Seiichi Ohta

DNA-controlled dynamic colloidal nanoparticle systems for mediating cellular interaction.

Dynamic DNA clustering of nanoparticles The size and shape of nanoparticles can increase the cellular uptake and delivery of contrast agents and therapeutics. Ohta et al. created gold nanoparticles partly covered with DNA chains and with folic acid as the targeting molecule (see the Perspective by Parak). The particles could link together to hide the folic acid or to expose it on the surface, depending on the hybridization and overall particle configuration. The addition of complementary DNA allowed switching between structures, thus changing the way the particles interacted with cells. Science, this issue p. 841; see also p. 814 Manipulation of DNA-linked nanoparticle assemblies changes the optical properties and cellular targeting and uptake. [Also see Perspective by Parak] Precise control of biosystems requires development of materials that can dynamically change physicochemical properties. Inspired by the ability of proteins to alter their conformation to mediate function, we explored the use of DNA as molecular keys to assemble and transform colloidal nanoparticle systems. The systems consist of a core nanoparticle surrounded by small satellites, the conformation of which can be transformed in response to DNA via a toe-hold displacement mechanism. The conformational changes can alter the optical properties and biological interactions of the assembled nanosystem. Photoluminescent signal is altered by changes in fluorophore-modified particle distance, whereas cellular targeting efficiency is increased 2.5 times by changing the surface display of targeting ligands. These concepts provide strategies for engineering dynamic nanotechnology systems for navigating complex biological environments.

In Situ Cross-Linkable Hydrogel of Hyaluronan Produced via Copper-Free Click Chemistry

Injectable hydrogels are useful in biomedical applications. We have synthesized hyaluronic acids chemically modified with azide groups (HA-A) and cyclooctyne groups (HA-C), respectively. Aqueous HA-A and HA-C solutions were mixed using a double-barreled syringe to form a hydrogel via strain-promoted [3 + 2] cycloaddition without any catalyst at physiological conditions. The hydrogel slowly degraded in PBS over 2 weeks, which was accelerated to 9 days by hyaluronidase, while it rapidly degraded in a cell culture media with fetal bovine serum within 4 days. Both HA-A and HA-C showed good biocompatibility with fibroblast cells in vitro. They were administered using the double-barreled syringe into mice subcutaneously and intraperitoneally. Residue of the hydrogel was cleared 21 days after subcutaneous administration, while it was cleared 7 days after intraperitoneal administration. This injectable HA hydrogel is expected to be useful for tissue engineering and drug delivery systems utilizing its orthogonality.

Real time observation and kinetic modeling of the cellular uptake and removal of silicon quantum dots.

The time courses of uptake and removal of silicon quantum dots (Si-QDs) by human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs) were observed via confocal laser scanning microscope. Si-QDs were internalized via endocytosis and transported to late endosomes/lysosomes. The number of internalized Si-QDs increased with time and gradually reached a plateau value. When Si-QD-internalized HUVECs were subsequently washed and exposed to fresh culture medium, HUVECs removed internalized Si-QDs via exocytosis. The number of internalized Si-QDs decreased with time and gradually reached a plateau value. Not all internalized Si-QDs were removed from the cell interior but large numbers of internalized Si-QDs remained accumulated inside cells. A kinetic model based on the mass balance of Si-QDs and receptors in a cell was proposed to describe the cellular uptake and removal of Si-QDs. Model calculation fitted well with experimental results. Using this model, the dissociation constant between receptors and Si-QDs in the endosome, K(d,in), was found to be a determinant factor for Si-QD accumulation in cells after the removal process.

Selective labeling of the endoplasmic reticulum in live cells with silicon quantum dots

A simple and novel approach was developed to obtain water-dispersible silicon quantum dots (Si-QDs) of low toxicity that were able to selectively label the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in live cells. A block copolymer (Pluronic F127) was used to coat the surface of Si-QDs. Si-QDs form aggregates with diameters of 20-40 nm and show an outstanding optical stability upon UV irradiation. Our F127-treated Si-QDs would be a powerful tool for long-term real-time observation of the ER in live cells.

Size- and surface chemistry-dependent intracellular localization of luminescent silicon quantum dot aggregates

Aggregates of luminescent silicon quantum dots (Si-QDs) selectively label certain organelles, such as lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, cytosol and nuclei, depending upon the size of the aggregates and their surface properties. We used Si-QDs in an aggregated form and the size of aggregates was controlled from ca. 30 to 270 nm diameter. In fixed human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), allylamine-terminated Si-QDs selectively labeled cell nuclei, while Si-QDs, treated by the amphiphilic block copolymer Pluronic® F127, uniformly labeled cytosol. On the other hand, in live HUVECs, allylamine-modified Si-QDs selectively labeled lysosomes, whereas F127-treated Si-QDs showed size-dependent intracellular localization: F127-treated Si-QD aggregates with a small diameter of ca. 30 nm selectively labeled the endoplasmic reticulum and those with a large diameter of ca. 270 nm labeled lysosomes. Our results indicate that specific organelle imaging can be achieved by controlling the surface properties and size of Si-QD aggregates, without using conventional antigen–antibody reactions. Physicochemical interactions between silicon nanomaterials and cells play a critical role in the observed intracellular localization. The possible mechanism and cytotoxicity of the silicon nanomaterials are discussed.

Preparation of uniform-sized hemoglobin–albumin microspheres as oxygen carriers by Shirasu porous glass membrane emulsification technique

We have developed a new type of artificial oxygen carrier composed of bovine hemoglobin (bHb) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) prepared by Shirasu porous glass (SPG) membrane emulsification technique. The resultant emulsion droplets containing 10 wt% bHb and 5-20 wt% BSA were subsequently cross-linked by glutaraldehyde to form the microspheres. Due to the uniform pore structure of SPG membranes, the average diameters of bHb10-BSAm microspheres were successfully controlled at around 5 μm with a coefficient of variation of around 10%. In addition, the biocompatibility of the carriers depended on their oxyhemoglobin percentage regardless of their same size. Finally, the P50 values of these microspheres ranged from 8.08 to 11.60 mmHg, which showed a high oxygen affinity and an oxygen delivery function.

Enhancing Osteogenic Differentiation of MC3T3-E1 Cells by Immobilizing Inorganic Polyphosphate onto Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel

In tissue engineering, precise control of cues in the microenvironment is essential to stimulate cells to undergo bioactivities such as proliferation, differentiation, and matrix production. However, current approaches are inefficient in providing nondepleting cues. In this study, we have developed a novel bioactive hydrogel (HAX-PolyP) capable of enhancing tissue growth by conjugating inorganic polyphosphate chains onto hyaluronic acid macromers. The immobilized polyphosphates provided constant osteoconductive stimulation to the embedded murine osteoblast precursor cells, resulting in up-regulation of osteogenic marker genes and enhanced levels of ALP activity. The osteoconductive activity was significantly higher when compared to those stimulated with free-floating polyphosphates. Even at very low concentrations, immobilization of polyphosphates onto the scaffold allowed sufficient signaling leading to more effective osteoconduction. These results demonstrate the potential of our novel material as an injectable bioactive scaffold, which can be clinically useful for developing bone grafts and bone regeneration applications.

Development of carboxymethyl cellulose nonwoven sheet as a novel hemostatic agent.

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a plant-derived material that has high biocompatibility and water solubility. We developed a CMC nonwoven sheet as a hemostatic agent by carboxymethylating a continuous filament cellulose nonwoven sheet. The CMC nonwoven sheet was able to absorb water and dissolve in it. The rates of absorption and dissolution depended on the degree of carboxymethylation. After dissolving in blood, CMC accelerated clot development (possibly owing to the incorporation of CMC into fibrin fibers) and increased the viscosity of the blood, both of which would contribute to the improved blood clotting of an injured surface. In vivo experiments using a rat tail cutting method showed that a CMC nonwoven sheet shortened the bleeding time of the tail when applied to the cut surface. The hemostatic effect of the CMC nonwoven sheet was almost at the same level as a commercial hemostatic bandage. These results suggest that a CMC nonwoven sheet could be used as a novel sheet-type hemostatic agent.

A biocompatible calcium salt of hyaluronic acid grafted with polyacrylic acid.

We have synthesized hyaluronic acid (HA) grafted with polyacrylic acid (PAA) via controlled radical polymerization (CRP) in aqueous media. The grafted HA (HA-g-PAA) showed slow degradation by hyaluronidase compared with unmodified HA as a result of the steric hindrance produced by grafted PAA, and PAA was detached by hydrolysis and enzymatic degradation by lipase. It formed an insoluble salt immediately after mixing with Ca(2+) by the binding between grafted PAA and Ca(2+). Both HA-g-PAA and its salt showed good biocompatibility, especially to mesothelial cells in vitro. Finally, they were administered into mice subcutaneously and intraperitoneally. The residue of the material was observed 7 days after subcutaneous administration, while the material was almost cleared from the peritoneum 7 days after intraperitoneal administration with or without Ca(2+). HA-g-PAA is expected to be applicable to medical uses such as drug delivery in the peritoneum and for materials preventing peritoneal adhesion.

Production of Cisplatin-Incorporating Hyaluronan Nanogels via Chelating Ligand-Metal Coordination.

Hyaluronan (HA) is a promising drug carrier for cancer therapy because of its CD44 targeting ability, good biocompatibility, and biodegradability. In this study, cisplatin (CDDP)-incorporating HA nanogels were fabricated through a chelating ligand-metal coordination cross-linking reaction. We conjugated chelating ligands, iminodiacetic acid or malonic acid, to HA and used them as a precursor polymer. By mixing the ligand-conjugated HA with CDDP, cross-linking occurred via coordination of the ligands with the platinum in CDDP, resulting in the spontaneous formation of CDDP-loaded HA nanogels. The nanogels showed pH-responsive release of CDDP, because the stability of the ligand-platinum complex decreases in an acidic environment. Cell viability assays for MKN45P human gastric cancer cells and Met-5A human mesothelial cells revealed that the HA nanogels selectively inhibited the growth of gastric cancer cells. In vivo experiments using a mouse model of peritoneal dissemination of gastric cancer demonstrated that HA nanogels specifically localized in peritoneal nodules after the intraperitoneal administration. Moreover, penetration assays using multicellular tumor spheroids indicated that HA nanogels had a significantly higher ability to penetrate tumors than conventional, linear HA. These results suggest that chelating-ligand conjugated HA nanogels will be useful for targeted cancer therapy.