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Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) is expressed on some tumor cells, such as myeloma, Hodgkin lymphoma, colon cancer and ovarian cancer, as well as immunosuppressive cells. There is increasingly evidence that TNFR2 expression in cancer microenvironment has significant implications in cancer progression, metastasis and immune evasion. Although nanomedicine has been extensively studied as a carrier of cancer immunotherapeutic agents, no study to date has investigated TNFR2-targeting nanomedicine in cancer treatment. From an epigenetic perspective, previous studies indicate that DNA demethylation might be responsible for high expressions of TNFR2 in cancer models. This perspective review discusses a novel therapeutic strategy based on nanomedicine that has the capacity to target TNFR2 along with inhibition of DNA demethylation. This approach may maximize the anti-cancer potential of nanomedicine-based immunotherapy and, consequently, markedly improve the outcomes of the management of patients with malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have gained increasing interest for tissue engineering and cellular therapy. MSC expansion on microcarriers (MCs) in stirred bioreactors has emerged as an attractive method for their scaled up production. Some MCs have been developed based on polyesters as a hydrophobic biodegradable core. However, most of these MCs are formulated by an emulsion/organic solvent evaporation (E/E) process using poly(vinyl alcohol) as a shell steric stabilizer, which is biocompatible but not degradable in vivo. Moreover, in most of these MCs, the polymer shell is only physically adsorbed at the particle surface. To the best of our knowledge, no study deals with the stability of such a shell when the MCs are in contact with competitive surfactants or with proteins contained in the culture medium. In this study, fully in vivo bioresorbable dextran-covered polylactide-based MCs were formulated using an E/E process, which allowed to control their surface chemistry. Different dextran derivatives with alkyne or ammonium groups were firstly synthesised. Then, on the one hand, some MCs (non-clicked MCs) were formulated with a physically adsorbed polysaccharide shell onto the core. On the other hand, the polysaccharide shell was linked to the core via in situ CuAAC click-chemistry carried out during the E/E process (clicked MCs). The stability of such coverage was first studied in the presence of competitive surfactants (sodium dodecyl sulfate-SDS, or proteins contained in the culture medium) using nanoparticles (NPs) exhibiting the same chemical composition (core/shell) as MCs. The results revealed the total desorption of the dextran shell for non-clicked NPs after treatment with SDS or the culture medium, while this shell desorption was greatly decreased for clicked NPs. A qualitative study of this shell stability was finally carried out on MCs formulated using a new fluorescent dextran-based surfactant. The results were in agreement with those observed for NPs, and showed that non-clicked MCs are characterized by poor shell stability in contact with a competitive surfactant, which could be quite an issue during MSC expansion. In contrast, clicked MCs possess better shell stability, which allow a better control of the MC surface chemistry, especially during cell culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the degradation mechanism and tensile properties of plasticized poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) are evaluated. Purasorb PDLG 5010 is first extruded into rods with or without plasticizers, i.e, D,L-lactide or aspirin. Then, the hydrolytic degradation of such rods is studied in phosphate buffer solution. A very fast hydrolytic degradation (half-life time lower than 1 month) that is enhanced by the presence of plasticizer occurs through a heterogeneous mechanism and leads to the formation of hollow rods. The mechanical properties of these rods are studied in dry and wet states. Finally, water diffusivity in plasticized (or not) PLGA is estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Despite the promising applications of PLGA based particles, studies examining the fate and consequences of these particles after intra-articular administration in the joint are scanty. This study was carried out to evaluate the neutrality of the unloaded delivery system on different articular cell types. To facilitate tracking, we have thus developed a fluorescent core of particles, combined to a hyaluronate shell for cell recognition. Methods: Fluorescence pictures were taken at time intervals to assess the internalization and the corresponding inflammatory response was monitored by RT-qPCR and biochemical measurements. After NPs pre-treatment, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were cultured into chondrogenic, adipogenic or osteogenic differentiation media, to investigate if NPs exposure interferes with differentiation ability. Finally, intra-articular injections were performed in healthy rat knees and joint's structure analysed by histological studies. Results: Particles were detected in cytoplasm 8 h after exposure. Internalization led to a slight and reversible increase of inflammatory markers, but lower than in inflammatory conditions. We have confirmed particles exposure minimal neutrality on MSCs pluripotency. Histological exams of joint after intra-articular injections do not demonstrate any side effects of NPs. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that such a delivery platform is well tolerated locally and could be used to deliver active molecules to the joint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Polymers containing o-nitrobenzyl esters are promising for preparation of light sensitive materials. o-Nitrobenzyl methacrylate has already been polymerized by controlled ATRP or RAFT. Unfortunately, the radical polymerization of o-nitrobenzyl acrylate (NBA) was not controlled until now due to inhibition and retardation effects coming from the nitro-aromatic groups. Recent developments in the Single Electron Transfer-Living Radical Polymerization (SET-LRP) provide us an access to control this NBA polymerization and living character of this NBA SET-LRP is demonstrated. Effects of CuBr2 and ligand concentrations, as well as Cu(0) wire length on SET-LRP kinetics are shown presently. A first-order kinetics with respect to the NBA concentration is observed after one induction period. SET-LRP proceeds with a linear evolution of molecular weight and a narrow distribution. High initiation efficiency close to 1 and high chain-end functionality (∼93%) are reached. Chain extension of poly( o-nitrobenzyl acrylate) is realized with methyl acrylate (MA) to obtain well defined poly( o-nitrobenzyl acrylate)-b-poly(methyl acrylate) (PNBA- b-PMA). Finally, light-sensitive properties of PNBA are checked upon UV irradiation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 2192-2201 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Poly( d,l-lactide- co-glycolide) (PLGA) copolyesters are commonly used in biomedical applications. Researches were carried out on nontoxic or low-toxic catalysts that are enough efficient to provide short polymerization times, adequate microstructure chains and similar properties than the commercial PLGA materials. In this study, PLGA were synthesized by ring-opening copolymerization (ROP) using three different catalysts. Stannous octoate is the first catalyst we used, as it is very efficient, even its toxicity is still on debate. Two others low-toxic catalysts [zinc lactate and bismuth subsalicylate (BiSS)] were also evaluated. The comparison of these ROP was realized in terms of kinetics and control of the polymerization. Then, the influence of the catalyst on the PLGA microstructure chains is reported. Finally, abiotic hydrolytic degradation rate is studied. Results described in this article show that BiSS is one very attractive catalyst to produce low toxic PLGA for biomedical applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 1130-1138 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT A cholesterol-based liquid crystal monomer, diethylene glycol cholesteryl ether acrylate (DEGCholA), has been successfully polymerized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) for the first time. Appropriate experimental conditions to control the polymerization of DEGCholA have been investigated using a model initiator (ethyl 2-bromoisobutyrate) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) or toluene at 60 °C. Well-controlled ATRP of DEGCholA was obtained using N, N, N′, N′, N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine as ligand in THF at 60 °C. These conditions were then applied to initiate the ATRP of DEGCholA from multifunctional macroinitiators based on dextran. Using a protection/deprotection synthetic scheme, novel graft glycopolymers (Dex- g-PDEGCholA) have been synthesized. The mesomorphic properties of DEGCholA, PDEGCholA, and Dex- g-PDEGCholA have been studied by thermal polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray scattering. PDEGCholA and Dex- g-PDEGCholA show an interdigitated smectic A phase (SmAd) between Tg (∼30 °C) and around 170 °C. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3829-3839 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the in vitro degradation of a poly(L-lactic-co-glycolic acid)-poly(L-lactic-co-E-caprolactone) (PLGA-PLCL) composite scaffold's mechanical properties under static culture condition and 2 h period per day of traction-torsion cyclic culture conditions of simultaneous 10% uniaxial strain and 90° of torsion cycles at 0.33 Hz. Scaffolds were cultured in static conditions, during 28 days, with or without cell seeded or under dynamic conditions during 14 days in a bioreactor. Scaffolds' biocompatibility and proliferation were investigated with Alamar Blue tests and cell nuclei staining. Scaffolds' mechanical properties were tested during degradation by uniaxial traction test. The PLGA-PLCL composite scaffold showed a good cytocompatibility and a high degree of colonization in static conditions. Mechanical tests showed a competition between two process of degradation which have been associated to hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation for the reinforce yarn in poly(L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). The enzymatic degradation led to a decrease effect on mechanical properties of cell-seeded scaffolds during the 21st days, but the hydrolytic degradation was preponderant at day 28. In conclusion, the structure of this scaffold is adapted to culture in terms of biocompatibility and cell orientation (microfiber) but must be improved by delaying the degradation of it reinforce structure in PLGA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (D3) was polymerized in bulk at 100°C, and the conversion was monitored by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Various metal triflates, which were inactive as neat salts, were combined with chlorosilanes, chlorostannanes, phenyl phosphonyl chloride, and carboxylic acid chlorides, which were also inactive when added alone. Most 1 : 1 combinations proved to produce active catalysts for the ring-opening polymerization of D3. When the anions of sodium salts were varied alkylsulfonates and the sulfates were more reactive than the triflate. The samarium triflate/diphenyldichlorosilane combination was found to be the most reactive catalyst on the basis of the triflate ions. Regardless of the catalyst combination, the main reaction products in the early stages of all polymerizations were octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5). The polymerization mechanism is discussed. The reactive catalyst combinations also polymerized D4 at 100°C. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To easily perform atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in homogeneous medium from unprotected polysaccharidic macroinitiators, the ATRP of MMA carried out in dimethylsulfoxide has been firstly reinvestigated using Cu(I)Br as metal catalyst and ethyl 2-bromoisobutyrate as initiator. Two ligands, 2,2′-bipyridyne (Bpy) and N-( n-propyl)-2-pyridylmethanimine ( n-Pr-PMI), have been compared, as well as the addition of Cu(II)Br (10 molar % relative to Cu(I)Br) or the adjustment of experimental temperature (from 30 to 60 °C). Appropriate conditions were founded for both ligands to achieve a controlled ATRP. Bpy giving far much faster polymerization compared to n-Pr-PMI, n-Pr-MI was preferred as ligand for accurate tuning of the conversion. Experimental procedure was then applied to unprotected macroinitiators based on dextran to obtain amphiphilic poly(methyl methacrylate) grafted dextran. While homopolymerization was controlled in these conditions, parameters have to be adjusted for the hydrophilic unprotected macroinitiators to prevent gel formation and control ATRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of amphiphilic dextran- g-poly(methyl methacrylate) glycopolymers (Dex- g-PMMA) is studied using 'grafting from' concept and atom transfer radical polymerization. Two strategies have been examined to control the macromolecular parameters of such glycopolymers. One is involving four steps including a protection/deprotection approach and the second one only two steps. The introduction of initiators group onto a protected acetylated dextran (and directly onto dextran) was achieved resulting in protected DexAcBr (and in unprotected DexBr). These two types of polysaccharidic macroinitiators differ in term of solubility (hydrophilic DexBr vs. hydrophobic DexAcBr) and of position of the initiators groups on the glucosidic units (which are the sites of the future grafts). When evaluated as macroinitiators for ATRP of MMA, control was achieved in both cases but DexBr gave much faster polymerization and lower average grafting efficiency compared with DexAcBr or model initiator. Advantages and drawbacks of both pathways have finally been discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to evaluate the toxicity of nanoparticles of poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PLA) or poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) covered by chemically esterified amphiphilic hyaluronate (HA) which will be used for intra-articular injection as a drug carrier for the treatment of arthritis (RA) and/or osteoarthritis (OA). PLA and PLGA are FDA approved polymers that are already used for the preparation of nano or microparticles. HA is a natural polysaccharide already present in the articulations known to interact with the CD44 receptors of the cells (especially chondrocytes). Therefore, we can envisage that the HA covering can improve the interactions between the cells and the nanoparticles, leading to better targeting or biodistribution. The knee of healthy male rats was injected one to two times weekly, with various concentrations of nanoparticles encapsulating Dextran-FITC. The synovial membranes and the patellae were collected aseptically and histologically analyzed to assess the effects and localization of the nanocapsules in the knee joint. We did not observe significant modifications in the synovial membranes (weak hyperplasia) or patellae integrity after local administration of nanodevices into the rats. While we found some nanoparticles in the synovial membrane, none were detected in the patellae. Moreover, the histological observations for patellae were confirmed by radiosulfate intake, which depicted no decrease in proteoglycans biosynthesis in nanoparticles treated animals. Concerning the safety towards synovial membranes, we also had a look at the inflammatory response after injections of nanoparticles covered by amphiphilic HA or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) by monitoring the mRNA expression levels of some specific early cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α). Once again, no differences were observed between the control rats and the rats treated with nanoparticles. Considering these preliminary results obtained in healthy rats, we can establish that neither the amphiphilic HA-covered PLGA nanoparticles nor their degradation products induce major modifications of articular tissues functions, while injected into the knee of healthy rats. These results should be confirmed in OA or RA rat models, in order to confirm that nanoparticles do not worsen already altered (degenerative or inflamed) articular tissues. Once confirmed, such tuneable nanoparticles could be proposed as a safe drug delivery system for the treatment of articular disease, allowing a wide range of encapsulating molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysaccharide coated nanoparticles represent a promising class of environmentally friendly latex to replace those stabilized by small toxic molecular surfactants. We report here an in situ formulation of free-surfactant core/shell nanoparticles latex consisting of dextran-based diblock amphiphilic copolymers. The synthesis of copolymers and the immediate latex formulation were performed directly in water using a photo-initiated reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer-mediated polymerization induced self-assembly strategy. A hydrophilic macromolecular chain transfer-bearing photosensitive thiocarbonylthio group (eDexCTA) was first prepared by a modification of the reducing chain end of dextran in two steps: (i) reductive amination by ethylenediamine in the presence of sodium cyanoborohydride, (ii) then introduction of CTA by amidation reaction. Latex nanoparticles were then formulated in situ by chain-extending eDexCTA using 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) under 365 nm irradiation, leading to amphiphilic dextran-b-poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) diblock copolymers (DHX). Solid concentration (SC) and the average degree of polymerization -   X n ˉ - of PHPMA block (X) were varied to investigate their impact on the size and the morphology of latex nanoparticles termed here SCDHX. Light scattering and transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that SCDHX form exclusively spherical nano-objects. However, the size of nano-objects, ranging from 20 nm to 240 nm, increases according to PHPMA block length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The four‐step synthesis of amphiphilic glycopolymers associating dextran as backbone and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as grafts is reported, using the "grafting from" strategy. In the first step, the dextran OH functions were partially acetylated. The second step consisted in linking initiator groups by reaction of 2‐bromoisobutyryl bromide (BiBB) with the unprotected OH functions. Third, the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl methacrylate was carried out in DMSO from the resulting dextran derivative used as a macroinitiator. Finally, the cleavage of the acetate groups led to the expected glycopolymers. Careful attention was given both to the copolymer structure and the control of polymerization. PMMA grafts were analyzed by SEC‐MALLS after their deliberate cleavage from the backbone to evidence a controlled polymerization. Moreover, the mildness of the final deprotection conditions was proved to ensure acetate cleavage without either degrading dextran backbone and PMMA grafts or cleaving grafts from dextran backbone. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 7606–7620, 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding plastic substitutes based on sustainability, especially for short-term packaging and disposable applications has aroused scientific interest for many years. Starch may be a substitute for petroleum based plastics but it shows severe limitations due to its water sensitivity and rather low mechanical properties. To overcome these weaknesses and to maintain the material biodegradability, one option is to blend plasticized starch with another biodegradable polymer. To improve both the compatibility between the main phases and the performance of the final blend, different compatibilization strategies are reported in literature. However, the relative efficiency of each strategy is not widely reported. This paper presents three different strategies: in situ (i) formation of urethane linkages; (ii) coupling with peroxide between starch and PLA, and (iiii) the addition of PLA-grafted amylose (A-g-PLA) which has been elaborated ex situ and carefully analyzed before blending. This study compares the effect of each compatibilization strategy by investigating mechanical and thermal properties of each blend. Compatibilizing behavior of the A-g-PLA is demonstrated, with a significant increase (up to 60%) in tensile strength of starch/PLA blend with no decrease in elongation at failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein C-loaded nanoparticles coated with monomethoxypoly (ethylene oxide) (MPEO) were prepared by double emulsion/solvent evaporation using water-soluble biocompatible copolymers of MPEO and polylactide, as surfactants of the secondary emulsion. The nanoparticle preparation was optimized to obtain the best yield of encapsulated protein C and provide the greatest retention of its biological activity. The nanoparticles were characterized in terms of size, zeta potential, and thickness of the MPEO external layer. Protein C-loaded nanoparticles were injected into the bloodstream of guinea pigs and the protein concentration in plasma is measured as a function of time. After a rapid release corresponding to 20% of the injected protein, the protein plasma concentration progressively decreased and reached a value close to zero after 5 h. Consequently, the in vivo fate of the fluorescent nanoparticles coated with or without MPEO is studied. The uncoated nanoparticles were rapidly captured by the circulating granulocytes while the coated ones were not. The histological analysis of the spleen, 1 hour after injection, showed that the MPEO-coated particles were retained in this organ, while the uncoated ones were not captured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From a set of around 100 phosphorus-containing polymers tested in pyrolysis–combustion flow calorimetry, the contributions to flammability of two phosphorus-containing pendant groups (called 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) and PO3) were calculated using an advanced method previously proposed and validated. The flammability properties include total heat release (THR) and heat release capacity (HRC) measured in standard conditions, i.e., anaerobic pyrolysis and complete combustion. The calculated contributions are in good agreement with the main modes of action of both phosphorus groups, i.e., flame inhibition for DOPO and char promotion for PO3. Moreover, the results provide first conclusions about the cooperative interaction between phosphorus and nitrogen, as well as the influence of the architecture of tested co-polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two‐step synthetic procedure is designed for preparing new flame‐retardant methacrylic monomers containing 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) as a substituent side group. DOPO and methacrylate moieties are linked by linear aliphatic hydrocarbon spacers (3 to 11 carbon atoms). Copolymerization with methyl methacrylate is carried out leading to copolymers containing between 2 and 10 wt% phosphorus. All homo‐ and copolymers exhibit a unique glass transition temperature (Tg). A new group contribution for DOPO‐based substituent is extracted that leads to reasonable estimations of Tgs of other published polymers. The Fox equation provides a good estimation of Tgs for most copolymers and for physical blends of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and DOPO. When using monomers having three and four carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon spacer, the Tg of copolymers remains close to that of PMMA over a wide range of composition. Phosphorus‐containing methacrylate homo‐ and copolymers containing 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) are synthesized and characterized with regard to their glass transition temperature (Tg). A new group contribution of DOPO side group is derived and allows reliable estimations of Tgs of a large number of polymers. DOPO‐containing copolymers exhibit significantly higher Tgs than the corresponding physical blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which discusses adhesion and colonization of mesenchymal stem cells on polylactide or PLCL fibers dedicated for tissue engineering. Topics discussed include use of porcine mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in the study, cultivation and cell adhesion of mesenchymal stem cells, and cultivation of MSC on various polymers such as polymers made with lactic acid or caprolactone.