Phosphate-Based Self-Immolative Linkers for the Delivery of Amine-Containing Drugs

Amine-containing drugs often show poor pharmacological properties, but these disadvantages can be overcome by using a prodrug approach involving self-immolative linkers. Accordingly, we designed l-lactate linkers as ideal candidates for amine delivery. Furthermore, we designed linkers bearing two different cargos (aniline and phenol) for preferential amine cargo release within 15 min. Since the linkers carrying secondary amine cargo showed high stability at physiological pH, we used our strategy to prepare phosphate-based prodrugs of the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin. Therefore, our study will facilitate the rational design of new and more effective drug delivery systems for amine-containing drugs.     

Cell-Penetrating Mitochondrion-Targeting Ligands for the Universal Delivery of Small Molecules,Proteins and Nanomaterials

Mitochondria are key organelles that perform vital cellular functions such as those related to cell survival and death. The targeted delivery of different types of cargos to mitochondria is a well-established strategy to study mitochondrial biology and diseases. Of the various existing mitochondrion-transporting vehicles, most suffer from poor cytosolic entry, low delivery efficiency, limited cargo types, and cumbersome preparation protocols, and none was known to be universally applicable for mitochondrial delivery of different types of cargos (small molecules, proteins, and nanomaterials). Herein, two new cell-penetrating, mitochondrion-targeting ligands (named Mito^Ligand) that are capable of effectively “tagging” small-molecule drugs, native proteins and nanomaterials are disclosed, as well as their corresponding chemoselective conjugation chemistry. Upon successful cellular delivery and rapid endosome escape, the released native cargos were found to be predominantly localized inside mitochondria. Finally, by successfully delivering doxorubicin, a well-known anticancer drug, to the mitochondria of HeLa cells, we showed that the released drug possessed potent cell cytotoxicity, disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential and finally led to apoptosis. Our strategy thus paves the way for future mitochondrion-targeted therapy with a variety of biologically active agents.     

Acid‐Labile Acyclic Cucurbit[n]uril Molecular Containers for Controlled Release

Stimuli‐responsive molecular containers are of great importance for controlled drug delivery and other biomedical applications. A new type of acid labile acyclic cucurbit[n ]uril (CB[n ]) molecular containers is presented that can degrade and release the encapsulated cargo at accelerated rates under mildly acidic conditions (pH 5.5–6.5). These containers retain the excellent recognition properties of CB[n ]‐type hosts. A cell culture study demonstrated that the cellular uptake of cargos could be fine‐tuned by complexation with different containers. The release and cell uptake of cargo dye was promoted by acidic pH.     

Adamantoid Scaffolds for Multiple Cargo Loading and Cellular Delivery as β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes

There is huge demand for developing guests that bind β-CD and can conjugate multiple cargos for cellular delivery. We synthesized trioxaadamantane derivatives, which can conjugate up to three cargos per guest. ¹H NMR titration and isothermal titration calorimetry revealed these guests form 1 : 1 inclusion complexes with β-CD with association constants in the order of 10³ M⁻¹. Co-crystallization of β-CD with guests yielded crystals of their 1 : 1 inclusion complexes as determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In all cases, trioxaadamantane core is buried within the hydrophobic cavity of β-CD and three hydroxyl groups are exposed outside. We established biocompatibility using representative candidate G4 and its inclusion complex with β-CD (β-CD⊂ G4 ), by MTT assay using HeLa cells. We incubated HeLa cells with rhodamine-conjugated G4 and established cellular cargo delivery using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. For functional assay, we incubated HeLa cells with β-CD-inclusion complexes of G4 -derived prodrugs G6 and G7 , containing one and three units of the antitumor drug (S)-(+)-camptothecin, respectively. Cells incubated with β-CD⊂ G7 displayed the highest internalization and uniform distribution of camptothecin. β-CD⊂ G7 showed higher cytotoxicity than G7 , camptothecin, G6 and β-CD⊂ G6 , affirming the efficiency of adamantoid derivatives in high-density loading and cargo delivery.     

Metal–organic frameworks in diagnostics,therapeutics, and other biomedical applications

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are emerging porous coordination polymers constructed by metal ions and organic linkers that have attracted numerous interests in recent years. The large surface area, high porosity, tunable size, and versatile functionality make them promising materials for cargo delivery (i.e., drugs, mRNA, dyes) and sensing (i.e., nucleic acids, small molecules, ions). In addition, the metal ions released from MOFs offer antibacterial and antifungal utility. This review presents a snapshot of current MOF-related research, highlighting the synthesis approaches, and the various bioapplications of MOFs in terms of biosensing platforms, drug delivery, and antimicrobial agents, exposing potential for future research in the MOF field.     

Biological applications of LbL multilayer capsules: From drug delivery to sensing

Polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) capsules engineered with active elements for targeting, labeling, sensing and delivery hold great promise for the controlled delivery of drugs and the development of new sensing platforms. PEM capsules composed of biodegradable polyelectrolytes are fabricated for intracellular delivery of encapsulated cargo (for example peptides, enzymes, DNA, and drugs) through gradual biodegradation of the shell components. PEM capsules with shells responsive to environmental or physical stimuli are exploited to control drug release. In the presence of appropriate triggers (e.g., pH variation or light irradiation) the pores of the multilayer shell are unlocked, leading to the controlled release of encapsulated cargos. By loading sensing elements in the capsules interior, PEM capsules sensitive to biological analytes, such as ions and metabolites, are assembled and used to detect analyte concentration changes in the surrounding environment. This Review aims to evaluate the current state of PEM capsules for drug delivery and sensing applications.     

Dipole moment characterization of phenol–, o-cresol–, and p-cresol–formaldehyde resins

Dipole moments and their temperature dependence have been measured in p-dioxane for fractionated novolac phenol–, o-cresol–, and p-cresol–formaldehyde polymers. The phenol–formaldehyde fractions covered a molecular weight range of 200 to 6100, and the limiting dipole moment ratio 〈μ²〉/xm² is 1.48. The p-cresol–formaldehyde dipole-moment ratio at a DP of 4 is 2.47, whereas the phenol–formaldehyde dipole-moment ratio is 1.40. That for o-cresol–formaldehyde is intermediate in value. The dipole-moment temperature coefficients are positive for p-cresol chains and negative for the phenol–formaldehyde chains. These results indicate that the hydroxyl groups along the p-cresol–formaldehyde polymer are highly ordered, with the aromatic rings closer to the sterically hindered planar position than in the phenol–formaldehyde polymers.     

Long-chain double SO3H-functionalized Brønsted acidic ionic liquids catalyzed selective alkylation of phenol and p-cresol with tert-butanol

A simple, efficient, and selective approach for the tert-butylation of phenol and p-cresol using two double SO₃H-functionalized long-chain Brønsted acidic ionic liquids as recyclable catalysts is reported. Under optimum reaction conditions, 89.4% conversion of the phenol and 73.7% selectivity of 2,4-tert-butyl-phenol and 93.2% conversion of the p-cresol and 89.2% selectivity of 2-tert-butyl-p-cresol were obtained. Two ionic liquids could be recovered readily and their catalytic activity almost completely retained after five recycles.     

Fragmentation of arylated medium-ring compounds. The question of rearrangement of molecular-ion precursors to [C4Ar4]+˙

Rearrangement of the molecular ions of tetracyclone, tetraphenylquinone, tetraphenylthiophene dioxide and pentaphenylcyclopentadienol prior to decomposition, rather than formation of a symmetrical [C₄Ar₄]⁺˙ ion, is considered as an alternative method for the production of [C₂Ar₂]⁺˙. The p-fluoro substituent is used to elicit information about the positional origins of the [C₂Ar₂]⁺˙ fragments. Operation of a double focusing mass spectrometer in the defocused mode reveals that the integrity of the molecular ion in different systems is affected to varying degrees, ranging from total lack of rearrangement to virtually complete scrambling.     

Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica Nanoparticles with Controlled Morphologies and High Drug/Dye Loadings for Multicargo Delivery in Cancer Cells

Despite the worldwide interest generated by periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) bulk materials, the design of PMO nanomaterials with controlled morphology remains largely unexplored and their properties unknown. In this work, we describe the first study of PMO nanoparticles (NPs) based on meta‐phenylene bridges, and we conducted a comparative structure–property relationship investigation with para‐phenylene‐bridged PMO NPs. Our findings indicate that the change of the isomer drastically affects the structure, morphology, size, porosity and thermal stability of PMO materials. We observed a much higher porosity and thermal stability of the para‐based PMO which was likely due to a higher molecular periodicity. Additionally, the para isomer could generate multipodal NPs at very low stirring speed and upon this discovery we designed a phenylene–ethylene bridged PMO with a controlled Janus morphology. Unprecedentedly high payloads could be obtained from 40 to 110 wt % regardless of the organic bridge of PMOs. Finally, we demonstrate for the first time the co‐delivery of two cargos by PMO NPs. Importantly, the cargo stability in PMOs did not require the capping of the pores, unlike pure silica, and the delivery could be autonomously triggered in cancer cells by acidic pH with nearly 70 % cell killing.     

Fast Cyclization of a Proline‐Derived Self‐Immolative Spacer Improves the Efficacy of Carbamate Prodrugs

Self‐immolative (SI) spacers are sophisticated chemical constructs designed for molecular delivery or material degradation. We describe herein a (S)‐2‐(aminomethyl)pyrrolidine SI spacer that is able to release different types of anticancer drugs (possessing either a phenolic or secondary and tertiary hydroxyl groups) through a fast cyclization mechanism involving carbamate cleavage. The high efficiency of drug release obtained with this spacer was found to be beneficial for the in vitro cytotoxic activity of protease‐sensitive prodrugs, compared with a commonly used spacer of the same class. These findings expand the repertoire of degradation machineries and are instrumental for the future development of highly efficient delivery platforms.     

Fast Cyclization of a Proline-Derived Self-Immolative Spacer Improves the Efficacy of Carbamate Prodrugs

Self-immolative (SI) spacers are sophisticated chemical constructs designed for molecular delivery or material degradation. We describe herein a (S)-2-(aminomethyl)pyrrolidine SI spacer that is able to release different types of anticancer drugs (possessing either a phenolic or secondary and tertiary hydroxyl groups) through a fast cyclization mechanism involving carbamate cleavage. The high efficiency of drug release obtained with this spacer was found to be beneficial for the in vitro cytotoxic activity of protease-sensitive prodrugs, compared with a commonly used spacer of the same class. These findings expand the repertoire of degradation machineries and are instrumental for the future development of highly efficient delivery platforms.     

A Closed Chemobrionic System as a Biochemical Delivery Platform

Inorganic cells bearing calcium silicate membranes were prepared and resembled closed chemical gardens. It was demonstrated that these inorganic cells can successfully be loaded with natural products, proteins and plasmid DNA, and their cargo can be released in a controlled manner. These cells demonstrated the ability of chemical gardens to act as platforms for the sustained delivery of biomolecules and are expected to introduce chemical gardens in the field of biosciences.     

Effect of the Structure of 1- and 3-Methylpyrimidin-4-ones on the Rate of Nucleophilic Substitution of the 2-Methylsylfanyl Group

Rate constants for substitution of the 2-methylsulfanyl group in 1- and 3-methyl-2-methylsulfanyl-pyrimidin-4-ones and their 5-fluoro analogs were measured in the reaction with butylamine, alkaline hydrolysis, and methanolysis. The rate of substitution in 1-methyl isomers having a zwitterionic structure is greater by a factor of ~2 than the rate of substitution in 3-methyl isomers with conjugated double bonds in the ring. The presence of a fluorine atom in position 5 accelerates nucleophilic substitution in 1-methyl isomers, while 5-fluoro-3-methyl-2-methylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-ones react at a lower rate than their 5-unsubstituted analogs. According to the NMR data, the reactions involve formation of a tetrahedral intermediate. Anchimeric effect of the methyl group on N¹ hampersattack by basic reagent on the C⁶atom.     

Biocompatible stimuli‐responsive nanogels for controlled antitumor drug delivery

Herein, the synthesis and potential application as cargo delivery systems of thermo‐responsive poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam) (PVCL)‐based, pH‐responsive poly(2‐(diethylamino)ethyl) methacrylate (PDEAEMA)‐based, and thermo‐, and pH‐responsive PDEAEMA/PVCL‐based core–shell nanogels are reported. All the nanogels have been synthesized using different dextran‐methacrylates (Dex‐MAs) as macro‐cross‐linkers. Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOXO), an anticancer drug, has been effectively loaded into nanogels via hydrogen‐bonding interactions between ? OH groups of DOXO and ? OH groups of Dex‐MA chains. Drug‐release profiles at various pHs, and the cytocompatibility of the DOXO‐loaded nanogels have been assessed in vitro using cervical cancer HeLa and breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 cell lines. In all the cases, the DOXO release is controlled by Fickian diffusion and case‐II transport, being the diffusional process dominant. In addition, DOXO‐loaded nanogels are efficiently internalized by HeLa and MDA‐MB‐231 cells and DOXO is progressively released in time. Therefore, nanogels synthesized could be suitable and potentially useful as nanocarriers for antitumor drug delivery. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016 , 54, 1694–1705     

Computational Study on the Thermal Decomposition of Phenol‐Type Monolignols

A detailed chemical kinetic model has been developed to theoretically predict the pyrolysis behavior of phenol‐type monolignol compounds (1‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one, HPP; p‐coumaryl alcohol, 3‐hydroxy‐1‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)propan‐1‐one, HHPP; 1‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)propane‐1,3‐diol, HPPD) released from the primary heterogeneous pyrolysis of lignin. The possible thermal decomposition pathways involving unimolecular decomposition, H‐addition, and H‐abstraction by H and CH₃ radicals were investigated by comparing the activation energies calculated at the M06–2X/6–311++G(d,p) level of theory. The results indicated that all phenol‐type monolignol compounds convert to phenol by side‐chain cleavage. p‐Coumaryl alcohol decomposes into phenol via the formation of 4‐vinylphenol, whereas HPP, HHPP, and HPPD decompose into phenol via the formation of 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde. The pyrolytic pathways focusing on the reactivity of the hydroxyl group in HPP and producing cyclopentadiene (cyc‐C₅H₆) were also investigated. The transition state theory (TST) rate constants for all the proposed elementary reaction channels were calculated at the high‐pressure limit in the temperature range of 300–1500 K. The kinetic analysis predicted the two favorable unimolecular decomposition pathways in HPP: the one is the dominant channel below 1000 K to produce cyc‐C₅H₆, and the other is above 1000 K to yield phenol (C₆H₅OH).     

Activated bis- and tetrafluoroaromatic compounds containing bis-phenylquinoxaline fragments

New activated bis- and tetrafluoroaromatic compounds containing the bis-phenylquinoxaline fragments, viz., methylene-bis-6(7),6"(7")-{2-(p-fluoro)phenyl-3[4-(p-fluorobenzoyl)phenyl]quinoxalines}, were prepared according to multistep procedures with the use of chloral as the starting compound. The presence of the activating carbonyl groups in the para positions with respect to two fluorine atoms opens up the possibility of the use of these monomers for the synthesis of high-molecular-weight aromatic quinoxaline-containing polyether ketones.     

Secondary Amino Alcohols: Traceless Cleavable Linkers for Use in Affinity Capture and Release

Capture and release of peptides is often a critical operation in the pathway to discovering materials with novel functions. However, the best methods for efficient capture impede facile release. To overcome this challenge, we report linkers based on secondary amino alcohols for the release of peptides after capture. These amino alcohols are based on serine (seramox) or isoserine (isoseramox) and can be incorporated into peptides during solid‐phase peptide synthesis through reductive amination. Both linkers are quantitatively cleaved within minutes under NaIO₄ treatment. Cleavage of isoseramox produced a native peptide N‐terminus. This linker also showed broad substrate compatibility; incorporation into a synthetic peptide library resulted in the identification of all sequences by nanoLC‐MS/MS. The linkers are cell compatible; a cell‐penetrating peptide that contained this linker was efficiently captured and identified after uptake into cells. These findings suggest that such secondary amino alcohol based linkers might be suitable tools for peptide‐discovery platforms.     

Electron Transfer and Multi‐Electron Accumulation in ExBox4+

Molecules capable of accepting and storing multiple electrons are crucial components of artificial photosynthetic systems designed to drive catalysts, such as those used to reduce protons to hydrogen. ExBox⁴⁺, a boxlike cyclophane comprising two π‐electron‐poor extended viologen units tethered at both ends by two p‐xylylene linkers, has been shown previously to accept an electron through space from a photoexcited guest. Herein is an investigation of an alternate, through‐bond intramolecular electron‐transfer pathway involving ExBox⁴⁺ using a combination of transient absorption and femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy (FSRS). Upon photoexcitation of ExBox⁴⁺, an electron is transferred from one of the p‐xylylene linkers to one of the extended viologen units in ca. 240 ps and recombines in ca. 4 ns. A crystal structure of the doubly reduced species ExBox²⁺ was obtained.     

Co-delivery of anticancer drugs and cell penetrating peptides for improved cancer therapy

Delivery systems based on nanoparticles (NPs) have shown great potential to reduce side effects and improve the therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we report the one-pot synthesis of poly(ethylene glycol)-mediated zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) NPs for the co-delivery of an anticancer drug (i.e., doxorubicin) and a cell penetrating peptide containing histidine and arginine (i.e., H4R4) to improve the efficacy of therapeutic delivery. The cargo-encapsulated ZIF-8 NPs are pH-responsive, which are stable at neutral pH and degradable at acidic pH to release the encapsulated cargos. The released H4R4 can help for endosome/lysosome escape to enhance the cytotoxicity of the encapsulated drugs. In vivo studies demonstrate that the co-delivery of doxorubicin and H4R4 peptides can efficiently inhibit tumor growth without significant side effects. The reported strategy provides a new perspective on the design of drug delivery systems and brings more opportunities for biomedical applications.