Yes / The morphology transition from micelles to vesicles of a solution-state self-assembled block copolymer, containing a fluorescent dye at the core–shell interface, has been induced by an addition–elimination reaction using a thiol, and has been shown to be coupled to a simultaneous ON-to-OFF switch in particle fluorescence. / EPSRC and the IAS at the University of Warwick

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems (NDDS) have emerged as a promising strategy for formulation of anticancer drugs due to their ability to passively target solid tumors via exploitation of the enhanced permeation and retention effect. In particular, nano-sized block copolymer micelles (BCMs) have proven to be a viable delivery vehicle for hydrophobic anticancer drugs. To further enhance the specificity of BCMs towards cancer cells, extensive research has been focused on the formulation of actively targeted BCMs with tumor cell binding antigens conjugated to their surface. However, the in vivo transport of passively and actively targeted BCMs has only been studied to a limited extent. This thesis explores the potential and limitations of passively and actively targeted BCMs, as NDDS for delivery to solid tumors. The in vivo transport of BCMs at the whole body, tumor, and cellular levels is investigated in human breast cancer xenografts. Overall, active targeting of BCMs with epidermal growth factor (EGF) as the tumor cell binding antigen was not found to alter the whole body clearance of the vehicles; however, particle size had a profound effect on their pharmacokinetics and biodistribution profiles. Both passively and actively targeted BCMs exhibited heterogeneous distribution throughout solid tumors, with preferential localization in the tumor periphery and/or highly vascularized regions. In addition, the BCMs were found to exhibit impaired tumor penetration due to limited mobility and/or the binding site barrier. Although active targeting increases the in vivo BCM cellular uptake, the BCMs largely remained in the extracellular compartment, indicating that incomplete BCM delivery to all tumor cells remains as a major biological barrier. Interestingly, EGF-conjugated BCMs induced a potent bystander effect in vitro as a result of the paradoxical apoptotic effect of EGF, which has the potential to treat nearby tumor cells that do not respond directly to BCM treatment in vivo. In this way, EGF-BCMs may be beneficial for rendering the aforementioned in vivo barriers such as limited tumor penetration, as well as heterogeneity in tumor vascularization and receptor expression.

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems (NDDS) have emerged as a promising strategy for formulation of anticancer drugs due to their ability to passively target solid tumors via exploitation of the enhanced permeation and retention effect. In particular, nano-sized block copolymer micelles (BCMs) have proven to be a viable delivery vehicle for hydrophobic anticancer drugs. To further enhance the specificity of BCMs towards cancer cells, extensive research has been focused on the formulation of actively targeted BCMs with tumor cell binding antigens conjugated to their surface. However, the in vivo transport of passively and actively targeted BCMs has only been studied to a limited extent. This thesis explores the potential and limitations of passively and actively targeted BCMs, as NDDS for delivery to solid tumors. The in vivo transport of BCMs at the whole body, tumor, and cellular levels is investigated in human breast cancer xenografts. Overall, active targeting of BCMs with epidermal growth factor (EGF) as the tumor cell binding antigen was not found to alter the whole body clearance of the vehicles; however, particle size had a profound effect on their pharmacokinetics and biodistribution profiles. Both passively and actively targeted BCMs exhibited heterogeneous distribution throughout solid tumors, with preferential localization in the tumor periphery and/or highly vascularized regions. In addition, the BCMs were found to exhibit impaired tumor penetration due to limited mobility and/or the binding site barrier. Although active targeting increases the in vivo BCM cellular uptake, the BCMs largely remained in the extracellular compartment, indicating that incomplete BCM delivery to all tumor cells remains as a major biological barrier. Interestingly, EGF-conjugated BCMs induced a potent bystander effect in vitro as a result of the paradoxical apoptotic effect of EGF, which has the potential to treat nearby tumor cells that do not respond directly to BCM treatment in vivo. In this way, EGF-BCMs may be beneficial for rendering the aforementioned in vivo barriers such as limited tumor penetration, as well as heterogeneity in tumor vascularization and receptor expression.

Miltefosina é uma alquilfosfocolina com atividade antineoplásica. No entanto sua utilização miltefosina é limitada a aplicação tópica devido a seu alto potencial hemolítico. No presente trabalho, a miltefosina foi encapsulada em micelas poliméricas de pluronic F127 (poli(óxido de etileno)-(poli(óxido de propileno)-(poli(óxido de etileno), a técnica utilizada foi o método de hidratação do filme polimérico. Um planejamento fatorial do tipo desenho de composto central (CCD) foi utilizado para investigar o efeito de três variáveis, a temperatura de hidratação, velocidade de agitação e tempo de agitação sobre o diãmetro hidrodinâmico da micela (Dh) e o índice de polidispersão (IP). As micelas poliméricas foram caracterizados mediante espalhamento de luz dinâmico (DLS), calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC) e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (TEM). As micelas obtidas exibiram uma morfologia núcleo-corona esférica com Dh= 29,09 ± 0,168 e IP = 0,105 ± 0,005. A estabilidade física das micelas contendo miltefosina e liofilizadas foi estudada após 3 meses de armazenamento a 4 °C, sendo que as micelas apresentaram elevada estabilidade com baixo índice de polidispersão (0,189 ± 0,008). Ensaios de citotoxicidade in vitro em células HeLa e H358 demonstraram que o efeito citotóxico das micelas foi semelhante ao da miltefosina livre. Adicionalmente, as micelas de pluronic F127 contendo 80 µM de miltefosina não se mostraram hemolíticas, sendo que esse efeito é observado para o fármaco livre (30%). Portanto, a incorporação de miltefosina em micelas poliméricas de pluronic F127 pode ser considerada uma estratégia promissora para viabilizar o emprego desse fármaco, bem como de outras alquilfosfocolinas na terapia do cancer. / Miltefosine is an alkylphosphocholine with antineoplastic activity but limit use to topical application due to high hemolytic potential. In this work we encapsulated miltefosine in polymeric micelles of pluronic F127 (poly-(ethylene oxide)-poly -(propylene oxide)-poly-(ethylene oxide)), the technique used was thin-film hydration method. A central composite design (CCD) was used to investigate the effect of three variables, namely film hydration temperature, stirring speed and stirring time on micelle hydrodinamic diameter (Dh) and polydispersity index (IP). Polymeric micelles were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The obtained miltefosine-loaded polymeric exhibited core-shell morphology with Dh = 29.09 ± 0.168 nm and PI = 0.105 ± 0.005. Physical stability of the lyophilized pluronic F127-miltefosine micelles after 3 months storage at 4°C showed high stability with low polydispersity index (0.189 ± 0.008). In vitro cytotoxicity against HeLa and H358 cells demonstrated that the cytotoxic effect pluronic F127-miltefosine micelles was similar to free miltefosine. Additionally, pluronic F127 micelles with 80 µM of miltefosine incorporated were found to be no hemolytic, in comparison to an hemolytic potential of 30 % for the same concentration of free drug. Therefore, incorporation of miltefosine in pluronic F127 polymeric micelles can be considered a promissing strategy to broader the use of this drug in cancer therapy, as well as of other alkylphosphocholines.

Miltefosina é uma alquilfosfocolina com atividade antineoplásica. No entanto sua utilização miltefosina é limitada a aplicação tópica devido a seu alto potencial hemolítico. No presente trabalho, a miltefosina foi encapsulada em micelas poliméricas de pluronic F127 (poli(óxido de etileno)-(poli(óxido de propileno)-(poli(óxido de etileno), a técnica utilizada foi o método de hidratação do filme polimérico. Um planejamento fatorial do tipo desenho de composto central (CCD) foi utilizado para investigar o efeito de três variáveis, a temperatura de hidratação, velocidade de agitação e tempo de agitação sobre o diãmetro hidrodinâmico da micela (Dh) e o índice de polidispersão (IP). As micelas poliméricas foram caracterizados mediante espalhamento de luz dinâmico (DLS), calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC) e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (TEM). As micelas obtidas exibiram uma morfologia núcleo-corona esférica com Dh= 29,09 ± 0,168 e IP = 0,105 ± 0,005. A estabilidade física das micelas contendo miltefosina e liofilizadas foi estudada após 3 meses de armazenamento a 4 °C, sendo que as micelas apresentaram elevada estabilidade com baixo índice de polidispersão (0,189 ± 0,008). Ensaios de citotoxicidade in vitro em células HeLa e H358 demonstraram que o efeito citotóxico das micelas foi semelhante ao da miltefosina livre. Adicionalmente, as micelas de pluronic F127 contendo 80 µM de miltefosina não se mostraram hemolíticas, sendo que esse efeito é observado para o fármaco livre (30%). Portanto, a incorporação de miltefosina em micelas poliméricas de pluronic F127 pode ser considerada uma estratégia promissora para viabilizar o emprego desse fármaco, bem como de outras alquilfosfocolinas na terapia do cancer. / Miltefosine is an alkylphosphocholine with antineoplastic activity but limit use to topical application due to high hemolytic potential. In this work we encapsulated miltefosine in polymeric micelles of pluronic F127 (poly-(ethylene oxide)-poly -(propylene oxide)-poly-(ethylene oxide)), the technique used was thin-film hydration method. A central composite design (CCD) was used to investigate the effect of three variables, namely film hydration temperature, stirring speed and stirring time on micelle hydrodinamic diameter (Dh) and polydispersity index (IP). Polymeric micelles were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The obtained miltefosine-loaded polymeric exhibited core-shell morphology with Dh = 29.09 ± 0.168 nm and PI = 0.105 ± 0.005. Physical stability of the lyophilized pluronic F127-miltefosine micelles after 3 months storage at 4°C showed high stability with low polydispersity index (0.189 ± 0.008). In vitro cytotoxicity against HeLa and H358 cells demonstrated that the cytotoxic effect pluronic F127-miltefosine micelles was similar to free miltefosine. Additionally, pluronic F127 micelles with 80 µM of miltefosine incorporated were found to be no hemolytic, in comparison to an hemolytic potential of 30 % for the same concentration of free drug. Therefore, incorporation of miltefosine in pluronic F127 polymeric micelles can be considered a promissing strategy to broader the use of this drug in cancer therapy, as well as of other alkylphosphocholines.

No description available.

Master of Science / Department of Clinical Sciences / Mary Lynn Higginbotham / Objectives – To isolate and maintain canine Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stromal cells (WJMSCs) in culture, to determine the effects of micellar nanoparticles containing doxorubicin (DOX) on WJMSCs and canine osteosarcoma (OSA) D17 cell viability, and to determine the effects of conditioned media from WJMSCs loaded with micellar nanoparticles containing DOX on OSA D17 cell viability. Sample Population – Canine WJMSCs containing various concentrations of DOX micelles and canine OSA D17 cells. Procedures – WJMSCs were isolated from canine umbilical cords. Micellar nanoparticles containing DOX were prepared and added to culture plates containing canine OSA D17 cells to determine micelle effects on cell growth and viability. Conditioned media from culture plates containing canine WJMSCs incubated with various DOX micelle concentrations was added to OSA D17 cells for conditioned media experiments. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed to assess OSA D17 cell viability. A trypan blue stain was also utilized to perform cell counts to determine the effect of the DOX micelles on stromal cell growth. Results – WJMSCs were successfully isolated and maintained in culture. Micellar nanoparticles containing DOX decreased OSA D17 cell viability. OSA D17 cell viability was also decreased following incubation with conditioned media from canine WJMSCs loaded with micellar nanoparticles containing DOX. Significant decreases with the conditioned media of canine WJMSCs loaded with 10μM micelles occurred at 48 hours (p < 0.005) and at 72 and 96 hours (p < 0.0001). Significant decreases were also observed with the 1 μM DOX micelles at 72 hours (p < 0.005) and 96 hours (p < 0.0001). WJMSC numbers decreased in a dose dependent manner following incubation with DOX micelles. Changes in WJMSC number was not caused by increased cell death as all variables produced similar percentages of dead cells. Conclusions – Canine WJMSCs were successfully isolated and maintained in culture. Stromal cells containing DOX micellar nanoparticles induced OSA D17 cell cytotoxicity while inducing an anti-proliferative, rather than cytotoxic effect, on the WJMSC. These data support future in vivo experiments utilizing canine WJMSCs and micellar nanoparticles.

Submitted by NATHALIA CRISTINA RISSI null (nathaliarissi_farmacia@yahoo.com.br) on 2016-07-04T12:35:43Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese Nathalia Cristina Rissi 1.pdf: 3733548 bytes, checksum: bde3d4680fdf9def65256855510fa057 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Paula Grisoto (grisotoana@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-07-07T17:05:40Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 rissi_nc_dr_arafcf.pdf: 3733548 bytes, checksum: bde3d4680fdf9def65256855510fa057 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-07T17:05:40Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 rissi_nc_dr_arafcf.pdf: 3733548 bytes, checksum: bde3d4680fdf9def65256855510fa057 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-06-02 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Nos últimos anos, é possível observar um grande interesse no desenvolvimento de sistemas multifuncionais direcionados ao diagnóstico e tratamento do câncer. Estes sistemas também conhecidos como “teranósticos” têm se mostrado interessantes, pois ampliam a capacidade de liberação prolongada de fármacos anticancerígenos em células específicas, além de proporcionar um monitoramento ótico através da luminescência de pontos quânticos. Diante deste contexto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo estabilizar os pontos quânticos a base de óxido de zinco (ZnO) em meio aquoso através da modificação de superfície com o 3-(Glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) e também em meio orgânico através da modificação com o Hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HTMS), permitindo assim a veiculação do mesmo em micelas poliméricas A ligação entre os pontos quânticos e as moléculas dos modificadores ocorreu através das reações de hidrólise e condensação, utilizando como catalisador básico o hidróxido de lítio. Esta reação conduziu a formação de uma camada de siloxano ao redor das nanopartículas e resultou nas ligações covalentes do tipo ZnO-Si-O. Ainda com o objetivo de aumentar a estabilidade do ZnO em meio orgânico e consequentemente suas propriedades luminescentes, foi sintetizado uma bicamada formada entre o Ácido Oleico (AO) e o HTMS. As modificações na superfície do ZnO foram confirmadas pelas técnicas de espectroscopia vibracional na região do infravermelho e também pela espectroscopia de fotoelétrons induzidos por raios-X. O comportamento ótico foi feito através da espectroscopia de absorção na região do UV-Vis. Com está técnica, identificou-se o comprimento de onda limite associado ao pico excitônico do ZnO e através do monitoramento deste pico, observou-se estabilidade em água por um período de 15 dias para a grande maioria das amostras de ZnO modificado pelo GPTMS e também para o ZnO modificado pelo HTMS e pela bicamada de AO/HTMS em clorofórmio. O tamanho final dos pontos quânticos foi analisado pela microscopia de transmissão eletrônica, apresentando um tamanho médio entre 3,5- 4nm para as amostras de ZnO modificado pelo GPTMS e de 4,5 nm para as amostras de ZnO modificado pelo HTMS e pela bicamada de AO/HTMS. Com a técnica de difração de raios-X, identificou-se os picos de difração correspondentes a uma estrutura cristalina do tipo Wurtzita. As medidas de fotoluminescência permitiu a obtenção de informações sobre a intensidade luminescente, assim como as cores emitidas dos pontos quânticos e demostraram a importância das modificações de superfície em relação ao aumento da intensidade luminescente. A veiculação do ZnO estáveis no meio orgânico em micelas poliméricas formadas pelo Pluronic F127 e Pluronic F68, foi realizada com sucesso. Este fato foi observado por meio dos espectros de absorção no UV-vis e também pelas medidas de fotoluminescência. Com a técnica de espalhamento de luz dinâmico, avaliou-se parâmetros relacionados com o tamanho e o índice de polidispersidade das micelas. O teste de citotoxicidade in vitro foi feita através do MTT e apresentou uma boa viabilidade celular para as linhagens celulares de queratinócito humano (HaCat) e de hepatoma humano (HepG2). A quantificação das células em que houve a internalização das micelas contendo os pontos quânticos hidrofóbicos como marcador foi feita através da citometria de fluxo. Diante dos resultados obtidos, conclui-se a existência de um potencial a ser explorado em relação ao ZnO modificado pelo GPTMS em aturar futuramente como sondas biológicas. Já as propriedades hidrofóbicas concedidas ao ZnO modificado pelo HTMS e pela bicamada formada entre o AO/HTMS permitiu a incorporação dos mesmos em sistemas micelares e tem como objetivo auxiliar na aplicação futura desses pontos quânticos através do desenvolvimento de sistemas teranósticos. / In recent years, it is possible to observe a growing interest in the development of multifunctional systems used, that can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer These systems also known as " theranostic " and have gained considerable attention due to their capacity of release anticancer drugs into specific cells, besides to optical monitoring through quantum dots. In this context, the present study was aimed to stabilize the quantum dots of of ZnO in water by modifying with 3-(Glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) with and organic medium.by modifying with Hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HTMS), thus allowing them to be incorporated into polymeric micelles The binding between the quantum dots with the modifiers occurred by hydrolysis and condensation reaction under basic catalysis by lithium hydroxide, thus leading to the formation of siloxane layer and resulted in ZnO-Si-O covalent bond. In order to improve the stability of ZnO-QDs and consequently their photoluminescence properties, was synthesized a coating bilayer by OA and HTMS. The ZnO surface modification was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and also by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The optical behavior was performed by absorption spectroscopy in the UV-Vis region. With this technique was possible to identify the wavelength limit associated with the excitonic peak and by monitoring of this peak was observed a great stability during 15 days for almost all samples of ZnO modified by GPTMS in water and ZnO modified by HTMS and bilayer AO / HTMS in chloroform. The finale size of quantum dots was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy that showed an average size about 3,5- 4nm for the samples of znO modified by GPTMS, and 4,5 nm by HTMS and AO/HTMS bilayer. By X-ray diffraction, it was possible to identify through the diffraction peak a wurtzite structure. The photoluminescence measurements allowed to obtain information about luminescence intensity, as well as the emitted colors by quantum dots and demonstrated the importance of surface modifications in relation to increase of luminescence intensity. The placement of hydrophobic ZnO into polymeric micelles formed by Pluronic F127 and Pluronic F68 was successful. This fact can be observed by absorption spectroscopy in UV-vis and by photoluminescence measurements. With the dynamic light scattering, it was possible to observe the hydrodynamic size distribution and polydispersity index of the micelles. In vitro cytotoxicity assay was performed by MTT and showed a great cellular viability for human keratinocytes cells (HaCat) and for hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2). The cellular internalization was performed by flow cytometry. Based on these results, it was concluded a potential to be explored in to ZnO modified by GPTMS to acting in the future as biological probes. The hydrophobic properties of ZnO modified by HTMS and the AO / HTMS bilayer allowed the incorporation in micellar systems and aims to assist in the implementation of these quantum dots through the development of systems theranostics.

Theory has been used to complement experiment in the development of both drugs and delivery systems. Theoretical methods are capable of identifying the molecular basis of drug formulation inadequacies and systematic theoretical studies may suggest fruitful avenues for material modification. This thesis highlights the utility of computer-based theoretical calculations for guiding the design of drug formulations and enhancing material-drug compatibility and stability. Specifically, the present work explores the applications of semi-empirical methods and atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to enhance the performance of nano-emulsions and polymer micelle formulations for the delivery of hydrophobic drugs. This work includes three separate studies preceded by an introductory summary of available theoretical techniques. The first study evaluates the accuracy and reliability of semi-empirical methods and MD simulations as means to select suitable excipients to formulate the anti-cancer drug docetaxel in an emulsion. Here, simulations accurately predict the rank order of drug solubility in various excipients, suggesting that simulation is useful for library enrichment. In the second study, a drug conjugation approach is used to further improve the stability and solubility of docetaxel in a triglyceride-based nano-emulsion. Here, optimal conjugates are identified with computer-based theoretical calculations and conjugates with formulation-compatible moieties are synthesized. As predicted, the conjugates exhibit enhanced solubility and loading efficiency in a nano-emulsion. The goal of the third study is to rationally design a stable unimolecular star copolymer that, as a unimer, does not disassemble upon the dilution that accompanies intravenous injection. Here, MD simulation is used to systematically investigate the solution properties of differently composed star copolymers. Overall, star copolymers with a hydrophobic PCL core ≤ 2 kDa and hydrophilic PEG blocks approaching 14.6 kDa per arm are predicted to form unimolecular micelles that remain unimeric at high concentrations. The studies presented in this thesis demonstrate that theoretical approaches are useful for fast pre-screening of drug formulation materials and for the development of delivery systems and drug derivatives.

Theory has been used to complement experiment in the development of both drugs and delivery systems. Theoretical methods are capable of identifying the molecular basis of drug formulation inadequacies and systematic theoretical studies may suggest fruitful avenues for material modification. This thesis highlights the utility of computer-based theoretical calculations for guiding the design of drug formulations and enhancing material-drug compatibility and stability. Specifically, the present work explores the applications of semi-empirical methods and atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to enhance the performance of nano-emulsions and polymer micelle formulations for the delivery of hydrophobic drugs. This work includes three separate studies preceded by an introductory summary of available theoretical techniques. The first study evaluates the accuracy and reliability of semi-empirical methods and MD simulations as means to select suitable excipients to formulate the anti-cancer drug docetaxel in an emulsion. Here, simulations accurately predict the rank order of drug solubility in various excipients, suggesting that simulation is useful for library enrichment. In the second study, a drug conjugation approach is used to further improve the stability and solubility of docetaxel in a triglyceride-based nano-emulsion. Here, optimal conjugates are identified with computer-based theoretical calculations and conjugates with formulation-compatible moieties are synthesized. As predicted, the conjugates exhibit enhanced solubility and loading efficiency in a nano-emulsion. The goal of the third study is to rationally design a stable unimolecular star copolymer that, as a unimer, does not disassemble upon the dilution that accompanies intravenous injection. Here, MD simulation is used to systematically investigate the solution properties of differently composed star copolymers. Overall, star copolymers with a hydrophobic PCL core ≤ 2 kDa and hydrophilic PEG blocks approaching 14.6 kDa per arm are predicted to form unimolecular micelles that remain unimeric at high concentrations. The studies presented in this thesis demonstrate that theoretical approaches are useful for fast pre-screening of drug formulation materials and for the development of delivery systems and drug derivatives.