Local Magnetic Hyperthermia and Systemic Gemcitabine/Paclitaxel Chemotherapy Triggers Neo-Angiogenesis in Orthotopic Pancreatic Tumors without Involvement of Auto/Paracrine Tumor Cell VEGF Signaling and Hypoxia.

There is a growing interest in exploring the therapeutically mediated modulation of tumor vascularization of pancreatic cancer, which is known for its poorly perfused tumor microenvironment limiting the delivery of therapeutic agents to the tumor site. Here, we assessed how magnetic hyperthermia in combination with chemotherapy selectively affects growth, the vascular compartment of tumors, and the presence of tumor cells expressing key regulators of angiogenesis. To that purpose, a orthotopic PANC-1 (fluorescent human pancreatic adenocarcinoma) mouse tumor model (Rj:Athym-Foxn1nu/nu) was used. Magnetic hyperthermia was applied alone or in combination with systemic chemotherapy (gemcitabine 50 mg per kg body weight, nab-pacitaxel 30 mg/kg body weight) on days 1 and 7 following magnetic nanoparticle application (dose: 1 mg per 100 mm3 of tumor). We used ultrasound imaging, immunohistochemistry, multi-spectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT), and hematology to assess the biological parameters mentioned above. We found that magnetic hyperthermia in combination with gemcitabine/paclitaxel chemotherapy was able to impact tumor growth (decreased volumes and Ki67 expression) and to trigger neo-angiogenesis (increased small vessel diameter) as a result of the therapeutically mediated cell damages/stress in tumors. The applied stressors activated specific pro-angiogenic mechanisms, which differed from those seen in hypoxic conditions involving HIF-1α, since (a) treated tumors showed a significant decrease of cells expressing VEGF, CD31, HIF-1α, and neuropilin-1; and (b) the relative tumor blood volume and oxygen level remained unchanged. Neo-angiogenesis seems to be the result of the activation of cell stress pathways, like MAPK pathways (high number of pERK-expressing tumor cells). In the long term, the combination of magnetic hyperthermia and chemotherapy could potentially be applied to transiently modulate tumor angiogenesis and to improve drug accessibility during oncologic therapies of pancreatic cancer.

Effect of Matrix-Modulating Enzymes on The Cellular Uptake of Magnetic Nanoparticles and on Magnetic Hyperthermia Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer Models In Vivo.

Magnetic hyperthermia can cause localized thermal eradication of several solid cancers. However, a localized and homogenous deposition of high concentrations of magnetic nanomaterials into the tumor stroma and tumor cells is mostly required. Poorly responsive cancers such as the pancreatic adenocarcinomas are hallmarked by a rigid stroma and poor perfusion to therapeutics and nanomaterials. Hence, approaches that enhance the infiltration of magnetic nanofluids into the tumor stroma convey potentials to improve thermal tumor therapy. We studied the influence of the matrix-modulating enzymes hyaluronidase and collagenase on the uptake of magnetic nanoparticles by pancreatic cancer cells and 3D spheroids thereof, and the overall impact on magnetic heating and cell death. Furthermore, we validated the effect of hyaluronidase on magnetic hyperthermia treatment of heterotopic pancreatic cancer models in mice. Treatment of cultured cells with the enzymes caused higher uptake of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) as compared to nontreated cells. For example, hyaluronidase caused a 28% increase in iron deposits per cell. Consequently, the thermal doses (cumulative equivalent minutes at 43 °C, CEM43) increased by 15-23% as compared to heat dose achieved for cells treated with magnetic hyperthermia without using enzymes. Likewise, heat-induced cell death increased. In in vivo studies, hyaluronidase-enhanced infiltration and distribution of the nanoparticles in the tumors resulted in moderate heating levels (CEM43 of 128 min as compared to 479 min) and a slower, but persistent decrease in tumor volumes over time after treatment, as compared to comparable treatment without hyaluronidase. The results indicate that hyaluronidase, in particular, improves the infiltration of magnetic nanoparticles into pancreatic cancer models, impacts their thermal treatment and cell depletion, and hence, will contribute immensely in the fight against pancreatic and many other adenocarcinomas.

Rapid Target Binding and Cargo Release of Activatable Liposomes Bearing HER2 and FAP Single-Chain Antibody Fragments Reveal Potentials for Image-Guided Delivery to Tumors.

Liposomes represent suitable tools for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of diseases, including cancers. To study the role of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) as target in cancer imaging and image-guided deliveries, liposomes were encapsulated with an intrinsically quenched concentration of a near-infrared fluorescent dye in their aqueous interior. This resulted in quenched liposomes (termed LipQ), that were fluorescent exclusively upon degradation, dye release, and activation. The liposomes carried an always-on green fluorescent phospholipid in the lipid layer to enable tracking of intact liposomes. Additionally, they were functionalized with single-chain antibody fragments directed to fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a marker of stromal fibroblasts of most epithelial cancers, and to HER2, whose overexpression in 20-30% of all breast cancers and many other cancer types is associated with a poor treatment outcome and relapse. We show that both monospecific (HER2-IL) and bispecific (Bi-FAP/HER2-IL) formulations are quenched and undergo HER2-dependent rapid uptake and cargo release in cultured target cells and tumor models in mice. Thereby, tumor fluorescence was retained in whole-body NIRF imaging for 32-48 h post-injection. Opposed to cell culture studies, Bi-FAP/HER2-IL-based live confocal microscopy of a high HER2-expressing tumor revealed nuclear delivery of the encapsulated dye. Thus, the liposomes have potentials for image-guided nuclear delivery of therapeutics, and also for intraoperative delineation of tumors, metastasis, and tumor margins.

Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment with Fluorescence-Activatable Bispecific Endoglin/Fibroblast Activation Protein Targeting Liposomes.

Liposomes are biocompatible nanocarriers with promising features for targeted delivery of contrast agents and drugs into the tumor microenvironment, for imaging and therapy purposes. Liposome-based simultaneous targeting of tumor associated fibroblast and the vasculature is promising, but the heterogeneity of tumors entails a thorough validation of suitable markers for targeted delivery. Thus, we elucidated the potential of bispecific liposomes targeting the fibroblast activation protein (FAP) on tumor stromal fibroblasts, together with endoglin which is overexpressed on tumor neovascular cells and some neoplastic cells. Fluorescence-quenched liposomes were prepared by hydrating a lipid film with a high concentration of the self-quenching near-infrared fluorescent dye, DY-676-COOH, to enable fluorescence detection exclusively upon liposomal degradation and subsequent activation. A non-quenched green fluorescent phospholipid was embedded in the liposomal surface to fluorescence-track intact liposomes. FAP- and murine endoglin-specific single chain antibody fragments were coupled to the liposomal surface, and the liposomal potentials validated in tumor cells and mice models. The bispecific liposomes revealed strong fluorescence quenching, activatability, and selectivity for target cells and delivered the encapsulated dye selectively into tumor vessels and tumor associated fibroblasts in xenografted mice models and enabled their fluorescence imaging. Furthermore, detection of swollen lymph nodes during intra-operative simulations was possible. Thus, the bispecific liposomes have potentials for targeted delivery into the tumor microenvironment and for image-guided surgery.

Dataset on the role of endoglin expression on melanin production in murine melanoma and on the influence of melanin on optical imaging.

The underlying data demonstrates that the expression of endoglin in murine melanoma cells influences melanin production in the cells. Also, the data shows that melanin production is further increased when the cells are subcutaneously implanted in mice models and that the high melanin production prevents detection of the cells by fluorescence imaging. The processed data presented herein is related to a research article by Tansi et al. (2018) entitled "Endoglin based in vivo near-infrared fluorescence imaging of tumor models in mice using activatable liposomes".

Endoglin based in vivo near-infrared fluorescence imaging of tumor models in mice using activatable liposomes.

BACKGROUND: Endoglin (CD105) is overexpressed on tumor cells and tumor vasculatures, making it a potential target for diagnostic imaging and therapy of different neoplasms. Therefore, studies on nanocarrier systems designed for endoglin-directed diagnostic and drug delivery purposes would expose the feasibility of targeting endoglin with therapeutics. METHODS: Liposomes carrying high concentrations of a near-infrared fluorescent dye in the aqueous interior were prepared by the lipid film hydration and extrusion procedure, then conjugated to single chain antibody fragments either selective for murine endoglin (termed mEnd-IL) or directed towards human endoglin (termed hEnd-IL). A combination of Dynamic Light Scattering, electron microscopy, cell binding and uptake assays, confocal microscopy and in vivo fluorescence imaging of mice bearing xenografted human breast cancer and human fibrosarcoma models were implemented to elucidate the potentials of the liposomes. RESULTS: The mEnd-IL and hEnd-IL were highly selective for the respective murine- and human endoglin expressing cells in vitro and in vivo. Hence, the hEnd-IL bound distinctly to the tumor cells and enabled suitable fluorescence imaging of the tumors, whereas the mEnd-IL bound the tumor vasculature, but also to the liver, kidney and lung vasculature of mice. CONCLUSIONS: The work highlights key differences between targeting vascular (murine) and neoplastic (human) endoglin in animal studies, and suggests that the hEnd-IL can serve as a delivery system that targets human endoglin overexpressed in pathological conditions. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The endoglin-targeting liposomes presented herewith represent strategic tools for the future implementation of endoglin-directed neoplastic and anti-angiogenic therapies.

Structural Characterization of Self-Assembling Hybrid Nanoparticles for Bisphosphonate Delivery in Tumors.

Hybrid self-assembling nanoparticles (hsaNPs) encapsulating bisphosphonates (BPs) recently showed very promising results in preclinic experiments for the treatment of brain tumor. However, the poor knowledge on the architecture of hybrid nanovectors is certainly one of the main reasons hampering further clinical and industrial development of these technologies. Here we propose to combine different techniques, that is, small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and X-ray Sscattering (SAXS), with cryo-electron transmission microscopy (cryo-TEM) to study the architecture of the final hsaNPs as well as of the four components before the assembling process. Data analysis based on SANS and SAXS experiments suggested a multiple compartment architecture of the final product, consisting of two bilayers sourrounding a core. Structures consisting of two shells surrounding an internal core were also observed in the cryo-TEM analysis. Such high resolution insight, also combined with size distribution and zeta potential of the NPs, provides exhaustive characterization of hsaNPs encapsulating BPs, and it is aimed at supporting further their clinical and industrial development.

Preparation of PEGylated liposomes incorporating lipophilic lomeguatrib derivatives for the sensitization of chemo-resistant gliomas.

Liposomal delivery is a well-established approach to increase the therapeutic index of drugs, mainly in the field of cancer chemotherapy. Here, we report the preparation and characterization of a new liposomal formulation of a derivative of lomeguatrib, a potent O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) inactivator. The drug had been tested in clinical trials to revert chemoresistance, but was associated with a low therapeutic index. A series of lomeguatrib conjugates with distinct alkyl chain lengths - i.e. C12, C14, C16, and C18 - was synthesized, and the MGMT depleting activity as well as cytotoxicity were determined on relevant mouse and human glioma cell lines. Drug-containing liposomes were prepared and characterized in terms of loading and in vitro release kinetics. The lipophilic lomeguatrib conjugates did not exert cytotoxic effects at 5 µM in the mouse glioma cell line and exhibited a similar MGMT depleting activity pattern as lomeguatrib. Overall, drug loading could be improved by up to 50-fold with the lipophilic conjugates, and the slowest leakage was achieved with the C18 derivative. The present data show the applicability of lipophilic lomeguatrib derivatization for incorporation into liposomes, and identify the C18 derivative as the lead compound for in vivo studies.

Vesicle aggregates as a model for primitive cellular assemblies.

Primitive cell models help to understand the role that compartmentalization plays in origin of life scenarios. Here we present a combined experimental and modeling approach towards the construction of simple model systems for primitive cellular assemblies. Charged lipid vesicles aggregate in the presence of oppositely charged biopolymers, such as nucleic acids or polypeptides. Based on zeta potential measurements, dynamic light scattering and cryo-transmission electron-microscopy, we have characterized the behavior of empty and ferritin-filled large unilamellar POPC vesicles, doped with different amounts of cationic (DDAB, CTAB) and anionic (sodium oleate) surfactants, and their aggregation upon the addition of anionic (tRNA, poly-l-glutamic acid) and cationic (poly-l-arginine) biopolymers, respectively. The experimental results are rationalized by a phenomenological modeling approach that predicts the average size of the vesicle aggregates as function of the amount of added biopolymers. In addition, we discuss the mechanism of vesicle aggregation induced by oppositely charged biopolymers. Our study complements previous reports about the formation of giant vesicle clusters and thus provides a general vista on primitive cell systems, based on the association of vesicles into compartmentalized aggregates.

Activatable bispecific liposomes bearing fibroblast activation protein directed single chain fragment/Trastuzumab deliver encapsulated cargo into the nuclei of tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment simultaneously.

Molecular targeting plays a significant role in cancer diagnosis and therapy. However, the heterogeneity of tumors is a limiting obstacle for molecular targeting. Consequently, clinically approved drug delivery systems such as liposomes still rely on passive targeting to tumors, which does not address tumor heterogeneity. In this work, we therefore designed and elucidated the potentials of activatable bispecific targeted liposomes for simultaneous detection of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). The bispecific liposomes were encapsulated with fluorescence-quenched concentrations of the near-infrared fluorescent dye, DY-676-COOH, making them detectable solely post processing within target cells. The liposomes were endowed with a combination of single chain antibody fragments specific for FAP and HER2 respectively, or with the FAP single chain antibody fragment in combination with Trastuzumab, which is specific for HER2. The Trastuzumab based bispecific formulation, termed Bi-FAP/Tras-IL revealed delivery of the encapsulated dye into the nuclei of HER2 expressing cancer cells and caused cell death at significantly higher rates than the free Trastuzumab. Furthermore, fluorescence imaging and live microscopy of tumor models in mice substantiated the delivery of the encapsulated cargo into the nuclei of target tumor cells and tumor stromal fibroblasts. Hence, they convey potentials to address tumor plasticity, to improve targeted cancer therapy and reduce Trastuzumab resistance in the future. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This work demonstrates the design of activatable bispecific liposomes aimed to target HER2, a poor prognosis tumor marker in many tumor types, and fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a universal tumor marker overexpressed on tumor fibroblasts and pericytes of almost all solid tumors. Encapsulating liposomes with a quenched concentration of a NIRF dye which only fluoresced after cellular degradation and activation enabled reliable visualization of the destination of the cargo in cells and animal studies. Conjugating single chain antibody fragments directed to FAP, together with Trastuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody for HER2 resulted in the activatable bispecific liposomes. In animal models of xenografted human breast tumors, the remarkable ability of the bispecific probes to simultaneously deliver the encapsulated dye into the nuclei of target tumor cells and tumor fibroblasts could be demonstrated. Hence, the bispecific probes represent model tools with high significance to address tumor heterogeneity and manage Trastuzumab resistance in the future.

Lecithin and PLGA-based self-assembled nanocomposite, Lecithmer: preparation, characterization, and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic evaluation.

The present study investigates the drug delivery potential of polymer lipid hybrid nanocomposites (Lecithmer®) composed of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) and soya lecithin. Core-shell structure of Lecithmer was evident from cryo-TEM images. Daunorubicin (DNR) and lornoxicam (LNX)-incorporated Lecithmer nanocomposites were evaluated for anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity. DNR- and LNX-loaded Lecithmer had mean particle size of ∼335 and ∼282.7 nm, respectively. Lecithmer formulated with different cationic lipids resulted in lower particle size (∼120 nm) and positive zeta potential. Entrapment efficiency of DNR and LNX was 93.16 and 88.59 %, respectively. In vitro release of DNR from Lecithmer was slower compared to PLGA nanoparticles. DNR release from Lecithmer was significantly higher at pH 5.5 (80.96 %) as compared to pH 7.4 (55.95 %), providing advantage for selective tumor therapy. Similarly, sustained release of LNX (30 % in 10 h) was observed at pH 7.4. DNR in Lecithmer showed superior cytotoxicity on human erythroleukemic K562 cells. Pharmacokinetic study in Wistar rats with i.v. administered DNR-loaded Lecithmer showed higher volume of distribution, lower elimination rate constant, and longer half-life (81.68 L, 0.3535 h(-1), 1.96 h) as compared to DNR solution (57.46 L, 0.4237 h(-1), 1.635 h). Pharmacodynamic evaluation of orally administered LNX-loaded Lecithmer showed superior anti-inflammatory activity with maximum inhibition of 81.2 % vis-à-vis 53.57 % in case of LNX suspension. In light of these results, Lecithmer can be envisaged as a promising nanosystem for parenteral as well as oral drug delivery.

Design of cholesterol arabinogalactan anchored liposomes for asialoglycoprotein receptor mediated targeting to hepatocellular carcinoma: In silico modeling, in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

We have developed active targeting liposomes to deliver anticancer agents to ASGPR which will contribute to effective treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Active targeting is achieved through polymeric ligands on the liposome surface. The liposomes were prepared using reverse phase evaporation method and doxorubicin hydrocholoride, a model drug, was loaded using the ammonium sulphate gradient method. Liposomes loaded with DOX were found to have a particle size of 200nm with more than 90% entrapment efficiency. Systems were observed to release the drug in a sustained manner in acidic pH in vitro. Liposomes containing targeting ligands possessed greater and selective toxicity to ASGPR positive HepG2 cell lines due to specific ligand receptor interaction. Bio-distribution studies revealed that liposomes were concentrated in the liver even after 3h of administration, thus providing conclusive evidence of targeting potential for formulated nanosystems. Tumor regression studies indicated greater tumor suppression with targeted liposomes thereby establishing superiority of the liposomal system. In this work, we used a novel methodology to guide the determination of the optimal composition of the targeting liposomes: molecular dynamics (MD) simulation that aided our understanding of the behaviour of the ligand within the bilayer. This can be seen as a demonstration of the utility of this methodology as a rational design tool for active targeting liposome formulation.

A facile, green and efficient surfactant-free method for synthesis of aluminum nanooxides with an extraordinary high surface area.

Nano boehmite with unprecedented high surface area and pore volume (802 m(2) g(-1), 2.35 cm(3) g(-1)) was prepared using a facile, green and efficient surfactant-free synthesis method. The structure of the material is characterized by the presence of plates with varying thicknesses and morphologies. The calcined samples show curved and rolled plates with a nanotube-like appearance.

LeciPlex, invasomes, and liposomes: A skin penetration study.

The present study compares three vesicular systems, cationic LeciPlex, invasomes, and conventional liposomes for their ability to deliver drugs deep into the skin. Skin penetration ability of the three vesicular systems was studied for two drugs namely idebenone (antioxidant/anticancer) and azelaic acid (antiacne). All systems showed sizes in nanometer range with small polydispersity indices. Vesicular systems were characterized by CryoTEM studies to understand the differences in morphology of the vesicular systems. Ex vivo human skin penetration studies suggested a pattern in penetration of drugs in different layers of the skin: LeciPlex showed higher penetration for idebenone whereas invasomes showed higher penetration of azelaic acid. Ex vivo study using a fluorescent dye (DiI) was performed to understand the differences in the penetration behavior of the three vesicular systems on excised human skin. In vitro cytotoxicity studies on B16F10 melanoma cell lines revealed, when loaded with idebenone, LeciPlex formulations had the superior activity followed by invasomes and liposomes. In vitro antimicrobial study of azelaic acid loaded systems on Propionibacterium acne revealed high antimicrobial activity for DDAB leciplex followed by almost equal activity for invasomes and CTAB LeciPlex followed by liposomes. Whereas antiacne efficacy study in rats for azelaic acid loaded systems, invasomes exhibited the best antiacne efficacy followed by liposomes and LeciPlex.

Cholesterol anchored arabinogalactan for asialoglycoprotein receptor targeting: synthesis, characterization, and proof of concept of hepatospecific delivery.

Asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGPR) are hepatocyte bound receptors, which exhibit receptor mediated endocytosis (RME) for galactose specific moieties. Arabinogalactan (AG), a liver specific high galactose containing branched polysaccharide was hydrophobized using cholesterol (CHOL) as a lipid anchor via a two step reaction process to yield the novel polysaccharide lipid conjugated ligand (CHOL-AL-AG). CHOL-AL-AG was characterized by Fourier transform infra red (FTIR) spectroscopy, (1)H and (13)C nuclear magnetic spectroscopy (NMR), size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Conventional liposomes (CL) and surface modified liposomes (SML) containing CHOL-AL-AG were prepared using reverse phase evaporation technique. Effect of CHOL-AL-AG concentration on particle size and zeta potential of SML was evaluated. Surface morphology of CL and SML was studied using cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). In vitro binding affinity of SML and CL was evaluated using Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA) assay. Cellular uptake of SML and CL was determined on ASGPR expressing HepG2 cell lines by confocal laser scanning microscopy technique (CLSM). FTIR spectra revealed bands at 1736 cm(-1) and 1664 cm(-1) corresponding to ester and carbamate functional groups, respectively. Signals at δ 0.5-2.5 corresponding to the cholestene ring and δ 3-5.5 corresponding to the carbohydrate backbone were observed in (1)H NMR spectrum of the product. CHOL-AL-AG possessed a mean average molecular weight of 27 KDa as determined by size exclusion chromatography. An endothermic peak at 207 °C was observed in the DSC thermogram of CHOL-AL-AG, which was not observed in thermograms of reactants and intermediate product. Synthesized CHOL-AL-AG was successfully incorporated in liposomes to yield SML. Both CL and SML possessed a mean particle size of ∼ 200 nm with polydispersity index of ∼ 0.25. The zeta potential of CLs was observed to be -17 mV whereas zeta potential of SMLs varied from -18 to -22 mV. RCA assay revealed enhanced binding of SML compared to CL confirming presence of galactose on surface of SML. CLSM studies demonstrated enhanced cellular uptake of SMLs compared to CL by HepG2 cells post 3 h administration indicating enhanced uptake by the ASGPR. Thus surface modified liposomes specific to target heptocytes demonstrate a promising approach for targeted drug delivery in liver cancer therapeutics.

Bispecific single-chain diabody-immunoliposomes targeting endoglin (CD105) and fibroblast activation protein (FAP) simultaneously.

Liposomes are well-established drug delivery systems with cancer chemotherapy as main focus. To increase the cellular drug delivery, liposomes can be endowed with ligands, e.g. recombinant antibody fragments, which ensure specific cell interaction. Multispecific immunoliposomes can be prepared to improve the liposome to cell interaction by targeting multiple different targets at the same time, for instance by coupling two or more different ligands to the liposomal surface, resulting in a synergistic or additive increase in binding. An alternative approach is the use of bispecific ligands to address at least two different targets. For this purpose we cloned a single-chain diabody fragment (scDb`), a bispecific molecule targeting two antigens, endoglin (CD105) and fibroblast activation protein (FAP), expressed on cells of the tumor microenvironment. As model cell system, a human fibrosarcoma cell line was used expressing endoglin and FAP simultaneously. Monospecific immunoliposomes directed either against endoglin or FAP were compared in vitro for cell binding and cytotoxic activity with bispecific dual-targeted scFv`-IL (bispecific scFv`FAP/CD105-IL) and bispecific single-chain diabody`-IL (scDb`CD105/FAP-IL) targeting endoglin and FAP simultaneously. In the underlying study, bispecific scFv`FAP/CD105-IL interacted stronger with cells expressing FAP and endoglin (both targets simultaneously) compared to the monospecific immunoliposomes. Furthermore, bispecific scDb`-immunoliposomes increased the cell interaction massively and showed enhanced cytotoxicity against target cells using doxorubicin-loaded immunoliposomes. The use of recombinant bispecific ligands as scDb`-molecules facilitates the generation of bispecific immunoliposomes by using the established post-insertion technique, enabling an extension of the ligand specificity spectrum via genetic modification.

Isolation and characterisation of the trichocysts of the dinophyte Prorocentrum micans.

Trichocyst-enriched fractions were isolated from the marine dinophyte Prorocentrum micans. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that most of the trichocysts were discharged and had elongated to long filaments. Some trichocysts were still condensed. Fragments of discharged trichocysts measured up to 20 µm in length and 260 nm in width, those still condensed measured up to 1 µm in width and 16 µm in length. A distinct banding pattern with a transversal periodicity of approximately 16-18 nm and a periodic longitudinal striation of 3-4 nm could be measured along the trichocyst filaments. At higher magnifications, a fragile, alveolated, net-like organisation became obvious which resembled the one shown for the trichocysts of ciliates. When trichocyst-enriched fractions were treated with sodium dodecyl sulfate and centrifuged subsequently, no trichocysts were registered any longer in the sodium dodecyl sulfate-insoluble fraction by electron microscopy. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of trichocyst-enriched fractions and of the SDS-soluble fractions revealed a protein banding pattern which was dominated by polypeptides of 50-30, 12.5, and approximately 8.5 kDa. The polypeptide banding pattern deviated significantly from those registered for ejectisomes of cryptophytes and of the prasinophyte Pyramimonas grossii, for the Reb polypeptides which constitute the R-bodies of Caedibacter taeniospiralis, and also from the banding pattern of trichocysts of Paramecium. An antiserum directed against trichocysts of Paramecium did not cross-react with the polypeptides present in the trichocyst-enriched fraction of Prorocentrum micans.

In vivo near-infrared fluorescence imaging of FAP-expressing tumors with activatable FAP-targeted, single-chain Fv-immunoliposomes.

Molecular and cellular changes that precede the invasive growth of solid tumors include the release of proteolytic enzymes and peptides in the tumor stroma, the recruitment of phagocytic and lymphoid infiltrates and alteration of the extracellular matrix. The reactive tumor stroma consists of a large number of myofibroblasts, characterized by high expression of fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP). FAP, a type-II transmembrane sialoglycoprotein is an attractive target in diagnosis and therapy of several pathologic disorders especially cancer. In the underlying work, a fluorescence-activatable liposome (fluorescence-quenched during circulation and fluorescence activation upon cellular uptake), bearing specific single-chain Fv fragments directed against FAP (scFv'FAP) was developed, and its potential for use in fluorescence diagnostic imaging of FAP-expressing tumor cells was evaluated by whole body fluorescence imaging. The liposomes termed anti-FAP-IL were prepared via post-insertion of ligand-phospholipid-conjugates into preformed DY-676-COOH-containing liposomes. The anti-FAP-IL revealed a homogeneous size distribution and showed specific interaction and binding with FAP-expressing cells in vitro. The high level of fluorescence quenching of the near-infrared fluorescent dye sequestered in the aqueous interior of the liposomes enables fluorescence imaging exclusively upon uptake and degradation by cells, which results in fluorescence activation. Only FAP-expressing cells were able to take up and activate fluorescence of anti-FAP-IL in vitro. Furthermore, anti-FAP-IL accumulated selectively in FAP-expressing xenograft models in vivo, as demonstrated by blocking experiments using free scFv'FAP. The local tumor fluorescence intensities were in agreement with the intrinsic degree of FAP-expression in different xenograft models. Thus, anti-FAP-IL can serve as a suitable in vivo diagnostic tool for pathological disorders accompanied by high FAP-expression.

Immuno-LipoTRAIL: Targeted delivery of TRAIL-functionalized liposomal nanoparticles.

The TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a powerful inducer of apoptosis in tumor cells; however, clinical studies with recombinant soluble TRAIL were rather disappointing. Here, we developed TRAIL-functionalized liposomes (LipoTRAIL, LT) to mimic membrane-displayed TRAIL for efficient activation of death receptors DR4 and DR5 and enhanced induction of apoptosis, which were combined with an anti-EGFR single-chain Fv fragment (scFv) for targeted delivery to EGFR-positive tumor cells. These immuno-LipoTRAILs (ILTs) bound specifically to EGFR-expressing cells (Colo205) and exhibited increased cytotoxicity compared with that of nontargeted LTs. Compared to that of the soluble TRAIL, the plasma half-life of the functionalized liposomes was strongly extended, and increased antitumor activity of LT and ILT was demonstrated in a xenograft tumor model. Thus, we established a multifunctional liposomal TRAIL formulation (ILT) with improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior, characterized by targeted delivery and increased induction of apoptosis due to multivalent TRAIL presentation.

Lipid colloidal carriers for improvement of anticancer activity of orally delivered quercetin: formulation, characterization and establishing in vitro-in vivo advantage.

Novel lipid nanocarriers, GeluPearl (GP) comprising of Precirol ATO 5 lipid nanoparticles with (GPNLC) or without oil (GPSLN), loaded with Quercetin (QR), were successfully fabricated to improve therapeutic efficacy. QR loaded GP nanoparticles were optimized to yield adequate colloidal stability, mean particle size in range of 350-380 nm and entrapment efficiency of more than 90%. GPSLN and GPNLC were characterized for morphological evaluation by virtue of cryo-TEM, surface charge, protection offered to QR against alkali mediated degradation and fluorescence studies to evaluate QR-lipid interaction. DSC analysis was performed to get insight into physical state of QR loaded in nanosystems. The in vitro release studies demonstrated sustained drug release potential of QR loaded GP. In vitro lipolysis studies confirmed that lipidic nanocarriers can improve QR solubilization. QR loaded GP nanosystems significantly (P < 0.05) reduced flank tumor volumes in C57BL/6 mice over a 22 day study period compared to QR suspension. GPSLN significantly reduced lung colonization and enhanced antimetastatic activity (P < 0.05) of drug against B16F10 melanoma cells in C57BL/6 mice as compared to QR suspension. QR loaded GPSLN and GPNLC could be effectively lyophilized without much change in particle size and drug content using 15% w/v mannitol as cryoprotectant.