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Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Jun 2023Drug delivery systems require that carrier materials have good biocompatibility, degradability, and constructability. Poly(amino acids), a substance with a distinctive...
Drug delivery systems require that carrier materials have good biocompatibility, degradability, and constructability. Poly(amino acids), a substance with a distinctive secondary structure, not only have the basic features of the carrier materials but also have several reactive functional groups in the side chain, which can be employed as drug carriers to deliver anticancer drugs. The conformation of isomers of drug carriers has some influence on the preparation, morphology, and efficacy of nanoparticles. In this study, two isomers of polylysine, including ε-polylysine (ε-PL) and α-polylysine (α-PL), were used as drug carriers to entrap methotrexate (MTX) and construct nano-drug delivery systems. ε-PL/MTX nanoparticles with the morphology of helical nanorods presented a small particle size (115.0 nm), and relative high drug loading content (57.8 %). The anticancer effect of ε-PL/MTX nanoparticles was 1.3-fold and 2.6-fold stronger than that of α-PL/MTX nanoparticles in vivo and in vitro, respectively. ε-PL is an ideal drug carrier with potential clinical application prospects.
Topics: Methotrexate; Polylysine; Antineoplastic Agents; Drug Carriers; Nanoparticles
PubMed: 37037095
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114662 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2024Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune chronic disease characterized by inflammation and demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS). Despite numerous studies...
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune chronic disease characterized by inflammation and demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS). Despite numerous studies conducted, valid biomarkers enabling a definitive diagnosis of MS are not yet available. The aim of our study was to identify a marker from a blood sample to ease the diagnosis of MS. In this study, since there is evidence connecting the serotonin pathway to MS, we used an ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) to detect serum MS-specific auto-antibodies (auto-Ab) against the extracellular loop 1 (ECL-1) of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor subtype 2A (5-HT2A). We utilized an ELISA format employing poly-D-lysine as a pre-coating agent. The binding of 208 serum samples from controls, both healthy and pathological, and of 104 serum samples from relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients was tested. We observed that the serum-binding activity in control cohort sera, including those with autoimmune and neurological diseases, was ten times lower compared to the RRMS patient cohort ( = 1.2 × 10), with a sensitivity and a specificity of 98% and 100%, respectively. These results show that in the serum of patients with MS there are auto-Ab against the serotonin receptor type 2A which can be successfully used in the diagnosis of MS due to their high sensitivity and specificity.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting; Central Nervous System; Antibodies; Hematologic Tests; Biomarkers; Polylysine
PubMed: 38338973
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031696 -
Journal of Food Protection May 2021Ready-to-eat meat products, such as deli ham, can support the growth of Listeria monocytogenes (LM), which can cause severe illness in immunocompromised individuals. The...
ABSTRACT
Ready-to-eat meat products, such as deli ham, can support the growth of Listeria monocytogenes (LM), which can cause severe illness in immunocompromised individuals. The objectives of this study were to validate a miniature ham model (MHM) against the ham slice method and to screen antimicrobial combinations to control LM on ham by using response surface methology (RSM) as a time- and cost-effective high-throughput screening tool. The effect of nisin (Ni), potassium lactate and sodium diacetate, lauric arginate (LAG), lytic bacteriophage (P100), and ε-polylysine (EPL) added alone, or in combination, were determined on the MHM over 12 days of storage. Results showed the MHM accurately mimics the ham slice method because no statistical differences were found (P = 0.526) in the change of LM cell counts in MHM and slice counts after 12 days of storage at 4°C for treated and untreated hams. The MHM was then used to screen antimicrobial combinations by using an on-face design and three center points in a central composite design. The RSM was tested by using a cocktail of five LM strains isolated from foodborne disease outbreaks. Three levels of the previously mentioned antimicrobials were used in combination for a total of 28 runs performed in triplicate. The change of LM cell counts were determined after 12 days of storage at 4°C. All tested antimicrobials were effective on reducing LM cell counts on ham when added alone. A significant antagonistic interaction (P = 0.002) was identified by the RSM between LAG and P100, where this antimicrobial combination caused a 2.2-log CFU/g change of LM cell counts after 12 days of storage. Two interactions, between Ni and EPL (P = 0.058), and Ni and P100 (P = 0.068), showed possible synergistic effects against LM on the MHM. Other interactions were clearly nonsignificant, suggesting additive effects. In future work, the developed MHM in combination with RSM can be used as a high-throughput method to analyze novel antimicrobial treatments against LM.
Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Colony Count, Microbial; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Food Microbiology; Food Preservation; Humans; Listeria monocytogenes; Meat Products
PubMed: 33302287
DOI: 10.4315/JFP-20-435 -
Bioactive Materials Jul 2023Native-like endothelium regeneration is a prerequisite for material-guided small-diameter vascular regeneration. In this study, a novel strategy is proposed to achieve...
Native-like endothelium regeneration is a prerequisite for material-guided small-diameter vascular regeneration. In this study, a novel strategy is proposed to achieve phase-adjusted endothelial healing by step-wise modification of parallel-microgroove-patterned (i.e., micropatterned) nanofibers with polydopamine-copper ion (PDA-Cu) complexes, polylysine (PLys) molecules, and Cys-Ala-Gly (CAG) peptides (CAG@PLys@PDA-Cu). Using electrospun poly(-lactide--caprolactone) random nanofibers as the demonstrating biomaterial, step-wise modification of CAG@PLys@PDA-Cu significantly enhanced substrate wettability and protein adsorption, exhibited an excellent antithrombotic surface and outstanding phase-adjusted capacity of endothelium regeneration involving cell adhesion, endothelial monolayer formation, and the regenerated endothelium maturation. Upon implantation for segmental replacement of rabbit carotid arteries, CAG@PLys@PDA-Cu modified grafts (2 mm inner diameter) with micropatterns on inner surface effectively accelerated native-like endothelium regeneration within 1 week, with less platelet aggregates and inflammatory response compared to those on non-modified grafts. Prolonged observations at 6- and 12-weeks post-implantation demonstrated a positive vascular remodeling with almost fully covered endothelium and mature smooth muscle layer in the modified vascular grafts, accompanied with well-organized extracellular matrix. By contrast, non-modified vascular grafts induced a disorganized tissue formation with a high risk of thrombogenesis. In summary, step-wise modification of CAG@PLys@PDA-Cu on micropatterned nanofibers can significantly promote endothelial healing without inflicting thrombosis, thus confirming a novel strategy for developing functional vascular grafts or other blood-contacting materials/devices.
PubMed: 37056258
DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.07.010 -
Polymers Nov 2020Biomaterials, especially when coated with adhesive polymers, are a key tool for restorative medicine, being biocompatible and supportive for cell adherence, growth, and...
Biomaterials, especially when coated with adhesive polymers, are a key tool for restorative medicine, being biocompatible and supportive for cell adherence, growth, and function. Aragonite skeletons of corals are biomaterials that support survival and growth of a range of cell types, including neurons and glia. However, it is not known if this scaffold affects neural cell migration or elongation of neuronal and astrocytic processes, prerequisites for initiating repair of damage in the nervous system. To address this, hippocampal cells were aggregated into neurospheres and cultivated on aragonite skeleton of the coral (Coral Skeleton (CS)), on naturally occurring aragonite (Geological Aragonite (GA)), and on glass, all pre-coated with the oligomer poly-D-lysine (PDL). The two aragonite matrices promoted equally strong cell migration (4.8 and 4.3-fold above glass-PDL, respectively) and axonal sprouting (1.96 and 1.95-fold above glass-PDL, respectively). However, CS-PDL had a stronger effect than GA-PDL on the promotion of astrocytic processes elongation (1.7 vs. 1.2-fold above glass-PDL, respectively) and expression of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (3.8 vs. and 1.8-fold above glass-PDL, respectively). These differences are likely to emerge from a reaction of astrocytes to the degree of roughness of the surface of the scaffold, which is higher on CS than on GA. Hence, CS-PDL and GA-PDL are scaffolds of strong capacity to derive neural cell movements and growth required for regeneration, while controlling the extent of astrocytic involvement. As such, implants of PDL-aragonites have significant potential as tools for damage repair and the reduction of scar formation in the brain following trauma or disease.
PubMed: 33260420
DOI: 10.3390/polym12122850 -
Journal of Functional Biomaterials Jul 2020The study aim was to assess the effect of incorporating polylysine (PLS) filler at different mass fractions (0.5, 1 and 2 wt%) on PLS release and planktonic growth....
The study aim was to assess the effect of incorporating polylysine (PLS) filler at different mass fractions (0.5, 1 and 2 wt%) on PLS release and planktonic growth. Composite containing PLS mass and volume change and PLS release upon water immersion were assessed gravimetrically and via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. Disc effects on bacterial counts in broth initially containing 8 × 10 versus 8 × 10 CFU/mL UA159 were determined after 24 h. Survival of sedimented bacteria after 72 h was determined following LIVE/DEAD staining of composite surfaces using confocal microscopy. Water sorption-induced mass change at two months increased from 0.7 to 1.7% with increasing PLS concentration. Average volume increases were 2.3% at two months whilst polylysine release levelled at 4% at 3 weeks irrespective of composite PLS level. Early percentage PLS release, however, was faster with higher composite content. With 0.5, 1 and 2% polylysine initially in the composite filler phase, 24-h PLS release into 1 mL of water yielded 8, 25 and 93 ppm respectively. With initial bacterial counts of 8 × 10 CFU/mL, this PLS release reduced 24-h bacterial counts from 10 down to 10, 10 and 10 CFU/mL respectively. With a high initial inoculum, 24-h bacterial counts were 10 with 0, 0.5 or 1% PLS and 10 with 2% PLS. As the PLS composite content was raised, the ratio of dead to live sedimented bacteria increased. The antibacterial action of the experimental composites could reduce residual bacteria remaining following minimally invasive tooth restorations.
PubMed: 32727106
DOI: 10.3390/jfb11030053 -
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2021Currently used synthetic bone graft substitutes (BGS) are either too weak to bear the principal load or if metallic, they can support loading, but can lead to stress...
BACKGROUND
Currently used synthetic bone graft substitutes (BGS) are either too weak to bear the principal load or if metallic, they can support loading, but can lead to stress shielding and are unable to integrate fully. In this study, we developed biocompatible, 3D printed scaffolds derived from µCT images of the bone that can overcome these issues and support the growth of osteoblasts.
METHODS
Cylindrical scaffolds were fabricated with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and Stratasys MED 610 (MED610) materials. The 3D-printed scaffolds were seeded with calvaria cells (MC3T3). After the cells attained confluence, osteogenesis was induced with and without the addition of calcitonin receptor fragment peptide (CRFP) and the bone matrix production was analyzed. Mechanical compression testing was carried out to measure compressive strength, stiffness, and elastic modulus.
RESULTS
For the ABS scaffolds, there was a 9.8% increase in compressive strength ( < 0.05) in the scaffolds with no pre-coating and the treatment with CRFP, compared to non-treated scaffolds. Similarly, MED610 scaffolds treated with CRFP showed an 11.9% (polylysine pre-coating) and a 20% (no pre-coating) increase ( < 0.01) in compressive strength compared to non-treated scaffolds.
CONCLUSIONS
MED610 scaffolds are excellent BGS as they support osteoblast growth and show enhanced bone growth with enhanced compressive strength when augmented with CRFP.
PubMed: 34940352
DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8120199 -
Pharmaceutics Oct 2022Peptide-based subunit vaccines include only minimal antigenic determinants, and, therefore, are less likely to induce allergic immune responses and adverse effects...
Peptide-based subunit vaccines include only minimal antigenic determinants, and, therefore, are less likely to induce allergic immune responses and adverse effects compared to traditional vaccines. However, peptides are weakly immunogenic and susceptible to enzymatic degradation when administered on their own. Hence, we designed polyelectrolyte complex (PEC)-based delivery systems to protect peptide antigens from degradation and improve immunogenicity. Lipopeptide (LCP-1) bearing J8 B-cell epitope derived from Group A (GAS) M-protein was selected as the model peptide antigen. In the pilot study, LCP-1 incorporated in alginate/cross-linked polyarginine-J8-based PEC induced high J8-specific IgG antibody titres. The PEC system was then further modified to improve its immune stimulating capability. Of the formulations tested, , bearing LCP-1, alginate and cross-linked polylysine, induced the highest antibody titres in BALB/c mice following subcutaneous immunisation. The antibodies produced were more opsonic than those induced by mice immunised with other PECs, and as opsonic as those induced by antigen adjuvanted with powerful complete Freund's adjuvant.
PubMed: 36297584
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102151 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2020Protein-peptide-calcium phosphate composites were developed for achieving sustainable and controlled protein release. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model acidic...
Protein-peptide-calcium phosphate composites were developed for achieving sustainable and controlled protein release. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model acidic protein was efficiently encapsulated with basic polypeptides such as polylysine and polyarginine during the precipitation of calcium phosphate (CaP). The prepared composites were fully characterized in terms of their morphologies, crystallinities, and the porosity of their structures, and from these analyses, it was observed that there are no significant differences between the composites. Scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis indicated a homogeneous distribution of nitrogen and sulfur, confirming the uniform distribution of BSA and polypeptide in the CaP composite. In vitro release studies demonstrated that the composite prepared with the peptides α-polylysine and polyarginine were suitable for the gradual release of the protein BSA, while those containing ε-polylysine and no peptide were unsuitable for protein release. Additionally, these composites showed high hemocompatibility for mouse red blood cells, and the osteoblast-like cell proliferation and spread in media with the composites prepared using BSA and α-polylysine showed similar tendencies to medium with no composite. From these results, protein-peptide-CaP composites are expected to be useful as highly biocompatible protein delivery agents.
Topics: Animals; Biocompatible Materials; Calcium Phosphates; Cattle; Cell Line; Cell Movement; Cell Proliferation; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Liberation; Durapatite; Erythrocytes; Kinetics; Mice; Osteoblasts; Peptides; Polylysine; Serum Albumin, Bovine
PubMed: 32423135
DOI: 10.3390/molecules25102312 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2022The combined effect of ε-polylysine (PL) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP; 60% CO/40% N) on the bacterial community of greater amberjack filets and their...
Unraveling the effect of the combination of modified atmosphere packaging and ε-polylysine on the physicochemical properties and bacterial community of greater amberjack ().
The combined effect of ε-polylysine (PL) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP; 60% CO/40% N) on the bacterial community of greater amberjack filets and their physicochemical properties was evaluated at 4°C. The total viable counts (TVC), psychrotrophic bacterial count, sensory index, texture analysis, and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) revealed that PL, MAP, and MAP + PL treatment delayed the deterioration of greater amberjack filets. These treatment groups also showed decreased accumulation of biogenic amines. High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing results indicated that these treatments suppressed the growth of in greater amberjack filets. Furthermore, the MAP + PL treatment group was observed to be more effective than the PL and MAP groups, extending the shelf life of greater amberjack filets by 6 days. This investigation showed that the combination of PL and MAP has the potential to retain the quality and extend the shelf life of greater amberjack.
PubMed: 36466402
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1035714