Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Hui Shao, Jin Zhou, Xiaoqian Lin, Yue Zhou, Yumeng Xue, Weili Hong, Xubo Lin, Xiaoling Jia, Yubo Fan
Summary: Developing new antimicrobial agents to combat drug-resistant pathogens and biofilms is an urgent task. Cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have potential due to their unique membrane rupture mechanism, but their high toxicity and low stability limit their application. In this study, a biomimetic strategy was used to construct cationic peptide-conjugated liposomes, inspired by cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), to enhance antibacterial efficacy and biosafety. Computational simulation and experimental investigations identified the optimal peptide-conjugated liposomes, which showed enhanced antibacterial efficacy without compromising cytotoxicity. This bio-inspired design could contribute to the development of next-generation antimicrobials.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yuri Sugimoto, Tadaharu Suga, Mizuki Umino, Asako Yamayoshi, Hidefumi Mukai, Shigeru Kawakami
Summary: Functionalized drug delivery systems have been developed to improve the targeted delivery and intracellular transportation of therapeutic drugs. In this study, we focused on the quality of functional lipids to prepare targeted nanoparticles using microfluidic devices. We found that KK-(EK)(4)-lipid, a lipid with near-neutral charge, enhances the cellular association and intracellular translocation of nanoparticles. We also demonstrated the potential of KK-(EK)(4)-lipid in enhancing the cellular association and protein expression of extracellular vesicles and mRNA-LNPs.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Sanjay Arora, Buddhadev Layek, Jagdish Singh
Summary: This study demonstrated efficient brain-targeted delivery of ApoE2 gene therapy using surface-modified liposomes, with significantly higher ApoE2 expression in neurons and potential for effective AD treatment.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shi-qi Huang, Han-ming Zhang, Yi-cong Zhang, Lu-yao Wang, Zhi-rong Zhang, Ling Zhang
Summary: Liposomes decorated with tumour-targeting cell-penetrating peptides can enhance specific drug delivery at the tumour site. Modification with the TR peptide improved the antitumour efficiency of liposomal delivery systems, with the C18-TR modification showing significantly better results.
ACTA PHARMACOLOGICA SINICA
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Maria Chiarpotti, Gabriel S. Longo, Mario G. Del Popolo
Summary: In this study, the adsorption of nanoparticles coated with CPP on membranes containing acidic lipids was characterized using a molecular theory. The results show that electrostatic interactions, modulated by entropic effects, provide the driving force and regulate the adsorption kinetics of CPP-coated particles on acidic membranes. Adsorption free energy profiles allow to quantify the adsorption energy, and reveal that nanoparticles attachment and detachment from the membrane surface are restrained by free energy barriers.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Philipp Uhl, Gzona Bajraktari-Sylejmani, Dominik Witzigmann, Cindy Bay, Stefan Zimmermann, Jurgen Burhenne, Johanna Weiss, Walter E. Haefeli, Max Sauter
Summary: Oral delivery of peptides is limited due to their instability and poor absorption. While medium-chain fatty acids have gained regulatory approval with low oral bioavailability, attempts to use nanocarriers for peptide delivery have not been successful so far. In this study, a nanocarrier formulation using liposomes decorated with cyclic cell-penetrating peptides is reported, which significantly improves oral bioavailability in Beagle dogs. This formulation achieves a considerable oral bioavailability of 3.9% with the glycopeptide vancomycin and increases the oral bioavailability of exenatide, a large linear peptide, by 20-fold in Beagle dogs.
ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Eliete de Souza Von Zuben, Josimar Oliveira Eloy, Victor Hugo Sousa Araujo, Maria Palmira Daflon Gremiao, Marlus Chorilli
Summary: This study developed and characterized insulin-loaded liposomes functionalized with cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) for nasal delivery. The addition of CPPs improved the stability of liposomes and the permeation of insulin through porcine nasal mucosa.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ly Porosk, Heleri Heike Hark, Renata Naporano Bicev, Ilja Gaidutsik, Jekaterina Nebogatova, Eger-Jasper Armolik, Piret Arukuusk, Emerson Rodrigo da Silva, Ulo Langel
Summary: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease that causes dementia, and its pathophysiological dynamics are driven by genetics with high heterogeneity in biological alterations and causes. The disease is characterized by the progression of aggregated amyloid-beta (A beta) or Tau neurofibrillary tangles. Current treatments for AD are not efficient, but recent breakthroughs have led to the discovery of potential therapeutic targets such as reducing brain inflammation and limiting A beta aggregation. This study demonstrates the successful use of A beta interacting protein sequences, particularly derived from Transthyretin, to reduce or target amyloid aggregation, and also predicts anti-inflammatory properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ulo Langel
Summary: In the past 25-30 years, multiple novel mechanisms and applications of cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) have been demonstrated, leading to novel drug delivery systems. Research in the author's own laboratories has led to the development of multiple CPPs, paving the way for delivering bio-functional materials.
Review
Immunology
Danieli F. Buccini, Marlon H. Cardoso, Octavio L. Franco
Summary: Bacterial infections caused by intracellular pathogens are difficult to control with conventional antibiotic therapies, leading to increased interest in antimicrobial peptides and cell-penetrating peptides as potential alternative treatments.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Baohuan Wu, Mengshun Li, Keke Li, Wei Hong, Qingzhi Lv, Youjie Li, Shuyang Xie, Jingtian Han, Baocheng Tian
Summary: This study successfully designed a TAT-Lip system that can promote corneal drug delivery, and its effectiveness was confirmed through in vitro and in vivo experiments, effectively reducing drug loss rate and demonstrating good anti-inflammatory effects in animal models.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hidetomo Yokoo, Makoto Oba, Satoshi Uchida
Summary: This article highlights the distinctive features of CPP-based mRNA delivery systems, including improved mRNA bioavailability, selective targeting of dendritic cells, efficient antigen presentation, and effective mRNA delivery to the lungs by dry powder inhalation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xinru Kong, Zhijing He, Yu Zhang, Yuelin Fang, Dongzhu Liu, Hang Wu, Jianbo Ji, Yanwei Xi, Lei Ye, Xiaoye Yang, Guangxi Zhai
Summary: This study developed a tumor-specific nanoplatform, p-LDM, for the delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) and activation of combined ferroptosis and apoptosis. The nanoplatform was constructed by coating a ferric metal-organic framework (MOF) with liposomes, which were further modified with targeting peptides and enzyme-activatiable cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) for tumor-specific penetration. The MOF components, Fe3+ and terephthalic acid (H2BDC), triggered ferroptosis of tumor cells. Combining DOX and ferroptosis activation, p-LDM showed potent direct killing effect, immune cell death, T cell activation, and dendritic cell maturation promotion. Moreover, the combination with CD47-SIRPα blockade therapy further enhanced ferroptosis and remodeled the tumor immune microenvironment, resulting in superior inhibition of tumor growth, metastasis, and recurrence.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Hiroki Ida, Yasufumi Takahashi, Akichika Kumatani, Hitoshi Shiku, Tomo Murayama, Hisaaki Hirose, Shiroh Futaki, Tomokazu Matsue
Summary: This study visualizes the interactions between arginine-rich CPPs and cell membranes using a specialized system, revealing various membrane remodeling mechanisms and the impact of fluorescent labeling on membrane structure alteration.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ly Porosk, Kaisa Pohako, Piret Arukuusk, Ulo Langel
Summary: In this study, new potential cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) sequences were predicted from human nuclear proteins, with three of them demonstrating features characteristic to CPPs. These newly discovered CPPs can be utilized for the delivery of other cargoes or designed into multifunctional peptides with the capability of internalizing cells.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Masoud Farshbaf, Hadi Valizadeh, Yunes Panahi, Yousef Fatahi, Meiwan Chen, Amir Zarebkohan, Huile Gao
Summary: In order to successfully translate targeting nanomedicines from bench to bedside, it is necessary to address the common issues of rapid clearance and off-target accumulation. This phenomenon, known as protein corona (PC) formation, occurs when targeting nanoparticles encounter the bloodstream and interact with plasma proteins. The present review discusses the impact of PC on the biological behavior of targeting nanomedicines, as well as the best simulated environment and latest characterization techniques for PC analysis. The article also highlights recent progress in manipulating nano-bio interfaces to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Haohuan Li, Caifeng Deng, Yulu Tan, Jianxia Dong, Yuanhao Zhao, Xiaorong Wang, Xingyue Yang, Jingwen Luo, Huile Gao, Yuan Huang, Zhi-Rong Zhang, Tao Gong
Summary: This study presents a promising approach for photodynamic immunotherapy of advanced cancers by using chondroitin sulfate-based prodrug nanoparticles to co-deliver a photosensitizer and retinoic acid. This approach can reduce the immunosuppression caused by photodynamic therapy and promote the maturation of dendritic cells. The strategy showed excellent antitumor efficacy in a mouse model.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yang Zhou, Rui Liu, Maxim Shevtsov, Huile Gao
Summary: Imaging techniques, especially those using nanosystems with size-tunable features, are becoming popular for research and clinical diagnostics. These nanosystems with sufficient contrast and high resolution allow better monitoring of disease progression, targeted delivery, and therapy. The size of the nanosystems significantly impacts their imaging performance, and both large and small nanosystems have their own advantages.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mingming Han, Jingjing Yao, Jiwu Huang, Yan Tang, Xianwen Wu, Bingan Lu, Jiang Zhou
Summary: Aqueous rechargeable Zn//MnO2 batteries are a promising candidate for future energy storage systems due to their economic and environmental advantages. However, poor reaction kinetics and capacity degradation hinder the performance of Zn//MnO2 batteries. This study demonstrates that defects engineering and phase transformation can enhance ion/charge transfer kinetics and structural stability, leading to a high discharge capacity of 285 mAh/g and capacity retention of 81% after 500 cycles in the aqueous Zn//A-MnO2 system.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rui Liu, Cong Luo, Zhiqing Pang, Jinming Zhang, Shaobo Ruan, Meiying Wu, Lei Wang, Tao Sun, Nan Li, Liang Han, Jinjin Shi, Yuanyu Huang, Weisheng Guo, Shaojun Peng, Wenhu Zhou, Huile Gao
Summary: Decades have passed since the approval of the first nanoparticles-based medicine for human cancer treatment, and research and development in nanoparticles for drug delivery have been continuing. Today, there have been significant advancements in nanoparticles, including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, micelles, nanovaccines, and nano-antibodies. These nanoparticles have shown great potential in the treatment and diagnosis of challenging diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, making them promising drug carriers and therapeutic agents in the future.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xinting Cheng, Xibo Pei, Wenjia Xie, Junyu Chen, Yuanyuan Li, Jian Wang, Huile Gao, Qianbing Wan
Summary: This study successfully synthesized silver nanoparticles with pH sensitive charge reversal and self-aggregation capacities, and applied them in animal models. The nanoparticles showed antibacterial effects, inhibited plaque biofilm formation, and improved inflammatory responses.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Siyuan Luan, Rou Xie, Yushang Yang, Xin Xiao, Jianfeng Zhou, Xiaokun Li, Pinhao Fang, Xiaoxi Zeng, Xiangrong Yu, Meiwan Chen, Huile Gao, Yong Yuan
Summary: This study proposes an acid-responsive aggregated nanosystem that enhances the therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in esophageal cancer by accumulating and retaining in tumor tissues and improving radiosensitization and targeted drug delivery.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Siqin He, Jiajia Gui, Kun Xiong, Meiwan Chen, Huile Gao, Yao Fu
Summary: Pulmonary drug delivery is an important approach for treating infectious lung diseases, with unique advantages. This review article examines literature on pulmonary delivery strategies in the past decade, offering new perspectives for future treatments.
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shaobo Ruan, Yuanyu Huang, Mei He, Huile Gao
Summary: The past decade has seen significant advancements in cancer immunotherapy, but there are still limitations that need to be addressed. Functional biomaterials offer a solution by providing cell-specific modulation of cancer immunotherapy, improving treatment efficacy and reducing side effects. This review focuses on how biomaterials can be used to target specific cells involved in the cancer-immune cycle for personalized cancer immunotherapy, and discusses current challenges and future perspectives.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xueqin He, Jiang Xie, Jing Zhang, Xiaorong Wang, Xufeng Jia, Heng Yin, Zhongqing Qiu, Zhihang Yang, Jiao Chen, Zhiliang Ji, Wenqi Yu, Meiwan Chen, Wenming Xu, Huile Gao
Summary: This study established an aspirin encapsulated cascade drug delivery system (Asp@TMNPs) that targets the blood-brain barrier and microglial cells, effectively alleviating mitochondrial oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammation in microglial cells. After treatment with Asp@TMNPs, social interaction, stereotype behavior, and anxious condition in ASD mice were notably improved, and microglial cell activation was inhibited.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Wenfeng Jia, Rui Liu, Yushan Wang, Chuan Hu, Wenqi Yu, Yang Zhou, Ling Wang, Mengjiao Zhang, Huile Gao, Xiang Gao
Summary: In this study, a dual-response shape transformation and charge reversal strategy was designed to improve the anti-tumor effect using chemo-photodynamic therapy. The tumor microenvironment-responsive nanoparticles were constructed to achieve charge reversal, size reduction, and enhanced tumor penetration, and induce tumor cell death by releasing chemotherapy drugs through the photosensitizer.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Wenwen Xu, Mingyu Xu, Yumeng Xiao, Lu Yu, Huiru Xie, Xuehua Jiang, Meiwan Chen, Huile Gao, Ling Wang
Summary: This study reveals the impact of clinical status, specifically comorbidities like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), on the protein corona (PC) composition and active targeting capability of ligand-modified nanoparticles. The results demonstrate that the presence of T2DM in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) mice alters the active targeting ability of transferrin-modified PEGylated polystyrene nanoparticles (Tf-PNs), leading to increased accumulation of Tf-PNs in tumor tissues. Analysis of the PC from different disease states suggests that Tf modification does not significantly affect PC formation, while the PC composition in the NSCLC comorbid with T2DM model contains more proteins like fibrin and clusterin.
ASIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zhihang Yang, Yufan Du, Lei Lei, Xue Xia, Xiaorong Wang, Fan Tong, Yuan Li, Huile Gao
Summary: In this study, a human serum albumin-based co-delivery system of IBR and HCQ was developed for the treatment of glioma. The system improved the bioavailability of IBR, enhanced the sensitivity of glioma to IBR, and inhibited the prosurvival autophagy induced by IBR through HCQ. The in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated the cytotoxicity and prolonged survival time of IBR&HCQ HSA NPs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tina Sepasi, Farhad Bani, Reza Rahbarghazi, Abbas Ebrahimi-Kalan, Mohammad-Reza Sadeghi, Seyedeh Zahra Alamolhoda, Amir Zarebkohan, Tahereh Ghadiri, Huile Gao
Summary: This study successfully designed an efficient biocarrier for brain gene delivery using CDX-modified chitosan nanoparticles, leading to the expression of the target protein. However, these nanoparticles also showed distribution in other organs.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yujun Song, Chuan Hu, Yao Fu, Huile Gao
Summary: The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a crucial role in controlling the transfer of substances between blood and brain. During the development of brain tumors, the blood-brain tumor barrier (BBTB) forms, posing a challenge for effective drug delivery. This review summarizes strategies for overcoming BBTB and improving drug penetration efficiency.
