Patrick D. Pohlhaus

The effect of particle design on cellular internalization pathways

The interaction of particles with cells is known to be strongly influenced by particle size, but little is known about the interdependent role that size, shape, and surface chemistry have on cellular internalization and intracellular trafficking. We report on the internalization of specially designed, monodisperse hydrogel particles into HeLa cells as a function of size, shape, and surface charge. We employ a top-down particle fabrication technique called PRINT that is able to generate uniform populations of organic micro- and nanoparticles with complete control of size, shape, and surface chemistry. Evidence of particle internalization was obtained by using conventional biological techniques and transmission electron microscopy. These findings suggest that HeLa cells readily internalize nonspherical particles with dimensions as large as 3 μm by using several different mechanisms of endocytosis. Moreover, it was found that rod-like particles enjoy an appreciable advantage when it comes to internalization rates, reminiscent of the advantage that many rod-like bacteria have for internalization in nonphagocytic cells.

Scope and Mechanism for Lewis Acid-Catalyzed Cycloadditions of Aldehydes and Donor−Acceptor Cyclopropanes: Evidence for a Stereospecific Intimate Ion Pair Pathway

In this work, the one-step diastereoselective synthesis of cis-2,5-disubstituted tetrahydrofurans via Lewis acid catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloadditions of donor-acceptor (D-A) cyclopropanes and aldehydes is described. The scope and limitations with respect to both reaction partners are provided. A detailed examination of the mechanism has been performed, including stereochemical analysis and electronic profiling of both reactants. Experimental evidence supports an unusual stereospecific intimate ion pair mechanism wherein the aldehyde functions as a nucleophile and malonate acts as the nucleofuge. The reaction proceeds with inversion at the cyclopropane donor site and allows absolute stereochemical information to be transferred to the products with high fidelity. The mechanism facilitates the stereospecific synthesis of a range of optically active tetrahydrofuran derivatives from enantioenriched D-A cyclopropanes.

Complexity-Building Annulations of Strained Cycloalkanes and C=O π Bonds

This Perspective details a developing research program that emerged from simple plans for achieving the synthesis of tetrahydrofurans from cyclopropanes and C═O π bonds. Lewis acid catalyzed annulations of malonate-derived donor-acceptor cyclopropanes with aldehydes are unusually broad in scope and lead to the synthesis of structurally diverse tetrahydrofurans. The reactions are stereospecific, with inversion observed at the cyclopropane donor site. Substituent effects on the aldehyde suggest that it acts as a nucleophile in the reaction. An unusual mechanism emerges in which the aldehyde traps a configurationally stable intimate ion pair to stereospecifically construct the C-O bond. In addition to the stereospecific conversion of enantiomerically enriched cyclopropanes into nonracemic heterocycles, we have also demonstrated that racemic cyclopropane 1,1-diesters can undergo dynamic kinetic asymmetric annulations catalyzed by (pybox)MgI(2) complexes. Asymmetric syntheses of (+)-polyanthellin A and (+)-virgatusin have been achieved; both rely upon cyclopropane/aldehyde annulation for construction of the core tetrahydrofurans.

Reductively responsive siRNA-conjugated hydrogel nanoparticles for gene silencing.

A critical need still remains for effective delivery of RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics to target tissues and cells. Self-assembled lipid- and polymer-based systems have been most extensively explored for transfection with small interfering RNA (siRNA) in liver and cancer therapies. Safety and compatibility of materials implemented in delivery systems must be ensured to maximize therapeutic indices. Hydrogel nanoparticles of defined dimensions and compositions, prepared via a particle molding process that is a unique off-shoot of soft lithography known as particle replication in nonwetting templates (PRINT), were explored in these studies as delivery vectors. Initially, siRNA was encapsulated in particles through electrostatic association and physical entrapment. Dose-dependent gene silencing was elicited by PEGylated hydrogels at low siRNA doses without cytotoxicity. To prevent disassociation of cargo from particles after systemic administration or during postfabrication processing for surface functionalization, a polymerizable siRNA pro-drug conjugate with a degradable, disulfide linkage was prepared. Triggered release of siRNA from the pro-drug hydrogels was observed under a reducing environment while cargo retention and integrity were maintained under physiological conditions. Gene silencing efficiency and cytocompatibility were optimized by screening the amine content of the particles. When appropriate control siRNA cargos were loaded into hydrogels, gene knockdown was only encountered for hydrogels containing releasable, target-specific siRNAs, accompanied by minimal cell death. Further investigation into shape, size, and surface decoration of siRNA-conjugated hydrogels should enable efficacious targeted in vivo RNAi therapies.

Delivery of Multiple siRNAs Using Lipid-coated PLGA Nanoparticles for Treatment of Prostate Cancer

Nanotechnology can provide a critical advantage in developing strategies for cancer management and treatment by helping to improve the safety and efficacy of novel therapeutic delivery vehicles. This paper reports the fabrication of poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid)/siRNA nanoparticles coated with lipids for use as prostate cancer therapeutics made via a unique soft lithography particle molding process called Particle Replication In Nonwetting Templates (PRINT). The PRINT process enables high encapsulation efficiency of siRNA into neutral and monodisperse PLGA particles (32-46% encapsulation efficiency). Lipid-coated PLGA/siRNA PRINT particles were used to deliver therapeutic siRNA in vitro to knockdown genes relevant to prostate cancer.

Rendering Protein-Based Particles Transiently Insoluble for Therapeutic Applications

Herein, we report the fabrication of protein (bovine serum albumin, BSA) particles which were rendered transiently insoluble using a novel, reductively labile disulfide-based cross-linker. After being cross-linked, the protein particles retain their integrity in aqueous solution and dissolve preferentially under a reducing environment. Our data demonstrates that cleavage of the cross-linker leaves no chemical residue on the reactive amino group. Delivery of a self-replicating RNA was achieved via the transiently insoluble PRINT protein particles. These protein particles can provide new opportunities for drug and gene delivery.