Person: Farokhzad, Omid
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Farokhzad
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Omid
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Farokhzad, Omid
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Publication Mechanistic understanding of in vivo protein corona formation on polymeric nanoparticles and impact on pharmacokinetics(Nature Publishing Group UK, 2017) Bertrand, Nicolas; Grenier, Philippe; Mahmoudi, Morteza; Lima, Eliana M.; Appel, Eric A.; Dormont, Flavio; Lim, Jong-Min; Karnik, Rohit; Langer, Robert; Farokhzad, OmidIn vitro incubation of nanomaterials with plasma offer insights on biological interactions, but cannot fully explain the in vivo fate of nanomaterials. Here, we use a library of polymer nanoparticles to show how physicochemical characteristics influence blood circulation and early distribution. For particles with different diameters, surface hydrophilicity appears to mediate early clearance. Densities above a critical value of approximately 20 poly(ethylene glycol) chains (MW 5 kDa) per 100 nm2 prolong circulation times, irrespective of size. In knockout mice, clearance mechanisms are identified for nanoparticles with low and high steric protection. Studies in animals deficient in the C3 protein showed that complement activation could not explain differences in the clearance of nanoparticles. In nanoparticles with low poly(ethylene glycol) coverage, adsorption of apolipoproteins can prolong circulation times. In parallel, the low-density-lipoprotein receptor plays a predominant role in the clearance of nanoparticles, irrespective of poly(ethylene glycol) density. These results further our understanding of nanopharmacology.Publication Nanoparticles Containing a Liver X Receptor Agonist Inhibit Inflammation and Atherosclerosis(Wiley-Blackwell, 2014) Zhang, Xue-Qing; Even-Or, Orli; Xu, Xiaoyang; van Rosmalen, Mariska; Lim, Lucas; Gadde, Suresh; Farokhzad, Omid; Fisher, Edward A.Liver X receptor (LXR) signaling pathways regulate lipid metabolism and inflammation, which has generated widespread interest in developing synthetic LXR agonists as potential therapeutics for the management of atherosclerosis. In this study, we demonstrate that nanoparticles (NPs) containing the synthetic LXR agonist GW3965 (NP-LXR) exert anti-inflammatory effects and inhibit the development of atherosclerosis without causing hepatic steatosis. These NPs were engineered through self-assembly of a biodegradable diblock poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA-b-PEG) copolymer. NP-LXR was significantly more effective than free GW3965 at inducing LXR target gene expression and suppressing inflammatory factors in macrophages in vitro and in vivo. Addtionally, the NPs elicited negligible lipogenic gene stimulation in the liver. Using the Ldlr−/− mouse model of atherosclerosis, we saw abundant co-localization of fluorescently labeled NPs within plaque macrophages following systemic administration. Notably, six intravenous injections of NP-LXR over two weeks markedly reduced the CD68-positive cell (macrophage) content of plaques (by 50%) without increasing total cholesterol or triglycerides in the liver and plasma. Together, these findings identify GW3965-encapsulated PLGA-b-PEG NPs as a promising nanotherapeutic approach to combat atherosclerosis, providing the benefits of LXR agonists without their adverse effects on hepatic and plasma lipid metabolism.Publication CD43 gene expression is mediated by a nuclear factor which binds pyrimidine-rich single-stranded DNA(Oxford University Press (OUP), 2000) Farokhzad, OmidCD43 is a leukocyte-specific surface molecule which plays an important role both in adhesion and signal transduction. We have identified a site spanning nucleotides +18 to +39 within the human CD43 gene promoter which in vitro is hypersensitive to cleavage by nuclease S1. Repeats of this region are sufficient to activate expression of a heterologous promoter in CD43-positive cell lines. Two nuclear factors, PyRo1 and PyRo2, interact with the hypersensitive site. PyRo1 is a single-stranded DNA-binding protein which binds the pyrimidine-rich sense strand. Mutation analysis demonstrates that the motif TCCCCT is critical for PyRo1 interaction. Replacement of this motif with the sequence CATATA abolishes PyRo1 binding and reduces expression of the CD43 promoter by 35% in Jurkat T lymphocytic cells and by 52% in the pre-erythroid/pre-megakaryocytic cell line K562. However, this same replacement failed to affect expression in U937 monocytic cells or in CEM T lymphocytic cells. PyRo1, therefore, exhibits cell-specific differences in its functional activity. Further analysis demonstrated that PyRo1 not only interacts with the CD43 gene promoter but also motifs present within the promoters of the CD11a, CD11b, CD11c and CD11d genes. These genes encode the α subunits of the β2 integrin family of leukocyte adhesion receptors. Deletion of the PyRo1 binding site within the CD11c gene reduced promoter activity in T lymphocytic cells by 47%. However, consistent with our analysis of the CD43 gene, the effect of this same deletion within U937 monocytic cells was less severe. That PyRo1 binds preferentially to single-stranded DNA and sequences within the CD43 and CD11 gene promoters suggests that expression of these genes is influenced by DNA secondary structure.Publication Polymeric nanoparticle drug delivery technologies for oral delivery applications(Informa Healthcare, 2015) Pridgen, Eric M; Alexis, Frank; Farokhzad, OmidIntroduction: Many therapeutics are limited to parenteral administration. Oral administration is a desirable alternative because of the convenience and increased compliance by patients, especially for chronic diseases that require frequent administration. Polymeric nanoparticles are one technology being developed to enable clinically feasible oral delivery. Areas Covered: This review discusses the challenges associated with oral delivery. Strategies used to overcome gastrointestinal barriers using polymeric nanoparticles will be considered, including mucoadhesive biomaterials and targeting of nanoparticles to transcytosis pathways associated with M cells and enterocytes. Applications of oral delivery technologies will also be discussed, such as oral chemotherapies, oral insulin, treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, and mucosal vaccinations. Expert Opinion: There have been many approaches used to overcome the transport barriers presented by the gastrointestinal tract, but most have been limited by low bioavailability. Recent strategies targeting nanoparticles to transcytosis pathways present in the intestines have demonstrated that it is feasible to efficiently transport both therapeutics and nanoparticles across the intestines and into systemic circulation after oral administration. Further understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of the intestines could lead to additional improvements in oral polymeric nanoparticle technologies and enable the translation of these technologies to clinical practice.Publication Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticle-Aptamer Bioconjugates for Combined Prostate Cancer Imaging and Therapy(Wiley-Blackwell, 2008) Wang, Andrew Z.; Bagalkot, Vaishali; Vasilliou, Christophoros C.; Gu, Frank; Alexis, Frank; Zhang, Liangfang; Shaikh, Mariam; Yuet, Kai; Cima, Michael J.; Langer, Robert; Kantoff, Philip; Bander, Neil H.; Jon, Sangyong; Farokhzad, OmidPublication Microfluidic technologies for accelerating the clinical translation of nanoparticles(Springer Nature, 2012) Valencia, Pedro M.; Farokhzad, Omid; Karnik, Rohit; Langer, RobertUsing nanoparticles for therapy and imaging holds tremendous promise for the treatment of major diseases such as cancer. However, their translation into the clinic has been slow because it remains difficult to produce nanoparticles that are consistent ‘batch-to-batch’, and in sufficient quantities for clinical research. Moreover, platforms for rapid screening of nanoparticles are still lacking. Recent microfluidic technologies can tackle some of these issues, and offer a way to accelerate the clinical translation of nanoparticles. In this Progress Article, we highlight the advances in microfluidic systems that can synthesize libraries of nanoparticles in a well-controlled, reproducible and high-throughput manner. We also discuss the use of microfluidics for rapidly evaluating nanoparticles in vitro under microenvironments that mimic the in vivo conditions. Furthermore, we highlight some systems that can manipulate small organisms, which could be used for evaluating the in vivo toxicity of nanoparticles or for drug screening. We conclude with a critical assessment of the near- and long-term impact of microfluidics in the field of nanomedicine.Publication Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering: From Discovery to Applications(American Chemical Society (ACS), 2010-09-08) Shi, Jinjun; Votruba, Alexander R.; Farokhzad, Omid; Langer, RobertThe application of nanotechnology in medicine, referred to as nanomedicine, is offering numerous exciting possibilities in healthcare. Herein, we discuss two important aspects of nanomedicine—drug delivery and tissue engineering—highlighting the advances we have recently experienced, the challenges we are currently facing, and what we are likely to witness in the near future.Publication Emerging nanotechnology approaches for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention(Future Medicine Ltd, 2010) Mamo, Tewodros; Moseman, E Ashley; Kolishetti, Nagesh; Salvador-Morales, Carolina; Shi, Jinjun; Kuritzkes, Daniel; Langer, Robert; Andrian, Ulrich von; Farokhzad, OmidCurrently, there is no cure and no preventive vaccine for HIV/AIDS. Combination antiretroviral therapy has dramatically improved treatment, but it has to be taken for a lifetime, has major side effects and is ineffective in patients in whom the virus develops resistance. Nanotechnology is an emerging multidisciplinary field that is revolutionizing medicine in the 21st century. It has a vast potential to radically advance the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS. In this review, we discuss the challenges with the current treatment of the disease and shed light on the remarkable potential of nanotechnology to provide more effective treatment and prevention for HIV/AIDS by advancing antiretroviral therapy, gene therapy, immunotherapy, vaccinology and microbicides.Publication Targeted nanoparticles containing the proresolving peptide Ac2-26 protect against advanced atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic mice(American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), 2015) Fredman, G.; Kamaly, Nazila; Spolitu, S.; Milton, J.; Ghorpade, D.; Chiasson, R.; Kuriakose, G.; Perretti, M.; Farokhzad, Omid; Tabas, I.Chronic, nonresolving inflammation is a critical factor in the clinical progression of advanced atherosclerotic lesions. In the normal inflammatory response, resolution is mediated by several agonists, among which is the glucocorticoid-regulated protein called annexin A1. The proresolving actions of annexin A1, which are mediated through its receptor N-formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2/ALX), can be mimicked by an amino-terminal peptide encompassing amino acids 2–26 (Ac2-26). Collagen IV (Col IV)–targeted nanoparticles (NPs) containing Ac2-26 were evaluated for their therapeutic effect on chronic, advanced atherosclerosis in fat-fed Ldlr−/− mice. When administered to mice with preexisting lesions, Col IV–Ac2-26 NPs were targeted to lesions and led to a marked improvement in key advanced plaque properties, including an increase in the protective collagen layer overlying lesions (which was associated with a decrease in lesional collagenase activity), suppression of oxidative stress, and a decrease in plaque necrosis. In mice lacking FPR2/ALX in myeloid cells, these improvements were not seen. Thus, administration of a resolution-mediating peptide in a targeted NP activates its receptor on myeloid cells to stabilize advanced atherosclerotic lesions. These findings support the concept that defective inflammation resolution plays a role in advanced atherosclerosis, and suggest a new form of therapy.Publication Parallel microfluidic synthesis of size-tunable polymeric nanoparticles using 3D flow focusing towards in vivo study(Elsevier BV, 2014) Lim, Jong-Min; Bertrand, Nicolas; Valencia, Pedro M.; Rhee, Minsoung; Langer, Robert; Jon, Sangyong; Farokhzad, Omid; Karnik, RohitMicrofluidic synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) can enhance the controllability and reproducibility in physicochemical properties of NPs compared to bulk synthesis methods. However, applications of microfluidic synthesis are typically limited to in vitro studies due to low production rates. Herein, we report the parallelization of NP synthesis by 3D hydrodynamic flow focusing (HFF) using a multilayer microfluidic system to enhance the production rate without losing the advantages of reproducibility, controllability, and robustness. Using parallel 3D HFF, polymeric poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-b-polyethyleneglycol (PLGA-PEG) NPs with sizes tunable in the range of 13–150 nm could be synthesized reproducibly with high production rate. As a proof of concept, we used this system to perform in vivo pharmacokinetic and biodistribution study of small (20 nm diameter) PLGA-PEG NPs that are otherwise difficult to synthesize. Microfluidic parallelization thus enables synthesis of NPs with tunable properties with production rates suitable for both in vitro and in vivo studies.