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siRNA has emerged as a potential therapeutic for the treatment of prostate cancer but effective delivery remains a major barrier to its clinical application. This study aimed to develop and characterise a 3D in vitro co-culture model to simulate prostate cancer bone metastasis and to assess the ability of the model to investigate nanoparticle-mediated siRNA delivery and gene knockdown. PC3 or LNCaP prostate cancer cells were co-cultured with hFOB 1.19 osteoblast cells in 2D on plastic tissue culture plates and in 3D on collagen scaffolds mimicking the bone microenvironment. To characterise the co-culture model, cell proliferation, enzyme secretion and the utility of two different gene delivery vectors to mediate siRNA uptake and gene knockdown were assessed. Cell proliferation was reduced by∼50% by day 7 in the co-culture system relative to monoculture (PC3 and LNCaP co-cultures, in 2D and 3D) and an enhanced level of MMP9 (a marker of bone metastasis) was secreted into the media (1.2-4-fold increase depending on the co-culture system). A cationic cyclodextrin gene delivery vector proved significantly less toxic in the co-culture system relative to the commercially available vector Lipofectamine 2000(®). In addition, knockdown of both the GAPDH gene (minimum 15%) and RelA subunit of the NF-κB transcription factor (minimum 20%) was achieved in 2D and 3D cell co-cultures. Results indicate that the prostate cancer-osteoblast in vitro co-culture model was more physiologically relevant vs the monoculture. This model has the potential to help improve the design and efficacy of gene delivery formulations, to more accurately predict in vivo performance and, therefore, to reduce the risk of product failure in late-stage clinical development.

peer-reviewed The full text of this article will not be available in ULIR until the embargo expires on the 5/02/2019 Functionalized cyclodextrin molecules assemble into a wide variety of superstructures in solution, which are of interest for drug delivery and other nanomaterial and biomaterial applications. Here we use a combined simulation and experimental approach to probe the coassembly of siRNA and cationic cyclodextrin (c-CD) derivatives into a highly stable gene delivery nanostructure. The c-CD form supramolecular structures via interdigitation of their aliphatic tails, analogous to the formation of lipid bilayers and micelles. The native conformation of siRNA is preserved by the encapsulating c-CD superstructure in an extensive hydrogen-bonding network between the positively charged side arms of c-CD and the negatively charged siRNA backbone. The stability of the complexation is confirmed using isothermal titration calorimetry, and the experimental/simulation codesign methodology opens new avenues for creation of highly engineerable gene delivery vectors.

Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death in men and RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a potential therapeutic option. However, the absence of a safe and specific delivery vector remains a major obstacle to the clinical application of RNAi. Cyclodextrin derivatives are known to be efficient delivery systems with low toxicity in a variety of cell types. In this study, a cationic cyclodextrin derivative was synthesized to complex siRNA. The nanoparticle was then further modified by exploiting the ability of the β-cyclodextrin cavity to form an inclusion complex with the hydrophobic molecule adamantane. PEGylated adamantane derivatives were synthesized with and without the anisamide-targeting ligand on the terminal end of the PEG chain. Anisamide is known to bind specifically to the sigma receptor which is overexpressed on the surface of prostate cancer cells. The resulting nanocomplexes were slightly cationic and less than 300 nm in size. They successfully protected siRNA from serum-induced nuclease degradation and were non-toxic to prostate cancer cells. In addition, the targeted nanoparticles mediated high levels of siRNA cellular uptake and corresponding PLK1 gene knockdown in prostate cancer cells in vitro. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the ability of cyclodextrins to form inclusion complexes with adamantane derivatives has been exploited for the targeted delivery of siRNA to prostate cancer cells via the sigma receptor.

In man brain cancer is an aggressive, malignant form of tumour, it is highly infiltrative in nature, is associated with cellular heterogeneity and affects cerebral hemispheres of the brain. Current drug therapies are inadequate and an unmet clinical need exists to develop new improved therapeutics. The ability to silence genes associated with disease progression by using short interfering RNA (siRNA) presents the potential to develop safe and effective therapies. In this work, in order to protect the siRNA from degradation, promote cell specific uptake and enhance gene silencing efficiency, a PEGylated cyclodextrin (CD)-based nanoparticle, tagged with a CNS-targeting peptide derived from the rabies virus glycoprotein (RVG) was formulated and characterized. The modified cyclodextrin derivatives were synthesized and co-formulated to form nanoparticles containing siRNA which were analysed for size, surface charge, stability, cellular uptake and gene-knockdown in brain cancer cells. The results identified an optimised co-formulation prototype at a molar ratio of 1:1.5:0.5 (cationic cyclodextrin:PEGylated cyclodextrin:RVG-tagged PEGylated cyclodextrin) with a size of 281 ± 39.72 nm, a surface charge of 26.73 ± 3 mV, with efficient cellular uptake and a 27% gene-knockdown ability. This CD-based formulation represents a potential nanocomplex for systemic delivery of siRNA targeting brain cancer.

Functional siRNAs (luciferase and PLK1) have been conjugated to β-cyclodextrin and the ability of the conjugates to retain gene knockdown activity has been assessed by delivery to cancer cell lines using various formulations. Initially two formulations used complexation with polycations, namely Lipofectamine 2000 and an amphiphilic polycationic cyclodextrin. Gene knockdown results for human glioblastoma cells (U87) and prostate cancer cells (PC3, DU145) showed that conjugation to the cyclodextrin did not reduce gene silencing by the RNA. A third mode of delivery involved formation of targeted nanoparticles in which the conjugate was first complexed with adamantyl-PEG-ligands (targeting ligand RVG peptide or dianisamide) by adamantyl inclusion in the cyclodextrin cavities of the conjugates, followed by charge neutralisation with the cationic polymer chitosan. Enhanced knockdown was achieved by these ligand-targeted formulations. In summary, while this study illustrated the gene silencing efficacy of a simple cyclodextrin-siRNA conjugate it is envisaged that future studies will explore the use of conjugates with a modified cyclodextrin which would be self-delivering. Detailed data such as stability, lysosomal escape etc. will then be reported for each conjugate, since this will be appropriate for conjugates which are intended to exploit, rather than merely demonstrate, the concept. The present paper was intended to demonstrate the viability and generality of this novel concept.

The main barrier to the development of an effective RNA interference (RNAi) therapy is the lack of a suitable delivery vector. Modified cyclodextrins have emerged in recent years for the delivery of siRNA. In the present study, a folate-targeted amphiphilic cyclodextrin was formulated using DSPE-PEG5000-folate to target prostate cancer cells. The fusogenic peptide GALA was included in the formulation to aid in the endosomal release of siRNA. Targeted nanoparticles were less than 200 nm in size with a neutral surface charge. The complexes were able to bind siRNA and protect it from serum nucleases. Incubation with excess free folate resulted in a significant decrease in the uptake of targeted nanoparticles in LNCaP and PC3 cells, both of which have been reported to have differing pathways of folate uptake. There was a significant reduction in the therapeutic targets, ZEB1 and NRP1 at mRNA and protein level following treatment with targeted complexes. In preliminary functional assays using 3D spheroids, treatment of PC3 tumours with targeted complexes with ZEB1 and NRP1 siRNA resulted in more compact colonies relative to the untargeted controls and inhibited infiltration into the Matrigel™ layer.

Silencing disease-related genes in the central nervous system (CNS) using short interfering RNA (siRNA) holds great promise for treating neurological disorders. Yet, delivery of RNAi therapeutics to the brain poses major challenges to non-viral systems, especially when considering systemic administration. Cationic nanoparticles have been widely investigated for siRNA delivery, but the tendency of these to aggregate in physiological environments limits their intravenous application. Thus, strategies to increase the stability of nanoparticles have been developed. Here, we investigated the ability of modified cationic amphiphilic or PEGylated amphiphilic cyclodextrins (CD) to formulate stable CD.siRNA nanoparticles. To this end, we describe a simple method for post-modification of pre-formed cationic CD.siRNA nanoparticles at their surface using PEGylated CDs of different PEG lengths. PEGylated CD.siRNA nanoparticles presented reduced surface charges and increased stability in physiological salt conditions. Stability of PEGylated CD.siRNA nanoparticles in vitro increased with both PEG length and PEG density at the surface. Furthermore, in a comparative pharmacokinetic study, increased systemic exposure and reduced clearance were achieved with CD-formulations when compared to naked siRNAs. However, no significant differences were observed among non-PEGylated and PEGylated CD.siRNAs suggesting that longer PEG lengths might be required for improving stability in vivo.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults and is associated with high relapse rates. It is known that leukemia stem cells (LSCs), a very small subpopulation of the total number of leukemic cells, maintain the leukemia phenotype (∼80-90% of AML remain the same as at first diagnosis), display chemotherapy resistance, and contribute to disease regeneration. Therefore, targeting LSCs could control the relapse of AML. Small interfering RNA (siRNA), an effector of the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, can selectively downregulate any gene implicated in the pathology of disease, presenting great potential for treatment of AML. In this study an antibody targeted cyclodextrin-based nanoparticle (NP) (CD.DSPE-PEG-Fab) was developed for siRNA delivery specifically to AML LSCs. The targeted CD.siRNA.DSPE-PEG-Fab formulation, where Fab specifically targets the IL-3 receptor α-chain (IL-3Rα, also known as CD123, a cell surface antigen for human AML LSCs), achieved antigen-mediated cellular uptake in KG1 cells (an AML leukemia stem and progenitor cell line). Efficient delivery of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) siRNA using the targeted formulation resulted in downregulation of the corresponding mRNA and protein in KG1 cells and in ex vivo primary AML patient derived samples. The resulting silencing of BRD4 induced myeloid differentiation and triggered leukemia apoptosis. In addition, a synergistic therapeutic effect was detected when administered in combination with the chemotherapeutic, cytarabine (Ara-C). These results indicate the clinical potential of the antibody-tagged cyclodextrin NP for targeted delivery of therapeutic siRNA in the treatment of AML.

In recent years, RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a potential therapeutic offering the opportunity to treat a wide range of diseases, including prostate cancer. Modified cyclodextrins have emerged as effective gene delivery vectors in a range of disease models. The main objective of the current study was to formulate anisamide-targeted cyclodextrin nanoparticles to interact with the sigma receptor (overexpressed on the surface of prostate cancer cells). The inclusion of octaarginine in the nanoparticle optimized uptake and endosomal release of siRNA in two different prostate cancer cell lines (PC3 and DU145 cells). Resulting nanoparticles were less than 200 nm in size with a cationic surface charge (∼+20 mV). In sigma receptor-positive cell lines, the uptake of anisamide-targeted nanoparticles was reduced in the presence of the sigma receptor competitive ligand, haloperidol. When cells were transfected in 2D, the levels of PLK1 mRNA knockdown elicited by targeted versus untargeted nanoparticles tended to be greater but the differences were not statistically different. In contrast, when cells were grown on 3D scaffolds, recapitulating bone metastasis, targeted formulations showed significantly higher levels of PLK1 mRNA knockdown (46% for PC3 and 37% for DU145, p0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first time that a targeted cyclodextrin has been used to transfect prostate cancer cells in a 3D model of bone metastasis.

Complexes of cationic amphiphilic cyclodextrins heptakis[2-(ω-amino-oligo(ethylene glycol))-6-deoxy-6-hexadecylthio]-β-cyclodextrin and heptakis[2-(ω-amino-oligo(ethylene glycol))-6-deoxy-6-dodecylthio]-β-cyclodextrin with DNA were examined by small-angle X-ray scattering and dynamic as well as electrophoretic light scattering. The first cyclodextrin forms bilayer vesicles in water, which, in the presence of calf thymus DNA, transform to a multilamellar complex. In this complex, the DNA lies between the two polar layers of the cyclodextrin's protonated amino groups in alternation with the lipidic bilayers. The cyclodextrin with shorter lipid chains, in contrast, forms micelles in water, and electrostatic clustering of these about DNA does not affect their intrinsic structure. These results are relevant to the potential of such cyclodextrins in therapeutic gene delivery, showing that their self-assembly modes in isolation influence their complex formation with DNA and possibly their efficiency in promoting cell transfection.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by the expression of a toxic Huntingtin (HTT) protein. The use of short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to silence the mutant protein is one of the most promising therapeutic strategies under investigation. The biggest caveat to siRNA-based approaches is the lack of efficient and nontoxic delivery vectors for siRNA delivery to the central nervous system. In this study, we investigated the potential of modified amphiphilic β-cyclodextrins (CDs), oligosaccharide-based molecules, as novel siRNA neuronal carriers. We show that CDs formed nanosize particles which were stable in artificial cerebrospinal fluid. Moreover, these complexes were able to reduce the expression of the HTT gene in rat striatal cells (ST14A-HTT120Q) and in human HD primary fibroblasts. Only limited toxicity was observed with CD·siRNA nanoparticles in any of the in vitro models used. Sustained knockdown effects were observed in the striatum of the R6/2 mouse model of HD after single direct injections of CD·siRNA nanoparticles. Repeated brain injections of CD·siRNA complexes resulted in selective alleviation of motor deficits in this mouse model. Together these data support the utility of modified β-CDs as efficient and safe siRNA delivery vectors for RNAi-based therapies for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.

The potential therapeutic and diagnostic applications of oligonucleotides (ONs) have attracted great attention in recent years. The capability of ONs to selectively inhibit target genes through antisense and RNA interference mechanisms, without causing un-intended sideeffects has led them to be investigated for various biomedical applications, especially for the treatment of viral diseases and cancer. In recent years, many researchers have focused on enhancing the stability and target specificity of ONs by encapsulating/complexing them with polymers or lipid chains to formulate nanoparticles/nanocomplexes/micelles. Also, chemical modification of nucleic acids has emerged as an alternative to impart stability to ONs against nucleases and other degrading enzymes and proteins found in blood. In addition to chemically modifying the nucleic acids directly, another strategy that has emerged, involves conjugating polymers/peptide/aptamers/antibodies/proteins, preferably to the sense strand (3'end) of siRNAs. Conjugation to the siRNA not only enhances the stability and targeting specificity of the siRNA, but also allows for the development of self-administering siRNA formulations, with a much smaller size than what is usually observed for nanoparticle (∼200nm). This review concentrates mainly on approaches and studies involving ON-conjugates for biomedical applications.

Significant research is focused on the development of non-viral vectors for delivery of siRNA to neurons and the central nervous system. Cyclodextrins (CDs) have shown great promise as efficient and low toxicity gene delivery vectors in various cell types. Here, we investigate two CDs for siRNA delivery in a neuronal cell model. These CDs were substituted on opposite faces (primary and secondary) with amphiphilic and cationic groups. Physical properties of CD.siRNA complexes, including size, charge and stability were measured. In vitro investigations were carried out in immortalised hypothalamic neurons. Neuronal cell uptake was measured by flow cytometry and cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay. Knockdown of a luciferase reporter gene was used as a measure of gene silencing efficiency. Both CDs interacted with siRNA, yielding nanosized cationic complexes which exhibited good stability on storage. A favourable toxicity profile was demonstrated for the CD.siRNA complexes. However, only one of the two CDs mediated high levels of neuronal uptake and efficient gene silencing, equivalent to those achieved with a commercial lipid-based vector. Despite the suitability of both CDs as siRNA delivery vectors in terms of their ability to complex siRNA and the properties of the complexes yielded, only one CD achieved good transfection efficiency. This was likely due to the differences in their chemical structures. The effective CD offers great potential as a novel non-toxic vector for neuronal siRNA delivery.

Purpose: Development of RNA interference based therapeutics for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases is hindered by a lack of non-viral vectors with suitable properties for systemic administration. Amphiphilic and cationic cyclodextrins (CD) offer potential for neuronal siRNA delivery. Here, we aimed to improve our CD-based siRNA formulation through incorporation of a polyethyleneglycol (PEG) shielding layer and a cell penetrating peptide, octaarginine (R8). Methods: CD.siRNA complexes were modified by addition of an R8-PEG-lipid conjugate. Physical properties including size, charge and stability were assessed. Flow cytometry was used to determine uptake levels in a neuronal cell model. Knockdown of an exogenous gene and an endogenous housekeeping gene were used to assess gene silencing abilities. Results: CD.siRNA complexes modified with R8-PEG-lipid exhibited a lower surface charge and greater stability to a salt-containing environment. Neuronal uptake was increased and significant reductions in the levels of two target genes were achieved with the new formulation. However, the PEG layer was not sufficient to protect against serum-induced aggregation. Conclusions: The R8-PEG-lipid-CD.siRNA formulation displayed enhanced salt-stability due to the PEG component, while the R8 component facilitated transfection of neuronal cells and efficient gene silencing. Further improvements will be investigated in the future in order to optimise stability in serum and enhance neuronal specificity.

A hepta-guanidino-β-cyclodextrin (G-CD), its hepta-PEG conjugate (G-CD-PEG), and the corresponding anisamide-terminated PEG conjugate (G-CD-PEG-AA) have been synthesised and compared as delivery vectors for siRNA to prostate cancer cells and tumours in vivo. The G-CD-PEG-AA.siRNA formulations (in which anisamide targets the sigma receptor), but not the non-targeted formulations, induced prostate cell-specific internalisation of siRNA resulting in approximately 80% knockdown in vitro of the reporter gene, luciferase. Following intravenous administration of the anisamide-targeted formulation in a mouse prostate tumour model significant tumour inactivation with corresponding reductions in the level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA were achieved, without demonstrating enhanced toxicity. This data imply significant potential for anisamide-conjugated cyclodextrin vectors for targeted delivery of therapeutic siRNAs in the treatment of prostate cancer.

RNA interference (RNAi) holds great promise as a strategy to further our understanding of gene function in the central nervous system (CNS) and as a therapeutic approach for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the potential for its use is hampered by the lack of siRNA delivery vectors, which are both safe and highly efficient. Cyclodextrins have been shown to be efficient and low toxicity gene delivery vectors in various cell types in vitro. However, to date they have not been exploited for delivery of oligonucleotides to neurons. To this end, a modified β-cyclodextrin (CD) vector was synthesised, which complexed siRNA to form cationic nanoparticles of less than 200nm in size. Furthermore, it conferred stability in serum to the siRNA cargo. The in vitro performance of the CD in both immortalised hypothalamic neurons and primary hippocampal neurons was evaluated. The CD facilitated high levels of intracellular delivery of labelled siRNA, whilst maintaining at least 80% cell viability. Significant gene knockdown was achieved, with a reduction in luciferase expression of up to 68% and a reduction in endogenous glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) expression of up to 40%. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a modified CD has been used as a safe and efficacious vector for siRNA delivery into neuronal cells.

Oral delivery of gene therapeutics would facilitate treatment of local intestinal disease, including colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, thus avoiding invasive surgery. The aims of this study were to investigate; if the orientation of the lipid tail on the cyclodextrin (CD) influenced the efficacy of a novel poly-6-cationic amphiphilic CD to transfect intestinal enterocytes; the endocytotic uptake pathway(s), and, the intracellular trafficking of the CD.DNA complexes. Inhibitors of clathrin- and caveolae- mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis were used to determine the mechanism(s) of CD.DNA uptake by both undifferentiated and differentiated Caco-2 cells. Cell surface heparan sulphate proteoglycans were involved in the association of CD.DNA complexes with undifferentiated Caco-2 cells. Complexation of pDNA with CD facilitated significant levels of pDNA uptake and gene expression (comparable to PEI) in both undifferentiated and differentiated Caco-2 cells. Disruption of intracellular vesicular trafficking reduced transfection activity. CD was also capable of transfecting the more physiologically relevant differentiated Caco-2 model. Macropinocytosis was responsible for the uptake of CD.DNA transfection complexes by both undifferentiated and differentiated Caco-2 cells. The ability of this novel CD to transfect differentiated intestinal cells indicates the potential of this vector for oral gene delivery.

Amphiphilic cyclodextrins represent a new generation of these oligosaccharides, which are well known previously as host molecules in water. Cyclodextrins are now being modified with polar groups, lipophilic groups and conjugates which elaborate further their amphiphilicity and molecular recognition. The resulting amphiphiles are host molecules capable of forming all the assemblies expected of amphiphiles, but showing additional supramolecular properties. Examples of these macrocyclic amphiphiles are by now known that form thermotropic liquid crystals, while lyotropic assemblies include micelles, unimolecular micelles, nanoparticles, monolayers and bilayer vesicles. The assembly properties are modulated by both the lipidic and hydrophilic additions to the original cyclodextrin, however due to the mesomolecular size range substantial changes such as multiple glycosylation can be carried out without disrupting self-assembly. The assemblies in certain cases show molecular recognition both by the cyclodextrin cavities and by the conjugated groups such as glycosyls. Multiple noncovalent interactions, delivery to biological cells and DNA delivery are among the capabilities of those amphiphilic cyclodextrins that form bilayer vesicles. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)

Amphiphilic cyclodextrins (CDs) with various lipophilic chain lengths were used as vectors for transfection of Hep G2 hepatocytes in vitro . Transgene expression increased with increasing chain length. The most efficient cyclodextrin, heptakis[6-hexadecylthio-2-(ω-deoxy-ω-amino- oligo(ethylene oxide))]-β-cyclodextrin, achieved higher levels of transfection than DOTAP. Fluorescein-labeled DNA complexes with this tetramethylrhodamine-labeled cyclodextrin vector were seen to be taken up by Hep G2 cells within 30 min and achieved luciferase expression within 4 h.

In this study, a folate targeted cyclodextrin (CD) nanoparticle was prepared by co-formulating CD.siRNA complexes with DSPE-PEG5000-folate to target the prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA). Targeted formulations showed increased uptake, relative to untargeted controls, in two prostate cancer cell lines expressing PSMA (VCaP and LNCaP). Competitive uptake studies, using excess folate, significantly reduced uptake of targeted nanoparticles in PSMA positive cell lines (P

Amphiphilic beta-cyclodextrins have been synthesized bearing hexylthio, dodecylthio, and hexadecylthio chains at the 6-positions and glycosylthiocarbamoyl-oligo(ethylene glycol) units at the 2-positions. The glycosyl residues (alpha-D-mannosyl and beta-L-fucosyl) are intended for cell-targeting. Self-assembly of these new amphiphilic glycosylated cyclodextrins in water to form vesicles was investigated by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Selective binding of the hexylthio assemblies to a protein receptor (Lens culinaris lectin) was confirmed by fluorescence spectroscopy.

Prostate cancer bone metastases are a leading cause of cancer-related death in men with current treatments offering only marginally improved rates of survival. Advances in the understanding of the genetic basis of prostate cancer provide the opportunity to develop gene-based medicines capable of treating metastatic disease. The aim of this work was to establish a 3D cell culture model of prostate cancer bone metastasis using collagen-based scaffolds, to characterise this model, and to assess the potential of the model to evaluate delivery of gene therapeutics designed to target bone metastases. Two prostate cancer cell lines (PC3 and LNCaP) were cultured in 2D standard culture and compared to 3D cell growth on three different collagen-based scaffolds (collagen and composites of collagen containing either glycosaminoglycan or nanohydroxyapatite). The 3D model was characterised for cell proliferation, viability and for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzyme and Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) secretion. Chemosensitivity to docetaxel treatment was assessed in 2D in comparison to 3D. Nanoparticles (NPs) containing siRNA formulated using a modified cyclodextrin were delivered to the cells on the scaffolds and gene silencing was quantified. Both prostate cancer cell lines actively infiltrated and proliferated on the scaffolds. Cell culture in 3D resulted in reduced levels of MMP1 and MMP9 secretion in PC3 cells. In contrast, LNCaP cells grown in 3D secreted elevated levels of PSA, particularly on the scaffold composed of collagen and glycosaminoglycans. Both cell lines grown in 3D displayed increased resistance to docetaxel treatment. The cyclodextrin.siRNA nanoparticles achieved cellular uptake and knocked down the endogenous GAPDH gene in the 3D model. In conclusion, development of a novel 3D cell culture model of prostate cancer bone metastasis has been initiated resulting, for the first time, in the successful delivery of gene therapeutics in a 3D in vitro model. Further enhancement of this model will help elucidate the pathogenesis of prostate cancer and also accelerate the design of effective therapies which can penetrate into the bone microenvironment for prostate cancer therapy.

A family of amphiphilic cyclodextrins (6, 7) has been prepared through 6-S-alkylation (alkyl=n-dodecyl and n-hexadecyl) of the primary side and 2-O-PEGylation of the secondary side of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrins (PEG=poly(ethylene glycol)). These cyclodextrins form nonionic bilayer vesicles in aqueous solution. The bilayer vesicles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, dye encapsulation, and capillary electrophoresis. The molecular packing of the amphiphilic cyclodextrins was investigated by using small-angle X-ray diffraction of bilayers deposited on glass and pressure-area isotherms obtained from Langmuir monolayers on the air-water interface. The bilayer thickness is dependent on the chain length, whereas the average molecular surface area scales with the cyclodextrin ring size. The alkyl chains of the cyclodextrins in the bilayer are deeply interdigitated. Molecular recognition of a hydrophobic anion (adamantane carboxylate) by the cyclodextrin vesicles was investigated by using capillary electrophoresis, thereby exploiting the increase in electrophoretic mobility that occurs when the hydrophobic anions bind to the nonionic cyclodextrin vesicles. It was found that in spite of the presence of oligo(ethylene glycol) substituents, the beta-cyclodextrin vesicles retain their characteristic affinity for adamantane carboxylate (association constant K(a)=7.1 x 10(3) M(-1)), whereas gamma-cyclodextrin vesicles have less affinity (K(a)=3.2 x 10(3) M(-1)), and alpha-cyclodextrin or non-cyclodextrin, nonionic vesicles have very little affinity (K(a) approximately 100 M(-1)). Specific binding of the adamantane carboxylate to beta-cyclodextrin vesicles was also evident in competition experiments with beta-cyclodextrin in solution. Hence, the cyclodextrin vesicles can function as host bilayer membranes that recognize small guest molecules by specific noncovalent interaction.A family of amphiphilic cyclodextrins (6, 7) has been prepared through 6-S-alkylation (alkyl=n-dodecyl and n-hexadecyl) of the primary side and 2-O-PEGylation of the secondary side of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrins (PEG=poly(ethylene glycol)). These cyclodextrins form nonionic bilayer vesicles in aqueous solution. The bilayer vesicles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, dye encapsulation, and capillary electrophoresis. The molecular packing of the amphiphilic cyclodextrins was investigated by using small-angle X-ray diffraction of bilayers deposited on glass and pressure-area isotherms obtained from Langmuir monolayers on the air-water interface. The bilayer thickness is dependent on the chain length, whereas the average molecular surface area scales with the cyclodextrin ring size. The alkyl chains of the cyclodextrins in the bilayer are deeply interdigitated. Molecular recognition of a hydrophobic anion (adamantane carboxylate) by the cyclodextrin vesicles was investigated by using capillary electrophoresis, thereby exploiting the increase in electrophoretic mobility that occurs when the hydrophobic anions bind to the nonionic cyclodextrin vesicles. It was found that in spite of the presence of oligo(ethylene glycol) substituents, the beta-cyclodextrin vesicles retain their characteristic affinity for adamantane carboxylate (association constant K(a)=7.1 x 10(3) M(-1)), whereas gamma-cyclodextrin vesicles have less affinity (K(a)=3.2 x 10(3) M(-1)), and alpha-cyclodextrin or non-cyclodextrin, nonionic vesicles have very little affinity (K(a) approximately 100 M(-1)). Specific binding of the adamantane carboxylate to beta-cyclodextrin vesicles was also evident in competition experiments with beta-cyclodextrin in solution. Hence, the cyclodextrin vesicles can function as host bilayer membranes that recognize small guest molecules by specific noncovalent interaction.

Layer-by-layer self-assembled polyelectrolyte films containing a charged cyclodextrin and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are developed for the first time as a potential model for local endotoxin antagonist delivery. We have examined the biological activity of a lipopolysaccharide from E. coli incorporated into multilayered architectures made of poly-(L-lysine) and poly-(L-glutamic acid). Used in such build-ups, a polycationic cyclodextrin, heptakis(6-deoxy-6-pyridylamino)-β-cyclodextrin showed molecular chaperone properties by enabling restoration of the LPS biological activity whenever lost upon interaction with poly-(L-lysine).

We describe the build-up of biomaterial coatings based on polypeptide multilayers possessing anti-inflammatory properties. Poly(L-lysine) (PLL) and poly(L-glutamic acid) (PGA) are used as polypeptides, and piroxicam (Px) is used as the anti-inflammatory agent. In order to embed high enough amounts of Px, the drug is incorporated in the films in the form of complexes with a charged 6A-carboxymethylthio-β-cyclodextrin (cCD). It is shown that this cyclodextrin can solubilize higher amounts of Px than the cyclodextrins used commercially. The anti-inflammatory properties are evaluated by determining the inhibition of TNFα production by human monocytic THP-1 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) bacterial endotoxin. Using Fourier-transform (FT) Raman spectroscopy, we show that Px is mainly in the neutral form in cCD–Px complexes in solution, and that it remains biologically active under this form, whereas up to now only the zwitterionic form was reported to possess anti-inflammatory properties. When incorporated in PLL/PGA multilayers, Px in the cCD–Px complexes changes from the neutral to the zwitterionic form. It is shown that these films present anti-inflammatory properties, which can be delayed, and whose duration can be tuned by changing the film architecture.

Amphiphilic polycationic cyclodextrins, heptakis[2-(m-amino-oligoethyleneglycol)-6-deoxy-6-hexylthio]-p-cyclodextrin and heptakis[2-(m- amino-oligoethyleneglycol)-6-deoxy-6-hexadecylthio]-p-cyclodextrin, were assessed for condensation of plasmid DNA and cell transfection. These cyclodextrins can self-assemble into cationic vesicles or nanoparticles and, unlike their amphiphilic non-aminated analogues, form DNA lipoplexes which efficiently transfected COS-7 cells. Levels of luciferase expression with the hexadecylthiopolyamino-CD vector were 2 x 10 4 times greater than for DNA alone. These levels are a significant improvement on non-amphiphilic polyamino CDs as vectors and are of the same order as the widely used transfection agent Lipofectin.

The cyclodextrin amphiphilesheptakis[6-(1'-sulfonato-3'-propyl)-6-thio-2,3-di-O-acetyl]-β-cyclodextrin,heptakis[6-(6' -sulfonato-2'-benzimidazolyl)-6-thio-2,3-di-O-acetyl]-β-cyclodextrin, and heptakis[6-(β-D-glucosyl)-6-thio-2,3-di-O-acetyl]-β-cyclodextrin have been shown to form aggregates in water by fluorescencemeasurements on the binding of 2-anilinonaphthalene, and by laserlight-scattering measurements. Estimates of aggregation number have been obtained.These aggregates successfully incorporate clofazimine, a lipophilic heterocyclic drug,and increase its water solubility by a factor of 30 to 50.

The effects of a novel cationic amphiphilic cyclodextrin (SC6CDNH2) on the photoprocesses of the phototoxic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diflunisal (DF) have been investigated in aqueous medium. Association between DF and SC6CDNH2 was indicated by steady-state absorption, induced circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy. Laser flash photolysis and steady-state photolysis experiments revealed a particular sensitivity of the DF photochemistry to the new microenvironment. Reduction of the triplet state generation efficiency, lengthening of its lifetime, changes in the photoionisation pathways, besides remarkable drug photostabilization and modification of the stable photoproducts distribution, were observed. A rationale for these modifications to the photochemistry of DF based on the multifaceted role of SC6CDNH2 in influencing the efficiency of the primary photochemical act and in interfering with secondary radical reactions is proposed. Relation of the overall results to the phototoxic effects displayed by the drug is also commented upon.

Amphiphilic cyclodextrin derivatives were prepared in which a disulfide bond connects the hydrophobic substituents to the macrocycle. These compounds were obtained by 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide-mediated coupling reactions of heptakis(6-amino-6-deoxy)-B-cyclodextrins and disulfide-containing carboxylic acids of increasing hydrophobicity. To improve the water solubility of the cyclodextrins, oligo(ethylene glycol) substituents were grafted to the secondary side of the cyclodextrin molecules. The amphiphilic cyclodextrins form vesicles or nanoparticles in water, which disintegrate in the presence of the disulfide reducing agent dithiothreitol. Hydrophobic guest molecules are released from the nanoparticles upon cleavage of the disulfides.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men of the western world. To date, no effective treatment exists for metastatic prostate cancer and consequently, there is an urgent need to develop new and improved therapeutics. In recent years, the therapeutic potential of RNA interference (RNAi) has been extensively explored in a wide range of diseases including prostate cancer using numerous gene delivery vectors. The aims of this study were to investigate the ability of a non-viral modified cyclodextrin (CD) vector to deliver siRNA to the highly metastatic PC-3 prostate cancer cell line, to quantify the resulting knockdown of the two target genes (RelA and SRF) and to study the effects of the silencing on metastasis. Data from a Matrigel in vitro invasion assay indicated that the silencing of the target genes achieved by the CD vector resulted in significant reductions (P=0.0001) in the metastatic potential of these cells. As the silencing of these target genes was shown not to have a negative impact on cell viability, we hypothesise that the mechanism of invasion inhibition is due, in part, to the significant reduction observed (P⩽0.0001) in the level of pro-inflammatory cytokine, MMP9, which is known to be implicated in the metastasis of prostate cancer.

A range of chemically modified amphiphilic cyclodextrins has been synthesized with the aim of providing versatile carrier and delivery systems for drug molecules. Amphiphilic cyclodextrins combine the properties of macrocyclic hosts and self-organizing amphiphiles An adequate balance between hydrophobic tails and hydrophilic heads is required for the preparation of equilibrium systems of amphiphilic cyclodextrins in acqueous solutions. In our case the introduction of hydrophilic oligo(ethylene glycol) onto the secondary side of heptakis(6-deoxy-6-alkylthio)-beta -cyclodextrins results in the formation of amphiphilic macrocycles with dramatically increased water solubility. In this paper we describe the properties of aqueous solutions of heptakis[6-alkylthio-6-deoxy-2-oligo(ethylene glycol)]-beta-cyclodextrins where alkyl is ethyl or hexyl. Our study compares three compounds with a different balance of hydrophobic alkyl substituents at C6 and hydrophilic oligo(ethylene glycol) substituents at C2.

The entanglement process between porphyrins and some amphiphiliccyclodextrins and the occurrence of different species have been proved by the combination of UV-Visabsorption, fluorescence anisotropy, resonance light scattering and 1H NMR spectroscopy.

Background: Successful delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to the lungs remains hampered by poor intracellular delivery, vector-mediated cytotoxicity, and an inability to withstand nebulization. Recently, a novel cyclodextrin (CD), SC12CDClickpropylamine, consisting of distinct lipophilic and cationic subunits, has been shown to transfect a number of cell types. However, the suitability of this vector for pulmonary siRNA delivery has not been assessed to date. To address this, a series of high-content analysis (HCA) and postnebulization assays were devised to determine the potential for CD-siRNA delivery to the lungs. Methods: SC12CDClickpropylamine-siRNA mass ratios (MRs) were examined for size and zeta potential. In-depth analysis of nanocomplex uptake and toxicity in Calu-3 bronchial epithelial cells was examined using IN Cell((R)) HCA assays. Nebulized SC12CDClickpropylamine nanocomplexes were assessed for volumetric median diameter (VMD) and fine particle fraction (FPF) and compared with saline controls. Finally, postnebulization stability was determined by comparing luciferase knockdown elicited by SC12CDClickpropylamine nanocomplexes before and after nebulization. Results: SC12CDClickpropylamine-siRNA complexation formed cationic nanocomplexes of 200nm in size depending on the medium and led to significantly higher levels of siRNA associated with Calu-3 cells compared with RNAiFect-siRNA-treated cells at all MRs (p

Novel amphiphilic cyclodextrins were synthesised by grafting oligo(ethylene glycol) units onto the secondary side of heptakis(6-alkylthio-6-deoxy)-β-cyclodextrins (alkyl = ethyl, hexyl, dodecyl and hexadecyl). The oligo(ethylene glycol) substituents were introduced by reaction of heptakis(6-alkylthio-6-deoxy)-β-cyclodextrins with ethylene carbonate in the presence of potassium carbonate at elevated temperatures. The resulting oligo(ethylene glycol)-cyclodextrin conjugates were characterised by 1H NMR and 13C NMR, COSY and HSQC spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Addition of ethylene carbonate occurs exclusively at OH2 and results in a degree of substitution of 8−22 ethylene glycol units per cyclodextrin. Also, the ω-bromo and ω-iodo derivatives of heptakis[6-deoxy-6-hexylthio-2-oligo(ethylene glycol)]-β-cyclodextrin were prepared as strategic synthetic intermediates. The observation that seven halogen atoms are introduced per cyclodextrin provides strong evidence for the grafting of oligo(ethylene glycol) to each of the seven glucose units in the cyclodextrin ring.

Inhibition by cyclodextrins ofchymotrypsin-catalysed hydrolysis of N-acetyl-L-tyrosineethyl ester (ATEE) and of N-succinyl-L-phenylalaninep-nitroanilide (SUPHEPA) was measured. Rates ofproteolysis are reduced by a factor of three tofour by a four-molar ratio of cyclodextrin tosubstrate, except for α-cyclodextrin andSUPHEPA where the rate reduction is much less.The kinetics of inhibition, as well as NMR andUV measurements, were used to measureassociation constants between the cyclodextrinsand substrates. Agreement between these methodsconfirmed that inhibition by cyclodextrins isdue to steric effects at the substrate, ratherthan direct interaction with the enzyme.

The twin-cavity cyclodextrin (1) in which the link is a dithiotrehalosyl unit, and the flexibly-linked dimer (2) were shown to distinguish between the heterocyclic guests 3 and 4 (clofazimine drug) in spite of the guests' small structural difference. Both cyclodextrin dimer hosts form 1:1 complexes with methyl orange and with 3, as shown by double reciprocal plots of UV-absorbance change and host concentration. However with 4, both host molecules formed a 2 : 1 (host : guest) complex . Since both dimer cavities are used to create this effect, it is a new type of selectivity for macrocyclic hosts.

A poly(hydroxyethylamino)- and a poly(sulfonatophenyloxy)-β-cyclodextrin derivative, bearing opposite ionic charges, have been shown by potentiometric titration to form stable pH-dependent heterodimers with each other in water. The formation constants of these dimers show that a very stable assembly is formed between the fully deprotonated sulfonato derivative and the fully protonated amino derivative (log Ka = 8.5), which constitutes the assembly of multiple extended atomic groupings on cyclodextrin as template.

6,6′-Dithio-α,α-trehalose has been prepared, and its thiolate dianion reacted with 6I-O-p-tolylsulfonylcyclomaltoheptaose to form the trehalosyl-linked thiocyclodextrin dimer 5. Another cyclodextrin dimer (6) having the more flexible octyl link was similarly synthesised. Formation of a 1:1 complex with Methyl Orange at pH 4 by dual-cavity inclusion was confirmed for 5 and 6.

Triethylsilane is a convenient hydride source in the conversion of ketones or aldehydes to ethers under mild neutral conditions.

The potential of heptakis(6-hydroxyethylamino-6-deoxy)-β-cyclodextrin (1) as a ditopic receptor capable of electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding by its amino side-chains, together with inclusion in its hydrophobic cavity, has been assessed for nucleotides as guest molecules. The interaction of 1 with adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine-5′-monophosphate (AMP) has been studied by potentiometry in water. Exceptionally strong binding is observed for fully protonated 1 with ATP4– (K = 1010 M–1) relative to AMP2– (K = 106 M–1), consistent with stronger electrostatic interaction with the former. Binding of AMP and p-nitrophenyl phosphate is of the same order of magnitude, while the complexes formed with ribose-5-phosphate are much weaker. The NMR changes observed upon addition of the nucleotides to 1 confirm interaction with the amino sites, together with inclusion in the cyclodextrin cavity.

Progression of RNA interference-based gene silencing technologies for the treatment of disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) depends on the availability of efficient non-toxic nanocarriers. Despite advances in the field of nanotechnology undesired and non-specific interactions with different brain-cell types occur and are poorly investigated. To this end, we studied the cytotoxic and neuroinflammatory effects of widely-used transfection reagents and modified amphiphilic β-cyclodextrins (CDs). All non-viral vectors formed positively charged nanoparticles with distinctive physicochemical properties. Differential and significant cytotoxic effects were observed among commercially available cationic vectors, whereas CDs induced limited disruptions of cellular membrane integrity and mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity. Interestingly, murine derived BV2 microglia cells and a rat striatal in vitro model of Huntington's disease (ST14A-HTT120Q) were more susceptible to toxicity than human U87 astroglioma cells. BV2 microglia presented significant increases in cytokine, toll-like receptor 2 and cyclooxygenase-2 gene expression after transfection with selected commercial vectors but not with CD.siRNA nanoparticles. Non-viral siRNA nanoparticles formulated with G6 polyamidoamine (PAMAM) also significantly increased cytokine gene expression in the brain following injections into the mouse striatum. Together our data identify modified CDs as nanosystems that enable siRNA delivery to the brain with low levels of cytotoxicity and immunological activation.

This chapter discusses the observation of intense XUV emission generated from a hollow cathode micro-discharge source. The emission in the 40 nm XUV spectral region has been characterized from capillary discharge and laser-produced plasmas containing potassium ions with time-averaged electron temperatures of 12 eV and electron densities of 1020 cm−3. Atomic structure calculations with the Cowan code together with available spectral data were used to generate theoretical spectra to compare with the observed emission.

The applications of a novel polycationic derivative of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD), heptakis(6-hydroxyethylamino-6-deoxy-beta-cyclodextrin) (beta-CD-EA), as a chiral host--guest additive for the enantioseparation of various classes of chiral anionic analytes are presented. The cationic beta-CD described in this paper is persubstituted with seven ethanolamine side arms at the primary rim of each cyclodextrin (CD) molecule. It is found that the electrophoretic mobility of beta-CD-EA can be adjusted to influence the chiral selectivity by changing the pH of the background electrolyte. Most of the observed CD capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) separations of anionic drugs and herbicides were accomplished in the pH range of 4.0-7.0 with a reverse polarity configuration. At pH 5.0, enantioseparation of a mixture of three structurally related antiinflammatory agents (fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, and ibuprofen) was possible in about 30 min. However, other chiral acids, such as a series of phenoxypropionic acid herbicides and dansylated amino acids (glutamic acid and aspartic acids), were best separated at pH 6.0 or 7.0. An impressive separation of a mixture of six structurally related anionic herbicides [(+/-)-2-phenoxypropionic acid, (+/-)-2-(2-chlorophenoxy)propionic acid, (+/-)-2-(3-chlorophenoxy)propionic acid, (+/-)-2-(4-chlorophenoxy)propionic acid, (+/-)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)propionic acid, and (+/-)-2-(2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)propionic acid] was achieved for the first time in about 15 min during a single run with 20 mM beta-CD-EA. The analytical applicability of this cationic CD molecule for chiral separations is discussed in detail.

Modified cyclodextrins (CDs) have shown great promise as non-viral gene and siRNA delivery vectors in a range of in vitro and in vivo studies. In the current study, structural and biophysical characterisation of selected CDs was carried out to enhance our understanding of their interaction with nucleic acids. The methods used for such characterisation were dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurements and circular dichroism. Variations in the chemistries of individual CDs and in the type of formulation were shown to affect key properties of complexes such as size, surface charge and nucleic acid conformation. Furthermore, the effects of temperature and pH on the conformation of nucleic acids were investigated. pH studies were intended to mimic the conditions encountered by cationic complexes during endocytosis. Circular dichroism studies revealed that changes occurred in DNA and siRNA conformation upon complexation with CDs and when exposed to increasing temperature and decreasing pH. Overall, siRNA appeared to be more susceptible to conformational changes although complexation of siRNA with CDs tended to have a stabilising effect.

Local gene delivery represents a promising therapeutic approach for diseases of the intestine. However, the gastrointestinal tract poses significant challenges to successful gene delivery. Cyclodextrins (CDs) have been extensively investigated as non-viral vectors. Here, we assessed the suitability of an amphiphilic cationic CD for intestinal gene transfer, with particular focus on extracellular barriers. Stability and transfection efficiency of CD·DNA complexes were assessed post incubation in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, bile salts and mucin, or with intestinal enzymes to represent extracellular barriers to intestinal gene delivery. Stability was determined by gel electrophoresis and transfection was measured by luciferase expression in intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2). Transfection efficiency of CD·DNA complexes was enhanced after incubation in bile salts but was reduced after incubation in gastric and intestinal fluids and mucin. CD·DNA complexes were stable after incubation with pancreatic enzymes and with a model lower intestinal enzyme. Furthermore, the CD protected pDNA from degradation by DNase. In summary, physiologically relevant in vitro models were established and used to quantify the barriers posed by the intestinal extracellular environment to gene delivery. This systematic assessment identified the advantages and limitations of the CD vector and facilitated the proposal of formulation strategies to overcome these barriers.

Considerable research is focused on the development of non-viral vectors for gene and RNA interference therapies, with significant advancements in this field over the past number of years. Cationic lipids and polymers have been extensively investigated for these purposes, but there still remains a need for alternative vectors. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharides derived from starch and are well characterised pharmaceutical excipients. They offer many advantages as potential non-viral vectors for gene and siRNA delivery, in particular the ease with which they can be chemically modified and their limited toxicity. In recent years, there has been a surge in the number of publications concerning CDs in this field. In this paper, we will review the two main approaches to the use of CDs for gene and siRNA delivery. In the first instance, CDs are used as a scaffold, to which various chemical groups can be grafted, yielding monodisperse functionalised CDs which can self-assemble in the presence of oligonucleotides. CDs are particularly amenable to chemical modification and this approach enables specific and precise design of CD vectors for targeting to various cell and tissue types. In the second approach, CDs can be included as a component of a delivery system, for example, as part of a polymer backbone, appended to a dendrimeric vector, or in polyrotaxane systems. Here, the inclusion of CDs facilitates post-modification of the vector through the formation of inclusion complexes with adamantane and, in some instances, reduces toxicity of the vector. Lastly, we will consider the development of in vivo CD vectors for therapeutic use and other novel applications including siRNA delivery in neurons and the CNS.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The cytokine TNF-alpha (TNF-α) plays a pivotal role in mediating this inflammatory response. RNA interference (RNAi) holds great promise for the specific and selective silencing of aberrantly expressed genes, such as TNF-α in IBD. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of an amphiphilic cationic cyclodextrin (CD) vector for effective TNF-α siRNA delivery to macrophage cells and to mice with induced acute-colitis. The stability of CD.siRNA was examined by gel electrophoresis in biorelevant media reflecting colonic fluids. RAW264.7 cells were transfected with CD.TNF-α siRNA, stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and TNF-α and IL-6 responses were measured by PCR and ELISA. Female C57BL/6 mice were exposed to dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) and treated by intrarectal administration with either CD.siRNA TNF-α or a control solution. In vitro, siRNA in CD nanocomplexes remained intact and stable in both fed and fasted simulated colonic fluids. RAW264.7 cells transfected with CD.TNF-α siRNA and stimulated with LPS displayed a significant reduction in both gene and protein levels of TNF-α and IL-6. CD.TNF-α siRNA-treated mice revealed a mild amelioration in clinical signs of colitis, but significant reductions in total colon weight and colonic mRNA expression of TNF-α and IL-6 compared to DSS-control mice were detected. This data indicates the clinical potential of a local CD-based TNF-α siRNA delivery system for the treatment of IBD.

[Objectives]: Achieving targeted delivery of gene medicines is desirable to maximise activity. Here, galactosylated amphiphilic cyclodextrins (CDs) are examined in terms of their ability to transfect asialoglycoprotein receptor-bearing HepG2 cells. [Methods]: Cationic amphiphilic CDs were synthesised as well as amphiphilic CDs bearing galactose-targeting ligands with different linker lengths. Binding of galactosylated CDs to a galactose-specific lectin was examined by surface plasmon resonance. CDs were formulated with and without the helper lipid DOPE and complexed with plasmid DNA. Transfection was evaluated by luciferase assay. Intracellular trafficking was assessed by confocal microscopy. [Key findings]: Binding of targeted CDs to a galactose-specific lectin was achieved. Binding decreased with linker length between the galactosyl group and the CD core. Contrary to the lectin binding results, transfection levels increased with an increase in linker length from 7 atoms to 15. Compared to non-targeted formulations, a significant increase in transfection was observed only in the presence of the helper lipid DOPE. Confocal microscopy revealed that DOPE caused a pronounced effect on cellular distribution. [Conclusions]: The galactose-targeting ligand induced substantial increases in transfection over non-targeted formulations when DOPE was included, indicating the potential for targeted gene delivery using CD-based delivery systems. © 2012 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

p-Toluenesulphonyl chloride has been used to oxidise thiols, including 1-thio-β-D-glucopyranose, or their sodium salts, to disulphides.