Circumvent PEGylation dilemma by implementing matrix metalloproteinase-responsive chemistry for promoted tumor gene therapy

Surface modification by poly(ethylene glycol) (PEGylation) has been acknowledged as a powerful strategy in minimizing non-specific reactions for biomedical devices. Once applied into manufacture of drug/gene delivery systems, PEGylation has demonstrated to significantly improve their biocompatibility and stealthiness in physiological environment. Nonetheless, reluctant cell membrane affinities thus cellular uptake efficiencies owing to PEGylation brought up further issues that are imperative to be resolved. Pertain to this PEGylation dilemma, we attempted to introduce peptide (GPLGVRG) linkage between block copolymer of PEG-poly{N'-[N-(2-aminoethyl)-2-aminoethyl]aspartamide} PAsp(DET), wherein the cationic PAsp(DET) could self-assemble with pDNA into nanoscaled complex core. Noteworthy was the peptide linkage whose amino acids sequence could be specifically recognized and degraded by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) (overexpressed in extracellular milieu of tumors). Therefore, our subsequent studies validated facile detachment of PEGylation from the aforementioned polyplex micelles upon treatment of MMPs, which elicited improved cytomembrane affinities and cellular uptake efficiencies. In addition, promoted escape from endosome entrapment was also confirmed through direct endosome membrane destabilization by PAsp(DET), which was further elucidated to be attributable to dePEGylation as well as elevated charged density of PAsp(DET) in acidic endosomes. These benefits from dePEGylation eventually contributed to promoted gene expression at the affected cells and potent tumor growth suppression based on anti-angiogenic approach. Therefore, our developed strategy has provided a facile approach in overcoming the dilemma of PEGylation, which could be informative in design of drug/gene delivery systems.     

Characterization of a Multi-responsive Magnetic Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Hydrogel and Its Application for DOX Delivery

Nanocomposite hydrogels are one of the most important types of biomaterials which can be used in many different applications such as drug delivery and tissue engineering.Incorporation of nanoparticles within a hydrogel matrix can provide unique characteristics like remote stimulate and improved mechanical strength.In this study,the synthesis of graphene oxide and graphene oxide nanocomposite hydrogel has been studied.Nanocomposite hydrogel was synthesized using carboxymethyl cellulose as a natural base,acrylic acid as a comonomer,graphene oxide as a filler,ammonium persulfate as an initiator,and iron nanoparticles as a crosslinking agent.The effect of reaction variables such as the iron nanoparticles,graphene oxide,ammonium persulfate,and acrylic acid were examined to achieve a hydrogel with maximum absorbency.Doxorubicin,an anti-cancer chemotherapy drug,was loaded into this hydrogel and its release behaviors were examined in the phosphate buffer solutions with different pH values.The structure of the graphene oxide and the optimized hydrogel were confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy,Raman spectroscopy,X-ray diffraction,scanning electron microscopy,and atomic force microscopy.     

Teflon Magnetic Stirring Capsules (TMSC) as a Practical and Reusable Delivery System for Sensitive Reagents and Catalysts

The development of a user-friendly reusable laboratory equipment for the delivery of sensitive reagents and catalysts is described. The tightness of these Teflon Magnetic Stirring Capsules (TMSC) is ensured by the magnetic force and release of the reagent inside the solution is triggered by adjusting the stirring rate so that the centrifuge force exceeds the magnetic force. They can be loaded with several chemicals at the same time and do operate across a broad range of temperatures. The inertness of Teflon facilitates reaction purification.     

功能化石墨烯的制备及抗癌药物递送载体的研究

以聚苯乙烯磺酸钠(PSS)为保护剂,利用水合肼还原氧化石墨烯制备了一种新型的聚苯乙烯磺酸钠功能化石墨烯(PSS-GNS).结果表明制备的PSS-GNS是水溶分散性的纳米片层材料.考察了PSS-GNS对模型抗癌药物罗丹明6G(R6G)的吸附行为,结果表明PSS-GNS对R6G吸附量较大(2.77 mg/mg).体外释放研究结果表明PSS-GNS/R6G对R6G的释放具有p H响应性和缓释作用.PSS-GNS的细胞毒性较低,能顺利进入癌细胞内并持续缓慢地释放R6G.因此,PSS-GNS有望成为一种新型的抗癌药物递送载体.     

A p‐Hydroxyphenacyl–Benzothiazole–Chlorambucil Conjugate as a Real‐Time‐Monitoring Drug‐Delivery System Assisted by Excited‐State Intramolecular Proton Transfer

Among the well‐known phototriggers, the p‐hydroxyphenacyl (pHP) group has consistently enabled the very fast, efficient, and high‐conversion release of active molecules. Despite this unique behavior, the pHP group has been ignored as a delivery agent, particularly in the area of theranostics, because of two major limitations: Its excitation wavelength is below 400 nm, and it is nonfluorescent. We have overcome these limitations by incorporating a 2‐(2′‐hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole (HBT) appendage capable of rapid excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). The ESIPT effect also provided two unique advantages: It assisted the deprotonation of the pHP group for faster release, and it was accompanied by a distinct fluorescence color change upon photorelease. In vitro studies showed that the p‐hydroxyphenacyl–benzothiazole–chlorambucil conjugate presents excellent properties, such as real‐time monitoring, photoregulated drug delivery, and biocompatibility.     

Polymicrobial Biofilm Inhibition Effects of Acetate‐Buffered Chitosan Sponge Delivery Device

Polymicrobial biofilm‐associated implant infections present a challenging clinical problem. Through modifications of lyophilized chitosan sponges, degradable drug delivery devices for antibiotic solution have been fabricated for prevention and treatment of contaminated musculoskeletal wounds. Elution of amikacin, vancomycin, or a combination of both follows a burst release pattern with vancomycin released above minimum inhibitory concentration for Staphylococcus aureus for 72 h and amikacin released above inhibitory concentrations for Pseudomonas aeruginosa for 3 h. Delivery of a vancomycin, amikacin, or a combination of both reduces biofilm formation on polytetrafluoroethylene catheters in an in vivo model of contamination. Release of dual antibiotics from sponges is more effective at preventing biofilm formation than single‐loaded chitosan sponges. Treatment of pre‐formed biofilm with high‐dose antibiotic release from chitosan sponges shows minimal reduction after 48 h. These results demonstrate infection‐preventive efficacy for antibiotic‐loaded sponges, as well as the need for modifications in the development of advanced materials to enhance treatment efficacy in removing established biofilm.

     

铂类抗癌药物的多功能纳米递送体系

以顺铂为代表的小分子铂类抗癌药物是临床应用的一线化疗药物,但其严重的毒副作用和难以克服的耐药性限制了铂类药物的临床应用和研发。运用纳米药物递送技术可以实现药物的靶向递送和可控释放,来提高药物的生物利用度,降低药物的毒副作用以及耐药性,为癌症的治疗带来新的希望。此外,丰富多样的纳米递送体系易于实现药物与具有生物学活性试剂的共运输,从而为各种治疗策略以及诊疗策略的联用提供可能,为最终实现癌症的精准治疗展现广阔前景。本文从靶向递药、药物可控释放、联合治疗、诊疗一体化四个方面对铂类抗癌药物的多功能纳米递送体系在癌症治疗中的最新研究进展进行综述,同时通过列举最新研究成果,展示了新材料、新技术以及新颖设计思想在铂基纳米递送体系中的应用。     

Fluorescent Coumarin–Artemisinin Conjugates as Mitochondria‐Targeting Theranostic Probes for Enhanced Anticancer Activities

Mitochondria‐targeting theranostic probes that enable the simultaneously reporting of and triggering of mitochondrial dysfunctions in cancer cells are highly attractive for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Three fluorescent mitochondria‐targeting theranostic probes have been developed by linking a mitochondrial dye, coumarin‐3‐carboximide, with a widely used traditional Chinese medicine, artemisinin, to kill cancer cells. Fluorescence images showed that the designed coumarin–artemisinin conjugates localized mainly in mitochondria, leading to enhanced anticancer activities over artemisinin. High cytotoxicity against cancer cells correlated with the strong ability to accumulate in mitochondria, which could efficiently increase the intracellular reactive oxygen species level and induce cell apoptosis. This study highlights the potential of using mitochondria‐targeting fluorophores to selectively trigger and directly visualize subcellular drug delivery in living cells.     

Temperature and pH Dually-responsive Poly(β-amino ester) Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery

Stimuli-responsive polymers have undoubtedly been of great interest in the past decades due to a variety of their potential applications in biomedical territory. However, their non-degradability limits their in vivo applications. Herein, we report a novel pH and temperature dual-stimuli responsive-poly(β-amino ester). The pH/temperature sensitivities are interrelated and can be easily tuned by changing PEG-diacrylate chain length and the percentage of biamines in the feed ratio. These dual-responsive polymers are very useful in drug delivery. Reaction of methyl ether poly(ethylene glycol)(MPEG) and poly(β-amino ester) resulted in an amphiphilic MPEG-PBAE block copolymer which could form nanoparticles by selfassembly. A hydrophobic drug(DOX) was loaded in the self-assembled nanoparticles at low temperature without using organic solvents. The loaded drug was released very slowly and steadily at 37 ℃ under physiological conditions(p H 7.4), but rapidly released from the micelles in weakly acidic environments(pH 6.4 and 5.0) for intracellular drug release. Thus, these poly(β-amino ester) polymers constitute ideal drug carriers since their thermal sensitivity allows the drug loadings without using organic solvent and their pH sensitivity permits fast intracellular drug release.