Rational Design of a Multipurpose Bioadhesive Vaginal Film for Co-Delivery of Dapivirine and Levonorgestrel

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and unintended pregnancy, which can lead to life-threatening complications, are two major burdens for female reproductive health. To address these pressing health issues, multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) are proposed to deliver two or more drugs simultaneously. MPTs could offer several benefits for users such as improved convenience, increased effectiveness, reduced cost, and decreased environmental burden. Here, we report the development, and in vitro and in vivo assessment of a bioadhesive vaginal film as a coitally-independent MPT dosage form for delivering dapivirine (DPV) and levonorgestrel (LNG) to prevent HIV infection and unintended pregnancy, respectively. After confirming the feasibility of bioadhesive film use for weekly drug delivery in vivo through colpophotography and MRI evaluation, the pharmacokinetics (PK) of DPV/LNG single entity and combination bioadhesive films was investigated in pigtailed macaques (n = 5). Both drugs from single entity or combination films were able to provide sustained drug release in vivo. The combination film showed lower local tissue clearance for DPV and exhibited significantly increased plasma concentration for LNG as compared to the single entity film. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the ability of this novel bioadhesive film platform to deliver LNG and DPV simultaneously as an MPT product for the prevention of HIV infection and unintended pregnancy.

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99mTc Labelling Strategies for the Development of Potential Nitroimidazolic Hypoxia Imaging Agents

Inorganics ◽

10.3390/inorganics7110128 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (11) ◽

pp. 128 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Giglio ◽

Rey

Keyword(s):

Rational Design ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Fine Tuning ◽

Oxidation States ◽

Hypoxia Imaging ◽

Biological Target ◽

99Mtc Radiopharmaceuticals ◽

99Mtc Labelling

Technetium-99m has a rich coordination chemistry that offers many possibilities in terms of oxidation states and donor atom sets. Modifications in the structure of the technetium complexes could be very useful for fine tuning the physicochemical and biological properties of potential 99mTc radiopharmaceuticals. However, systematic study of the influence of the labelling strategy on the “in vitro” and “in vivo” behaviour is necessary for a rational design of radiopharmaceuticals. Herein we present a review of the influence of the Tc complexes’ molecular structure on the biodistribution and the interaction with the biological target of potential nitroimidazolic hypoxia imaging radiopharmaceuticals presented in the literature from 2010 to the present. Comparison with the gold standard [18F]Fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) is also presented.

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High-throughput screening and rational design of biofunctionalized surfaces with optimized biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity

Nature Communications ◽

10.1038/s41467-021-23954-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Zhou Fang ◽

Junjian Chen ◽

Ye Zhu ◽

Guansong Hu ◽

Haoqian Xin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

High Throughput ◽

High Throughput Screening ◽

Rational Design ◽

Click Reaction ◽

Reaction Times ◽

Great Promise ◽

Biomaterial Surfaces

AbstractPeptides are widely used for surface modification to develop improved implants, such as cell adhesion RGD peptide and antimicrobial peptide (AMP). However, it is a daunting challenge to identify an optimized condition with the two peptides showing their intended activities and the parameters for reaching such a condition. Herein, we develop a high-throughput strategy, preparing titanium (Ti) surfaces with a gradient in peptide density by click reaction as a platform, to screen the positions with desired functions. Such positions are corresponding to optimized molecular parameters (peptide densities/ratios) and associated preparation parameters (reaction times/reactant concentrations). These parameters are then extracted to prepare nongradient mono- and dual-peptide functionalized Ti surfaces with desired biocompatibility or/and antimicrobial activity in vitro and in vivo. We also demonstrate this strategy could be extended to other materials. Here, we show that the high-throughput versatile strategy holds great promise for rational design and preparation of functional biomaterial surfaces.

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Experimental and theoretical explorations of nanocarriers’ multistep delivery performance for rational design and anticancer prediction

Science Advances ◽

10.1126/sciadv.aba2458 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (6) ◽

pp. eaba2458

Author(s):

Weier Bao ◽

Falin Tian ◽

Chengliang Lyu ◽

Bin Liu ◽

Bin Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Properties ◽

Rational Design ◽

Theoretical Models ◽

Cell Uptake ◽

Anticancer Efficacy ◽

Delivery Performance ◽

Simulation Based ◽

Multistep Process

The poor understanding of the complex multistep process taken by nanocarriers during the delivery process limits the delivery efficiencies and further hinders the translation of these systems into medicine. Here, we describe a series of six self-assembled nanocarrier types with systematically altered physical properties including size, shape, and rigidity, as well as both in vitro and in vivo analyses of their performance in blood circulation, tumor penetration, cancer cell uptake, and anticancer efficacy. We also developed both data and simulation-based models for understanding the influence of physical properties, both individually and considered together, on each delivery step and overall delivery process. Thus, beyond finding that nanocarriers that are simultaneously endowed with tubular shape, short length, and low rigidity outperformed the other types, we now have a suit of theoretical models that can predict how nanocarrier properties will individually and collectively perform in the multistep delivery of anticancer therapies.

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Streptococcal Adhesion and Colonization

Critical Reviews in Oral Biology & Medicine ◽

10.1177/10454411970080020601 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 175-200 ◽

Cited By ~ 201

Author(s):

H.F. Jenkinson ◽

RJ Lamont

Keyword(s):

Immune Modulation ◽

Rational Design ◽

Repeated Sequence ◽

Host Cells ◽

Mammalian Host ◽

Related Factors ◽

Bacterial Populations ◽

Acellular Vaccines

Streptococci express arrays of adhesins on their cell surfaces that facilitate adherence to substrates present in their natural environment within the mammalian host. A consequence of such promiscuous binding ability is that streptococcal cells may adhere simultaneously to a spectrum of substrates, including salivary glycoproteins, extracellular matrix and serum components, host cells, and other microbial cells. The multiplicity of streptococcal adherence interactions accounts, at least in part, for their success in colonizing the oral and epithelial surfaces of humans. Adhesion facilitates colonization and may be a precursor to tissue invasion and immune modulation, events that presage the development of disease. Many of the streptococcal adhesins and virulence-related factors are cell-wall-associated proteins containing repeated sequence blocks of amino acids. Linear sequences, both within the blocks and within non-repetitive regions of the proteins, have been implicated in substrate binding. Sequences and functions of these proteins among the streptococci have become assorted through gene duplication and horizontal transfer between bacterial populations. Several adhesins identified and characterized through in vitro binding assays have been analyzed for in vivo expression and function by means of animal models used for colonization and virulence. Information on the molecular structure of adhesins as related to their in vivo function will allow for the rational design of novel acellular vaccines, recombinant antibodies, and adhesion agonists for the future control or prevention of streptococcal colonization and streptococcal diseases.

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Advances in Hybrid Polymer-Based Materials for Sustained Drug Release

International Journal of Polymer Science ◽

10.1155/2017/1231464 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-16 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Lígia N. M. Ribeiro ◽

Ana C. S. Alcântara ◽

Gustavo H. Rodrigues da Silva ◽

Michelle Franz-Montan ◽

Silvia V. G. Nista ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Drug Delivery ◽

Drug Toxicity ◽

Drug Delivery Systems ◽

Hybrid Polymer ◽

Future Perspectives ◽

Sustained Drug Release ◽

Physicochemical Stability ◽

Traditional Drug

The use of biomaterials composed of organic pristine components has been successfully described in several purposes, such as tissue engineering and drug delivery. Drug delivery systems (DDS) have shown several advantages over traditional drug therapy, such as greater therapeutic efficacy, prolonged delivery profile, and reduced drug toxicity, as evidenced by in vitro and in vivo studies as well as clinical trials. Despite that, there is no perfect delivery carrier, and issues such as undesirable viscosity and physicochemical stability or inability to efficiently encapsulate hydrophilic/hydrophobic molecules still persist, limiting DDS applications. To overcome that, biohybrid systems, originating from the synergistic assembly of polymers and other organic materials such as proteins and lipids, have recently been described, yielding molecularly planned biohybrid systems that are able to optimize structures to easily interact with the targets. This work revised the biohybrid DDS clarifying their advantages, limitations, and future perspectives in an attempt to contribute to further research of innovative and safe biohybrid polymer-based system as biomaterials for the sustained release of active molecules.

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Formulation development of folic acid conjugated PLGA nanoparticles for improved cytotoxicity of Caffeic acid phenethyl ester

Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology ◽

10.2174/2211738509666210111160528 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 09 ◽

Author(s):

Harshad S Kapare ◽

Sathiyanarayanan L ◽

Arulmozhi S ◽

Kakasaheb Mahadik

Keyword(s):

Folic Acid ◽

Drug Release ◽

Caffeic Acid ◽

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Formulation Development ◽

Sustained Drug Release ◽

Active Constituent

Background: Honey bee propolis is one of the natural product reported in various traditional systems of medicines including Ayurveda. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is an active constituent of propolis which is well known for its anticancer potential. The therapeutic effects of CAPE are restricted owing to its less aqueous solubility and low bioavailability. Objective: In this study CAPE loaded folic acid conjugated nanoparticle system (CLFPN) was investigated to enhance solubility, achieve sustained drug release and improved cytotoxicity of CAPE. Methods: Formulation development, characterization and optimization were carried out by design of experiment approach. In vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity study was carried out for optimized formulations. Results: Developed nanoparticles showed particle size and encapsulation efficiency of 170 ± 2 - 195 ± 3 nm and 75.66 ± 1.52 - 78.80 ± 1.25 % respectively. Optimized formulation CLFPN showed sustained drug release over a period of 42 h. GI50 concentration was decreased by 46.09% for formulation as compared to CAPE in MCF-7 cells indicating targeting effect of CLFPN. An improved in vitro cytotoxic effect was reflected in in-vivo Daltons Ascites Lymphoma model by reducing tumor cells count. Conclusion: The desired nanoparticle characteristic with improved in vivo and in vitro cytotoxicity was shown by developed formulation. Thus it can be further investigated for biomedical applications.

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Increased tissue factor expression on circulating monocytes in chronic HIV infection: relationship to in vivo coagulation and immune activation

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2009-03-210179 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 115 (2) ◽

pp. 161-167 ◽

Cited By ~ 166

Author(s):

Nicholas T. Funderburg ◽

Elizabeth Mayne ◽

Scott F. Sieg ◽

Robert Asaad ◽

Wei Jiang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Infection ◽

Tissue Factor ◽

Immune Activation ◽

Interleukin 6 ◽

Plasma Levels ◽

Thrombus Formation ◽

Hiv Replication ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract HIV infection is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis; and as antiretroviral therapy has increased the lifespan of HIV-infected patients, their risk for cardiovascular events is expected to increase. A large clinical study found recently that all-cause mortality for HIV+ patients was related to plasma levels of interleukin-6 and to D-dimer products of fibrinolysis. We provide evidence that this elevated risk for coagulation may be related to increased proportions of monocytes expressing cell surface tissue factor (TF, thromboplastin) in persons with HIV infection. Monocyte TF expression could be induced in vitro by lipopolysaccharide and flagellin, but not by interleukin-6. Monocyte expression of TF was correlated with HIV levels in plasma, with indices of immune activation, and with plasma levels of soluble CD14, a marker of in vivo lipopolysaccharide exposure. TF levels also correlated with plasma levels of D-dimers, reflective of in vivo clot formation and fibrinolysis. Thus, drivers of immune activation in HIV disease, such as HIV replication, and potentially, microbial translocation, may activate clotting cascades and contribute to thrombus formation and cardiovascular morbidities in HIV infection.

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TRPM7 and CaV3.2 channels mediate Ca2+ influx required for egg activation at fertilization

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ◽

10.1073/pnas.1810422115 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 115 (44) ◽

pp. E10370-E10378 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Miranda L. Bernhardt ◽

Paula Stein ◽

Ingrid Carvacho ◽

Christopher Krapp ◽

Goli Ardestani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rational Design ◽

Culture Media ◽

Mammalian Development ◽

Developmental Potential ◽

Store Depletion ◽

Offspring Growth ◽

Mechanistic Basis ◽

Genetic Mouse Models

The success of mammalian development following fertilization depends on a series of transient increases in egg cytoplasmic Ca2+, referred to as Ca2+ oscillations. Maintenance of these oscillations requires Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane, which is mediated in part by T-type, CaV3.2 channels. Here we show using genetic mouse models that TRPM7 channels are required to support this Ca2+ influx. Eggs lacking both TRPM7 and CaV3.2 stop oscillating prematurely, indicating that together they are responsible for the majority of Ca2+ influx immediately following fertilization. Fertilized eggs lacking both channels also frequently display delayed resumption of Ca2+ oscillations, which appears to require sperm–egg fusion. TRPM7 and CaV3.2 channels almost completely account for Ca2+ influx observed following store depletion, a process previously attributed to canonical store-operated Ca2+ entry mediated by STIM/ORAI interactions. TRPM7 serves as a membrane sensor of extracellular Mg2+ and Ca2+ concentrations and mediates the effects of these ions on Ca2+ oscillation frequency. When bred to wild-type males, female mice carrying eggs lacking TRPM7 and CaV3.2 are subfertile, and their offspring have increased variance in postnatal weight. These in vivo findings confirm previous observations linking in vitro experimental alterations in Ca2+ oscillatory patterns with developmental potential and offspring growth. The identification of TRPM7 and CaV3.2 as key mediators of Ca2+ influx following fertilization provides a mechanistic basis for the rational design of culture media that optimize developmental potential in research animals, domestic animals, and humans.

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Rational design of protein-specific folding modifiers

10.1101/2020.04.28.064113 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Anirban Das ◽

Anju Yadav ◽

Mona Gupta ◽

R Purushotham ◽

Vishram L. Terse ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Single Molecule ◽

Rational Design ◽

Resonance Energy Transfer ◽

Resonance Energy ◽

Force Measurements ◽

Folding Nucleus ◽

Dynamics Simulations ◽

General Method

AbstractProtein folding can go wrong in vivo and in vitro, with significant consequences for the living cell and the pharmaceutical industry, respectively. Here we propose a general design principle for constructing small peptide-based protein-specific folding modifiers. We construct a ‘xenonucleus’, which is a pre-folded peptide that resembles the folding nucleus of a protein, and demonstrate its activity on the folding of ubiquitin. Using stopped-flow kinetics, NMR spectroscopy, Förster Resonance Energy transfer, single-molecule force measurements, and molecular dynamics simulations, we show that the ubiquitin xenonucleus can act as an effective decoy for the native folding nucleus. It can make the refolding faster by 33 ± 5% at 3 M GdnHCl. In principle, our approach provides a general method for constructing specific, genetically encodable, folding modifiers for any protein which has a well-defined contiguous folding nucleus.

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Application of Probiotic Yeasts on Candida Species Associated Infection

Journal of Fungi ◽

10.3390/jof6040189 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 189

Author(s):

Lohith Kunyeit ◽

Anu-Appaiah K A ◽

Reeta P. Rao

Keyword(s):

Combination Therapy ◽

Candida Species ◽

Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽

Candida Auris ◽

Protective Mechanisms ◽

Probiotic Yeast ◽

Life Threatening ◽

Candida Infections

Superficial and life-threatening invasive Candida infections are a major clinical challenge in hospitalized and immuno-compromised patients. Emerging drug-resistance among Candida species is exacerbated by the limited availability of antifungals and their associated side-effects. In the current review, we discuss the application of probiotic yeasts as a potential alternative/ combination therapy against Candida infections. Preclinical studies have identified several probiotic yeasts that effectively inhibit virulence of Candida species, including Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei and Candida auris. However, Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii is the only probiotic yeast commercially available. In addition, clinical studies have further confirmed the in vitro and in vivo activity of the probiotic yeasts against Candida species. Probiotics use a variety of protective mechanisms, including posing a physical barrier, the ability to aggregate pathogens and render them avirulent. Secreted metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids effectively inhibit the adhesion and morphological transition of Candida species. Overall, the probiotic yeasts could be a promising effective alternative or combination therapy for Candida infections. Additional studies would bolster the application of probiotic yeasts.

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