Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sajid Iqbal, Zhongxi Zhao
Summary: The unique properties of polymers have made significant contributions to drug delivery systems, with block copolymers showing excellent performance in drug targeting. Poly(beta-amino esters) copolymers have demonstrated extraordinary efficiency in designing pre-defined nanostructures and overcoming cellular barriers, with the potential for customized therapeutic functions such as high stability and stimuli-responsive release.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luzhong Zhang, Ke Yao, Yuqing Wang, You Lang Zhou, Zexi Fu, Guicai Li, Jue Ling, Yumin Yang
Summary: A study developed a dual site-selective functionalized polymer for promoting brain nerve regeneration, targeting mitochondria through electrostatic interactions. The delivery system effectively accumulated in injured brain sites and accelerated recovery. This platform may offer a new methodology for regioselective carriers in protein/peptide delivery and tissue engineering.
Article
Crystallography
Man Guo, Yingcai Meng, Xiaoqun Qin, Wenhu Zhou
Summary: Gene therapy has attracted attention for the treatment of genetic diseases, and the development of gene delivery vectors is crucial for in vivo applications. A dopamine-grafted hyaluronic acid was used to modify gene vectors, enhancing gene delivery and biosafety. Optimizing the dopamine grafting ratio resulted in a nano-system with excellent transfection efficiency and promising applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Karolina Kasza, Amr Elsherbeny, Cara Moloney, Kim R. Hardie, Miguel Camara, Cameron Alexander, Pratik Gurnani
Summary: This paper presents a grafting-from approach to grow RAFT polymers from a PBAE scaffold, resulting in PBAE-RAFT hybrid triblock copolymers with an ABA structure. The findings demonstrate that this synthetic methodology can expand the scope of PBAEs as biomaterials.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Pedro Salas-Ambrosio, Antoine Tronnet, Mostafa Badreldin, Luzangel Reyes, Marc Since, Sandra Bourgeade-Delmas, Bruno Dupuy, Pierre Verhaeghe, Colin Bonduelle
Summary: New macromolecular engineering approaches were developed to prepare star-like polypeptoids through ring-opening polymerization. Evaluation of their cytotoxicity on HepG2 human cell line and screening against a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria identified several compounds with both good and selective antimicrobial activity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinzheng Wang, Du'an Lin, Ming Liu, Han Liu, Pilar Blasco, Zhenquan Sun, Yan Chu Cheung, Sheng Chen, Xuechen Li
Summary: By streamlining solution phase-solid phase synthesis and chemical ligation-mediated peptide cyclization, the total synthesis of mannopeptimycin beta was achieved. Mannoeloptimycin beta, a cyclic glycopeptide, exhibits antibacterial activity against antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive pathogens.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yuheng Cao, Haobo He, Kaili Cao, Yongyang Liu, Dehua Huang, Tuanwei Li, Guangcun Chen
Summary: In this study, a novel polymer STBD was developed for efficient gene delivery into neural stem cells. The polymer showed high gene load capacity and biocompatibility, and interfered with SOX9 expression to enhance neuronal differentiation. This non-viral gene delivery approach holds great potential in stem cell-based regenerative therapy for neurodegenerative diseases.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yitong Zhao, Tao Bo, Chenfei Wang, Dingjin Yao, Chaolan Pan, Weiyi Xu, Hao Zhou, Ming Li, Si Zhang
Summary: This study presents the development of highly branched-linear poly(beta-amino ester)s (H-LPAEs) through a unique oligomer branching strategy for efficient gene transfection. The optimized H-LPAEs show superior gene transfection efficiency compared to the leading commercial gene transfection reagent, Lipofectamine 3000. The H-LPAE(B4-S5-TMPTA) mediated cell apoptosis and inhibited tumor growth, highlighting its potential application in cancer gene therapy.
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Linwei Zeng, Jian Jin, Jixiao He, Sunliang Cui
Summary: This photo-induced imidation process utilizes N-sulfonyl ynamides to convert carboxylic acids to beta-sulfonyl imides under visible light irradiation. It involves a hydroacyloxylation/radical rearrangement cascade and represents a direct imidation method with broad scope and high atom-economy under mild conditions.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Fei Ling, Yifan Wang, An Huang, Ze Wang, Shiliang Wang, Jiayin He, Xianghua Zhao, Weihui Zhong
Summary: An iridium/f-diaphos catalytic system for the enantioselective hydrogenation of alpha-substituted beta-ketoesters via dynamic kinetic resolution was reported. The desired anti beta'-hydroxy-beta-amino esters were obtained in moderate to good yields with high enantioselectivity and diastereoselectivity. This protocol is tolerant to various functional groups and can be easily conducted on gram scale with lower catalyst loading.
ADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sajid Iqbal, Alessandro F. Martins, Muhammad Sohail, Jingjing Zhao, Qi Deng, Muhan Li, Zhongxi Zhao
Summary: This study synthesized and characterized poly (beta-amino ester) (P beta AE-447) and evaluated its properties and transfection efficiency as a nanocarrier. The results showed that P beta AE-447 performed better than the commonly used PEI in terms of cell transfection, suggesting its potential for gene delivery.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Akram Rahmani, Salar Salmanipour, Yousef Nami, Hassan Zavvar Mousavi, Roya Salehi
Summary: Polymeric micelles produced from novel biodegradable pH-sensitive copolymers have been developed as drug delivery carriers for combination therapy of breast cancer. These micelles can co-deliver hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, leading to enhanced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in cancer cells.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Rawan Omar, Muneer Shaik, Chloe Griggs, Jevin D. Jensen, Robert Boyd, Nuri Oncel, Dean C. Webster, Guodong Du
Summary: This study successfully synthesized a series of star-shaped poly (beta-hydroxybutyrates) (PHBs) through ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters using multifunctional initiators, and characterized their structure and properties through various techniques. The thermal properties of star-shaped PHBs can be modified by changing the arm number and arm length, while the wetting behavior of star-shaped PHBs is influenced by the number of arms.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hanieh Mousazadeh, Mohammad Khorsandi, Nosratollah Zarghami
Summary: In this study, a stimulus-responsive organic/inorganic supramolecular nanostructure (SRN) was designed as a multifunctional nano-drug delivery system for combined chemo/gene/magnetic hyperthermia therapy targeting multidrug-resistant cancer. The SRNs showed high therapeutic efficacy by releasing drugs inside the cancer cells and achieving gene knockdown.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Akshaya Jagannath, Yinghao Li, Hengji Cong, Jaythoon Hassan, Gabriel Gonzalez, Wenxin Wang, Nan Zhang, Michael D. D. Gilchrist
Summary: This paper presents a microfluidic system capable of rapid and instrument-free detection of cytomegalovirus (CMV) by selectively extracting DNA from blood using a UV-assisted hyperbranched poly(beta-amino ester) (HPAE)-modified silica membrane. The extracted DNA can be used as a template for loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-based detection of CMV with comparable results to commercially extracted templates. This system can be easily integrated with a nucleic acid amplification system for routine rapid testing of viral load in patient blood samples.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chenfei Wang, Litao Sun, Qiuxia Li, Zhili Li, Chengyuan Xu, Xinyue Zhang, Jianjun Shi, Hao Zhou, Wenxin Wang, Dezhong Zhou
Summary: By using a stepwise precipitation strategy, highly branched poly(beta-amino ester)s (HPAEs) were fractionated, and it was found that the molecular weight (MW) significantly affects the transfection activity and cytotoxicity of HPAEs. Intermediate MW of HPAEs shows higher transfection efficiency and cell viability. Mechanistic studies reveal that the intermediate MW of HPAEs has stronger DNA binding affinity, leading to the formation of smaller polyplexes with more positive zeta potential. This study provides a simple strategy to fractionate HPAEs and offers new insights into the structure-property relationship for potential clinical translation in gene therapy.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jing Lyu, Yinghao Li, Zishan Li, Piotr Polanowski, Jeremiasz K. Jeszka, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski, Wenxin Wang
Summary: This article presents a minireview on the most important modelling techniques and their applications in free radical polymerization (FRP) and reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) of multivinyl monomers (MVMs). The combination of experiments and modelling can provide valuable assets for polymer researchers, inspiring new thinking for future MVMs experiment optimization and product design.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Delu Che, Chenfei Wang, Zhili Li, Kaixuan Wang, Shuaiwei Sun, Xinyue Zhang, Yi Li, Zhengju Chen, Lei Guo, Yajing Hou, Dezhong Zhou, Songmei Geng
Summary: Suspension cells play a crucial role in many biological processes. However, introducing exogenous genes into suspension cells for gene regulation is challenging. By designing and synthesizing highly branched poly(ss-amino ester) (HPAE), we enhance the interactions of polyplexes with cellular membranes, resulting in improved gene transfection efficiency in mast cells (MCs) without cytotoxicity. This study establishes a reliable non-viral platform for efficient gene transfection of suspension cells.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Xiaoyu Wang, Yuyang Zhou, Melissa Johnson, Cameron Milne, A. Sigen, Yening Li, Wenxin Wang, Nan Zhang, Qian Xu
Summary: In this study, aldehyde chitosan (CTS-CHO) was prepared through an oxidation reaction using chitosan and sodium periodate, and a chitosan-based hydrophilic and antibacterial coating was developed on the surface of poly(lactic acid) film. The results showed that the ultrasonic atomization-assisted LbL assembly CTS-CHO coating had great potential in improving the hydrophilicity and antibacterial activity of the PLA film, and it could also react with amino groups to release drugs, making it a promising alternative for biomedical applications.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jing Zhang, Zhonglei He, Yinghao Li, Yu Shen, Guanfu Wu, Laura Power, Rijian Song, Ming Zeng, Xianqing Wang, Irene Lara Saez, A. Sigen, Qian Xu, James F. Curtin, Ziyi Yu, Wenxin Wang
Summary: Despite the great achievements of gene therapy in research and clinical translation, challenges such as limited control of drug pharmacokinetics and acute toxicity still persist. In this study, a gene therapy gel was formulated using polyplex nanoparticles and granular hydrogels, which showed controlled drug release, reduced toxicity, and improved transfection efficacy. The gel provides great convenience for storage, dosing, and administration, and represents a major advance in gene therapy formulations.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kolade Adebowale, Rick Liao, Vineeth Chandran Suja, Neha Kapate, Andrew Lu, Yongsheng Gao, Samir Mitragotri
Summary: Cell therapies have shown promise in treating previously incurable diseases, and the engineering of cell surfaces with various materials has emerged as a valuable tool to enhance their therapeutic performance. This review summarizes recent advances in decorating cell surfaces with nanoparticles, microparticles, and polymeric coatings, and highlights the benefits of surface modifications in protecting carrier cells, enhancing cell trafficking, and delivering therapeutic agents. While these technologies are still in the proof-of-concept stage, their promising efficacy from preclinical studies provides a strong foundation for future clinical translation, revolutionizing the field of cell therapies.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaoyu Wang, Rijian Song, Melissa Johnson, A. Sigen, Pingping Shen, Nan Zhang, Irene Lara-Saez, Qian Xu, Wenxin Wang
Summary: Wound infections can lead to complications and slow down healing. Traditional antibiotic methods have resulted in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Hydrogels with antimicrobial properties provide an alternative for reducing bacterial colonization and accelerating healing. Chitosan-based hydrogels have been extensively studied for infected wound treatment. This review summarizes their research progress, including fabrication methods, antibacterial mechanisms, performance, and wound healing efficacy, as well as current limitations and future trends.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Zishan Li, Jing Lyu, Yinghao Li, Bei Qiu, Melissa Johnson, Hongyun Tai, Wenxin Wang
Summary: Well-defined polyacrylamide (PAM) was successfully synthesized via a one-pot and one-step aqueous Cu(0)-mediated reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP). Strong deactivation control is the key to the controllability of acrylamide (AM) RDRPs, which depends on the equilibria of polymerization and mutual conversion of different copper species. Using this kinetically controlled strategy, PAMs with narrow molecular weight distributions (MWDs) and varied molecular weights (M(w)s) were achieved.
Article
Polymer Science
Yinghao Li, Zhonglei He, Xianqing Wang, Zishan Li, Melissa Johnson, Ruth Foley, A. Sigen, Jing Lyu, Wenxin Wang
Summary: Poly(& beta;-amino ester)(PAE) has been developed as a key nonviralgene therapy vector, but its DNA delivery efficiency still lags behind viral vectors. In this work, highly branched PAEs (HPAEs) were investigated and it was found that the distribution of branch units (BUD) is a crucial factor for the transfection capability of HPAE. By optimizing BUD, a high-efficiency HPAE that surpasses commercial reagents can be generated.
Article
Polymer Science
Yinghao Li, Xianqing Wang, Zhonglei He, Zishan Li, Melissa Johnson, Bei Qiu, Rijian Song, A. Sigen, Irene Lara-Saez, Jing Lyu, Wenxin Wang
Summary: In this study, the effect of molecular weight components on gene delivery efficiency of highly branched poly(beta-amino ester) (HPAE) was investigated. It was found that removing small molecular weight portions from HPAE significantly enhanced its transfection performance. By applying a structural optimization strategy, a highly efficient HPAE gene delivery vector was developed, which opens up new opportunities for gene therapy applications.
Article
Microbiology
Nahed M. Hawsawi, Arshad M. Hamad, Sahar N. Rashid, Fatma Alshehri, Mohamed Sharaf, Shadi A. Zakai, Sulaiman A. Al Yousef, Ahmed Mohamed Ali, Amira Abou-Elnour, Abdulsalam Alkhudhayri, Nadia Gouda Elrefaei, Amr Elkelish
Summary: Recent investigations have shown that secondary bacterial infections are closely related to the mortality rate of COVID-19 patients. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria play a significant role in the bacterial infections accompanying COVID-19. This study aimed to examine the inhibitory effects of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from strawberry leaf extract on Gram-negative P. aeruginosa and Gram-positive Staph aureus isolated from COVID-19 patient's sputum. Various measurements were conducted on the synthesized AgNPs, confirming their stability and antimicrobial activity against the pathogenic strains.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yongsheng Gao, Mayumi Ikeda-Imafuku, Zongmin Zhao, Maithili Joshi, Samir Mitragotri
Summary: HAPPI is a polymer peptide-based hemostatic agent that selectively binds to activated platelets and injury sites, providing effective treatment for various lethal traumatic bleeding conditions.
BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yinghao Li, Zhonglei He, A. Sigen, Xianqing Wang, Zishan Li, Melissa Johnson, Ruth Foley, Irene Lara Saez, Jing Lyu, Wenxin Wang
Summary: Gene therapy is a significant advancement in medicine, but the development of effective gene delivery vectors, especially polymer vectors, remains challenging. Limited understanding of polymer vector's internal structure hinders efforts to enhance efficiency. This study investigates the impact of polymer structure on gene delivery using poly(beta-amino ester) (PAE), and reveals the distinct characteristics and synergistic effects of individual polymer components. Artificial intelligence analysis is employed to decipher the relationship between polymer component distribution (PCD) and gene transfection performance, leading to the development of highly efficient polymer vectors that outperform current commercial reagents.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yongsheng Gao, Maithili Joshi, Zongmin Zhao, Samir Mitragotri
Summary: PEGylation, the covalent attachment of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to therapeutic agents, is an established drug delivery approach that improves the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs. PEGylation improves solubility, circulation time, and reduces immunogenicity of drugs with minimal undesirable properties. PEGylation has been successfully applied to various therapeutic modalities and has resulted in numerous PEGylated drugs currently in clinical use.
BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoyu Wang, Melissa Johnson, Nan Zhang, Pingping Shen, Lizhu Yang, Cameron Milne, Irene Lara-Saez, Rijian Song, A. Sigen, Wenxin Wang
Summary: Compared with traditional drug delivery systems, stimuli-responsive injectable hydrogels that undergo sol-gel transition in response to external stimuli demonstrate significant advantages in on-demand drug release. In this study, a simplified one-step method was developed to prepare a stimuli-responsive chitosan-based injectable hydrogel using dynamic Schiff's base reaction. The hydrogel exhibited excellent stimuli-responsive properties and showed potential for on-demand drug release in response to pH stimuli.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)