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The incorporation of photoswitches into the molecular structure of peptides and proteins enables their dynamic photocontrol in complex biological systems. Here, a perfluorinated azobenzene derivative triggered by amber light was site‐specifically conjugated to cysteines in a helical peptide by perfluoroarylation chemistry. In response to the photoisomerization (trans→cis) of the conjugated azobenzene with amber light, the secondary structure of the peptide was modulated from a disorganized into an amphiphilic helical structure.

Conjugation of biologics with polymers modulates their pharmacokinetics, with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the gold standard. We compared alternative polymers and two types of cyclooctyne linkers (BCN/DBCO) for bioconjugation of interferon-α2a (IFN-α2a) using 10 kDa polymers including linear mPEG, poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx), and linear polyglycerol (LPG). IFN-α2a was azide functionalized via amber codon expansion and bioorthogonally conjugated to all cyclooctyne linked polymers. Polymer conjugation did not impact IFN-α2a's secondary structure and only marginally reduced IFN-α2a's bioactivity. In comparison to PEtOx, the LPG polymer attached via the less rigid cyclooctyne linker BCN was found to stabilize IFN-α2a against thermal stress. These findings were further detailed by molecular modeling studies which showed a modulation of protein flexibility upon PEtOx conjugation and a reduced amount of protein native contacts as compared to PEG and LPG originated bioconjugates. Polymer interactions with IFN-α2a were further assessed via a limited proteolysis (LIP) assay, which resulted in comparable proteolytic cleavage patterns suggesting weak interactions with the protein's surface. In conclusion, both PEtOx and LPG bioconjugates resulted in a similar biological outcome and may become promising PEG alternatives for bioconjugation.

Influenza A viruses (IAV), including the pandemic 2009 (pdm09) H1N1 or avian influenza H5N1 virus, may advance into more pathogenic, potentially antiviral drug-resistant strains (including loss of susceptibility against oseltamivir). Such IAV strains fuel the risk of future global outbreaks, to which this study responds by re-engineering Interferon-α2a (IFN-α2a) bioconjugates into influenza therapeutics. Type-I interferons such as IFN-α2a play an essential role in influenza infection and may prevent serious disease courses. We site-specifically conjugated a genetically engineered IFN-α2a mutant to poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)s (PEtOx) of different molecular weights by strain-promoted azide-alkyne cyclo-addition. The promising pharmacokinetic profile of the 25 kDa PEtOx bioconjugate in mice echoed an efficacy in IAV-infected ferrets. One intraperitoneal administration of this bioconjugate, but not the marketed IFN-α2a bioconjugate, changed the disease course similar to oseltamivir, given orally twice every study day. PEtOxylated IFN-α2a bioconjugates may expand our therapeutic arsenal against future influenza pandemics, particularly in light of rising first-line antiviral drug resistance to IAV.

3D printing of biomaterials enables spatial control of drug incorporation during automated manufacturing. This study links bioresponsive release of the anabolic biologic, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in response to matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) to 3D printing using the block copolymer of poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) and thermoresponsive poly(2-n-propyl-2-oxazine) (POx-b-POzi). For that, a chemo-enzymatic synthesis was deployed, ligating IGF-I enzymatically to a protease sensitive linker (PSL), which was conjugated to a POx-b-POzi copolymer. The product was blended with the plain thermogelling POx-b-POzi hydrogel. MMP exposure of the resulting hydrogel triggered bioactive IGF-I release. The bioresponsive IGF-I containing POx-b-POzi hydrogel system was further detailed for shape control and localized incorporation of IGF-I via extrusion 3D printing for future applications in biomedicine and biofabrication. © 2022 Elsevier B.V. Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

Intraoperative bleeding and postoperative bleeding are major surgical complications. Tissue sealants, hemostats, and adhesives provide the armamentarium for establishing hemostatic balance, including the tissue sealant fibrin. Fibrin sealants combine advantages including instantaneous effect, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. However, several challenges remain. This review summarizes current fibrin product generations and highlights new trends and potential strategies for future improvement.

This article provides guidance toward a platform technology for monitoring enzyme activity within the extracellular matrix (ECM) assessed by quantifying reporters secreted into the cell culture supernatant and analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry. The reporters are enzymatically and covalently bound to the ECM by transglutaminases (TG) using the peptide sequence of human insulin-like growth factor I's (IGF-I) D-domain which is known to be bound to the ECM by transglutaminase. The IGF-I D-domain sequence is followed by a peptide sequence cleaved by the intended target protease. This protease-sensitive peptide sequence (PSS) is cleaved off the ECM and can be used to monitor target-enzyme activity by employing a downstream mass tag designed according to isobaric mass encoding strategies, i.e., the combination of isotopically labeled, heavy amino acids. Thereby, cleavage events are linked to the appearance of encoded mass tags, readily allowing multiplexing. This article presents the design and synthesis of these mass reporters. It further aims at detailing the search for peptide sequences responding to target proteases to facilitate future work on enzyme activity measurement for enzymatic activities of hitherto unknown enzymes. In conclusion, the goal of this article is to arm scientists interested in measurements of local enzymatic activities within the ECM with robust protocols and background knowledge.

Anti-inflammatory cytokines are a promising class of therapeutics for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but their use is currently limited by a rapid clearance and systemic toxicity. Interleukin-4 is a small cytokine with potential for RA therapy. To increase its pharmacokinetic features, we engineered a murine IL4 conjugate by incorporating an unnatural amino acid through genetic code expansion to which PEG-folate, as a targeting moiety and PEG alone as control, were site-specifically bound. Both IL4 conjugates retained bioactivity and induced primary murine macrophage polarization into an alternatively activated (M2) related phenotype. The PEGylated conjugates had a terminal half-life of about four hours in healthy mice compared to unPEGylated IL-4 (0.76 h). We showed that both conjugates successfully accumulated into arthritic joints in an antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) mouse model, as assessed by non-invasive fluorescence imaging. The modular nature of the IL4 conjugate chemistry presented herein facilitates easy adaption of PEG chain length and targeting moieties for further improvement of half-life and targeting function for future efficacy studies.

Reporting matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity directly from the extracellular matrix (ECM) may provide critical insights to better characterize 2D and 3D cell culture model systems of inflammatory diseases and potentially leverage in vivo diagnosis. In this proof-of-concept study, we designed MMP-sensors, which were covalently linked onto the ECM by co-administration of the activated transglutaminase factor XIIIa (FXIIIa). Elements of the featured MMP-sensors are the D-domain of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) through which co-administered FXIIIa covalently links the sensor to the ECM followed by an MMP sensitive peptide sequence and locally reporting on MMP activity, an isotopically labeled mass tag encoding for protease activity, and an affinity tag facilitating purification from fluids. All sensors come in identical pairs, other than the MMP sensitive peptide sequence, which is synthesized with l-amino acids or d-amino acids, the latter serving as internal standard. As a proof of concept for multiplexing, we successfully profiled two MMP-sensors with different MMP sensitive peptide sequences reporting MMP activity directly from an engineered 3D ECM. Future use may include covalently ECM bound diagnostic depots reporting MMP activity from inflamed tissues.

Conjugation of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to biologics is a successful strategy to favorably impact the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of the resulting bioconjugate. We compare bioconjugates synthesized by strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) using PEG and linear polyglycerol (LPG) of about 20 kDa or 40 kDa, respectively, with an azido functionalized human Interferon-α2a (IFN-α2a) mutant. Site specific PEGylation and LPGylation resulted in IFN-α2a bioconjugates with improved in vitro potency as compared to commercial Pegasys. LPGylated bioconjugates had faster disposition kinetics despite comparable hydrodynamic radii to their PEGylated analogues. Overall exposure of the PEGylated IFN-α2a with a 40 kDa polymer exceeded Pegasys which, in return, was comparable to the 40 kDa LPGylated conjugates. The study points to an expanded polymer design space by means of which the selected polymer class may result in different distribution of the studied bioconjugates.

Conjugation of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to biologics is a successful strategy to favorably impact the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of the resulting bioconjugate. We compare bioconjugates synthesized by strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) using PEG and linear polyglycerol (LPG) of about 20 kDa or 40 kDa, respectively, with an azido functionalized human Interferon-α2a (IFN-α2a) mutant. Site-specific PEGylation and LPGylation resulted in IFN-α2a bioconjugates with improved in vitro potency compared to commercial Pegasys. LPGylated bioconjugates had faster disposition kinetics despite comparable hydrodynamic radii to their PEGylated analogues. Overall exposure of the PEGylated IFN-α2a with a 40 kDa polymer exceeded Pegasys, which, in return, was similar to the 40 kDa LPGylated conjugates. The study points to an expanded polymer design space through which the selected polymer class may result in a different distribution of the studied bioconjugates.

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a potentially interesting anti-inflammatory therapeutic, which is rapidly excreted. Therefore, serum half-life extension by polymer conjugation is desirable, which may be done by PEGylation. Here, we use PEtOx as an alternative to PEG for bioconjugate engineering. We genetically extended murine IL-4 (mIL-4) with the d-domain of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), a previously identified substrate of transglutaminase (TG) Factor XIIIa (FXIIIa). Thereby, engineered mIL-4 (mIL-4-TG) became an educt for TG catalyzed C-terminal, site-directed conjugation. This was deployed to enzymatically couple an azide group containing peptide sequence to mIL-4, allowing C-terminal bioconjugation of polyethylene glycol or poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline). Both bioconjugates had wild-type potency and alternatively polarized macrophages.

In this study, a novel approach to create arbitrarily shaped 3D hydrogel objects is presented, wherein freeform two-photon polymerization (2PP) is enabled by the combination of a photosensitive hydrogel and an intrinsic support matrix. This way, topologies without physical contact such as a highly porous 3D network of concatenated rings were realized, which are impossible to manufacture with most current 3D printing technologies. Micro-Raman and nanoindentation measurements show the possibility to control water uptake and hence tailor the Young's modulus of the structures via the light dosage, proving the versatility of the concept regarding many scaffold characteristics that makes it well suited for cell specific cell culture as demonstrated by cultivation of human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes.

Interferons (IFN) are immunomodulating, antiviral and antiproliferative cytokines for treatment of multiple indications, including cancer, hepatitis, and autoimmune disease. The first IFNs were discovered in 1957, first approved in 1986, and are nowadays listed in the WHO model list of essential medicines. Three classes of IFNs are known; IFN-α2a and IFN-β belonging to type-I IFNs, IFN-γ a type-II IFN approved for some hereditary diseases and IFN-λs, which form the newest class of type-III IFNs. IFN-λs were discovered in the last decade with fascinating yet under discovered pharmaceutical potential. This article reviews available IFN drugs, their field and route of application, while also outlining available and future strategies for bioconjugation to further optimize pharmaceutical and clinical performances of all three available IFN classes.

Polymer conjugation to biologics is of key interest to the pharmaceutical industry for the development of potent and long acting biotherapeutics, with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) being the gold standard. Within the last years, unwanted PEG-related side effects (immunological reactions, antibody formation) arose, therefore creating several attempts to establish alternative polymers with similar potential to PEG. In this article, we synthesized N-terminal bioconjugates of the potential therapeutic human interleukin-4 (hIL-4 WT) with linear polyglycerol (LPG) of 10 and 40 kDa and compared it with its PEG analogs of same nominal weights. Polyglycerol is a highly hydrophilic polymer with good biocompatibility and therefore represents an alternative polymer to PEG. Both polymer types resulted in similar conjugation yields, comparable hydrodynamic sizes and an unaltered secondary structure of the protein after modification. LPG- and PEG-bioconjugates remained stable in human plasma, whereas binding to human serum albumin (HSA) decreased after polymer modification. Furthermore, only minor differences in bioactivity were observed between LPG- and PEG-bioconjugates of same nominal weights. The presented findings are promising for future pharmacokinetic evaluation of hIL-4-polymer bioconjugates.

Hydrogels are key components in bioink formulations to ensure printability and stability in biofabrication. In this study a well-known post-polymerization modification approach is introduced into thermogelling diblock copolymers, comprising poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) and thermoresponsive poly(2-n-propyl-2-oxazine). While the thermogelling and shear-thinning properties allow excellent printability, trigger-less cell-friendly Diels-Alder click-chemistry yields long-term shape-fidelity. The introduced platform enables easy incorporation of cell-binding moieties (RGD-peptide) for cellular interaction. The hydrogel was functionalized with RGD-peptides using thiol-maleimide chemistry and growth as well as morphology of fibroblast seeded on top of the hydrogels confirmed the cell adhesion facilitated by the peptides. Finally, bioink formulations were tested for biocompatibility by incorporating fibroblasts homogenously inside polymer solution pre-printing and exhibited good cytocompatibility after the printing process and crosslinking. The established bioink system combining a two-step approach by physical precursor gelation followed by additional chemical stabilization offers a broad versatility for further biomechanical adaptation or bioresponsive peptide modification.

Presentation of therapeutic proteins on material surfaces is challenged by random immobilization chemistries through lysine or cysteine residues, typically leading to heterogeneous product outcome. Pharmaceutical quality standards warrant a controlled process ideally through site specific conjugation. Therefore, we deployed genetic codon expansion to engineer a propargyl-l-lysine (Plk)-modified FGF-2 analogue, enabling site-specific copper(I)-catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). Site-specific decoration of Plk-FGF-2 to particles sparked cell proliferation of human osteosarcoma cells in a spatially controlled manner around the decorated carrier, rendering this approach instrumental for the future design of quality-improved bioinstructive scaffold outcome.

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is an inducer of skeletal muscle hypertrophy and blocks skeletal muscle atrophy, rendering it a good therapeutic option for the treatment of severe burn injury for which localized treatment options are particularly interesting. For that, the therapeutic was redesigned via amber codon expression, leading to a propargyl-l-lysine (plk) modified IGF-I (plk-IGF-I Ea) with Ea peptide prolongation at the C-terminus, thereby becoming a substrate for copper(I)-catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) and other bio-orthogonal click chemistries. The plk-IGF-I Ea was site-specifically immobilized to agarose particles, resulting in homogeneous product outcome with retained potency while providing the necessary tools to maximize local and minimize systemic exposure. IGF-I decorated particles outperformed soluble IGF-I in C2C12 induced myotube formation, reflecting the impact of controlled multivalence on decorated materials.

Last two decades has seen a growth of the research on untethered mobile small-scale robots. These motile devices display the ability to travel through fluids by transforming the energy generated by an external power source into mechanical motion. As a result, these devices are being recognized as promising platforms to break through the drawbacks of nanoparticle drug delivery systems. Among the family of small-scale devices, magnetic micro- and nanorobots, which refer to those devices wirelessly controlled by external magnetic fields, are arguably the most appealing systems for biomedical applications. Magnetic fields display biocompatibility characteristics in a wide range of conditions, and they can penetrate body tissues with minimal interaction. Additionally, magnetic fields can be generated in several forms (rotating, oscillating, gradients), enabling a rich collection of motion mechanisms, including several that mimic those of cells and microorganisms. In the present talk, we will introduce magnetic small-scale robots, their actuation principles, designs and constituent materials. Next, we will discuss about existing and potential applications in the biomedical area. Finally, we will conclude with remaining challenges for their translation into clinical applications, with a special focus in the area of intravascular drug delivery., Public Health Toxicology, 1 (S), ISSN:2732-8929

Hydrogels are key components in bioink formulations to ensure printability and stability in biofabrication. In this study, a well-known Diels-Alder two-step post-polymerization modification approach is introduced into thermogelling diblock copolymers, comprising poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) and thermoresponsive poly(2-n-propyl-2-oxazine). The diblock copolymers are partially hydrolyzed and subsequently modified by acid/amine coupling with furan and maleimide moieties. While the thermogelling and shear-thinning properties allow excellent printability, trigger-less cell-friendly Diels-Alder click-chemistry yields long-term shape-fidelity. The introduced platform enables easy incorporation of cell-binding moieties (RGD-peptide) for cellular interaction. The hydrogel is functionalized with RGD-peptides using thiol-maleimide chemistry and cell proliferation as well as morphology of fibroblasts seeded on top of the hydrogels confirm the cell adhesion facilitated by the peptides. Finally, bioink formulations are tested for biocompatibility by incorporating fibroblasts homogenously inside the polymer solution pre-printing. After the printing and crosslinking process good cytocompatibility is confirmed. The established bioink system combines a two-step approach by physical precursor gelation followed by an additional chemical stabilization, offering a broad versatility for further biomechanical adaptation or bioresponsive peptide modification.

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), an important paracrine growth factor, binds electrostatically with low micromolar affinity to heparan sulfates present on extracellular matrix proteins. A single molecular analysis served as a basis to decipher the nanomechanical mechanism of the interaction between FGF-2 and the heparan sulfate surrogate, heparin, with a modular atomic force microscope (AFM) design combining magnetic actuators with force measurements at the low force regime (1 × 10¹ to 1 × 10⁴ pN/s). Unbinding events between FGF-2-heparin complexes were specific and short-lived. Binding between FGF-2 and heparin had strong slip bond characteristics as demonstrated by a decrease of lifetime with tensile force on the complex. Unbinding forces between FGF-2 and heparin were further detailed at different pH as relevant for (patho-) physiological conditions. An acidic pH environment (5.5) modulated FGF-2-heparin binding as demonstrated by enhanced rupture forces needed to release FGF-2 from the heparin-FGF-2 complex as compared to physiological conditions. This study provides a mechanistic and hypothesis driven model on how molecular forces may impact FGF-2 release and storage during tissue remodeling and repair.

Metabolic glycoengineering enables a directed modification of cell surfaces by introducing target molecules to surface proteins displaying new features. Biochemical pathways involving glycans differ in dependence on the cell type, therefore, this technique should be tailored for the best results. We characterized metabolic glycoengineering in telomerase-immortalized human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSC-TERT) as a model for primary hMSC, to investigate its applicability in TERT-modified cell lines. The metabolic incorporation of N-azidoacetylmannosamine (Ac4ManNAz) and N-alkyneacetylmannosamine (Ac4ManNAl) into the glycocalyx as a first step in the glycoengineering process revealed no adverse effects on cell viability or gene expression, and the in vitro multipotency (osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential) was maintained under these adapted culture conditions. In the second step, glycoengineered cells were modified with fluorescent dyes using Cu-mediated click chemistry. In these analyses, the two mannose derivatives showed superior incorporation efficiencies compared to glucose and galactose isomers. In time-dependent experiments, the incorporation of Ac4ManNAz was detectable for up to six days while Ac4ManNAl-derived metabolites were absent after two days. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the successful metabolic glycoengineering of immortalized hMSC resulting in transient cell surface modifications, and thus present a useful model to address different scientific questions regarding glycosylation processes in skeletal precursors.

We report for the first time on a novel Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) technique with dual actuation capabilities using both piezo and magnetic bead actuation for advanced single-molecule force spectroscopy experiments. The experiments are performed by manipulating functionalized magnetic microbeads using an electromagnet against a stationary AFM cantilever. Magnetic actuation has been demonstrated for AFM before to actuate cantilevers, but here we report for the first time a method where we keep the cantilever stationary and accomplish actuation via free-manipulated microstructures. This method leads to a significant reduction of mechanical drift in the system since the experiments are performed without a need for a hard surface and the measured force between the cantilever and the bead is inherently differential. In addition, shrinking the size of the actuator can minimize hydrodynamic forces affecting the AFM cantilever. We conducted single-molecule force spectroscopy and force-clamp experiments with biotin/streptavidin as a model system using the new method. The new method reported herein allows applying constant force on the beads to perform force-clamp experiments without any active feedback, which might be crucial for a deeper understanding of interaction between biomolecules.

Amphiphilic block copolymers that undergo (reversible) physical gelation in aqueous media are of great interest in ditIerent areas including drug delivery, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and biofabrication. We investigated a small library of ABA-type triblock copolymers comprising poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) as the hydrophilic shell A and different aromatic poly(2-oxazoline)s and poly(2-oxazine)s cores B in an aqueous solution at different concentrations and temperatures. Interestingly, aqueous solutions of poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)-block-poly(2-phenyl-2-oxazine)-block-poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (PMeOx-b-PPheOzi-b-PMeOx) undergo inverse thermogelation below a critical temperature by forming a reversible nanoscale wormlike network. The viscoelastic properties of the resulting gel can be conveniently tailored by the concentration and the polymer composition. Storage moduli of up to 110 kPa could be obtained while the material retains shear-thinning and rapid self-healing properties. We demonstrate three-dimensional (3D) printing of excellently defined and shape-persistent 24-layered scaffolds at different aqueous concentrations to highlight its application potential, e.g., in the research area of biofabrication. A macroporous microstructure, which is stable throughout the printing process, could be confirmed via cryo-scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The absence of cytotoxicity even at very high concentrations opens a wide range of different applications for this first-in-class material in the field of biomaterials.

Metabolic glycoengineering allows insertion of non-natural monosaccharides into glycan structures during biosynthesis thereby enabling extracellular matrices (ECMs), cell surfaces, or tissues for decoration with functional cues with ultimate spatial control while deploying aqueous and toxicologically benign coupling chemistries. In this work, we discuss relevant methods in the design of metabolic glycoengineered systems, ranging from synthetic procedures to decoration of cell surfaces and ECM components by bioorthogonal chemistries for widespread biomedical applications. As representative example, we chose a tetra-acetylated azide-bearing monosaccharide as model compound to be metabolically incorporated into glycans of the glycocalyx and ECM components generated by NIH 3T3 cells. Detailed guidance in fabrication and functionalization of azide-bearing glycan structures via bioorthogonal click chemistries in glycoengineered extracellular matrices is provided. In addition, a biocompatible design space of the copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition due to the toxicity of the copper catalyst is detailed enabling effective and safe modification of living cell systems. Thereby, this set of methods provides the blueprint enabling the design and characterization of metabolically glycoengineered systems for novel applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering.

Cell-derived matrices (CDMs) emerged as an attractive biomaterial in regenerative medicine. Here we present a strategy for site-specific decoration of CDMs with bioactive molecules deploying metabolic glycoengineering. NIH 3T3 fibroblasts were cultured in the presence of a tetra acetylated azide bearing monosaccharide to metabolically incorporate the synthetic sugar into the glycan structure of extracellular matrix proteins. Glycoengineered CDMs were isolated and analyzed for fibronectin as one of the most abundant ECM species by western blotting and fluorescence labeling of the azide-monosaccharides deploying bioorthogonal chemistries. Glycoengineered CDMs were biocompatible for incorporated and reseeded NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, respectively. Successful modification of glycoengineered CDMs was demonstrated by a therapeutic peptide inhibitor against myostatin. This study details a site-specific, effective, and biocompatible strategy for the decoration of glycan structures within CDMs for future tissue engineering application.

Emerging strategies targeting site-specific protein modifications allow for unprecedented selectivity, fast kinetics and mild reaction conditions with high yield. These advances open exciting novel possibilities for the effective bioorthogonal decoration of biomaterials with therapeutic proteins. Site-specificity is particularly important to the therapeutics' end and translated by targeting specific functional groups or introducing new functional groups into the therapeutic at predefined positions. Biomimetic strategies are designed for modification of therapeutics emulating enzymatic strategies found in Nature. These strategies are suitable for a diverse range of applications - not only for protein-polymer conjugation, particle decoration and surface immobilization, but also for the decoration of complex biomaterials and the synthesis of bioresponsive drug delivery systems. This article reviews latest chemical and enzymatic strategies for the biorthogonal decoration of biomaterials with therapeutic proteins and inter-positioned linker structures. Finally, the numerous reports at the interface of biomaterials, linkers, and therapeutic protein decoration are integrated into practical advice for design considerations intended to support the selection of productive ligation strategies.

Our ability of screening broad communities for clinically asymptomatic diseases critically drives population health. Sensory chewing gums are presented targeting the tongue as 24/7 detector allowing diagnosis by “anyone, anywhere, anytime”. The chewing gum contains peptide sensors consisting of a protease cleavable linker in between a bitter substance and a microparticle. Matrix metalloproteinases in the oral cavity, as upregulated in peri-implant disease, specifically target the protease cleavable linker while chewing the gum, thereby generating bitterness for detection by the tongue. The peptide sensors prove significant success in discriminating saliva collected from patients with peri-implant disease versus clinically asymptomatic volunteers. Superior outcome is demonstrated over commercially available protease-based tests in saliva. “Anyone, anywhere, anytime” diagnostics are within reach for oral inflammation. Expanding this platform technology to other diseases in the future features this diagnostic as a massive screening tool potentially maximizing impact on population health., Early detection of gum inflammation caused by dental implants helps prevent tissue damage. Here, the authors present a peptide sensor that generates a bitter taste when cleaved by proteases present in peri-implant disease, embed it in a chewing gum, and compare the probe to existing sensors using patient saliva.

Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) is a potent modulator of cell growth and regulation, with improper FGF-2 signaling being involved in impaired responses to injury or even cancer. Therefore, the exploitation of FGF-2 as a therapeutic drives the prerequisite for effective insight into drug disposition kinetics. In this article, we present an 111In-radiolabeled FGF-2 derivative for noninvasive imaging in small animals deploying single photon emission tomography (SPECT). 111In-FGF-2 is equally well suitable for in vitro and ex vivo investigations as 125I-FGF-2. Furthermore, 111In-FGF-2 permits the performance of in vivo imaging, for example for the analysis of FGF-2 containing pharmaceutical formulations in developmental or preclinical stages. 111In-FGF-2 had affinity for the low-molecular-weight heparin enoxaparin identical to that of unlabeled FGF-2 (Kd: 0.6 ± 0.07 μM and 0.33 ± 0.03 μM, respectively) as assessed by isothermal titration calorimetry. The binding of 111In-FGF-2 to heparan sulfate proteoglyc...

Overcoming the intestinal epithelium barrier is an important challenge for orally administered drugs, specifically for those that elicit poor water solubility and permeability, and several efforts have been developed to address this challenge. Nanosized drug delivery systems constitute one of these attempts to enhance the penetration and permeation of drugs through the intestinal epithelium; however, there remain limitations to be addressed to lead and elaborate an effective oral drug delivery system. A profound understanding of the mechanism of nanoparticle internalization pathways through gastrointestinal epithelial cells, i.e., endocytosis and paracellular transport, is required to overcome these pitfalls. Furthermore, the physical and chemical properties of nanoparticles, including size, shape, charge, surface composition, and particle deformation and degradation, are relevant factors that influence the internalization process and also in the toxicity profile in the organism. In addition, multiple developed and reported strategies for nanoparticles to target the intestinal epithelial cells, to adhere and penetrate the mucus gel barrier, and to perform a differentiated response according to a specific stimulus (i.e., bioresponsive effect) have been described in the relevant literature. Therefore, this chapter will provide a comprehensive depiction of key nanoparticle aspects to help to formulate a rational and effective design to overcome the intestinal epithelium barrier.

Amphiphilic block copolymers that undergo (reversible) physical gelation in aqueous media are of great interest in different areas including drug delivery, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and biofabrication. We investigated a small library of ABA-type triblock copolymers comprising poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) as the hydrophilic shell A and different aromatic poly(2-oxazoline)s and poly(2-oxazine)s cores B in aqueous solution at different concentrations and temperatures. Interestingly, aqueous solutions of poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)-block-poly(2-phenyl-2-oxazine)-block-poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (PMeOx-b-PPheOzi-b-PMeOx) undergo inverse thermogelation below a critical temperature. The viscoelastic properties of the resulting gel can be conveniently tailored by the concentration and the polymer composition. Storage moduli of up to 110 kPa could be obtained while the material remains shear-thinning and retains rapid self-healing properties. We demonstrate 3D-printing of excellently defined and shape persistent 24-layered scaffolds at different aqueous concentrations to highlight its application potential e.g. in the research area of biofabrication. A mesoporous microstructure, which is stable throughout the printing process, could be confirmed via cryo-SEM analysis. The absence of cytotoxicity even at very high concentrations opens wide range of different applications for this first-in-class material in the field of biomaterials.

Polymer conjugated biologics form a multibillion dollar market, dominated by poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Recent reports linked PEGs to immunological concerns, fueling the need for alternative polymers. Therefore, we are presenting a strategy replacing PEG by poly(2-oxazoline) (POx) polymers using genetically engineered interleukin-4 (IL-4) featuring an unnatural amino acid for site-specific conjugation through bioorthogonal copper-catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). Conjugation yields of IL-4-PEG were poor and did not respond to an increase in the copper catalyst. In contrast, POxylated IL-4 conjugates resulted in homogeneous conjugate outcome, as demonstrated electrophoretically by size exclusion chromatography and analytical ultracentrifugation. Furthermore, POxylation did not impair thermal and chemical stability, and preserved wild-type IL-4 activity for the conjugates as demonstrated by TF-1 cell proliferation and STAT-6 phosphorylation in HEK293T cells, respectively. In conclusion, POxylation provides an interesting alternative to PEGylation with superior outcome for the synthesis yield by CuAAC and resulting in conjugates with excellent thermal and chemical stress profiles as well as biological performances.

The inhibition of myostatin - a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF-β) family - drives regeneration of functional skeletal muscle tissue. We developed a bioresponsive drug delivery system (DDS) linking release of a myostatin inhibitor (MI) to inflammatory flares of myositis to provide self-regulated MI concentration gradients within tissues of need.A protease cleavable linker (PCL) - responding to MMP upregulation - is attached to the MI and site-specifically immobilized on microparticle surfaces.The PCL disintegrated in a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 1, 8, and particularly MMP-9 concentration dependent manner, with MMP-9 being an effective surrogate biomarker correlating with the activity of myositis. The bioactivity of particle-surface bound as well as released MI was confirmed by luciferase suppression in stably transfected HEK293 cells responding to myostatin induced SMAD phosphorylation.We developed a MMP-responsive DDS for MI delivery responding to inflammatory flare of a diseased muscle matching the kinetics of MMP-9 upregulation, with MMP-9 kinetics matching (patho-) physiological myostatin levels. ᅟ: Graphical Abstract Schematic illustration of the matrix metalloproteinase responsive delivery system responding to inflammatory flares of muscle disease. The protease cleavable linker readily disintegrates upon entry into the diseased tissue, therby releasing the mystatin inhibitor.

The 67th Mosbacher Kolloquium of the German Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (GBM) with the topic "Protein Design-From First Principles to Biomedical Application" took place from March 31 to April 2 in Mosbach, Germany. Highlights of the colloquium are presented here.

Metal–organic framework/polymer (MOF–polymer) mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) have been prepared by embedding the luminescent lanthanide (Ln) MOFs 3∞[Sr0.9Eu0.1Im2] and 2∞[Tb2Cl6(bipy)3]·2bipy (Im– = imidazolate, bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine) into polysulfone (PSF, Ultrasoni S) and Matrimidi polymer films. The successful embedding of the Sr and Eu MOFs has been achieved for both matrixes, and the original MOF luminescence is maintained. The defect-free nature of the membranes was proven by the slightly lower gas permeation of the MMMs with the dense filler particles. For the Tb–bipy MOF, successful embedding is possible for polysulfone only. For the preparation of the MOF polymer membranes, the influence of different mass fractions of the luminescent MOFs ranging from 8–16 wt.-% and preparation from suspensions with and without ultrasonic radiation were studied. The influence of the MOF fraction is different for both membrane materials. For the polysulfone, lower amounts of MOF are preferable and lead to an increase of the overall luminescence intensity, whereas the opposite was observed for Matrimid. Altogether, the parity-allowed emission of the Eu2+ ions is apparently stronger than the Tb3+ emission and leads to membranes with strong emission that is visible to the naked eye under normal daylight. Thereby, the Ln MOF polymer membranes open new options for the handling of luminescent MOFs.

Different therapeutic strategies for the treatment of non-healing long bone defects have been intensively investigated. Currently used treatments present several limitations that have led to the use of biomaterials in combination with osteogenic growth factors, such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Commonly used absorption or encapsulation methods require supra-physiological amounts of BMP2, typically resulting in a so-called initial burst release effect that provokes several severe adverse side effects. A possible strategy to overcome these problems would be to covalently couple the protein to the scaffold. Moreover, coupling should be performed in a site-specific manner in order to guarantee a reproducible product outcome. Therefore, we created a BMP2 variant, in which an artificial amino acid (propargyl-L-lysine) was introduced into the mature part of the BMP2 protein by codon usage expansion (BMP2-K3Plk). BMP2-K3Plk was coupled to functionalized beads through copper catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). The biological activity of the coupled BMP2-K3Plk was proven in vitro and the osteogenic activity of the BMP2-K3Plk-functionalized beads was proven in cell based assays. The functionalized beads in contact with C2C12 cells were able to induce alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression in locally restricted proximity of the bead. Thus, by this technique, functionalized scaffolds can be produced that can trigger cell differentiation towards an osteogenic lineage. Additionally, lower BMP2 doses are sufficient due to the controlled orientation of site-directed coupled BMP2. With this method, BMPs are always exposed to their receptors on the cell surface in the appropriate orientation, which is not the case if the factors are coupled via non-site-directed coupling techniques. The product outcome is highly controllable and, thus, results in materials with homogeneous properties, improving their applicability for the repair of critical size bone defects.

Diseases in the ocular posterior segment are a leading cause of blindness. The surgical skills required to treat them are at the limits of human manipulation ability, and involve the risk of permanent retinal damage. Instrument tethering and design limit accessibility within the eye. Wireless microrobots suturelessly injected into the posterior segment, steered using magnetic manipulation are proposed for procedures involving implantation. Biocompatibility is a prerequisite for these procedures. This article investigates the use of polypyrrole- and gold-coated cobalt-nickel microrobots. While gold has been used in ocular implants, no ocular implantation involving polypyrrole is reported, despite its well-established biocompatibility properties. Coated and uncoated microrobots were investigated for their corrosion properties, and solutions that had contained coated and uncoated microrobots for one week were tested for cytotoxicity by monitoring NIH3T3 cell viability. None of the microrobots showed significant corrosion currents and corrosion potentials were as expected in relation to the intrinsic nobility of the materials. NIH3T3 cell viability was not affected by the release medium, in which coated/uncoated microrobots were stored. In vivo tests inside rabbit eyes were performed using coated microrobots. There were no significant inflammatory responses during the first week after injection. An inflammatory response detected after 2 weeks was likely due to a lack of longer-duration biocompatibility. The results provide valuable information for those who work on implant technology and biocompatibility. Coated microrobots have the potential to facilitate a new generation of surgical treatments, diagnostics and drug-delivery techniques, when implantation in the ocular posterior segment will be possible. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 836-845, 2017.

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is a strong anabolic peptide with promising therapeutic value in muscle wasting diseases such as sarcopenia. We report a pulmonary IGF-I delivery system deploying silk-fibroin (SF) as carrier and in comparison to trehalose. Both IGF-I delivery systems were characterized regarding IGF-I integrity, IGF-I release profiles and aerodynamic properties. Transepithelial in vitro transport of IGF-I using the pulmonary Calu-3 model cell system followed comparable kinetics and mechanism of uptake as earlier demonstrated for insulin (INS), for which effective pulmonary delivery is known. Microparticles were spray-dried using either trehalose or SF, resulting in geometries allowing alveolar deposition. The effective IGF-I shuttling through the epithelial barrier of the lung was demonstrated in an ex vivo human lung lobe model, and expanded the exciting possibility of this administration route to this effective and anabolic peptide.

PEGylation of protein ligands, the attachment of polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers to a therapeutic protein, increases therapeutics' half-life but frequently comes at the cost of reduced bioactivity. We are now presenting a bioinspired strategy leading out of this dilemma. To this end, we selected a position within insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) for decoration with a PEG30kDa-modified protease-sensitive peptide linker (PSL) using a combination of enzymatic and chemical bioorthogonal coupling strategies. The PSL sequence responded to matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) to provide a targeted release in diseased tissue. The IGF-PSL-PEG conjugate had different binding protein affinity, cell proliferation, and endocytosis patterns as compared to the wild type. Exposure of the conjugate to elevated levels of activated MMPs, as present in inflamed tissues, fully reestablished the wild type properties through effective PSL cleavage. In conclusion, this bioinspired approach provided a blueprint for PEGylated therapeutics combining the pharmacokinetic advantages of PEGylation, while locally restoring the full suite of biological potential of therapeutics.

Poor water solubility of drugs fuels complex formulations and jeopardizes patient access to medication. Simplifying these complexities we systematically synthesized a library of 36 sterically demanding counterions and mapped the pharmaceutical design space for amorphous ionic liquid strategies for Selurampanel, a poorly water soluble drug used against migraine. Patients would benefit from a rapid uptake after oral administration to alleviate migraine symptoms. Therefore, we probed the ionic liquids for the flux, supersaturation period and hygroscopicity leading to algorithms linking molecular counterion descriptors to predicted pharmaceutical outcome. By that, 30- or 800-fold improvements of the supersaturation period and fluxes were achieved as were immediate to sustained release profiles through structural counterions' optimization compared to the crystalline free acid of Selurampanel. Guided by ionic liquid structure, in vivo profiles ranged from rapid bioavailability and high maximal plasma concentrations to sustained patterns. In conclusion, the study outlined and predicted the accessible pharmaceutical design space of amorphous ionic liquid based and excipient-free formulations pointing to the enormous pharmaceutical potential of ionic liquid designs.

A poorly water soluble acidic active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) was transformed into an ionic liquid (IL) aiming at faster and higher oral availability in comparison to a prodrug.API preparations were characterized in solid state by single crystal and powder diffraction, NMR, DSC, IR and in solution by NMR and ESI-MS. Dissolution and precipitation kinetics were detailed as was the role of the counterion on API supersaturation. Transepithelial API transport through Caco-2 monolayers and counterion cytotoxicity were assessed.The mechanism leading to a 700 fold faster dissolution rate and longer duration of API supersaturation of the ionic liquid in comparison to the free acid was deciphered. Transepithelial transport was about three times higher for the IL in comparison to the prodrug when substances were applied as suspensions with the higher solubility of the IL outpacing the higher permeability of the prodrug. The counterion was nontoxic with IC50 values in the upper μM / lower mM range in cell lines of hepatic and renal origin as well as in macrophages.The IL approach was instrumental for tuning physico-chemical API properties, while avoiding the inherent need for structural changes as required for prodrugs.

This review summarises recent developments in the application of natural and semi-synthetic polymers for the delivery of sensitive drugs. Peptides, proteins and nucleic acids are drugs of increasing relevance potentially offering treatment options in indications with high unmet medical need. However, these drugs are characterised by high molecular weight, high sensitivity to enzymatic degradation, unfavourable pharmacokinetics and often require targetting to specific cell types or cellular compartments. To successfully transform these drug molecules into efficacious therapies, advanced drug delivery systems must be developed that protect the drug, control drug release to improve pharmacokinetics and allow efficient targetting. Synthetic, semi-synthetic or natural polymers or inorganic materials are frequently used for the development of drug delivery systems. Considering factors such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, solvent-free processing and availability from renewable resources, natural a...

Injectable insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) is therapeutically deployed for severe IGF-I deficiency and clinically explored for various other indications such as muscle wasting disease. In the present study, liquid IGF-I formulations for pulmonal application were screened with regard to buffer type (acetate, citrate, histidine, and succinate), sodium chloride concentration (50–150 mM), and pH value (4.5–6.5). Methionine 59 oxidation (Met(o)) was observed in acetate buffer along with reducible dimer and trimer formation at low pH. Oxidation correlated with formation of covalent, reducible aggregates, and complete loss of potency was observed for severely aggregated samples. Bioactivity was partly retained in cases where complete oxidation but limited aggregation was found. In contrast, IGF-I integrity was preserved in histidine buffer during accelerated stability. After delivery from air-jet or vibrating-mesh nebulizers, limited Met(o) formation and no aggregation was observed. Nebulization performance regarding aerosol output rate, mass median aerodynamic diameter, and fine particle fraction for liquid IGF-I formulation was comparable to 0.9% sodium chloride reference, confirming the suitability for pulmonal application. In conclusion, different IGF-I liquid formulations were studied and compositions were identified maintaining bioactivity and chemical stability throughout storage at accelerated conditions for up to 4 months as well as compatibility with air-jet and vibrating-mesh nebulizers.

For successful peripheral nerve regeneration, a complex interplay of growth factors, topographical guidance structure by cells and extracellular matrix proteins, are needed. Aligned fibrous biomaterials with a wide variety in fiber diameter have been used successfully to support neuronal guidance. To better understand the importance of size of the topographical features, we investigated the directionality of neuronal migration of sensory ND7/23 cells on aligned electrospun poly(lactic-glycolic acid) PLGA fibers in the range of micrometer and submicrometer diameters by time-lapse microscopy. Cell trajectories of single ND7/23 cells were found to significantly follow topographies of PLGA fibers with micrometer dimensions in contrast to PLGA fibers within the submicrometer range, where cell body movement was observed to be independent of fibrous structures. Moreover, neurite alignment of ND7/23 cells on various topographies was assessed. PLGA fibers with micrometer dimensions significantly aligned 83.3% of all neurites after 1 day of differentiation compared to similar submicrometer structures, which orientated 25.8% of all neurites. Interestingly, after 7 days of differentiation ND7/23 cells on submicrometer PLGA fibers increased their alignment of neurites to 52.5%. Together, aligned PLGA fibers with micrometer dimensions showed a superior influence on directionality of neuronal migration and neurite outgrowth of sensory ND7/23 cells, indicating that electrospun micro-PLGA fibers might represent a potential material to induce directionality of neuronal growth in engineering applications for sensory nerve regeneration. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 101B: 1200–1208, 2013.

Biocompatible polymers that form thermoreversible supramolecular hydrogels have gained great interest in biomaterials research and tissue engineering. When favorable rheological properties are achieved at the same time, they are particularly promising candidates as material that allow for the printing of cells, so-called bioinks. We synthesized a novel thermogelling block copolymer and investigated the rheological properties of its aqueous solution by viscosimetry and rheology. The polymers undergo thermogelation between room temperature and body temperature, form transparent hydrogels of surprisingly high strength (G′ > 1000 Pa) and show rapid and complete shear recovery after stress. Small angle neutron scattering suggests an unusual bicontinuous sponge-like gel network. Excellent cytocompatibility was demonstrated with NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, which were incorporated and bioplotted into predefined 3D hydrogel structures without significant loss of viability. The developed materials fulfill all criteria for future use as bioink for biofabrication.

There are numerous manufacturing routes for drug delivery systems, with electrospinning being one dominant approach used for tissue engineering applications. Typically used with the intent of fabricating a cell-invasive scaffold, electrospinning can provide different release profiles through manipulation of the polymer, form and collection configurations. This review outlines the use of electrospinning in the context of both scaffold fabrication and drug delivery design.

Three water-soluble tetracationic quadrupolar chromophores comprising two three-coordinate boron π-acceptor groups bridged by thiophene-containing moieties were synthesised for biological imaging applications. Compound 3 containing the bulkier 5-(3,5-Me2 C6 H2 )-2,2'-(C4 H2 S)2 -5'-(3,5-Me2 C6 H2 ) bridge is stable over a long period of time, exhibits a high fluorescence quantum yield and strong one- and two-photon absorption (TPA), and has a TPA cross section of 268 GM at 800 nm in water. Confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy studies in live cells indicated localisation of the chromophore at the mitochondria; moreover, cytotoxicity measurements proved biocompatibility. Thus, chromophore 3 has excellent potential for one- and two-photon-excited fluorescence imaging of mitochondrial function in cells.

Driving macrophage (Mϕ) polarization into the M2 phenotype provides potential against inflammatory diseases. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) promotes polarization into the M2-Mϕ phenotype, but its systemic use is constrained by dose-limiting toxicity. Consequently, we developed IL-4-decorated surfaces aiming at sustained and localized activity. IL-4 muteins were generated by genetic code expansion; Lys42 was replaced by unnatural amino acids (uAAs). Both muteins showed cell-stimulation ability and binding affinity to IL4Rα similar to those of wt-IL-4. Copper-catalyzed (CuAAC) and copper-free strain-promoted (SPAAC) 1,3-dipolar azide-alkyne cycloadditions were used to site-selectively anchor IL-4 to agarose surfaces. These surfaces had sustained IL-4 activity, as demonstrated by TF-1 cell proliferation and M2, but not M1, polarization of M-CSF-generated human Mϕ. The approach provides a blueprint for the engineering of cytokine-activated surfaces profiled for sustained and spatially controlled activity.

H2 relaxin is a pleiotropic peptide hormone with clinical potential. Here we report on the reaction and use of hexafluorobenzene as an intramolecular disulfide replacement between Cys10 and Cys15 in the A-chain of H2 relaxin. Using flow-based Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis methodology we were able to obtain high-quality H2 relaxin fragments that were previously reported as challenging to synthesize. Subsequent native chemical ligation and oxidative folding enabled total synthesis of both wild type H2 relaxin and a C6F4 linked analog. Cell-based activity assays revealed modest activity for the C6F4 linked H2 relaxin analog, albeit 100-fold reduced relative to wild type. This work demonstrates how perfluoroarylation-cysteine SNAr chemistry may be a useful tool for the selective replacement of native disulfide bonds in proteins.

The surface properties of electrodeposited poly(pyrrole) (Ppy) doped with sodium dodecylbenzenesulphonate (NaDBS) are modified by two methods: addition of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) during the electrodeposition and through redox cycling post electrodeposition. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to ascertain PEG incorporation and to analyze the change in the oxidation state of the polymer. Anodic cycling resulted in the formation of micrometer-sized surface cracks which increased the amount of Rhodamine-B dye adsorbed onto the surface, and played a role in decreasing the wettability of the surface. The change in surface wettability caused by these cracks was mitigated by the presence of PEG in the Ppy matrix. Compared to the incorporation of PEG, redox cycling was more effective in passively modulating the adhesion of NIH 3T3 fibroblast cells on the Ppy surface. Based on the attenuation of surface polarity of the Ppy surfaces by the incorporated PEG, a mechanism is proposed to explain the observed cell adhesion behavior.