Bioactive fatty acid analog-derived hybrid nanoparticles confer antibody-independent chemo-immunotherapy against carcinoma.

Typical chemo-immunotherapy against malignant carcinoma, is characterized by the combined application of chemotherapeutic agents and monoclonal antibodies for immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Temporary ICB with antibodies would not depress tumor intrinsic PD-L1 expression and potential PD-L1 adaptive upregulation during chemotherapy, thus exerting limited immunotherapy efficacy. Herein, we developed novel polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles (2-BP/CPT-PLNs) for inducing PD-L1 degradation by inhibiting palmitoylation with bioactive palmitic acid analog 2-bromopalmitate (2-BP) to replace PD-L1 antibody (αPD-L1) for ICB therapy, thus achieving highly efficient antitumor immune via immunogenic cell death (ICD) induced by potentiated chemotherapy. GSH-responsive and biodegradable polymer-prodrug CPT-ss-PAEEP10 assisted as a cationic helper polymer could help to stabilize 2-BP/CPT-PLNs co-assembled with 2-BP, and facilitate the tumor site-specific delivery and intracellular release of water-insoluble camptothecin (CPT) in vivo. 2-BP/CPT-PLNs would reinforce cytotoxic CD8+ T cell-mediated antitumor immune response via promoting intratumoral lymphocytes cells infiltration and activation. 2-BP/CPT-PLNs significantly prevented melanoma progression and prolonged life survival of mice beyond the conventional combination of irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT-11) and αPD-L1. Our work first provided valuable instructions for developing bioactive lipid analogs-derived nanoparticles via lipid metabolism intervention for oncotherapy.

Improving the Intracellular Drug Concentration in Lung Cancer Treatment through the Codelivery of Doxorubicin and miR-519c Mediated by Porous PLGA Microparticle.

Porous PLGA microparticle for the coencapsulation of doxorubicin and miR-519c was successfully constructed through the water-oil-water emulsion solvent evaporation method, using ammonium bicarbonate as a porogen. It has been characterized with high porous surface, adaptive aerodynamic diameter (<10 µm), favorable drug loading, and sustained release profile. The release supernatant exhibited a higher inhibition of cell proliferation than those from porous PLGA microparticles harboring a single component (doxorubicin or miR-519c), attributing to the enhanced induction of cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at S phase. Finally, the improved intracellular concentration of doxorubicin was elucidated by flow cytometry and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, owing to the knockdown of drug transporter ABCG2 by miR-519c. Overall, the porous PLGA microparticle combining chemotherapy and gene therapy could facilitate the antitumor efficacy and reduce the side effects, and thus, it is potential to be used as a sustained release system for lung cancer treatment via pulmonary administration.

Pulmonary delivery of liposomes co-loaded with SN38 prodrug and curcumin for the treatment of lung cancer.

A co-delivery system of SN38 (7-ethyl-10-hydroxyl camptothecin) prodrug and CUR (curcumin) was designed for the treatment of lung cancer by pulmonary delivery. SN38 was linked to cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) TAT via a polyethylene glycol (PEG) linker to form the SN38 prodrug (TAT-PEG-SN38). Liposomes co-loaded with amphiphilic TAT-PEG-SN38 and curcumin (Lip-TAT-PEG-SN38/CUR) were successfully prepared by a microfluidic method for the treatment of lung cancer via pulmonary delivery. Lip-TAT-PEG-SN38/CUR showed nanometer-sized sphericity and a particle size of 171.21 nm. Besides, Lip-TAT-PEG-SN38/CUR exhibited enhanced antiproliferative effect, increased cell apoptosis induction and improved cell cycle arrest compared to the single agents in vitro. The combination induced significant tumor inhibition in a BALB/c mouse lung cancer model. These results indicated that our SN38 prodrug and curcumin co-delivery system was a promising candidate for lung cancer treatment.

Inhalable functional mixed-polymer microspheres to enhance doxorubicin release behavior for lung cancer treatment.

Porous poly(cyclohexane-1,4-diyl acetone dimethylene ketal) (PCADK)/poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) mixed-matrix porous microspheres loaded with doxorubicin (Dox) were successfully prepared, and PCADK/PLGA 2/8 was selected as the optimal mixed-matrix proportion. The optimal porous microspheres were characterized by a uniform spherical morphology, an obvious porous surface, an adaptive aerodynamic diameter (2.48 µm), good lung deposition and excellent encapsulation efficiency (77.22 %). The total release of Dox from PCADK/PLGA microspheres was 64.66 %, which was greater than the 46.31 % from the PLGA microsphere group, resulting in the porous PCADK/PLGA microspheres showing a stronger antiproliferative effect than the porous PLGA microspheres. The antiproliferative mechanism was examined through flow cytometry analysis and protein expression level detection, exhibiting enhanced tumor-related protein regulation, improved cell apoptosis induction and increased cycle arrest. Finally, a BALB/c mouse lung cancer model was established to evaluate the in vivo anticancer efficacy, and the PCADK/PLGA microspheres showed significantly stronger anticancer effects than the PLGA microspheres. We envision that employment of this mixed polymer material as a microsphere matrix could be a promising strategy for lung cancer therapy via pulmonary administration.

Self-Assembled Raspberry-Like Core/Satellite Nanoparticles for Anti-Inflammatory Protein Delivery.

Functional proteins are very promising for protein therapeutics; however, effective delivery of therapeutic proteins remains challenging. Herein, we developed novel core/satellite nanoparticles by tethering therapeutic proteins to the core/shell polymeric particle surface through cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8])-mediated host-guest interactions. The effectiveness of the core/satellite nanoparticles as protein carrier was demonstrated through the intra-articular delivery of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). We showed that IL-1Ra can effectively self-assemble onto the surface of the polymeric nanoparticles and maintained good protein bioactivity by inhibiting IL-1-mediated signaling. More importantly, in vivo results revealed that IL-1Ra-bounded core/satellite nanoparticles could significantly increase the retention time of IL-1Ra in the rat stifle joint compared to soluble IL-1Ra, which could greatly improve the efficacy of IL-1Ra. These results indicate that the facile host-guest self-assembly can be exploited as an effective approach for realizing the therapeutic potential of proteins.

Disulfiram-loaded porous PLGA microparticle for inhibiting the proliferation and migration of non-small-cell lung cancer.

In this study, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) was used as a carrier to construct disulfiram-loaded porous microparticle through the emulsion solvent evaporation method, using ammonium bicarbonate as a porogen. The microparticle possessed highly porous surface, suitable aerodynamic diameter for inhalation (8.31±1.33 µm), favorable drug loading (4.09%±0.11%), and sustained release profile. The antiproliferation effect of release supernatant was detected through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay using non-small-cell lung cancer A549 as a model, with only 13.3% of cell viability observed for the release supernatant at 7 days. The antiproliferation mechanism was elucidated to be associated with the enhanced induction of cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at S phase through flow cytometry and Western blotting analysis. Finally, wound healing and transwell migration assay showed that they could efficiently inhibit the cell migration. These results demonstrated that disulfiram-loaded porous PLGA microparticle could achieve favorable antitumor efficiency, implying the potential of treating non-small-cell lung cancer in a pulmonary administration.

Utilizing a one-dimensional multispecies model to simulate the nutrient reduction and biomass structure in two types of H2-based membrane-aeration biofilm reactors (H2-MBfR): model development and parametric analysis.

In this study, a one-dimensional multispecies model (ODMSM) was utilized to simulate NO3(-)-N and ClO4(-) reduction performances in two kinds of H2-based membrane-aeration biofilm reactors (H2-MBfR) within different operating conditions (e.g., NO3(-)-N/ClO4(-) loading rates, H2 partial pressure, etc.). Before the simulation process, we conducted the sensitivity analysis of some key parameters which would fluctuate in different environmental conditions, then we used the experimental data to calibrate the more sensitive parameters µ1 and µ2 (maximum specific growth rates of denitrification bacteria and perchlorate reduction bacteria) in two H2-MBfRs, and the diversity of the two key parameters' values in two types of reactors may be resulted from the different carbon source fed in the reactors. From the simulation results of six different operating conditions (four in H2-MBfR 1 and two in H2-MBfR 2), the applicability of the model was approved, and the variation of the removal tendency in different operating conditions could be well simulated. Besides, the rationality of operating parameters (H2 partial pressure, etc.) could be judged especially in condition of high nutrients' loading rates. To a certain degree, the model could provide theoretical guidance to determine the operating parameters on some specific conditions in practical application.

Stabilization of Human Immunoglobulin G Encapsulated within Biodegradable Poly (Cyclohexane-1, 4-diyl Acetone Dimethylene Ketal) (PCADK)/ Poly (Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid) (PLGA) Blend Microspheres.

The aim of this study was to prepare PCADK/PLGA-blend microspheres for improving the stability of human immunoglobulin G (IgG). The short half-life of antibodies limit their development as therapeutic agents, thus PLGA microspheres were prepared to sustained release antibodies and prolong their half-life. However, the acidic intra-microsphere environment causes the loss of antibody stability and activity. In this study, the effect of PCADK or PLGA degradation products on IgG was investigated by size exclusion chromatography (SEC-HPLC), circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence spectroscopy and antigenicity detection. The degradation products of PCADK exerted a larger influence on IgG than that of PLGA. Then PCADK/PLGA microspheres were prepared by the emulsionsolvent evaporation method and systematically characterized and 20% PCADK were selected as the optimal proportion. In addition, the release profile of microspheres and the stability of the released IgG were investigated. The stability of the IgG released from the PCADK/PLGA microspheres was better than that of IgG released from the PLGA microspheres. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to determine the pH inside the microspheres. The IgG-loaded PCADK/PLGA microspheres have important advantages over the PLGA microspheres in terms of IgG stability and could be a good carrier to deliver antibodies for the treatment of disease.

Preparation and in vivo evaluation of PCADK/PLGA microspheres for improving stability and efficacy of rhGH.

The goal of this research is to prepare poly(cyclohexane-1,4 diyl acetone dimethylene ketal) (PCADK)/poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) blend microspheres loaded with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). The effect of PCADK degradation products on the structural integrity, secondary and tertiary structure and pharmacodynamics of rhGH was evaluated by native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (Native-PAGE), size-exclusion high performance liquid chromatography (SEC-HPLC), circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence spectroscopy and in hypophysectomized rat models. Compared with PLGA degradation products, rhGH was found to be more stable in the presence of PCADK degradation products. PCADK/PLGA blend microspheres were then prepared and the morphology, encapsulation efficiency, release behavior and rhGH stability were investigated. PCADK/PLGA microspheres had regular shapes and smooth surfaces when the proportion of PCADK was less than 50%. The late-releasable amount of rhGH in PCADK/PLGA microspheres was greater than that in PLGA microspheres. In addition, the PCADK/PLGA microspheres showed larger AUC and improved therapeutic effects on rats than PLGA microspheres. Furthermore, the pH inside the microspheres was detected by CLSM to explain the improved rhGH stability in the PCADK/PLGA microspheres. In conclusion, PCADK/PLGA blend microspheres showed potential to improve rhGH stability and the efficacy of sustained-release of rhGH compared with PLGA microspheres.

Improving Protein Stability and Controlling Protein Release by Adding Poly (Cyclohexane-1, 4-Diyl Acetone Dimethylene Ketal) to PLGA Microspheres.

The use of biodegradable polymers such as PLGA to encapsulate therapeutic proteins for their controlled release has received tremendous interest. However, an acidic environment caused by PLGA degradation productions leads to protein incomplete release and chemical degradation. The aim of this study was to develop novel PCADK/PLGA microspheres to improve protein stability and release behavior. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) incubated in PCADK and PLGA degradation products was investigated using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), size exclusion chromatography (SEC-HPLC), circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence spectroscopy. Blended microspheres of PCADK/PLGA were prepared in different ratios and the release behaviors of the microspheres and the protein stability were then measured. The degradation properties of the microspheres and the pH inside the microspheres were systematically investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to examine the mechanism of autocatalytic degradation and protein stability. BSA was more stable in the presence of PCADK monomers than it was in the presence of PLGA monomers, revealing that PCADK is highly compatible with this protein. PCADK/PLGA microspheres were successfully prepared, and 2/8 was determined to be the optimal ratio. Further, 43% of the BSA formed water-insoluble aggregates in the presence of PCADK/PLGA microspheres, compared with 57% for the PLGA microspheres, demonstrating that the BSA encapsulated in PCADK/PLGA blended microspheres was more stable than in PLGA microspheres. The PCADK/PLGA blended microspheres improved protein stability and release behavior, providing a promising protein drug delivery system.

Preparation and characterization of sustained-release rotigotine film-forming gel.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop a film-forming gel formulation of rotigotine with hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and Carbomer 934. To optimize this formulation, we applied the Response Surface Analysis technique and evaluated the gel's pharmacokinetic properties. METHODS: The factors chosen for factorial design were the concentration of rotigotine, the proportion of HPC and Carbomer 934, and the concentration of ST-Elastomer 10. Each factor was varied over three levels: low, medium and high. The gel formulation was evaluated and optimized according to its accumulated permeation rate (Flux) through Franz-type diffusion. A pharmacokinetic study of rotigotine gel was performed with rabbits. RESULTS: The Flux of the optimized formulation reached the maximum (199.17 µg/cm(2)), which was 3% rotigotine and 7% ST-Elastomer 10 with optimal composition of HPC: Carbomer 934 (5:1). The bioavailability of the optimized formulation compared with intravenous administration was approximately 20%. CONCLUSION: A film-forming gel of rotigotine was successfully developed using the response surface analysis technique. The results of this study may be helpful in finding an optimum formulation for transdermal delivery of a drug. The product may improve patients' compliance and provide better efficacy.

Cell debris self-immobilized thermophilic lipase: a biocatalyst for synthesizing aliphatic polyesters.

The paper explored the catalytic activity of a cell debris self-immobilized thermophilic lipase for polyester synthesis, using the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone as model. Effects of biocatalyst concentration, temperature, and reaction medium on monomer conversion and product molecular weight were systematically evaluated. The biocatalyst displayed high catalytic activity at high temperatures (70-90 °C), with 100 % monomer conversion. High monomer conversion values (>90 %) were achieved in both hydrophobic and hydrophilic solvents, and also in solvent-free system, with the exception of dichloromethane. Poly(ε-caprolactone) was obtained in 100 % monomer conversion, with a number-average molecular weight of 1,680 g/mol and a polydispersity index of 1.35 in cyclohexane at 70 °C for 72 h. Furthermore, the biocatalyst exhibited excellent operational stability, with monomer conversion values exceeding 90 % over the course of 15 batch reactions.