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Elsa Patricia Rondon,1 Houda Abir Benabdoun,1 Francis Vallières,1 Maicon Segalla Petrônio,2 Marcio José Tiera,2 Mohamed Benderdour,1 Julio Cesar Fernandes1 1Orthopedic Research Laboratory, Hôpital Du Sacré-Cœur De Montréal, Université De Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; 2Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, UNESP-São Paulo State University, São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo State, BrazilCorrespondence: Julio Cesar Fernandes Tel +1 514-338-2222 Ext. 2489Email julio.c.fernandes@umontreal.caPurpose: Diethylaminoethyl-chitosan (DEAE-CH) is a derivative with excellent potential as a delivery vector for gene therapy applications. The aim of this study is to evaluate its toxicological profile for potential future clinical applications.Methods: An endotoxin-free chitosan (CH) modified with DEAE, folic acid (FA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used to complex small interfering RNA (siRNA) and form nanoparticles (DEAE12-CH-PEG-FA2/siRNA). Based on the guidelines from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL), we evaluated the effects of the interaction between these nanoparticles and blood components. In vitro screening assays such as hemolysis, hemagglutination, complement activation, platelet aggregation, coagulation times, cytokine production, and reactive species, such as nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), were performed on erythrocytes, plasma, platelets, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and Raw 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, MTS and LDH assays on Raw 264.7 macrophages, PBMC and MG-63 cells were performed.Results: Our results show that a targeted theoretical plasma concentration (TPC) of DEAE12-CH-PEG-FA2/siRNA nanoparticles falls within the guidelines’ thresholds: < 1% hemolysis, 2.9% platelet aggregation, no complement activation, and no effect on coagulation times. ROS and NO production levels were comparable to controls. Cytokine secretion (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4, and IL-10) was not affected by nanoparticles except for IL-1β and IL-8. Nanoparticles showed a slight agglutination. Cell viability was > 70% for TPC in all cell types, although LDH levels were statistically significant in Raw 264.7 macrophages and PBMC after 24 and 48 h of incubation.Conclusion: These DEAE12-CH-PEG-FA2/siRNA nanoparticles fulfill the existing ISO, ASTM and NCL guidelines’ threshold criteria, and their low toxicity and blood biocompatibility warrant further investigation for potential clinical applications.Keywords: chitosan, nanoparticles, siRNA, biocompatibility assays, gene therapy, toxicity

Qin Shi,1 Elsa-Patricia Rondon-Cavanzo,1 Isadora Pfeifer Dalla Picola,1,2 Marcio José Tiera,2 Xiaoling Zhang,3 Kerong Dai,4 Houda Abir Benabdoune,1 Mohamed Benderdour,1 Julio Cesar Fernandes1 1Orthopedic Research Laboratory, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; 2Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, UNESP-São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto, Brazil; 3Orthopedic Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 4Department of Orthopedics, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China Background: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, has been shown to play a role in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis. Silencing TNFα expression with small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a promising approach to treatment of the condition. Methods: Towards this end, our team has developed a modified chitosan (CH) nanocarrier, deploying folic acid, diethylethylamine (DEAE) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) (folate-PEG-CH-DEAE15). The gene carrier protects siRNA against nuclease destruction, its ligands facilitate siRNA uptake via cell surface receptors, and it provides improved solubility at neutral pH with transport of its load into target cells. In the present study, nanoparticles were prepared with siRNA-TNFα, DEAE, and folic acid-CH derivative. Nanoparticle size and zeta potential were verified by dynamic light scattering. Their TNFα-knockdown effects were tested in a murine collagen antibody-induced arthritis model. TNFα expression was examined along with measurements of various cartilage and bone turnover markers by performing histology and microcomputed tomography analysis.Results: We demonstrated that folate-PEG-CH-DEAE15/siRNA nanoparticles did not alter cell viability, and significantly decreased inflammation, as demonstrated by improved clinical scores and lower TNFα protein concentrations in target tissues. This siRNA nanocarrier also decreased articular cartilage destruction and bone loss. Conclusion: The results indicate that folate-PEG-CH-DEAE15 nanoparticles are a safe and effective platform for nonviral gene delivery of siRNA, and their potential clinical applications warrant further investigation. Keywords: arthritis, inflammation, siRNA, TNFα, nanoparticles, chitosan

Ana Raquel Madureira,1 Sara Nunes,2 Débora A Campos,1 João C Fernandes,2 Cláudia Marques,3 Monica Zuzarte,2 Beatriz Gullón,1 Luís M Rodríguez-Alcalá,1 Conceição Calhau,3,4 Bruno Sarmento,5–7 Ana Maria Gomes,1 Maria Manuela Pintado,1 Flávio Reis2 1Catholic University of Portugal, CBQF – Center for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry – Associate Laboratory, Faculty of Biotechnology, Porto, Portugal; 2Laboratory of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, and CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; 3Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; 4Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Porto, Portugal; 5Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences-North, CESPU, Gandra, Portugal; 6“I3S” Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; 7INEB, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal Abstract: Rosmarinic acid (RA) possesses several protective bioactivities that have attracted increasing interest by nutraceutical/pharmaceutical industries. Considering the reduced bioavailability after oral use, effective (and safe) delivery systems are crucial to protect RA from gastrointestinal degradation. This study aims to characterize the safety profile of solid lipid nanoparticles produced with Witepsol and Carnauba waxes and loaded with RA, using in vitro and in vivo approaches, focused on genotoxicity and cytotoxicity assays, redox status markers, hematological and biochemical profile, liver and kidney function, gut bacterial microbiota, and fecal fatty acids composition. Free RA and sage extract, empty nanoparticles, or nanoparticles loaded with RA or sage extract (0.15 and 1.5 mg/mL) were evaluated for cell (lymphocytes) viability, necrosis and apoptosis, and antioxidant/prooxidant effects upon DNA. Wistar rats were orally treated for 14 days with vehicle (control) and with Witepsol or Carnauba nanoparticles loaded with RA at 1 and 10 mg/kg body weight/d. Blood, urine, feces, and several tissues were collected for analysis. Free and loaded RA, at 0.15 mg/mL, presented a safe profile, while genotoxic potential was found for the higher dose (1.5 mg/mL), mainly by necrosis. Our data suggest that both types of nanoparticles are safe when loaded with moderate concentrations of RA, without in vitro genotoxicity and cytotoxicity and with an in vivo safety profile in rats orally treated, thus opening new avenues for use in nutraceutical applications. Keywords: solid lipid nanoparticles, rosmarinic acid, Witepsol and Carnauba waxes, safety profile, in vitro and animal toxicity

Julio C Fernandes,1 Xingping Qiu,2 Françoise M Winnik,2,5 Mohamed Benderdour,1 Xiaoling Zhang,3,4 Kerong Dai,3,4 Qin Shi1 1Orthopaedics Research Laboratory, Research Centre, Sacré-Coeur Hospital, 2Faculty of Pharmacy and Chemistry, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; 3Orthopaedic Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4Department of Orthopaedics, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; 5WPI International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics, National Institute for Materials Science, Ibaraki, Tsukuba, Japan Abstract: Polyethylenimines (PEIs) are the most efficient synthetic vectors for gene delivery available to date. With its high charge density and strong proton-buffering effect, PEI has an ability to condense DNA and small interfering RNA at physiologic pH. However, the polymer suffers from the disadvantage of high cellular toxicity. To reduce its cellular toxicity, we synthesized linear PEIs by partial hydrolysis of poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline). Three linear PEIs with different hydrolysis percentages (30%, 70%, and 96%, respectively) were produced as PEI30, PEI70, and PEI96. PEI30 and PEI96 cannot be considered as suitable transfection agents because of low transfection efficiency (PEI30) or high cellular toxicity (PEI96). PEI70 displayed very weak cell toxicity. The charge density of this polymer (PEI70) was strong enough to condense DNA and small interfering RNA at a physiologic pH of 7.4. Our results also show that PEI70 was highly efficient in DNA delivery and small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of target genes. Thus, polymers such as PEI70 appear to be very promising vectors for gene delivery. Keywords: nonviral vector, polyethylenimine, gene delivery, DNA, small interfering RNA

Haijun Tong,1,* Chuandong Wang,1,* Yan Huang,1,2 Qin Shi,3 Julio C Fernandes,3 Kerong Dai,1,2 Guping Tang,4 Xiaoling Zhang1,21Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM) and Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences (SIBS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 2Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implant, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 3Orthopaedics Research Laboratory, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada; 4Institute of Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workAbstract: Genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great potential in the application of regenerative medicine and molecular therapy. In the present manuscript, we introduce a nanopolymer, polyethylenimine600-β-cyclodextrin (PEI600-β-CyD), as an efficient polyplex-forming plasmid delivery agent with low toxicity and ideal transfection efficiency on primary MSCs. PEI600-β-CyD causes significantly less cytotoxicity and apoptosis on MSCs than 25 kDa high-molecular-weight PEI (PEI25kDa). PEI600-β-CyD also exhibits similar transfection efficiency as PEI25kDa on MSCs, which is higher than that of PEI600Da. Quantum dot-labeled plasmids show that PEI600-β-CyD or PEI25kDa delivers the plasmids in a more scattered manner than PEI600Da does. Further study shows that PEI600-β-CyD and PEI25kDa are more capable of delivering plasmids into the cell lysosome and nucleus than PEI600Da, which correlates well with the results of their transfection-efficiency assay. Moreover, among the three vectors, PEI600-β-CyD has the most capacity of enhancing the alkaline phosphatase activity of MSCs by transfecting bone morphogenetic protein 2, 7, or special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2. These results clearly indicate that PEI600-β-CyD is a safe and effective candidate for the nonviral gene delivery of MSCs because of its ideal inclusion ability and proton sponge effect, and the application of this nanopolymer warrants further investigation.Keywords: polyethylenimine, cyclodextrin, gene delivery, mesenchymal stem cells

Julio C Fernandes,1 Xingping Qiu,2 Francoise M Winnik,2 Mohamed Benderdour,1 Xiaoling Zhang,3 Kerong Dai,3 Qin Shi11Orthopaedics Research Laboratory, Research Centre, Sacré-Coeur Hospital, 2Department of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; 3Orthopaedic Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, ChinaAbstract: The low transfection efficiency of chitosan is one of its drawbacks as a gene delivery carrier. Low molecular weight chitosan may help to form small-sized polymer-DNA or small interfering RNA (siRNA) complexes. Folate conjugation may improve gene transfection efficiency because of the promoted uptake of folate receptor-bearing cells. In the present study, chitosan was conjugated with folate and investigated for its efficacy as a delivery vector for siRNA in vitro. We demonstrate that the molecular weight of chitosan has a major influence on its biological and physicochemical properties, and very low molecular weight chitosan (below 10 kDa) has difficulty in forming stable complexes with siRNA. In this study, chitosan 25 kDa and 50 kDa completely absorbed siRNA and formed nanoparticles (≤220 nm) at a chitosan to siRNA weight ratio of 50:1. The introduction of a folate ligand onto chitosan decreased nanoparticle toxicity. Compared with chitosan-siRNA, folate-chitosan-siRNA nanoparticles improved gene silencing transfection efficiency. Therefore, folate-chitosan shows potential as a viable candidate vector for safe and efficient siRNA delivery.Keywords: nonviral vector, chitosan, gene delivery, folate-targeted, siRNA