SMF or ELF-EMF and the oxidative stress through distressing redox balance leading to physiological disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H Hashish
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Mansoura, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
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