EP4608814A2 - Molecular machines for treatment of cancer, fungal infections, or bacterial infections - Google Patents
Molecular machines for treatment of cancer, fungal infections, or bacterial infectionsInfo
- Publication number
- EP4608814A2 EP4608814A2 EP23873951.0A EP23873951A EP4608814A2 EP 4608814 A2 EP4608814 A2 EP 4608814A2 EP 23873951 A EP23873951 A EP 23873951A EP 4608814 A2 EP4608814 A2 EP 4608814A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- substituted
- alkyl
- hydrogen
- stimulus
- alkanediyl
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
- A61K31/33—Heterocyclic compounds
- A61K31/38—Heterocyclic compounds having sulfur as a ring hetero atom
- A61K31/382—Heterocyclic compounds having sulfur as a ring hetero atom having six-membered rings, e.g. thioxanthenes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
- A61K31/045—Hydroxy compounds, e.g. alcohols; Salts thereof, e.g. alcoholates
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
- A61K31/075—Ethers or acetals
- A61K31/08—Ethers or acetals acyclic, e.g. paraformaldehyde
Definitions
- microorganisms Treatment of diseases caused by microorganisms is a continuing problem.
- these types of diseases are often complicated by the fact that microorganisms often develop resistance to commonly used treatments.
- antifungal resistance is common given that there are only three major classes of antifungal agents: azoles, echinocandins, and polyenes.
- bacteria often develop resistance to antibiotics especially when antibiotics are not propeerly used.
- Resistance is not merely limited to microbial infections, and can occur in other conditions.
- cancers often become resistant to particular types of treatments.
- the mechanism of molecular machines which is involves mechanical action, is less likely to permit development of resistance. Therefore, the need for developing new therapeutics that reduce the likelihood of resistance and can be used to treat multiple different types of conditions.
- the present disclosure provides a method for the use of stimulus activated molecular machines to treat a fungal or bacterial disease or a cancer.
- the stimulus activated molecular machines are not targeted by the natural defensive arsenal of microorganisms, such as fungi, bacteria, or cancer cells.
- the methods disclosed herein represent an unexpected and unforeseeable approach to treating fungal infections, bacterial infections, or cancer.
- the presently disclosed methods allow for improved control over the therapeutic compounds, more particularly the stimulus activated molecular machines, in time and/or in space, thereby mitigating detrimental side effects to human cells and providing an advantage over corresponding known methods.
- the present disclosure provides methods of treating a disease or disorder in a patient caused by an infection of a microorganism comprising: (A) administering to the patient in need thereof a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus; and (B) exposing the patient to a stimulus sufficient to activate the molecular machine.
- the present disclosure provides methods of treating a fungal infection in a patient comprising: (A) administering to the patient in need thereof a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus; and (B) exposing the patient to a stimulus sufficient to activate the molecular machine.
- the present disclosure provides compositions for use in the treatment of a disease or disorder in a patient caused by an infection of a microorganism comprising a stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides for use of a stimulus activated molecular machine in the treatment of a disease or disorder in a patient caused by an infection of a microorganism.
- the present disclosure provides methods of inhibiting the growth of a microorganism comprising contacting the microorganism with a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the microorganism to an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides compositions for use in inhibiting the growth of a microorganism comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides for use of a stimulus activated molecular motor for inhibiting the growth of a microorganism, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides methods of killing a microorganism comprising contacting the microorganism with a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the microorganism to an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides compositions for use in killing a microorganism comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides uses of a stimulus activated molecular motor for killing a microorganism, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides methods of inhibiting a biofilm formation comprising contacting the biofilm with a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the biofilm to an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides compositions for use in inhibiting a biofilm formation comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides in another aspect, the present disclosure provides uses of a stimulus activated molecular motor for inhibiting a biofilm formation, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides methods of eliminating a biofilm comprising contacting the biofilm with a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the biofilm to an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides compositions for use in eliminating a biofilm comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides uses of a stimulus activated molecular motor for eliminating a biofilm, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides methods of inducing necrosis in a microorganism comprising contacting the microorganism with a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the microorganism to an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides compositions for use in inducing necrosis in a microorganism comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides uses of a stimulus activated molecular motor for inducing necrosis in a microorganism, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides methods of causing oxidative stress in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the cell to an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides compositions for use in causing oxidative stress in a cell comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides uses of a stimulus activated molecular motor in causing oxidative stress in a cell, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides methods of inhibiting mitochondria function in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the cell to an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides compositions for use inhibiting mitochondria function in a cell comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides uses of a stimulus activated molecular motor for inhibiting mitochondria function in a cell, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides methods of overcoming drug resistance in a microorganism comprising contacting the microorganism with a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the microorganism to an appropriate stimulus in the presence of a drug to which the microorganism was resistant to.
- the present disclosure provides compositions for use in overcoming drug resistance in a microorganism comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides uses of a stimulus activated molecular motor for overcoming drug resistance in a microorganism, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the microorganism is a bacterium.
- the bacterium is gram positive bacteria.
- the bacterium is gram negative bacteria.
- the bacterium is a gram indeterminate bacteria.
- the bacterium is sensitive to one or more antibiotics.
- the bacterium is sensitive to two or more antibiotics.
- the antibiotic is methicillin, cefoxitin, oxacillin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, erythromycin, clindamycin, linezolid, daptomycin, vancomycin, doxycycline, tobramycin, tetracycline, tigecycline, nitrofurantoin, rifampin, trimethoprim- sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ampicillin-sulbactam, piperacillin-tazobactam, cefepime, ertapenem, imipenem, and meropenem.
- the bacterium is a gram positive bacterium and is resistant to cefoxitin, oxacillin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, erythromycin, clindamycin, linezolid, daptomycin, vancomycin, doxycycline, tetracycline, tigecycline, nitrofurantoin, rifampin, or trimethoprim- sulfamethoxazole.
- the bacterium is a gram negative bacterium and is resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ampicillin-sulbactam, piperacillin-tazobactam, cefepime, ertapenem, imipenem, meropenem, gentamicin, tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
- the bacterium is from a hospital acquired infection.
- the bacterium is Staphlococcus saprophyticus (S. saprophyticus), Staphlococcus aureus (S.
- the method further comprises administering a second antibiotic agent.
- the microorganism is a fungus.
- the fungus is a Basidiomycota fungus, such as a Cryptococcus fungus. In other embodiments, the fungus is an Ascomycota fungus. In some embodiments, the fungus is an Aspergillus, Candida, Coccidioides, Histoplasma, or Blastomyces fungus. In other embodiments, the fungus is a Mucoromycotina fungus. In some embodiments, the method further comprises administering a second anti- fungal therapy. In further embodiments, the second anti-fungal therapy is a therapy targeting the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway.
- the second anti-fungal therapy is Amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, or voriconazole. In further embodiments, the second anti-fungal therapy is voriconazole. In other embodiments, the second anti-fungal therapy is echinocandins or flucytosine. In some embodiments, the fungus has infected the central nervous system. In other embodiments, the fungus has infected the lungs. In some embodiments, the fungus is present in its spore form.
- the present disclosure provides methods of treating a disease or disorder in a patient caused by an infection of a fungus comprising: (A) administering to the patient in need thereof a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus; and (B) exposing the patient to a stimulus sufficient to activate the molecular machine; wherein the stimulus activated molecular motor comprises a rotor of the formula: (I) wherein: R 1 and R 1 ' are each independently hydrogen, a C1-C12 alkyl or a C1-C12 substituted alkyl; R 2 is hydrogen, amino, cyano, halo, hydroxy, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkenyl, C1-C12 alkynyl, C1-C12 aryl, C1-C12 aralkyl, C1-C12 heteroaryl, C1-C12 heteroaralky
- the present disclosure provides methods of treating a disease or disorder in a patient caused by an infection of a bacteria comprising: (A) administering to the patient in need thereof a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus; and (B) exposing the patient to a stimulus sufficient to activate the molecular machine.
- the stimulus activated molecular motor comprises a rotor of the formula: (I) wherein: R 1 and R 1 ' are each independently hydrogen, a C1-C12 alkyl or a C1-C12 substituted alkyl; R 2 is hydrogen, amino, cyano, halo, hydroxy, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkenyl, C1-C12 alkynyl, C1-C12 aryl, C1-C12 aralkyl, C1-C12 heteroaryl, C1-C12 heteroaralkyl, C1-C12 heterocycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy, C1-C12 alkylamino, C1-C12 dialkylamino, C1-C12 acyl, C1-C12 amido, C1-C12 acyloxy, or a substituted version of any of these groups; or R 2 is a group of the formula:
- the present disclosure provides methods of treating cancer in a patient in need thereof comprising administering to the patient a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the patient to an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides compositions for use in treating cancer comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides uses of a stimulus activated molecular motor in treating cancer, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides methods of reducing the tumor burden in a patient comprising administering to the patient a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the patient to an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides compositions for use in reducing the tumor burden in a patient comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides uses of a stimulus activated molecular motor in reducing the tumor burden in a patient, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides methods of enhancing the effect of a chemotherapeutic compound in a patient comprising administering to the patient a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the patient to an appropriate stimulus after the patient has been administered the chemotherapeutic compound.
- the present disclosure provides compositions for use in enhancing the effect of a chemotherapeutic compound comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides uses of a stimulus activated molecular motor in enhancing the effect of a chemotherapeutic compound, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides methods of killing a cancerous cell comprising contacting the cancerous cell with a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the cancerous cell to an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides compositions for use in killing a cancerous cell comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides uses of a stimulus activated molecular motor in killing a cancerous cell, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides methods of inducing necrosis in a cancerous cell comprising contacting the cancerous cell with a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the cancerous cell to an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides compositions for use in inducing necrosis in a cancerous cell comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides uses of a stimulus activated molecular motor in inducing necrosis in a cancerous cell, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- the present disclosure provides methods of treating cancer in a patient in need thereof comprising administering to the patient a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the patient to an appropriate stimulus wherein the stimulus activated molecular machine comprises a rotor of the formula: (I) wherein: R 1 and R 1 ' are each independently hydrogen, a C1-C12 alkyl or a C1-C12 substituted alkyl; R 2 is hydrogen, amino, cyano, halo, hydroxy, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkenyl, C1-C12 alkynyl, C1-C12 aryl, C1-C12
- the stimulus activated molecular motor comprises a rotor of the formula: (I) wherein: R 1 and R 1 ' are each C1-C12 alkyl or C1-C12 substituted alkyl; R 1 ' is hydrogen; and n is 0.
- X 2 is S; R 3 is hydrogen; or R 3 is a group of the formula: -Y 2 -X 3 -R 3 ', wherein: Y 2 is -NRe-, wherein: Re is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or substituted C1- C6 alkyl; X 3 is C1-C12 alkanediyl or C1-C12 substituted alkanediyl; and R 3 ' is -NR f R f 'R f '', wherein R f and R f ' are each independently hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or C1-C6 substituted alkyl, and R f '' is absent, hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or C1-C6 substituted alkyl; and m is 1.
- the stimulus activated molecular machine is further defined as: .
- the cancer is a carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, leukemia, melanoma, mesothelioma, multiple myeloma, or seminoma.
- the cancer is of the bladder, blood, bone, brain, breast, central nervous system, cervix, colon, endometrium, esophagus, gall bladder, genitalia, genitourinary tract, head, kidney, larynx, liver, lung, muscle tissue, neck, oral or nasal mucosa, ovary, pancreas, prostate, skin, spleen, small intestine, large intestine, stomach, testicle, or thyroid.
- the cancer is resistant to one or more chemotherapeutic compounds.
- the method further comprises administering a second therapeutic agent.
- the second therapeutic agent is a second chemotherapeutic agent, surgery, photodynamic therapy, sonodynamic therapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy.
- the stimulus activated molecular machine comprises a Feringa- type molecular machine.
- the stimulus activated molecular machine comprises a rotor that is connected to a stator.
- the stimulus activated molecular machine comprises a rotor that is connected to a stator through an alkenyl or alkynyl group.
- the stimulus activated molecular machine comprises a rotor that is connected to a stator through an atropisomeric alkene.
- the rotor comprises one, two, three, four, or five rings. In further embodiments, the rotor comprises one, two, or three aromatic rings. In some embodiments, the rotor further comprises one, two, or three aliphatic rings. In some embodiments, the rotor comprises one, two, or three aromatic rings and one or two aliphatic rings. In some embodiments, the rotor comprises one, two, or three aliphatic or aromatic rings. In further embodiments, the rotor comprises two aromatic rings and an aliphatic ring.
- the rotor is further defined as: (I) wherein: R 1 and R 1 ' are each independently hydrogen, a C1-C12 alkyl or a C1-C12 substituted alkyl; R 2 is hydrogen, amino, cyano, halo, hydroxy, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkenyl, C1-C12 alkynyl, C1-C12 aryl, C1-C12 aralkyl, C1-C12 heteroaryl, C1-C12 heteroaralkyl, C1-C12 heterocycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy, C1-C12 alkylamino, C1-C12 dialkylamino, C1-C12 acyl, C1-C12 amido, C1-C12 acyloxy, or a substituted version of any of these groups; or R 2 is a group of the formula: -Y 1 -
- the rotor is further defined as: (II) wherein: R 2 is hydrogen, amino, cyano, halo, hydroxy, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkenyl, C1-C12 alkynyl, C1-C12 aryl, C1-C12 aralkyl, C1-C12 heteroaryl, C1-C12 heteroaralkyl, C1-C12 heterocycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy, C1-C12 alkylamino, C1-C12 dialkylamino, C1-C12 acyl, C1-C12 amido, C1-C12 acyloxy, or a substituted version of any of these groups; or R 2 is a group of the formula: -Y 1 -X 1 -R 2 ', wherein: Y 1 is -O-, -S-, or -NRa-,
- R 1 is C1-C12 alkyl or substituted C1-C12 alkyl. In further embodiments, R 1 is C1-C12 alkyl. In still further embodiments, R 1 is methyl. In some embodiments, R 1 ' is hydrogen. In some embodiments, R 2 is hydrogen. In other embodiments, R 2 is -Y 1 -X 1 -R 2 '. In some embodiments, Y 1 is -NRa-. In further embodiments, Ra is hydrogen. In some embodiments, X 1 is C1-C12 alkanediyl or C1-C12 substituted alkanediyl. In further embodiments, X 1 is C1-C12 alkanediyl.
- X 1 is ethylene.
- R b is C1-C6 alkyl or C1-C6 substituted alkyl. In further embodiments, R b is C1-C6 alkyl, such as methyl.
- R b ' is C1-C6 alkyl or C1-C6 substituted alkyl. In some embodiments, R b ' is C1-C6 alkyl, such as methyl. In some embodiments, R b '' is absent.
- R 2 is -NHCH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2 .
- n is 0 or 1. In some embodiments n is 0. In other embodiments, n is 1.
- the molecular machine or switch comprises a stator, wherein the stator comprises one, two, three, four, or five rings. In some embodiments, the stator comprises one, two, three, four, or five aromatic rings. In some embodiments, the stator comprises one, two, or three aromatic rings. In some embodiments, the stator comprises one, two, three, four, or five aliphatic rings. In some embodiments, the stator comprises one, two, or three aliphatic rings. In some embodiments, the stator comprises two, three, or four rings. In some embodiments, the stator comprises three rings. In some embodiments, the stator comprises three rings with at least 2 aromatic rings.
- the stator is further defined as: (III) wherein: X 2 is a covalent bond, O, S, NRc, or CR d R d ', wherein Rc, R d , and R d ' are each independently hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or substituted C1-C6 alkyl; R 3 is hydrogen, amino, cyano, halo, hydroxy, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkenyl, C1-C12 alkynyl, C1-C12 aryl, C1-C12 aralkyl, C1-C12 heteroaryl, C1-C12 heteroaralkyl, C1-C12 heterocycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy, C1-C12 alkylamino, C1-C12 dialkylamino, C1-C12 acyl, C1-C12 amido, C1-C12
- the stator is further defined as: (III) wherein: X 2 is a covalent bond, O, S, NRc, or CR d R d ', wherein Rc, R d , and R d ' are each independently hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or substituted C1-C6 alkyl; R 3 is hydrogen, amino, cyano, halo, hydroxy, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkenyl, C1-C12 alkynyl, C1-C12 aryl, C1-C12 aralkyl, C1-C12 heteroaryl, C1-C12 heteroaralkyl, C1-C12 heterocycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy, C1-C12 alkylamino, C1-C12 dialkylamino, C1-C12 acyl, C1-C12 amido, C1-C12
- the stator is further defined as: (III) wherein: X 2 is a covalent bond, O, S, NRc, or CR d R d ', wherein Rc, R d , and R d ' are each independently hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or substituted C1-C6 alkyl; R 3 is hydrogen, amino, cyano, halo, hydroxy, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkenyl, C1-C12 alkynyl, C1-C12 aryl, C1-C12 aralkyl, C1-C12 heteroaryl, C1-C12 heteroaralkyl, C1-C12 heterocycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy, C1-C12 alkylamino, C1-C12 dialkylamino, C1-C12 acyl, C1-C12 amido, C1-C12
- the stimulus activated molecular motor comprises a rotor of the formula: (I) wherein: R 1 is C1-C12 alkyl or C1-C12 substituted alkyl; R 1 ' is hydrogen; R 2 is hydrogen, C1-C12 alkoxy, or substituted C1-C12 alkoxy; or R 2 is a group of the formula: -Y 1 -X 1 -R 2 ', wherein: Y 1 is -NRa-, wherein: Ra is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or substituted C1- C6 alkyl; X 1 is C1-C12 alkanediyl or C1-C12 substituted alkanediyl; and R 2 ' is -NR b R b 'R b '', wherein R b and R b ' are each independently hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or C1-C6 substituted alkyl, and R b '' is absent, hydrogen
- X 2 is a covalent bond or S
- R 3 is hydrogen or halo
- R 3 is a group of the formula: -Y 2 -X 3 -R 3 ', wherein: Y 2 is a covalent bond, -O-, -S-, or -NRe-, wherein: Re is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or substituted C1-C6 alkyl
- X 3 is C1-C12 alkanediyl, C1-C12 substituted alkanediyl, C2-C12 alkynediyl, or C2-C12 substituted alkynediyl
- R 3 ' is -NR f R f 'R f '', wherein R f and R f ' are each independently hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or C1-C6 substituted alkyl, and R f '' is absent, hydrogen, C1
- the stimulus activated molecular motor comprises a rotor of the formula: (I) wherein: R 1 is C1-C12 alkyl or C1-C12 substituted alkyl; R 1 ' is hydrogen; R 2 is hydrogen, C1-C12 alkoxy, or substituted C1-C12 alkoxy; or R 2 is a group of the formula: -Y 1 -X 1 -R 2 ', wherein: Y 1 is -NRa-, wherein: Ra is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or substituted C1- C6 alkyl; X 1 is C1-C12 alkanediyl or C1-C12 substituted alkanediyl; and R 2 ' is -NR b R b 'R b '', wherein R b and R b ' are each independently hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or C1-C6 substituted alkyl, and R b '' is absent, hydrogen
- X 2 is a covalent bond or S
- R 3 is hydrogen or halo
- R 3 is a group of the formula: -Y 2 -X 3 -R 3 ', wherein: Y 2 is a covalent bond or -NRe-, wherein: Re is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or substituted C1-C6 alkyl
- X 3 is C1-C12 alkanediyl, C1-C12 substituted alkanediyl, C2-C12 alkynediyl, or C2-C12 substituted alkynediyl
- R 3 ' is -NR f R f 'R f '', wherein R f and R f ' are each independently hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or C1-C6 substituted alkyl, and R f '' is absent, hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or C1-
- the stimulus activated molecular motor comprises a rotor of the formula: (I) wherein: R 1 and R 1 ' are each C1-C12 alkyl or C1-C12 substituted alkyl; R 1 ' is hydrogen; and n is 0.
- X 2 is S; R 3 is hydrogen; or R 3 is a group of the formula: -Y 2 -X 3 -R 3 ', wherein: Y 2 is -NRe-, wherein: Re is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or substituted C1- C6 alkyl; X 3 is C1-C12 alkanediyl or C1-C12 substituted alkanediyl; and R 3 ' is -NR f R f 'R f '', wherein R f and R f ' are each independently hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or C1-C6 substituted alkyl, and R f '' is absent, hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or C1-C6 substituted alkyl; and m is 1.
- R 3 is -Y 2 -X 3 -R 3 '.
- Y 1 is -NRe-.
- Re is hydrogen.
- X 3 is C1-C12 alkanediyl or C1- C12 substituted alkanediyl.
- X 3 is C1-C12 alkanediyl.
- R 3 ' is -NR f R f 'R f ''.
- R f is C1-C6 alkyl or C1-C6 substituted alkyl.
- R f is C1-C6 alkyl.
- R f is methyl. In some embodiments, R f ' is C1-C6 alkyl or C1-C6 substituted alkyl. In some embodiments, R f ' is C1-C6 alkyl. In some embodiments, R f ' is methyl. In some embodiments, R f '' is absent. In some embodiments, R 3 ' is C1-C12 heterocycloalkyl or C1-C12 heterocycloalkyl. In some embodiments, wherein R 3 ' is C1-C12 heterocycloalkyl. In some embodiments, wherein R 3 ' is 1,4-piperazinyl.
- R 3 is -NHCH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2 or -NHCH 2 CH 2 N(CH 2 CH 2 ) 2 NH. In some embodiments, wherein m is 0 or 1. In some embodiments, m is 0. In some embodiments, n is 1. In some embodiments, X 2 is S. In some embodiments, X 2 is a covalent bond. In some embodiments, X 2 is CR d R d '. In some embodiments, R d is C1-C6 alkyl or C1-C6 substituted alkyl. In some embodiments, R d is C1-C6 alkyl. In some embodiments, R d is methyl.
- R d ' is C1-C6 alkyl or C1-C6 substituted alkyl. In some embodiments, R d ' is C1-C6 alkyl. R d ' is methyl. In some embodiments, the stimulus activated molecular motor is further defined as: , , , , , , ,
- the stimulus activated molecular motor is further defined as: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
- the stimulus activated molecular machine is further defined as: . In some embodiments, the stimulus activated molecular machine is further defined as: , , , , , , , or . In some embodiments, the stimulus activated molecular machine is not a compound of the formula: . In some embodiments, the stimulus activated molecular machine rotates unidirectionally. In some embodiments, the stimulus activated molecular machine rotates bidirectionally. In some embodiments, the rotational component of the stimulus activated molecular machine rotates at a speed greater than 1 Hz. In some embodiments, the stimulus activated molecular machine rotates at a speed greater than 10 5 Hz.
- the rotational component of the molecular machine or switch rotates at a speed of about 10 6 Hz. In some embodiments, the rotational component of the molecular machine or switch rotates at a speed of about 10 8 Hz.
- the stimulus activated molecular machine is activated by a stimulus.
- the stimulus is electromagnetic radiation.
- the electromagnetic radiation comprises gamma rays, X-rays, UV light, visible light, near infrared light, infrared light, microwaves, or radio waves.
- the electromagnetic radiation comprises UV light, visible light, or near infrared light.
- the electromagnetic radiation comprises visible light.
- the electromagnetic radiation comprises a wavelength of 400 nm.
- the stimulus activated molecular machine is activated for a controlled time period. In some embodiments, the stimulus activated molecular machine is activated for less than 5 seconds. In some embodiments, the stimulus activated molecular machine is activated for less than 2 seconds. In some embodiments, the stimulus activated molecular machine is activated for about 250 milliseconds.
- the energy source is a laser. In some embodiments, the intensity of the energy source is controlled.
- the patient is a mammal. In some embodiments, the mammal is a human.
- the present disclosure provides molecular machines comprising: (A) a rotor of the formula: (I) wherein: R 1 and R 1 ' are each independently hydrogen, a C1-C12 alkyl or a C1-C12 substituted alkyl; R 2 is hydrogen, amino, cyano, halo, hydroxy, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkenyl, C1-C12 alkynyl, C1-C12 aryl, C1-C12 aralkyl, C1-C12 heteroaryl, C1-C12 heteroaralkyl, C1-C12 heterocycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy, C1-C12 alkylamino, C1-C12 dialkylamino, C1-C12 acyl, C1-C12 amido, C1-C12 acyloxy, or a substituted version of any of these groups; or R 2 is
- the rotor is further defined as: (II) wherein: R 2 is hydrogen, amino, cyano, halo, hydroxy, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkenyl, C1-C12 alkynyl, C1-C12 aryl, C1-C12 aralkyl, C1-C12 heteroaryl, C1-C12 heteroaralkyl, C1-C12 heterocycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy, C1-C12 alkylamino, C1-C12 dialkylamino, C1-C12 acyl, C1-C12 amido, C1-C12 acyloxy, or a substituted version of any of these groups; or R 2 is a group of the formula: -Y 1 -X 1 -R 2 ', wherein: Y 1 is -O-, -S-, or -NRa-, wherein
- R 1 is C1-C12 alkyl or substituted C1-C12 alkyl. In some embodiments, R 1 is C1-C12 alkyl. In some embodiments, R 1 is methyl. In some embodiments, R 1 ' is hydrogen. In some embodiments, R 2 is hydrogen. In some embodiments, R 2 is -Y 1 -X 1 -R 2 '. In some embodiments, Y 1 is -NRa-. In some embodiments, Ra is hydrogen. In some embodiments, X 1 is C1-C12 alkanediyl or C1-C12 substituted alkanediyl. In some embodiments, X 1 is C1-C12 alkanediyl.
- X 1 is ethylene.
- R b is C1-C6 alkyl or C1-C6 substituted alkyl. In some embodiments, R b is C1-C6 alkyl. In some embodiments, R b is methyl. In some embodiments, R b ' is C1-C6 alkyl or C1-C6 substituted alkyl. In some embodiments, R b ' is C1-C6 alkyl, such as methyl. In some embodiments, R b '' is absent. In some embodiments, R 2 is -NHCH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2 . In some embodiments, n is 0. In some embodiments, n is 1.
- the stator is further defined as: (III) wherein: Y 2 is a covalent bond, -O-, -S-, or -NRe-, wherein: Re is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or substituted C1-C6 alkyl; X 3 is C1-C12 alkanediyl, C1-C12 substituted alkanediyl, C3-C12 cycloalkanediyl, C3-C12 substituted cycloalkanediyl, C2-C12 alkenediyl, C2-C12 substituted alkenediyl, C2-C12 alkynediyl, C2- C12 substituted alkynediyl, C6-C12 arenediyl, and C6-C12 substituted arenediyl; and R 3 ' is -NR f R f 'R f '', wherein R f and R f ' are each independently hydrogen
- R 3 is -Y 2 -X 3 -R 3 '. In some embodiments, Y 2 is -NRe-. In some embodiments, Re is hydrogen. In some embodiments, wherein X 3 is C1-C12 alkanediyl or C1-C12 substituted alkanediyl. In some embodiments, X 3 is C1-C12 alkanediyl. In some embodiments, X 3 is ethylene. In some embodiments, R 3 ' is -NR f R f 'R f ''. In some embodiments, R f is C1-C6 alkyl or C1-C6 substituted alkyl.
- R f is C1-C6 alkyl. In some embodiments, R f is methyl. In some embodiments, R f ' is C1-C6 alkyl or C1-C6 substituted alkyl. In some embodiments, R f ' is C1-C6 alkyl. In some embodiments, R f ' is methyl. In some embodiments, R f '' is absent. In some embodiments, R 3 ' is C1-C12 heterocycloalkyl or C1-C12 heterocycloalkyl. In some embodiments, R 3 ' is C1-C12 heterocycloalkyl. In some embodiments, R 3 ' is 1,4-piperazinyl.
- R 3 is -NHCH 2 CH 2 N(Me) 2 or -NHCH 2 CH 2 N(CH 2 CH 2 ) 2 NH. In some embodiments, wherein n is 0. In some embodiments, n is 1. In some embodiments, X 2 is S. In some embodiments, X 2 is a covalent bond. In some embodiments, X 2 is CR d R d '. In some embodiments, R d is C1-C6 alkyl or C1-C6 substituted alkyl. In some embodiments, R d is C1-C6 alkyl. In some embodiments, R d is methyl.
- R d ' is C1-C6 alkyl or C1-C6 substituted alkyl. In some embodiments, R d ' is C1-C6 alkyl. In some embodiments, R d ' is methyl.
- the stimulus activated molecular machine is further defined as: , , , , , , , or . It is contemplated that any methods, compounds, or compositions described herein can be implemented with respect to any other methods, compounds, or compositions described herein. Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the disclosure, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
- a method of treating a disease or disorder in a patient caused by an infection of a microorganism comprising: (A) administering to the patient in need thereof a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus; and (B) exposing the patient to a stimulus sufficient to activate the molecular machine.
- a composition for use in the treatment of a disease or disorder in a patient caused by an infection of a microorganism comprising a stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- a method of inhibiting the growth of a microorganism comprising contacting the microorganism with a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the microorganism to an appropriate stimulus.
- a composition for use in inhibiting the growth of a microorganism comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- a method of killing a microorganism comprising contacting the microorganism with a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the microorganism to an appropriate stimulus.
- a composition for use in killing a microorganism comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- a method of inhibiting a biofilm formation comprising contacting the biofilm with a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the biofilm to an appropriate stimulus.
- a composition for use in inhibiting a biofilm formation comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- a method of eliminating a biofilm comprising contacting the biofilm with a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the biofilm to an appropriate stimulus.
- a composition for use in eliminating a biofilm comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- a method of inducing necrosis in a microorganism comprising contacting the microorganism with a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the microorganism to an appropriate stimulus.
- a composition for use in inducing necrosis in a microorganism comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- a method of causing oxidative stress in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the cell to an appropriate stimulus.
- a composition for use in causing oxidative stress in a cell comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- a method of inhibiting mitochondria function in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the cell to an appropriate stimulus.
- a composition for use inhibiting mitochondria function in a cell comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- Use of a stimulus activated molecular motor for inhibiting mitochondria function in a cell wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus. 25.
- a method of overcoming drug resistance in a microorganism comprising contacting the microorganism with a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the microorganism to an appropriate stimulus in the presence of a drug to which the microorganism was resistant to.
- 26. A composition for use in overcoming drug resistance in a microorganism comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- antibiotic is methicillin, cefoxitin, oxacillin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, erythromycin, clindamycin, linezolid, daptomycin, vancomycin, doxycycline, tobramycin, tetracycline, tigecycline, nitrofurantoin, rifampin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ampicillin-sulbactam, piperacillin-tazobactam, cefepime, ertapenem, imipenem, and meropenem.
- bacterium is a gram positive bacterium and is resistant to cefoxitin, oxacillin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, erythromycin, clindamycin, linezolid, daptomycin, vancomycin, doxycycline, tetracycline, tigecycline, nitrofurantoin, rifampin, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. 36.
- the method, composition for use, or use of embodiment 34 wherein the bacterium is a gram negative bacterium and is resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ampicillin- sulbactam, piperacillin-tazobactam, cefepime, ertapenem, imipenem, meropenem, gentamicin, tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, or trimethoprim- sulfamethoxazole. 37. The method, composition for use, or use according to any one of embodiments 28-36, wherein the bacterium is from a hospital acquired infection. 38.
- bacterium is Staphlococcus saprophyticus (S. saprophyticus), Staphlococcus aureus (S. aureus), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), coagulase negative staphylococcus (CNS), methicillin-resistant CNS (MRCNS), E.coli, multi-drug resistance (MDR) E .coli, MDR-Citrobacter koseri, MDR-Enterobacter cloacae complex, MDR-Morganella morganii, MDR-Klebsiella pneumonia or MDR-Acinetobacter baumannii. 39.
- the method, composition for use, or use of embodiment 47, wherein the second anti- fungal therapy is Amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, or voriconazole. 49.
- the method, composition for use, or use of embodiment 48, wherein the second anti- fungal therapy is voriconazole. 50.
- the method, composition for use, or use of embodiment 46, wherein the second anti- fungal therapy is echinocandins or flucytosine.
- a method of reducing the tumor burden in a patient comprising administering to the patient a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the patient to an appropriate stimulus.
- a composition for use in reducing the tumor burden in a patient comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- a method of enhancing the effect of a chemotherapeutic compound in a patient comprising administering to the patient a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the patient to an appropriate stimulus after the patient has been administered the chemotherapeutic compound.
- 61. A composition for use in enhancing the effect of a chemotherapeutic compound comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- a method of killing a cancerous cell comprising contacting the cancerous cell with a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the cancerous cell to an appropriate stimulus.
- 64. A composition for use in killing a cancerous cell comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- 65. Use of a stimulus activated molecular motor in killing a cancerous cell, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- a method of inducing necrosis in a cancerous cell comprising contacting the cancerous cell with a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the cancerous cell to an appropriate stimulus.
- a composition for use in inducing necrosis in a cancerous cell comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus.
- cancer is a carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, leukemia, melanoma, mesothelioma, multiple myeloma, or seminoma. 70.
- the stimulus activated molecular machine comprises a Feringa-type molecular machine.
- R 1 and R 1 ' are each independently hydrogen, a C1-C12 alkyl or a C1-C12 substituted alkyl;
- R 2 is hydrogen, amino, cyano, halo, hydroxy, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkenyl, C1-C12 alkynyl, C1-C12 aryl, C1-C12 aralkyl, C1-C12 heteroaryl, C1-C12 heteroaralkyl, C1-C12 heterocycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy, C1-C12 alkylamino, C1-C12 dialkylamino, C1-C12 acyl, C1-C12 amido, C1-C12 acyloxy, or a substituted version of any of these groups; or
- 111 The method, composition for use, or use of either embodiment 107 or embodiment 110, wherein the stator comprises one, two, or three aliphatic rings. 112.
- stator comprises three rings.
- stator comprises three rings with at least 2 aromatic rings.
- stator is further defined as: (III) wherein: X 2 is a covalent bond, O, S, NRc, or CR d R d ', wherein Rc, R d , and R d ' are each independently hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or substituted C1-C6 alkyl; R 3 is hydrogen, amino, cyano, halo, hydroxy, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkenyl, C1-C12 alkynyl, C1-C12 aryl, C1-C12 aralkyl, C1-C12 heteroaryl, C1-C12 heteroaralkyl, C1-C12 heterocycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy, C1-C12 alkylamino, C1-C12 dialkylamino, C1-
- stator is further defined as: (III) wherein: X 2 is a covalent bond, O, S, NRc, or CR d R d ', wherein Rc, R d , and R d ' are each independently hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or substituted C1-C6 alkyl; R 3 is hydrogen, amino, cyano, halo, hydroxy, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkenyl, C1-C12 alkynyl, C1-C12 aryl, C1-C12 aralkyl, C1-C12 heteroaryl, C1-C12 heteroaralkyl, C1-C12 heterocycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy, C1-C12 alkylamino, C1-C12 dialkylamino,
- stator is further defined as: (III) wherein: X 2 is a covalent bond, O, S, NRc, or CR d R d ', wherein Rc, R d , and R d ' are each independently hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or substituted C1-C6 alkyl; R 3 is hydrogen, amino, cyano, halo, hydroxy, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkenyl, C1-C12 alkynyl, C1-C12 aryl, C1-C12 aralkyl, C1-C12 heteroaryl, C1-C12 heteroaralkyl, C1-C12 heterocycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy, C1-C12 alkylamino, C1-C12 dialkylamino, C1-C12 acyl
- the stimulus activated molecular motor comprises a rotor of the formula: (I) wherein: R 1 is C1-C12 alkyl or C1-C12 substituted alkyl; R 1 ' is hydrogen; R 2 is hydrogen, C1-C12 alkoxy, or substituted C1-C12 alkoxy; or R 2 is a group of the formula: -Y 1 -X 1 -R 2 ', wherein: Y 1 is -NRa-, wherein: Ra is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or substituted C1- C6 alkyl; X 1 is C1-C12 alkanediyl or C1-C12 substituted alkanediyl; and R 2 ' is -NR b R b 'R b '', wherein R b and R b ' are each independently hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or C1-
- X 2 is a covalent bond or S
- R 3 is hydrogen, halo,; or R 3 is a group of the formula: -Y 2 -X 3 -R 3 ', wherein: Y 2 is a covalent bond, -O-, -S-, or -NRe-, wherein: Re is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or substituted C1-C6 alkyl;
- X 3 is C1-C12 alkanediyl, C1-C12 substituted alkanediyl, C2-C12 alkynediyl, or C2-C12 substituted alkynediyl; and
- R 3 ' is -NR f R f 'R f '', wherein R f and R f ' are each independently hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or C1-C6 substituted alkyl, and R f '' is absent, hydrogen, C
- the stimulus activated molecular motor comprises a rotor of the formula: (I) wherein: R 1 is C1-C12 alkyl or C1-C12 substituted alkyl; R 1 ' is hydrogen; R 2 is hydrogen, C1-C12 alkoxy, or substituted C1-C12 alkoxy; or R 2 is a group of the formula: -Y 1 -X 1 -R 2 ', wherein: Y 1 is -NRa-, wherein: Ra is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or substituted C1- C6 alkyl; X 1 is C1-C12 alkanediyl or C1-C12 substituted alkanediyl; and R 2 ' is -NR b R b 'R b '', wherein R b and R b ' are each independently hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or C1-
- X 2 is a covalent bond or S
- R 3 is hydrogen or halo
- R 3 is a group of the formula: -Y 2 -X 3 -R 3 ', wherein: Y 2 is a covalent bond or -NRe-, wherein: Re is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or substituted C1-C6 alkyl
- X 3 is C1-C12 alkanediyl, C1-C12 substituted alkanediyl, C2-C12 alkynediyl, or C2-C12 substituted alkynediyl
- R 3 ' is -NR f R f 'R f '', wherein R f and R f ' are each independently hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or C1-C6 substituted alkyl, and R f '' is absent, hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or C1-
- the stimulus activated molecular motor comprises a rotor of the formula: (I) wherein: R 1 and R 1 ' are each C1-C12 alkyl or C1-C12 substituted alkyl; R 1 ' is hydrogen; and n is 0.
- X 2 is S; R 3 is hydrogen; or R 3 is a group of the formula: -Y 2 -X 3 -R 3 ', wherein: Y 2 is -NRe-, wherein: Re is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or substituted C1- C6 alkyl; X 3 is C1-C12 alkanediyl or C1-C12 substituted alkanediyl; and R 3 ' is -NR f R f 'R f '', wherein R f and R f ' are each independently hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or C1-C6 substituted alkyl, and R f '' is absent, hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or C1-C6 substituted alkyl; and m is 1.
- the method, composition for use, or use of embodiment 161, wherein the stimulus is electromagnetic radiation. 163.
- the electromagnetic radiation comprises gamma rays, X-rays, UV light, visible light, near infrared light, infrared light, microwaves, or radio waves.
- the electromagnetic radiation comprises gamma rays, X-rays, UV light, visible light, near infrared light, infrared light, microwaves, or radio waves.
- the electromagnetic radiation comprises visible light.
- the method, composition for use, or use of embodiment 165, wherein the electromagnetic radiation comprises a wavelength of 400 nm.
- a molecular machine comprising: (A) a rotor of the formula: (I) wherein: R 1 and R 1 ' are each independently hydrogen, a C1-C12 alkyl or a C1-C12 substituted alkyl; R 2 is hydrogen, amino, cyano, halo, hydroxy, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkenyl, C1-C12 alkynyl, C1-C12 aryl, C1-C12 aralkyl, C1-C12 heteroaryl, C1-C12 heteroaralkyl, C1-C12 heterocycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy, C1-C12 alkylamino, C1-C12 dialkylamino, C1-C12 acyl, C1-C12 amido, C1-C12 acyloxy, or a substituted version of any of these groups; or R 2 is a group of the formula
- R 2 is hydrogen, amino, cyano, halo, hydroxy, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkenyl, C1-C12 alkynyl, C1-C12 aryl, C1-C12 aralkyl, C1-C12 heteroaryl, C1-C12 heteroaralkyl, C1-C12 heterocycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy, C1-C12 alkylamino, C1-C12 dialkylamino, C1-C12 acyl, C1-C12 amido, C1-C12 acyloxy, or a substituted version of any of these groups; or R 2 is a group of the formula: -Y 1 -X 1 -R 2 ', wherein: Y 1 is -O-, -S-,
- stator is further defined as: (III) wherein: Y 2 is a covalent bond, -O-, -S-, or -NRe-, wherein: Re is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or substituted C1-C6 alkyl; X 3 is C1-C12 alkanediyl, C1-C12 substituted alkanediyl, C3-C12 cycloalkanediyl, C3-C12 substituted cycloalkanediyl, C2-C12 alkenediyl, C2-C12 substituted alkenediyl, C2-C12 alkynediyl, C2- C12 substituted alkynediyl, C6-C12 arenediyl, and C6-C12 substituted arenediyl; and R 3 ' is -NR f R f 'R f '', where
- a method of treating a fungal infection in a patient comprising: (A) administering to the patient in need thereof a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus; and (B) exposing the patient to a stimulus sufficient to activate the molecular machine.
- a method of treating cancer in a patient in need thereof comprising administering to the patient a stimulus activated molecular machine, wherein the stimulus activated molecule machine is configured to be activated by an appropriate stimulus, and exposing the patient to an appropriate stimulus wherein the stimulus activated molecular machine comprises a rotor of the formula: (I) wherein: R 1 and R 1 ' are each independently hydrogen, a C1-C12 alkyl or a C1-C12 substituted alkyl; R 2 is hydrogen, amino, cyano, halo, hydroxy, C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkenyl, C1-C12 alkynyl, C1-C12 aryl, C1-C12 aralkyl, C1-C12 heteroaryl, C1-C12 heteroaralkyl, C1-C12 heterocycloalkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy, C1-C12 alkylamino, C1
- the stimulus activated molecular motor comprises a rotor of the formula: (I) wherein: R 1 and R 1 ' are each C1-C12 alkyl or C1-C12 substituted alkyl; R 1 ' is hydrogen; and n is 0.
- FIGS. 1A-1I MMs show antifungal activity against planktonic cells and established biofilms.
- FIG. 1A Exemplary structure of an MM. MMs consist of a stator and a rotor that is light-activated.
- FIG. 1B Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC, ⁇ M) of the different MMs investigated for antifungal activity in C. albicans in the presence of 405-nm light (87.6 J cm -2 ). The chemical structures of all compounds tested in Example 1 are shown in Table 1.
- FIG.1C Chemical structures of the most potent antifungal MMs identified by the inventors, their MIC, and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) in different fungal strains.
- Results are shown as the average of at least three biological replicas. Concentration is expressed in ⁇ M.
- FIG. 1D Time-kill curves of different fungal strains treated with visible-light-activated MMs (2 ⁇ MIC) or 1% DMSO in the presence of 405-nm light at 292 mW cm -2 or control antifungal amphotericin B (AMB, 4 ⁇ MIC).
- FIG. 1E Concentration-dependent killing of C. albicans by different MMs in the presence of 405-nm light (87.6 J cm -2 ).
- FIG. 1F Light dose-dependent killing of C. albicans by different MMs at 2 ⁇ MIC.
- FIG. 1G Reduction of C. albicans biofilm viability by amphotericin B (AMB), 1% DMSO or different MMs (2 ⁇ , 4 ⁇ MIC) in the presence of 405-nm light (5 min at 292 mW cm -2 ).
- FIG. 1H Reduction of C.
- AMB amphotericin B
- 1% DMSO or different MMs (2 ⁇ , 4 ⁇ MIC) in the presence of 405-nm light (5 min at 292 mW cm -2 ).
- the results are the average of at least three independent replicates ⁇ the standard error of the mean.
- Asterisks denote the significance of the differences in pairwise comparisons with 1% DMSO controls performed in GraphPad Prism. * p ⁇ 0.05, ** p ⁇ 0.01, *** p ⁇ 0.001, **** p ⁇ 0.0001. (FIG.
- FIG. 1I Development of resistance to conventional antifungals (caspofungin, CAS, fluconazole, FLC, or amphotericin B, AMB) or different visible-light-activated MMs in C. albicans, assessed as the MIC fold change over 20 cycles of repeated treatment. Note that curves for amphotericin B (AMB), MM 1, MM 5, MM 6, and MM 7 are superimposed. Unless otherwise indicated, the results for MMs and DMSO are always reported in the presence of light.
- FIG. 2 Time-kill curves of different fungal strains treated with 2 ⁇ MIC of different MMs in the absence of light. The results are the average of at least three independent biological replicates ⁇ the standard error of the mean.
- C. albicans cell suspensions were treated with increasing concentrations (0.3125–160 ⁇ M) of different MMs (8 mM stock in DMSO) and then irradiated with 405 nm light (87.6 J cm –2 ). The irradiated cell suspensions were then inoculated in MOPS-buffered RPMI 1640 (pH 7.0, Sigma, MO, USA), and the tubes were incubated at 30 °C for 48 h.
- MOPS-buffered RPMI 1640 pH 7.0, Sigma, MO, USA
- the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was identified as the concentration of antifungal or MMs that resulted in no visible growth after incubation (Rayens et al., 2022). Cells able to grow at 0.5 ⁇ MIC of each MM were collected by centrifugation (5,000 ⁇ g, 5 min), resuspended and re-challenged with a range of MM concentrations and irradiated with 405 nm light (87.6 J cm –2 ). The procedure was repeated for a total of 20 consecutive cycles. The isolation of MM-resistant mutants was also attempted using a single-step strategy (right) (Fisher et al., 2018), whereby high-density ( ⁇ 10 9 c.f.u.
- FIGS. 4A-4K provide evidence that MMs bind fungal mitochondrial phospholipids.
- FIGS. 4A-4K provide evidence that MMs bind fungal mitochondrial phospholipids.
- FIG. 4B PI uptake in C. albicans treated with different MMs (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) or 1% DMSO in the presence of 405-nm light (87.6 J cm -2 ). PI uptake was calculated as the area under the curve (AUC) of the temporal profiles of PI fluorescence, as shown in (FIG. 4A). The results are the average of at least three independent replicates ⁇ the standard deviation.
- FIG. 4C Representative histogram of calcein AM fluorescence in C. albicans cells treated with 1% DMSO or MM 1 (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) and irradiated with 405-nm light (87.6 J cm -2 ), assessed by flow cytometry.
- FIG. 4D Decrease in calcein AM fluorescence in C. albicans treated with 1% DMSO or different MMs (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) and irradiated with 405-nm light (87.6 J cm -2 ). The results are expressed as the arithmetic mean ⁇ the standard deviation of fluorescence obtained by flow cytometry.
- FIG. 4E Extracellular ATP levels in C.
- FIG. 4I TEM images of C. albicans treated with 1% DMSO or 0.5 ⁇ MIC of visible-light-activated MM 1. Arrowheads indicate enlarged mitochondria in MM-treated samples compared with normal mitochondria in DMSO-treated samples (arrows). The bar indicates the scale. Unless otherwise indicated, the results for MMs and DMSO are always reported in the presence of light.
- FIG. 4J Confocal microscopy images of C.
- MM 1 albicans treated with MM 1 (8 ⁇ M) and then labeled with the fluorescent mitochondrial dye MitoTracker TM Green (10 nM) and the fluorescent plasma membrane dye FM TM 4-64 (40 nM).
- the image identified as “combined” is a merger of the natural fluorescence of MM 1, MitoTracker TM Green, and FM TM 4-64.
- the bar indicates the scale.
- FIG. 4K Box-and-whisker plot of the percentage overlap of fluorescence from MitoTracker TM Green or FM TM 4-64 with the natural fluorescence from MM 1. Light was omitted in colocalization experiments. Results are shown as the average of five independent cells ⁇ the standard deviation.
- FIG. 5 Effect of increasing concentrations of glucose-6-phosphate, used as a representative of the negatively charged polysaccharides of the fungal cell wall, on the MIC of different MMs in C. albicans determined by competition binding experiments. Further details on the experimental procedure are provided in Example 1. Note that the lines from MM 5 and MM 6 are superimposed. The results are the average of at least three independent biological replicates.
- FIG. 6 MICs of different visible-light-activated MMs in C.
- FIGS. 7A-7I provide evidence that visible-light-activated MMs trigger mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.
- FIG. 7A Mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity in C. albicans treated with 1% DMSO or different MMs (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) in the presence of 405-nm light (87.6 J cm –2 ).
- FIG. 7A Mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity in C. albicans treated with 1% DMSO or different MMs (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) in the presence of 405-nm light (87.6 J cm –2 ).
- FIG. 7B Intracellular ATP levels in C. albicans treated with 1% DMSO or different MMs (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) and 405-nm light (87.6 J cm –2 ).
- FIG. 7C Mitochondrial ROS levels detected by spectrofluorimetry using the MitoROS TM 580 probe in C. albicans treated with 1% DMSO or different MMs (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) and 405-nm light (87.6 J cm –2 ).
- FIG. 7D Mitochondrial ROS levels detected by confocal microscopy using the MitoROS TM 580 probe in C.
- FIG. 7E Temporal profile of MitoROS TM 580 fluorescence detected by confocal microscopy, shown as the average fluorescence intensity (line) and standard error of the mean (shaded area).
- FIG. 7F SOD activity normalized to the protein content in C. albicans treated with 1% DMSO or different MMs (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) and 405-nm light (87.6 J cm –2 ).
- FIG. 7G Lipid peroxidation assessed from malondialdehyde levels (MDA) normalized by protein content in C.
- FIG. 7H Representative shifts in the fluorescence of JC-1 in C. albicans treated with 1% DMSO or MM 1 (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) and 405-nm light (87.6 J cm –2 ) detected by flow cytometry denoting MM-induced depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane.
- FIG. 7I Changes in the percentage of depolarized cells in C.
- FIG. 8 Survival curves of de-energized versus exponential, fully energized cells of C.
- FIG. 9 Effect of pre-treatment with drugs targeting different individual components of the electron transport chain (see table inset) on the killing of C.
- FIG. 10 Effect of pre-treatment with the uncoupling agents carbonyl cyanide 4- (trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone (FCCP) and carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) on the killing of C. albicans by light-activated MM 1 (2 ⁇ MIC). Survival curves were generated according to the procedure described in Example 1 for time-kill assays. The dashed line indicates the detection limit of the method.
- FCCP trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone
- CCCP carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone
- FIG. 11 shows the effect of growth with a fermentable carbon source (glucose) or a non-fermentable carbon source (glycerol) on the killing of C. albicans by light-activated MM 1 (2 ⁇ MIC). Survival curves were generated according to the procedure described in Example 1 for time-kill assays. The dashed line indicates the detection limit of the method. The results are expressed as the average of at least three independent replicates ⁇ the standard error of the mean.
- FIG. 12A-12C show the effect of growth in the presence of different reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers and the iron scavenger 2,2'-dipyridyl (DP) on MM 1- induced killing of C. albicans.
- ROS reactive oxygen species
- DP iron scavenger 2,2'-dipyridyl
- FIG. 12A Inactivation profiles of C. albicans grown in the presence of different scavengers by visible-light-activated MM 1 (2 ⁇ MIC). Survival curves were generated according to the procedure described in Example 1 for time-kill assays. The dashed line indicates the detection limit of the method. The results are expressed as the average of at least three independent replicates ⁇ the standard error of the mean.
- FIG. 12B Growth curves of C.
- FIG. 12C Time profiles of mitochondrial ROS levels in C. albicans grown with and without DP after treatment with visible-light-activated MM 1 (2 ⁇ MIC), detected with the MitoROS TM 580 fluorescent probe, according to the experimental procedure described in Example 1. The results are given as the average (line) and standard error of the mean (shaded area).
- AA ascorbic acid.
- DP 2,2'-dipyridyl.
- NAC N-acetyl-cysteine.
- FIGS. 13A-13B show the effect of the mitochondrial superoxide scavenger MitoTEMPO (Farmakiotis and Kontoyiannis, 2017) on MM 1-induced killing of C. albicans.
- FIG. 13A Mitochondrial ROS levels detected with the MitoROS TM 580 fluorescent probe according to the experimental procedure described in Example 1 in untreated C. albicans cells or cells pre-treated with MitoTEMPO (1.5 ⁇ M, MedChem Express, Princeton, NJ, USA), which were then challenged with increasing concentrations of visible-light-activated MM 1.
- Asterisks denote the significance of differences in pairwise comparisons performed in GraphPad Prism (San Diego, CA, USA).
- FIGS. 14A-14H provide evidence that visible-light-activated MMs elicit intracellular calcium overload.
- FIG. 14A Representative histograms of Callbryte TM 520 AM fluorescence used to detect cytosolic calcium levels in C. albicans treated with increasing concentrations of MM 1 or 1% DMSO in the presence of 405-nm light (87.6 J cm –2 ) by flow cytometry.
- FIG. 14B Cytosolic calcium levels detected with Callbryte TM 520 AM by spectrofluorimetry in C. albicans treated with increasing concentrations of different MMs (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) or 1% DMSO in the presence of 405-nm light (87.6 J cm –2 ).
- FIG. 14C Mitochondrial calcium levels detected with Rhod-2 AM by spectrofluorimetry in C. albicans treated with increasing concentrations of different MMs (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) or 1% DMSO in the presence of 405-nm light (87.6 J cm –2 ).
- FIG. 14D Mitochondrial calcium levels detected with Rhod-2 AM by confocal microscopy in C. albicans treated with MM 1 (1 ⁇ MIC) before and after light activation.
- FIG. 14E Temporal profile of Rhod-2 AM fluorescence detected by confocal microscopy, shown as the average fluorescence intensity (line) and standard error of the mean (shaded area).
- FIGS. 15A-15E provide evidence that visible-light-activated MMs cause mitochondrial swelling, release of mitochondrial cytochrome c, and necrosis.
- FIG. 15A Representative histograms of MitoTracker TM Green fluorescence in C. albicans treated with 1% DMSO or MM 1 (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) and 405-nm light (87.6 J cm –2 ) detected by flow cytometry.
- FIG. 15A Representative histograms of MitoTracker TM Green fluorescence in C. albicans treated with 1% DMSO or MM 1 (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) and 405-nm light (87.6 J cm –2 ) detected by flow cytometry.
- FIG. 15B Altered mitochondrial mass/volume determined from changes in MitoTracker TM Green fluorescence detected by flow cytometry in C. albicans treated with 1% DMSO or different MMs (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) and 405-nm light (87.6 J cm –2 ).
- FIG. 15C Mitochondrial cytochrome c levels in C. albicans treated with 1% DMSO or different MMs (2 ⁇ MIC) and 405-nm light (87.6 J cm –2 ).
- FIG. 15D Representative changes in the percentage of PI-positive/negative and Annexin V-positive/negative cells in C.
- FIG. 15E Percentage of PI-positive and Annexin V-positive cells in C. albicans treated with different MMs (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) or 1% DMSO and 405-nm light (87.6 J cm –2 ) detected by flow cytometry.
- the results are the average of at least three independent replicates ⁇ the standard deviation. Unless otherwise indicated, the results for MMs and DMSO are always reported in the presence of light.
- FIGS. 16A-16I provide evidence that visible-light-activated MMs synergize with conventional antifungals in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo.
- FIGS. 16A-16I Representative checkerboard patterns showing the interaction between visible-light-activated MM 1 and various conventional antifungal drugs in C. albicans and the respective fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICI) for the interaction between MM 1 and each antifungal.
- FIG. 16C Effect of increasing concentrations of different MMs plus 405-nm light (87.6 J cm –2 ) on the viability of a mammalian cell line (HEK293T).
- the dashed line indicates the IC50, i.e., the concentration of MM that results in a 50% reduction in cell viability.
- Results are the average of three independent replicates.
- Therapeutic index (TI) calculated as the ratio between the MIC for each MM in C. albicans and A. fumigatus and their respective IC50 values.
- FIG. 16E Workflow used to study the anti-infective activity of MMs in vivo. Created in Biorender.com.
- FIG. 16F Survival curves of worms infected with C. albicans or A.
- FIG. 16H Workflow used to study the anti-infective activity of MMs ex vivo. Created in Biorender.com.
- FIG. 17 shows the effect of increasing doses of 405 nm light on the viability of mammalian HEK293T cells. Viability was assessed from ATP levels detected using the CellTiter-Glo® Luminescent Cell Viability Assay. Results are expressed as the average of three biological replicas ⁇ standard error of the mean. Asterisks denote the significance of differences in pairwise comparisons between the viability in unirradiated cells and cells irradiated with different doses of 405 nm light. * p ⁇ 0.05, ** p ⁇ 0.01, *** p ⁇ 0.001, **** p ⁇ 0.0001. Statistical analysis were performed in GraphPad Prism (San Diego, CA, USA). FIGS.
- FIG. 18A Reduction of S. cerevisiae biofilm viability by amphotericin B (AMB), 1% DMSO or different MMs (2 ⁇ , 4 ⁇ MIC) in the presence of 405- nm light (5 min at 292 mW cm -2 ).
- AMB amphotericin B
- AMB amphotericin B
- DMSO 1% DMSO
- 2 ⁇ , 4 ⁇ MIC Reduction of S. cerevisiae biofilm biomass by amphotericin B (AMB), 1% DMSO or different MMs (2 ⁇ , 4 ⁇ MIC) in the presence of 405- nm light (5 min at 292 mW cm -2 ).
- FIGS. 19A-19F provide evidence that the antifungal activity of MMs against C. albicans requires light activation of the fast rotation rates of the motors.
- FIGS. 19A-19F provide evidence that the antifungal activity of MMs against C. albicans requires light activation of the fast rotation rates of the motors.
- FIG. 19B Mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity in C. albicans treated with 1% DMSO, a slow MM (10 ⁇ M) or MM 1 (2 ⁇ MIC) in the presence of 405 nm light (87.6 J cm –2 ) or MM 1 (2 ⁇ MIC) in the absence of light activation.
- FIG. 19C Intracellular ATP levels in C.
- FIG. 19D Temporal profiles of PI fluorescence in C. albicans treated with 1% DMSO, a slow MM (10 ⁇ M) or MM 1 (2 ⁇ MIC) in the presence of 405 nm light (87.6 J cm –2 ) or MM 1 (2 ⁇ MIC) in the absence of light activation.
- the lines are the average of at least three biological replicates, and the shaded area is the error.
- FIG. 20 shows a schematic representation of the mechanisms of action of antifungal MMs.
- MMs bind cardiolipin and phosphatidylglycerol in the inner mitochondrial membrane, destabilizing the electron transport chain. This leads to increased electron leakage and superoxide radical formation, causing oxidative stress. Consequently, ATP synthesis and mitochondrial membrane potential are reduced. ATP-dependent calcium transporters in the plasma membrane and intracellular organelles stop functioning, leading to increased cytosolic calcium levels, which activate calcium-dependent degradative enzymes. Increased water influx ensues, leading to swelling of organelles, which eventually burst, releasing even more degradative enzymes and intramitochondrial contents to the cytoplasm. Eventually, the integrity of the plasma membrane is compromised, and intracellular contents leak out of the cell. Created in Biorender.com. FIGS.
- FIG. 21A-21F provide evidence for the mechanism of action of visible-light- activated MMs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- FIG. 21A Representative temporal profile of PI fluorescence after treatment of S. cerevisiae with increasing concentrations of MM 1 or 1% DMSO and irradiation with 405 nm light (87.6 J cm –2 ). The lines are the average of at least three biological replicates, and the shaded area is the error.
- FIG. 21B Extracellular ATP levels in S. cerevisiae treated with increasing concentrations of MM 1 (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) or 1% DMSO and irradiated with 405 nm light (87.6 J cm –2 ).
- FIG. 21C Intracellular ATP levels in S. cerevisiae treated with increasing concentrations of MM 1 (0.5– 2 ⁇ MIC) or 1% DMSO in the presence of 405 nm light (87.6 J cm –2 ). Asterisks denote the significance of differences in pairwise comparisons performed in GraphPad Prism (San Diego, CA, USA). * p ⁇ 0.05, ** p ⁇ 0.01, *** p ⁇ 0.001, **** p ⁇ 0.0001.
- FIG. 21D Temporal profiles of MitoROSTM 580 fluorescence measured by spectrofluorimetry in S.
- FIG.22 shows the effect of pre-treatment of C. albicans with the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporin A (80 ⁇ M) on susceptibility to killing by visible-light-activated MM 1 (2 ⁇ MIC). Survival curves were generated according to the procedure described in the main text for time-kill assays. The dashed line indicates the detection limit of the method. The results are expressed as the average of at least three independent replicates ⁇ the standard error of the mean.
- FIG. 23 shows representative checkerboard patterns showing the interaction between visible-light-activated MM 1 and various conventional antifungal drugs in S. cerevisiae and the respective fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICI) for the interactions.
- FICI fractional inhibitory concentration indices
- FIG. 24 shows the UV-Vis spectra of antibacterial MM. Spectra of MM solutions in DMSO (final concentration of 27 ⁇ M) were acquired in a 1-cm quartz cuvette using a Shimadzu UV-2450 spectrophotometer.
- FIG. 25A-25G illustrates the use of MMs as antibacterials, as provided in the present disclosure.
- FIG. 25A General structure of an MM.
- FIG. 25B Rotation cycle of an MM.
- Photoisomerization of the MMs (1 ⁇ 2) generates the metastable conformer, 2.
- a second stable conformer, 3 is generated.
- a subsequent photoisomerization step (3 ⁇ 4) and corresponding thermal helix inversion (4 ⁇ 1) generate the full 360° rotation cycle.
- FIG. 25C Schematic representation of an MM drilling through the cell membrane as would occur following light activation.
- FIG. 25D Overview of the workflow used in this study and the different MMs examined at each step.
- FIG. 25E MIC value of different MMs in E. coli BW25113. Arrows next to the bars denote that the MIC value was higher than the maximal concentration (40 ⁇ M) tested. Bars represent the results from at least three biological replicas.
- FIG. 25F Chemical structure of the antibacterial MMs identified in this study. Functional groups highlighted in red, and blue were introduced to tune the activation wavelength of the motor and increase water solubility, respectively. MW, molecular weight.
- FIG. 25G Schematic representation of the different positioning of MM 1 and MM 2 in the bacterial membrane based on results from molecular dynamics simulations.
- FIG. 26 is a schematic depiction of the protocol used to determine the MIC of MMs.
- FIG. 27 demonstrates that slow rotating MMs do not display antibacterial activity against E. coli.
- E. coli cells were treated with 8 ⁇ M of different slow MM (chemical structure depicted in Table 7) and irradiated with 146 mW cm -2 of 405 nm light. Cells were then collected, and spot plated as described for fast MMs in the Methods of Example 2.
- Results are expressed as the logarithm of the ratio between the cell number (CFU per mL) at every time point and the cell number at time zero. The dashed line denotes the limit of detection of the method. Results are the mean of at least 3 independent biological replicas.
- FIG. 28 shows the free energy barriers for the rate-limiting thermal helix inversion step of the rotation cycle of the motor. This step brings the metastable state to the ground state, used as proxies of the rotation rate of the MM (Klok et al., 2008). Depicted on top is the chemical structure of a representative MM. The core represents the basic MM without any additional functional group, used as the starting point for DFT calculations and as a reference to assess the impact of different functional groups on rotation rate.
- FIGS. 29A-29B are molecular dynamics simulations that provide insights into the antibacterial activity of different molecular machines.
- FIG. 29A Histograms of the distribution of angles between the MM axle and XY plane of the membrane for MM 1 and MM 2. An angle of 0° corresponds to the axle being parallel to the membrane plane, while an angle of 90° corresponds to it being perpendicular to the membrane plane (both directions along the Z-axis are treated identically).
- FIG. 29B Histograms of the distributions of distances between geometric centers of axles of MM and membrane center. Z-axis only. Details are provided in Example 2.
- FIG. 30 shows potential of mean force (PMF) curves obtained from umbrella sampling simulations. The curves show how the free energy of the system changes as MMs are being pulled out of the membrane.
- PMF mean force
- FIG.31 provides the concentration and light-dose dependent time-kill curves of MMs in different bacterial strains. Time-dependent reduction in colony-forming units (expressed as the logarithm of the ratio between the cell number at every time point and the cell number at time zero) of different bacterial strains treated with varying concentrations of different MMs at different light intensities or in the absence of light.
- FIG. 32 shows the effect of light dose on the antibacterial action of increasing concentrations of MMs against different bacterial strains. Light dose-dependent reduction in colony-forming units (expressed as the logarithm of the ratio between the cell number at every time point and the cell number at time zero) of different bacterial strains treated with different concentrations of different MMs.
- the dashed line denotes the limit of detection of the method. All results are shown as the mean of at least 3 biological replicas ⁇ standard error of the mean.
- FIG. 33A-33C demonstrate MMs are fast-acting, broad-spectrum antibacterials.
- FIG. 33A Time-dependent reduction in the abundance of different exponentially growing bacterial strains in the presence of 1% DMSO or 2x MIC of each MM and 146 mW cm-2 of 405 nm light, or 2x and 4x the MIC of conventional antibiotics. The dotted line denotes the limit of detection of the method. Results are the means of at least 3 biological replicas ⁇ standard error of the mean.
- FIG.33B MIC value of MM 1, MM 5, MM 6 in different Gram- negative and Gram-positive strains, including MRSA. Bars represent the results from at least 3 biological replicas.
- FIG. 33C Box and whiskers plot (median values with min/max range) of the MIC values of MM 1, MM 5, and MM 6 among the Gram-negative and Gram- positive strains examined in this study. *P ⁇ 0.05; ns, not significant.
- FIG. 34 provides evidence for the susceptibility (assessed as the MIC) of different E. coli single-gene efflux knockouts to different MM. Gene efflux knockouts are listed in Table 11. The MIC value was determined as described in Example 2. Results are the mean of at least three biological replicas.
- FIGS. 35A-35F provides evidence that MMs eliminate persisters and biofilms without detectable resistance.
- FIG. 35A Time-dependent reduction in the abundance of persister cells of different bacterial strains in the presence of 1% DMSO or 1 ⁇ MIC of each MM and 405-nm light at 146 mW cm-2 or 2 ⁇ and 4 ⁇ the MIC of conventional antibiotics.
- the dotted line denotes the limit of detection of the method.
- FIG. 35B total bacterial cell number assessed using acridine orange
- FIG. 35C metabolically active cells assessed from ATP levels
- FIG. 35D total protein assessed using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) fluorescence
- FIG.35E
- aureus following irradiation (146 mW cm-2 of 405-nm light) for different time periods in the presence of 1% DMSO or 2 ⁇ MIC of MMs or in the presence of 2 ⁇ MIC of conventional antibiotics.
- Results are shown as the mean of at least three biological replicas ⁇ standard error of the mean. (FIG.35F) MIC fold change relative to the original MIC following repeated exposure to MMs and control antibiotics. Results are shown as the average of at least three biological replicas. Unless otherwise noted, results for MMs and DMSO are always reported in the presence of light. *P ⁇ 0.05; **P ⁇ 0.01.
- FIG. 36 shows the antibiofilm activity of different concentrations of MMs. Reduction in biofilm biomass of P.
- FIGS. 37A-37D provide evidence that MM- and DMSO-treated cells display distinct transcriptomic profiles. (FIG.
- FIG. 37A RNA-seq workflow created with Biorender.com.
- FIG. 37B Venn diagram of the transcriptomic profiles of MM- and DMSO-treated samples.
- FIG. 37C Heatmap representation of z scores for gene transcripts displaying an adjusted P ⁇ 0.01 and the highest fold change in abundance in MM- and DMSO-treated samples.
- FIG. 37D Volcano plot of statistically significant (P ⁇ 0.05) differentially expressed genes identified from the RNA-seq libraries. Results are the average of three biological replicas.
- FIG. 38 shows the susceptibility of different single-gene knockouts of E. coli to MM 1.
- FIGS. 39A-39F provides data regarding the mechanisms of action of visible light–activated MMs.
- FIG. 39A Uptake of NPN by the E. coli outer membrane following treatment with 1% DMSO or different concentrations of MMs. AU, arbitrary units.
- FIG. 39B Time progression of PI fluorescence following treatment of E. coli with different concentrations of MMs or 1% DMSO.
- FIG. 39C Extracellular ATP levels following treatment of E. coli with 1% DMSO or different concentrations of MMs.
- FIG. 39D Fluorescence of the membrane potential probe 3,3-dipropylthiadicarbocyanine iodide [DiSC3(5)] following treatment of E. coli with 1% DMSO or different concentrations of MMs. All results are shown as the means of at least three biological replicas ⁇ standard error of the mean.
- FIG. 39E Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of E. coli treated with 1% DMSO or 0.5 ⁇ MIC of MMs.
- FIG. 39F Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of E.
- FIG. 40 demonstrates that visible light-activated MMs damage the cell membrane of S. aureus. Time progression of propidium iodide fluorescence following treatment of S. aureus with different concentrations of MMs or 1% DMSO in the presence and absence of light. Further details on the methodology are provided in Example 2. All results are shown as the mean of at least 3 biological replicas ⁇ standard error of the mean.
- FIG.41 provides evidence that visible light-activated MM cause depolarization of the membrane of S. aureus. Fluorescence of the membrane potential probe DiSC3(5) following treatment of S. aureus with 1% DMSO or different concentrations of visible light-activated MMs in the presence and absence of light. Further details on the methodology are provided in Example 2. All results are shown as the mean of at least 3 biological replicas ⁇ standard error of the mean. Asterisks denote the significance of the difference between MM and DMSO- treated samples using a Kruskal-Wallis test in GraphPad Prism. * p ⁇ 0.05, ** p ⁇ 0.01, *** p ⁇ 0.001, **** p ⁇ 0.0001.
- FIG. 42A-42G provide evidence that MMs sensitize bacteria to conventional antibiotics.
- FIG. 42A MIC values of different antibiotics in E. coli with or without pretreatment with light-activated MMs.
- FIG. 42B FIC index for the interaction between MMs and different antibiotics in E. coli.
- FIG. 42C Workflow used to investigate the ability of MMs to potentiate antibiotic activity created with Biorender.com.
- FIG.42D Reduction in cell numbers following treatment of E. coli with 1% DMSO, 0.5 ⁇ MIC of different MMs, 4 ⁇ MIC of different antibiotics alone or in combination, or upon challenging 0.5 ⁇ MIC MM- treated cells with 4 ⁇ MIC of antibiotics.
- FIG. 42E Time-dependent increase in tetracycline fluorescence in E. coli following pretreatment of cells with 1% DMSO or MMs.
- FIG. 42F Representative checkerboards depicting the interaction between visible light–activated MMs and vancomycin in P. aeruginosa. A slow MM (ARV-3-202) was used as a control. Results are shown as a heatmap with the white color denoting no growth (0%) and the blue color denoting growth. Growth was assessed as optical density at 600 nm (OD600).
- FIG. 42G Time-kill curves of P. aeruginosa treated with 0.25 ⁇ MIC of the different visible light– activated MMs and subsequently challenged with vancomycin.
- FIG. 43 shows the light dose-dependent reduction in viability of HEK cells treated with different concentrations of different MMs. All results are shown as the mean of at least 3 biological replicas ⁇ standard error of the mean.
- FIGS. 44A-44B provide evidence that MMs mitigate mortality in vivo.
- FIG. 44A Workflow used to assess the in vivo antibacterial effects of MMs created with Biorender.com.
- FIG. 44B Percent survival of G. mellonella infected with A. baumannii or S. aureus and treated with 1 ⁇ MIC of different MMs, 1% DMSO in the presence or absence of 405-nm light, or the antibiotics polymyxin or tobramycin. Data represent the pooled results from three independent biological replicas, each containing 16 individuals. Unless otherwise noted, results for MMs and DMSO are always reported in the presence of light.
- FIGS. 45A-45J show that ⁇ ROS and oxidative stress do not play a significant role in the antibacterial mode of action of MMs.
- ROS levels in E. coli treated with 1% DMSO or 1x MIC of different MMs in the presence and absence of light as detected using the fluorescent probes DCFH-DA (FIG. 45A) and APF (FIG. 45B) as previously described (Santos et al., 2013; Brudzynski and Lannigan, 2012) in a microplate format and by flow cytometry (FIG. 45C, FIG.45D). Percentage of DCFH-DA- (FIG. 45E) and APF- (FIG.45F) positive cells, as detected using flow cytometry.
- FIG. 45I Rate of decrease of the absorption of DPBF at 410 nm, indicative of singlet oxygen generation, in the presence of MM 1 or its slow analog ARV 3-202.
- FIG. 45J Protein carbonyl levels normalized by the protein content in E. coli treated with 1% DMSO or 1x MIC of MM 1 in the presence of light, determined as previously described(Belenky et al., 2015).
- FIG. 46 provides evidence that growth in the presence of antioxidants does not protect against MM-induced killing in E. coli. Reduction in bacterial numbers following irradiation of cell suspensions of E.
- FIG. 47 shows the temperature variation profiles during irradiation of fast and slow MMs. Temperature (°C) during irradiation of samples treated with 40 ⁇ M of MM 1 or 40 ⁇ M of the slow analog ARV 3-202 (Table 7) was assessed using a temperature probe (Model SC- TT-K-30-36-PP; Omega Engineering, Inc.).
- FIG.48 provides evidence that irradiation does not cause detectable photodegradation of MMs.
- FIG. 49 provides evidence that pre-irradiation does not lead to loss of MM antibacterial activity.
- MM pre-irradiation Influence of MM pre-irradiation on the inactivation of E. coli.
- MM 1 was added to a Petri dish containing PBS (final concentration of 8 mM), cells were then added to an OD600 of ⁇ 0.02, incubated in the dark for 30 min and then irradiated for up to 10 min at 146 mW cm -2 with 405 nm light.
- FIG. 50 shows the chemical structure of the molecular machine (M96) used in the experiments described in Example 3.
- FIGS. 51A-51E provide evidence of the in vitro therapeutic efficacy of M96 in mouse melanoma B16-F10 cells.
- FIG. 51A Representative images of clonogenic assay. In a clonogenic assay, each surviving cell should form a colony under standard cell culture conditions. The surviving cells were stained with crystal violet.
- DMSO 0.1% DMSO in the media
- M96 8 ⁇ M in the media
- Light illumination with 405 nm blue light at 300 mW/cm 2 for 5 min.
- D 0.1% DMSO
- L irradiation with 405 nm blue LED light
- M96 8 ⁇ M.
- the concentration of M96 was maintained constant at 8 ⁇ M but the irradiation time and light intensity (100 mW/cm2, 150 mW/cm2, and 300 mW/cm2) were varied.
- FIGS. 52A-52D provide data for the in vitro IC50 of molecular machine M96 at constant light intensity.
- FIGS. 52A and 52B The IC50 of M96 under 405 nm light illumination at 200 mW/cm 2 for 5 min (IC50 ⁇ 3 ⁇ M) in mouse melanoma B16-F10 cells.
- FIG. 52B The IC50 of M96 under 405 nm light illumination at 150 mW/cm 2 for 5 min (IC50 ⁇ 2 ⁇ M).
- FIG. 52C The IC50 of M96 under 405 nm light illumination at 200 mW/cm 2 for 5 min (IC50 ⁇ 2 ⁇ M).
- FIG. 52D The IC50 of M96 under 405 nm light illumination at 200 mW/cm 2 for 5 min in various human skin conditions.
- FIG. 53A-53B provide ⁇ the flow cytometry analysis of the therapeutic efficacy of molecular machine M96 in mouse melanoma B16-F10 cells.
- FIG. 53A Analysis of the PI positive (dead) cells by flow cytometry. The PI enters into the cells upon disruption of the integrity of the cellular membrane and stains the cellular DNA.
- D 0.1% DMSO
- M 8 ⁇ M of M96
- L irradiation for 5 min of 405 nm light at 300 mW/cm 2
- a time course analysis is conducted to show that the PI staining of B16-F10 cells is immediate upon treatment with 8 ⁇ M M96 and illumination with 405 nm light at 300 mW/cm 2 for 5 min.
- FIGS. 53B Quantification of the PI positive cells in B16-F10 cells upon treatment with 8 ⁇ M M96 and illumination with 405 nm light at 300 mW/cm 2 for 5 min. The quantification is conducted by flow cytometry analysis at 2 h after the treatment.
- FIG. 54A-54B show the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of molecular machine M96 in subcutaneous tumors of B16-F10 in C57BL/6J mice with light at 300 mW/cm 2 .
- FIG. 54A Tumor growth inhibition by the treatment with 50 ⁇ L intratumoral injection of 8 ⁇ M M96, 30 min incubation, and irradiation with 300 mW/cm 2 of 405 nm light for 5 min.
- FIG. 54B Representative pictures of the mice with tumors under the various treatments.
- DMSO 0.1% DMSO solution in PBS.
- M96 8 ⁇ M solution of M96 in PBS.
- Light irradiation with 405 nm light at 300 mW/cm 2 for 5 min.
- the DMSO is used to solubilize and prepare a stock solution of 8 mM M96 and stored at -20 °C.
- the 8 mM stock solution of M96 in DMSO is diluted 1:1000 in PBS and the final solution contains 8 ⁇ M M96 and 0.1% DMSO in PBS buffer. 0.1% DMSO is used as control.
- Statistical significance p ⁇ 0.05, ns non-significance.
- FIGS. 55A-55C show the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of molecular machine M96 in subcutaneous tumors of B16-F10 in C57BL/6J mice with light at 200 mW/cm 2 . (FIG.
- FIG. 55A Tumor growth inhibition by the treatment with 20 ⁇ L intratumoral injection of 8 ⁇ M M96, 30 min incubation, and irradiation with 200 mW/cm 2 of 405 nm light for 5 min (one treatment per day for 4 days).
- FIG. 55B Survival curve of mice with tumors upon the treatment. The threshold value for mice euthanasia was a tumor size of 2000 m 3 .
- FIG. 55C Representative pictures of the mice with tumors under the various treatments.
- DMSO 0.1% DMSO solution in PBS.
- M96 8 ⁇ M solution of M96 in PBS.
- Light irradiation with 405 nm light at 200 mW/cm 2 for 5 min.
- the DMSO is used to solubilize and prepare a stock solution of 8 mM M96 and stored at -20 °C.
- the 8 mM stock solution of M96 in DMSO is diluted 1:1000 in PBS and the final solution contains 8 ⁇ M M96 and 0.1% DMSO in PBS buffer. 0.1% DMSO is used as control.
- Statistical significance p ⁇ 0.05, ns non-significance.
- the statistical analysis t-test compared M96 group versus M96+Light group.
- 56A-56C are a comparison of in vivo therapeutic efficacy experiments in subcutaneous tumors of B16-F10 in C57BL/6J mice.
- FIG. 56A Tumor growth inhibition by the treatment with 20 ⁇ L intratumoral injection of 8 ⁇ M M96, 30 min incubation, and irradiation with 200 mW/cm 2 of 405 nm light for 5 min (once a day for 4 days).
- DMSO 0.1% DMSO solution in PBS.
- M96 8 ⁇ M solution of M96 in PBS.
- Light irradiation with 405 nm light at 200 mW/cm 2 for 5 min.
- the DMSO is used to solubilize and prepare a stock solution of 8 mM M96 and stored at -20 °C.
- the 8 mM stock solution of M96 in DMSO is diluted 1:1000 in PBS and the final solution contains 8 ⁇ M M96 and 0.1% DMSO in PBS buffer. 0.1% DMSO is used as control.
- FIG. 56B Tumor growth inhibition by the treatment with 20 ⁇ L intratumoral injection of 20 ⁇ M M96, 30 min incubation, and irradiation with 250 mW/cm 2 of 405 nm light for 5 min (once a day for 4 days).
- DMSO 0.25% DMSO solution in PBS.
- M96 20 ⁇ M solution of M96 in PBS.
- Light irradiation with 405 nm light at 250 mW/cm 2 for 5 min.
- FIG. 56C Tumor growth inhibition by the treatment with 20 ⁇ L intratumoral injection of 400 ⁇ M M96, 30 min incubation, and irradiation with 250 mW/cm 2 of 405 nm light for 5 min (once a day for 4 days).
- DMSO 5% DMSO solution in PBS.
- M96 400 ⁇ M solution of M96 in PBS.
- Light irradiation with 405 nm light at 250 mW/cm2 for 5 min.
- FIGS. 57A-57C demonstrate the effect of combination light-activated-molecular machine M96 therapy and anti-PD1 immunotherapy.
- FIGS. 57A-57C demonstrate the effect of combination light-activated-molecular machine M96 therapy and anti-PD1 immunotherapy.
- FIGS. 57A-57C demonstrate the effect of combination light-activated-molecular machine M96 therapy and anti-PD1 immunotherapy.
- FIGS. 57A-57C demonstrate the effect of combination light-activated-molecular machine M96 therapy and anti-PD1 immunotherapy.
- FIGS. 57A-57C demonstrate the effect of combination light-activated-molecular machine M96 therapy and anti-PD1 immunotherapy.
- FIGS. 57A-57C demonstrate the effect of combination light-activated-molecular machine M96 therapy and anti-PD1 immunotherapy.
- FIGS. 57A-57C demonstrate the effect of combination light-activated-molecular machine M96 therapy and anti-PD1 immunotherapy.
- the molecular machine M96 was applied by intratumoral injection of 30 ⁇ L M96 at 8 ⁇ M in PBS solution, 30 min incubation, then light treatment with 405 nm LED at 300 mW/cm 2 for 5 min.
- Each immunotherapy treatment consisted of an intraperitoneal injection of 100 ⁇ L antibody (anti-PD1 or isotype IgG) solution in PBS at the concentration of 2 ⁇ g/ ⁇ L (Injection of 200 ⁇ g of antibody per mouse).
- FIG. 57B Tumor sizes over the time in the different treatment groups.
- “M96 only” consisted in the intratumoral injection of 30 ⁇ L M96 at 8 ⁇ M in PBS solution without light treatment at day 8.
- Isotype control consisted in the intraperitoneal injection of IgG (200 ⁇ g per mouse) in the dose regime shown in FIG. 57A.
- Anti-PD1 consisted in the intraperitoneal injection of anti-PD1 (200 ⁇ g per mouse) in the dose regime shown in A.
- M96 + Light consisted of intratumoral injection of 30 ⁇ L M96 at 8 ⁇ M in PBS solution, 30 min incubation, then light treatment with 405 nm LED at 300 mW/cm 2 for 5 min at day 8.
- M96 + Light + anti-PD1 consisted in the combination of M96 + Light treatment and anti-PD1 treatment.
- FIG. 58 provides the structures for which DFT computations were performed.
- FIG. 59 is an illustration of the system used in MD simulations created using VMD.
- the lipid bilayer membrane (POPE and POPG) is shown in blue. Water molecules are shown in red, sodium and chlorine ions are shown as purple and green spheres, respectively.
- a representative MM molecule (in red) is shown embedded inside the membrane. Dimensions of the system: 5 x 5 x 14 nm.
- the present disclosure features stimulus-activated molecular machines that cross lipid bilayers and methods for treating bacterial or fungal infections, or for treating cancer, using such molecular machines.
- Each of these embodiments will be described below in more detail.
- A. Definitions The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.” The word “about” means plus or minus 5% of the stated number.
- the term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for the device, the method being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the study subjects or patients.
- the terms “comprise,” “have” and “include” are open-ended linking verbs. Any forms or tenses of one or more of these verbs, such as “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes” and “including,” are also open-ended. For example, any method that “comprises,” “has” or “includes” one or more steps is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps and also covers other unlisted steps.
- “effective,” as that term is used in the specification and/or claims, means adequate to accomplish a desired, expected, or intended result. “Effective amount,” “Therapeutically effective amount” or “pharmaceutically effective amount” when used in the context of treating a patient or subject with a compound means that amount of the compound which, when administered to the patient or subject, is sufficient to effect such treatment or prevention of the disease as those terms are defined below.
- An “excipient” is a pharmaceutically acceptable substance formulated along with the active ingredient(s) of a medication, pharmaceutical composition, formulation, or drug delivery system.
- Excipients may be used, for example, to stabilize the composition, to bulk up the composition (thus often referred to as “bulking agents,” “fillers,” or “diluents” when used for this purpose), or to confer a therapeutic enhancement on the active ingredient in the final dosage form, such as facilitating drug absorption, reducing viscosity, or enhancing solubility.
- Excipients include pharmaceutically acceptable versions of antiadherents, binders, coatings, colors, disintegrants, flavors, glidants, lubricants, preservatives, sorbents, sweeteners, and vehicles.
- the main excipient that serves as a medium for conveying the active ingredient is usually called the vehicle.
- Excipients may also be used in the manufacturing process, for example, to aid in the handling of the active substance, such as by facilitating powder flowability or non-stick properties, in addition to aiding in vitro stability such as prevention of denaturation or aggregation over the expected shelf life.
- the suitability of an excipient will typically vary depending on the route of administration, the dosage form, the active ingredient, as well as other factors.
- the term “IC 50 ” refers to an inhibitory dose which is 50% of the maximum response obtained. This quantitative measure indicates how much of a particular drug or other substance (inhibitor) is needed to inhibit a given biological, biochemical or chemical process (or component of a process, i.e. an enzyme, cell, cell receptor or microorganism) by half.
- the term “patient” or “subject” refers to a living mammalian organism, such as a human, monkey, cow, sheep, goat, dog, cat, mouse, rat, guinea pig, or transgenic species thereof.
- the patient or subject is a primate.
- Non- limiting examples of human patients are adults, juveniles, infants and fetuses.
- “pharmaceutically acceptable” refers to those compounds, materials, compositions, and/or dosage forms which are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues, organs, and/or bodily fluids of human beings and animals without excessive toxicity, irritation, allergic response, or other problems or complications commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio.
- “Pharmaceutically acceptable salts” means salts of compounds disclosed herein which are pharmaceutically acceptable, as defined above, and which possess the desired pharmacological activity.
- Such salts include acid addition salts formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and the like; or with organic acids such as 1,2-ethanedisulfonic acid, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, 3-phenylpropionic acid, 4,4'-methylenebis(3-hydroxy-2-ene-1-carboxylic acid), 4-methylbicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-ene- 1-carboxylic acid, acetic acid, aliphatic mono- and dicarboxylic acids, aliphatic sulfuric acids, aromatic sulfuric acids, benzenesulfonic acid, benzoic acid, camphorsulfonic acid, carbonic acid, cinnamic acid, citric acid, cyclopentanepropionic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, fumaric acid, glucoheptonic acid, gluconic acid,
- Pharmaceutically acceptable salts also include base addition salts which may be formed when acidic protons present are capable of reacting with inorganic or organic bases.
- Acceptable inorganic bases include sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide and calcium hydroxide.
- Acceptable organic bases include ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, tromethamine, N-methylglucamine and the like. It should be recognized that the particular anion or cation forming a part of any salt of this invention is not critical, so long as the salt, as a whole, is pharmacologically acceptable. Additional examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts and their methods of preparation and use are presented in Handbook of Pharmaceutical Salts: Properties, and Use (P. H. Stahl & C. G.
- prevention includes: (1) inhibiting the onset of a disease in a subject or patient which may be at risk and/or predisposed to the disease but does not yet experience or display any or all of the pathology or symptomatology of the disease, and/or (2) slowing the onset of the pathology or symptomatology of a disease in a subject or patient which may be at risk and/or predisposed to the disease but does not yet experience or display any or all of the pathology or symptomatology of the disease.
- Subject refers to the recipient of the implantable construct described herein.
- the subject may include a human and/or other non–human animals, for example, mammals (e.g., primates (e.g., cynomolgus monkeys, rhesus monkeys); commercially relevant mammals such as cattle, pigs, horses, sheep, goats, cats, and/or dogs) and birds (e.g., commercially relevant birds such as chickens, ducks, geese, and/or turkeys).
- mammals e.g., primates (e.g., cynomolgus monkeys, rhesus monkeys); commercially relevant mammals such as cattle, pigs, horses, sheep, goats, cats, and/or dogs) and birds (e.g., commercially relevant birds such as chickens, ducks, geese, and/or turkeys).
- mammals e.g., primates (e.g., cynomolgus monkeys, rhesus monkeys); commercially relevant mammals such as cattle, pigs, horses, sheep
- the animal may be a male or female and at any stage of development (e.g., a male or female of any age group, e.g., a pediatric subject (e.g., infant, child, adolescent) or adult subject (e.g., young adult, middle-aged adult, or senior adult).
- a non–human animal may be a transgenic animal.
- Treatment includes (1) inhibiting a disease in a subject or patient experiencing or displaying the pathology or symptomatology of the disease (e.g., arresting further development of the pathology and/or symptomatology), (2) ameliorating a disease in a subject or patient that is experiencing or displaying the pathology or symptomatology of the disease (e.g., reversing the pathology and/or symptomatology), and/or (3) effecting any measurable decrease in a disease or symptom thereof in a subject or patient that is experiencing or displaying the pathology or symptomatology of the disease.
- “treatment,” “treat,” and “treating” require that signs or symptoms of the disease or condition have developed or have been observed.
- treatment may be administered in the absence of signs or symptoms of the disease or condition, e.g., in preventive treatment.
- treatment may be administered to a susceptible individual prior to the onset of symptoms (e.g., in light of a history of symptoms and/or in light of genetic or other susceptibility factors).
- Treatment may also be continued after symptoms have resolved, for example, to delay or prevent recurrence.
- Treatment may also be continued after symptoms have resolved, for example, to delay or prevent recurrence.
- the above definitions supersede any conflicting definition in any reference that is incorporated by reference herein. The fact that certain terms are defined, however, should not be considered as indicative that any term that is undefined is indefinite.
- the symbol “ ” represents an optional bond, which if present is either single or double.
- the symbol “ ” represents a single bond or a double bond.
- the formula covers, for example, , , , and . And it is understood that no one such ring atom forms part of more than one double bond.
- the covalent bond symbol “-”, when connecting one or two stereogenic atoms does not indicate any preferred stereochemistry. Instead, it covers all stereoisomers as well as mixtures thereof.
- the symbol “ ” means a single bond where the group attached to the thick end of the wedge is “out of the page.”
- the symbol “ ” means a single bond where the group attached to the thick end of the wedge is “into the page”.
- the symbol “ ” means a single bond where the geometry around a double bond (e.g., either E or Z) is undefined. Both options, as well as combinations thereof are therefore intended.
- any undefined valency on an atom of a structure shown in this application implicitly represents a hydrogen atom bonded to that atom.
- a bold dot on a carbon atom indicates that the hydrogen attached to that carbon is oriented out of the plane of the paper.
- the variable may replace any hydrogen atom attached to any of the ring atoms, including a depicted, implied, or expressly defined hydrogen, so long as a stable structure is formed.
- variable When a variable is depicted as a “floating group” on a fused ring system, as for example the group “R” in the formula: , then the variable may replace any hydrogen attached to any of the ring atoms of either of the fused rings unless specified otherwise.
- Replaceable hydrogens include depicted hydrogens (e.g., the hydrogen attached to the nitrogen in the formula above), implied hydrogens (e.g., a hydrogen of the formula above that is not shown but understood to be present), expressly defined hydrogens, and optional hydrogens whose presence depends on the identity of a ring atom (e.g., a hydrogen attached to group X, when X equals -CH-), so long as a stable structure is formed.
- R may reside on either the 5-membered or the 6- membered ring of the fused ring system.
- the subscript letter “y” immediately following the R enclosed in parentheses represents a numeric variable. Unless specified otherwise, this variable can be 0, 1, 2, or any integer greater than 2, only limited by the maximum number of replaceable hydrogen atoms of the ring or ring system.
- Cdn defines the maximum number (n) of carbon atoms that can be in the group/class, with the minimum number as small as possible for the group/class in question.
- the minimum number of carbon atoms in the groups “alkyl(C ⁇ 8)”, “alkanediyl(C ⁇ 8)”, “heteroaryl(C ⁇ 8)”, and “acyl(C ⁇ 8)” is one
- the minimum number of carbon atoms in the groups “alkenyl(Cd8)”, “alkynyl(Cd8)”, and “heterocycloalkyl(Cd8)” is two
- the minimum number of carbon atoms in the group “cycloalkyl(C ⁇ 8)” is three
- the minimum number of carbon atoms in the groups “aryl(C ⁇ 8)” and “arenediyl(C ⁇ 8)” is six.
- Cn-n' defines both the minimum (n) and maximum number (n') of carbon atoms in the group.
- alkyl(C2-10) designates those alkyl groups having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms. These carbon number indicators may precede or follow the chemical groups or class it modifies and it may or may not be enclosed in parenthesis, without signifying any change in meaning.
- the terms “C1-4-alkyl”, “C1-4-alkyl”, “alkyl(C1-4)”, and “alkyl(C ⁇ 4)” are all synonymous. Except as noted below, every carbon atom is counted to determine whether the group or compound falls with the specified number of carbon atoms.
- the group dihexylamino is an example of a dialkylamino(C12) group; however, it is not an example of a dialkylamino(C6) group.
- any chemical group or compound class listed in a claim set without a carbon atom limit has a carbon atom limit of less than or equal to twelve.
- saturated when used to modify a compound or chemical group means the compound or chemical group has no carbon-carbon double and no carbon-carbon triple bonds, except as noted below. When the term is used to modify an atom, it means that the atom is not part of any double or triple bond. In the case of substituted versions of saturated groups, one or more carbon oxygen double bond or a carbon nitrogen double bond may be present. And when such a bond is present, then carbon-carbon double bonds that may occur as part of keto-enol tautomerism or imine/enamine tautomerism are not precluded.
- saturated When the term “saturated” is used to modify a solution of a substance, it means that no more of that substance can dissolve in that solution.
- aliphatic signifies that the compound or chemical group so modified is an acyclic or cyclic, but non-aromatic compound or group.
- the carbon atoms can be joined together in straight chains, branched chains, or non-aromatic rings (alicyclic).
- Aliphatic compounds/groups can be saturated, that is joined by single carbon-carbon bonds (alkanes/alkyl), or unsaturated, with one or more carbon-carbon double bonds (alkenes/alkenyl) or with one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds (alkynes/alkynyl).
- aromatic signifies that the compound or chemical group so modified has a planar unsaturated ring of atoms with 4n +2 electrons in a fully conjugated cyclic ⁇ system.
- An aromatic compound or chemical group may be depicted as a single resonance structure; however, depiction of one resonance structure is taken to also refer to any other resonance structure. For example: is also taken to refer to .
- Aromatic compounds may also be depicted using a circle to represent the delocalized nature of the electrons in the fully conjugated cyclic ⁇ system, two non-limiting examples of which are shown below:
- alkyl refers to a monovalent saturated aliphatic group with a carbon atom as the point of attachment, a linear or branched acyclic structure, and no atoms other than carbon and hydrogen.
- the groups -CH 3 (Me), -CH 2 CH 3 (Et), -CH 2 CH 2 CH 3 (n-Pr or propyl), -CH(CH 3 ) 2 (i-Pr, i Pr or isopropyl), -CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 3 (n-Bu), -CH(CH 3 )CH 2 CH 3 (sec-butyl), -CH 2 CH(CH 3 ) 2 (isobutyl), -C(CH 3 ) 3 (tert-butyl, t-butyl, t-Bu or t Bu), and -CH 2 C(CH 3 ) 3 are non-limiting examples of alkyl groups.
- alkanediyl refers to a divalent saturated aliphatic group, with one or two saturated carbon atom(s) as the point(s) of attachment, a linear or branched acyclic structure, no carbon-carbon double or triple bonds, and no atoms other than carbon and hydrogen.
- the groups -CH 2 - (methylene), -CH 2 CH 2 -, -CH 2 C(CH 3 ) 2 CH 2 -, and -CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 - are non-limiting examples of alkanediyl groups.
- An “alkane” refers to the class of compounds having the formula H-R, wherein R is alkyl as this term is defined above. ⁇
- cycloalkyl refers to a monovalent saturated aliphatic group with a carbon atom as the point of attachment, said carbon atom forming part of one or more non-aromatic ring structures, no carbon-carbon double or triple bonds, and no atoms other than carbon and hydrogen. If more than one ring is present, the rings may be fused, bridged, or spirocyclic.
- Non-limiting examples include: -CH(CH2)2 (cyclopropyl), cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, or cyclohexyl (Cy).
- the term does not preclude the presence of one or more alkyl groups (carbon number limitation permitting) attached to a carbon atom of the non- aromatic ring structure.
- cycloalkanediyl refers to a divalent saturated aliphatic group with two carbon atoms as points of attachment, no carbon-carbon double or triple bonds, and no atoms other than carbon and hydrogen. The group is a non-limiting example of cycloalkanediyl group.
- a “cycloalkane” refers to the class of compounds having the formula H-R, wherein R is cycloalkyl as this term is defined above.
- alkenyl refers to a monovalent unsaturated aliphatic group with a carbon atom as the point of attachment, a linear or branched, acyclic structure, at least one nonaromatic carbon-carbon double bond, no carbon-carbon triple bonds, and no atoms other than carbon and hydrogen.
- alkenediyl refers to a divalent unsaturated aliphatic group, with two carbon atoms as points of attachment, a linear or branched acyclic structure, at least one nonaromatic carbon-carbon double bond, no carbon-carbon triple bonds, and no atoms other than carbon and hydrogen.
- alkene and olefin are synonymous and refer to the class of compounds having the formula H-R, wherein R is alkenyl as this term is defined above.
- terminal alkene and “ ⁇ -olefin” are synonymous and refer to an alkene having just one carbon-carbon double bond, wherein that bond is part of a vinyl group at an end of the molecule.
- alkynyl refers to a monovalent unsaturated aliphatic group with a carbon atom as the point of attachment, a linear or branched acyclic structure, at least one carbon- carbon triple bond, and no atoms other than carbon and hydrogen.
- alkynyl does not preclude the presence of one or more non-aromatic carbon-carbon double bonds.
- the groups -C ⁇ CH, -C ⁇ CCH 3 , and -CH 2 C ⁇ CCH 3 are non-limiting examples of alkynyl groups.
- An “alkyne” refers to the class of compounds having the formula H-R, wherein R is alkynyl.
- aryl refers to a monovalent unsaturated aromatic group with an aromatic carbon atom as the point of attachment, said carbon atom forming part of a one or more aromatic ring structures, each with six ring atoms that are all carbon, and wherein the group consists of no atoms other than carbon and hydrogen.
- aryl does not preclude the presence of one or more alkyl groups (carbon number limitation permitting) attached to the first aromatic ring or any additional aromatic ring present.
- aryl groups include phenyl (Ph), methylphenyl, (dimethyl)phenyl, -C 6 H 4 CH 2 CH 3 (ethylphenyl), naphthyl, and a monovalent group derived from biphenyl (e.g., 4-phenylphenyl).
- arenediyl refers to a divalent aromatic group with two aromatic carbon atoms as points of attachment, said carbon atoms forming part of one or more six-membered aromatic ring structures, each with six ring atoms that are all carbon, and wherein the divalent group consists of no atoms other than carbon and hydrogen.
- arenediyl does not preclude the presence of one or more alkyl groups (carbon number limitation permitting) attached to the first aromatic ring or any additional aromatic ring present. If more than one ring is present, the rings may be fused or unfused. Unfused rings are connected with a covalent bond.
- Non-limiting examples of arenediyl groups include: , , , , ,and
- An “arene” refers to the class of compounds having the formula H-R, wherein R is aryl as that term is defined above. Benzene and toluene are non-limiting examples of arenes.
- the term “aralkyl” refers to the monovalent group -alkanediyl-aryl, in which the terms alkanediyl and aryl are each used in a manner consistent with the definitions provided above. Non-limiting examples are: phenylmethyl (benzyl, Bn) and 2-phenyl-ethyl.
- heteroaryl refers to a monovalent aromatic group with an aromatic carbon atom or nitrogen atom as the point of attachment, said carbon atom or nitrogen atom forming part of one or more aromatic ring structures, each with three to eight ring atoms, wherein at least one of the ring atoms of the aromatic ring structure(s) is nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur, and wherein the heteroaryl group consists of no atoms other than carbon, hydrogen, aromatic nitrogen, aromatic oxygen and aromatic sulfur. If more than one ring is present, the rings are fused; however, the term heteroaryl does not preclude the presence of one or more alkyl or aryl groups (carbon number limitation permitting) attached to one or more ring atoms.
- Non- limiting examples of heteroaryl groups include benzoxazolyl, benzimidazolyl, furanyl, imidazolyl (Im), indolyl, indazolyl, isoxazolyl, methylpyridinyl, oxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, phenylpyridinyl, pyridinyl (pyridyl), pyrrolyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, quinolyl, quinazolyl, quinoxalinyl, triazinyl, tetrazolyl, thiazolyl, thienyl, and triazolyl.
- heteroaryl refers to a heteroaryl group with a nitrogen atom as the point of attachment.
- a “heteroarene” refers to the class of compounds having the formula H-R, wherein R is heteroaryl. Pyridine and quinoline are non-limiting examples of heteroarenes.
- heterooaralkyl refers to the monovalent group -alkanediyl-heteroaryl, in which the terms alkanediyl and heteroaryl are each used in a manner consistent with the definitions provided above. Non-limiting examples are: pyridinylmethyl and 2-quinolinyl- ethyl.
- heterocycloalkyl refers to a monovalent non-aromatic group with a carbon atom or nitrogen atom as the point of attachment, said carbon atom or nitrogen atom forming part of one or more non-aromatic ring structures, each with three to eight ring atoms, wherein at least one of the ring atoms of the non-aromatic ring structure(s) is nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur, and wherein the heterocycloalkyl group consists of no atoms other than carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur. If more than one ring is present, the rings may be fused, bridged, or spirocyclic.
- the term does not preclude the presence of one or more alkyl groups (carbon number limitation permitting) attached to one or more ring atoms. Also, the term does not preclude the presence of one or more double bonds in the ring or ring system, provided that the resulting group remains non-aromatic.
- heterocycloalkyl groups include aziridinyl, azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothiofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydropyridinyl, pyranyl, oxiranyl, and oxetanyl.
- N heterocycloalkyl refers to a heterocycloalkyl group with a nitrogen atom as the point of attachment. N pyrrolidinyl is an example of such a group.
- acyl refers to the group -C(O)R, in which R is a hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, or aryl as those terms are defined above.
- the groups, -CHO, -C(O)CH 3 (acetyl, Ac), -C(O)CH 2 CH 3 , -C(O)CH(CH 3 ) 2 , -C(O)CH(CH 2 ) 2 , -C(O)C6H5, and -C(O)C 6 H 4 CH 3 are non-limiting examples of acyl groups.
- a “thioacyl” is defined in an analogous manner, except that the oxygen atom of the group -C(O)R has been replaced with a sulfur atom, -C(S)R.
- aldehyde corresponds to an alkyl group, as defined above, attached to a -CHO group.
- alkoxy refers to the group -OR, in which R is an alkyl, as that term is defined above. Non-limiting examples include: -OCH 3 (methoxy), -OCH 2 CH 3 (ethoxy), -OCH 2 CH 2 CH 3 , -OCH(CH 3 ) 2 (isopropoxy), or -OC(CH 3 ) 3 (tert-butoxy).
- cycloalkoxy refers to groups, defined as -OR, in which R is cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl, and acyl, respectively.
- alkylthio and “acylthio” refers to the group -SR, in which R is an alkyl and acyl, respectively.
- alcohol corresponds to an alkane, as defined above, wherein at least one of the hydrogen atoms has been replaced with a hydroxy group.
- ether corresponds to an alkane, as defined above, wherein at least one of the hydrogen atoms has been replaced with an alkoxy group.
- alkylamino refers to the group -NHR, in which R is an alkyl, as that term is defined above. Non-limiting examples include: -NHCH 3 and -NHCH 2 CH 3 .
- dialkylamino refers to the group -NRR', in which R and R' can be the same or different alkyl groups.
- Non-limiting examples of dialkylamino groups include: -N(CH 3 ) 2 and -N(CH 3 )(CH 2 CH 3 ).
- a non- limiting example of an amido group is -NHC(O)CH 3 .
- one or more hydrogen atom has been replaced, independently at each instance, by -OH, -F, -Cl, -Br, -I, -NH 2 , -NO 2 , -CO 2 H, -CO 2 CH 3 , -CO 2 CH 2 CH 3 , -CN, -SH, -OCH 3 , -OCH 2 CH 3 , -C(O)CH 3 , -NHCH 3 , -NHCH 2 CH 3 , -N(CH 3 ) 2 , -C(O)NH 2 , -C(O)NHCH 3 , -C(O)N(CH 3 ) 2 , -OC(O)CH 3 , -NHC(O)CH 3 , -S(O) 2 OH, or -S(O) 2 NH 2 .
- the following groups are non-limiting examples of substituted alkyl groups: -CH 2 OH, -CH 2 Cl, -CF 3 , -CH 2 CN, -CH 2 C(O)OH, -CH 2 C(O)OCH 3 , -CH 2 C(O)NH 2 , -CH 2 C(O)CH 3 , -CH 2 OCH 3 , -CH 2 OC(O)CH 3 , -CH 2 NH 2 , -CH 2 N(CH 3 ) 2 , and -CH 2 CH 2 Cl.
- haloalkyl is a subset of substituted alkyl, in which the hydrogen atom replacement is limited to halo (i.e.
- -F, -Cl, -Br, or -I such that no other atoms aside from carbon, hydrogen and halogen are present.
- the group, -CH 2 Cl is a non-limiting example of a haloalkyl.
- fluoroalkyl is a subset of substituted alkyl, in which the hydrogen atom replacement is limited to fluoro such that no other atoms aside from carbon, hydrogen and fluorine are present.
- the groups -CH 2 F, -CF 3 , and -CH 2 CF 3 are non-limiting examples of fluoroalkyl groups.
- Non-limiting examples of substituted aralkyls are: (3-chlorophenyl)-methyl, and 2-chloro-2-phenyl-eth-1-yl.
- the groups, -C(O)CH 2 CF 3 , -CO 2 H (carboxyl), -CO 2 CH 3 (methylcarboxyl), -CO 2 CH 2 CH 3 , -C(O)NH 2 (carbamoyl), and -CON(CH 3 ) 2 are non- limiting examples of substituted acyl groups.
- the groups -NHC(O)OCH 3 and -NHC(O)NHCH 3 are non-limiting examples of substituted amido groups.
- An “isomer” of a first compound is a separate compound in which each molecule contains the same constituent atoms as the first compound, but where the configuration of those atoms in three dimensions differs.
- a “stereoisomer” or “optical isomer” is an isomer of a given compound in which the same atoms are bonded to the same other atoms, but where the configuration of those atoms in three dimensions differs.
- “Enantiomers” are stereoisomers of a given compound that are mirror images of each other, like left and right hands.
- “Diastereomers” are stereoisomers of a given compound that are not enantiomers.
- Chiral molecules contain a chiral center, also referred to as a stereocenter or stereogenic center, which is any point, though not necessarily an atom, in a molecule bearing groups such that an interchanging of any two groups leads to a stereoisomer.
- the chiral center is typically a carbon, phosphorus or sulfur atom, though it is also possible for other atoms to be stereocenters in organic and inorganic compounds.
- a molecule can have multiple stereocenters, giving it many stereoisomers.
- n is the number of tetrahedral stereocenters. Molecules with symmetry frequently have fewer than the maximum possible number of stereoisomers.
- a 50:50 mixture of enantiomers is referred to as a racemic mixture.
- a mixture of enantiomers can be enantiomerically enriched so that one enantiomer is present in an amount greater than 50%.
- enantiomers and/or diastereomers can be resolved or separated using techniques known in the art.
- stereocenter or axis of chirality for any stereocenter or axis of chirality for which stereochemistry has not been defined, that stereocenter or axis of chirality can be present in its R form, S form, or as a mixture of the R and S forms, including racemic and non-racemic mixtures.
- the phrase “substantially free from other stereoisomers” means that the composition contains ⁇ 15%, more preferably ⁇ 10%, even more preferably ⁇ 5%, or most preferably ⁇ 1% of another stereoisomer(s).
- the synthetic methods may be further modified and optimized for preparative, pilot- or large-scale production, either batch or continuous, using the principles and techniques of process chemistry as applied by a person skilled in the art. Such principles and techniques are taught, for example, in Anderson, Practical Process Research & Development – A Guide for Organic Chemists (2012), which is incorporated by reference herein. All the compounds of the present invention may in some embodiments be used for the prevention and treatment of one or more diseases or disorders discussed herein or otherwise. In some embodiments, one or more of the compounds characterized or exemplified herein as an intermediate, a metabolite, and/or prodrug, may nevertheless also be useful for the prevention and treatment of one or more diseases or disorders.
- active compounds and “therapeutic compounds” that are contemplated for use as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
- APIs active pharmaceutical ingredients
- FDA Food and Drug Administration
- the compounds of the present invention have the advantage that they may be more efficacious than, be less toxic than, be longer acting than, be more potent than, produce fewer side effects than, be more easily absorbed than, more metabolically stable than, more lipophilic than, more hydrophilic than, and/or have a better pharmacokinetic profile (e.g., higher oral bioavailability and/or lower clearance) than, and/or have other useful pharmacological, physical, or chemical properties over, compounds known in the prior art, whether for use in the indications stated herein or otherwise.
- Chemical formulas used to represent compounds of the present invention will typically only show one of possibly several different tautomers. For example, many types of ketone groups are known to exist in equilibrium with corresponding enol groups.
- atoms making up the compounds of the present invention are intended to include all isotopic forms of such atoms.
- Isotopes include those atoms having the same atomic number but different mass numbers.
- isotopes of hydrogen include tritium and deuterium
- isotopes of carbon include 13 C and 14 C.
- compounds of the present invention function as prodrugs or can be derivatized to function as prodrugs.
- prodrugs are known to enhance numerous desirable qualities of pharmaceuticals (e.g., solubility, bioavailability, manufacturing, etc.), the compounds employed in some methods of the invention may, if desired, be delivered in prodrug form.
- the invention contemplates prodrugs of compounds of the present invention as well as methods of delivering prodrugs.
- Prodrugs of the compounds employed in the invention may be prepared by modifying functional groups present in the compound in such a way that the modifications are cleaved, either in routine manipulation or in vivo, to the parent compound.
- prodrugs include, for example, compounds described herein in which a hydroxy, amino, or carboxy group is bonded to any group that, when the prodrug is administered to a patient, cleaves to form a hydroxy, amino, or carboxylic acid, respectively.
- compounds of the present invention exist in salt or non-salt form.
- the particular anion or cation forming a part of any salt form of a compound provided herein is not critical, so long as the salt, as a whole, is pharmacologically acceptable. Additional examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts and their methods of preparation and use are presented in Handbook of Pharmaceutical Salts: Properties, and Use (2002), which is incorporated herein by reference.
- the stimulus activated molecular machines as described herein may be used to treat a microbial infection (an infection of a microorganism).
- mircoorganisms which may be treated with the compounds herein include bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi.
- Fungal Infections Fungi are plentiful, with about 1.5 million different species on earth. Only about 300 of these are known to cause disease. Fungal diseases are called mycoses and those affecting humans can be divided into four groups based on the level of penetration into the body tissues. Superficial mycoses are caused by fungi that grow on the surface of the skin or hair. Cutaneous mycoses or dermatomycoses include such infections as athlete's foot and ringworm, where growth occurs only in the superficial layers of skin, nails, or hair. Subcutaneous mycoses penetrate below the skin to involve the subcutaneous, connective, and bone tissue.
- Systemic or deep mycoses are able to infect internal organs and become widely disseminated throughout the body. This type is often fatal.
- Some of the more common diseases include Aspergillosis, Blastomycosis, Candidiasis, Coccidioidomycosis, C. neoformans infection, C. gattii infection, fungal eye infection, Histoplasmosis, Mucormycosis, Pneumocystis pneumonia, Ringworm and Sportotrichosis.
- Candidemia infections occur can be predicted at around 300,000 worldwide per year - with a mortality of 30-55%.
- Invasive aspergillosis can occur in different patients groups- so around 10% of new leukaemic cases will go on to develop invasive aspergillosis - so 30,000 per year.
- stem cell transplants - 54,000 are carried out in USA, UK, Europe and Japan annually, of which 5,400 will need treatment for aspergillus infection.
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease -1.2% of these will need antifungals for aspergillosis- 216,000 per year.
- Over 50% of invasive aspergillosis patients will die from their infection - even with treatment.
- AIDS patients 1 million contract cryptococcal meningitis resulting in 600,000 deaths - 70% of which are in sub-saharan Africa.
- Fungi that may be treated in accordance with the present disclosure include, e.g., Candida spp. including C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. kerr, C. krusei and C. galbrata; Aspergillus spp. including A. fumigatus and A. flavus; Cryptococcus neofornans; Blastomyces spp.
- Blastomyces dermatitidis including Blastomyces dermatitidis; Pneumocystis carinii; Coccidioides immitis; Basidiobolus ranarum; Conidiobolus spp.; Histoplasma capsulatum; Rhizopus spp. including R. oryzae and R. microsporus; Cunninghamella spp.; Zygomycetes such as Rhizomucor spp. (R. oryzae, R. microspores); Paracoccidioides brasiliensis; Pseudallescheria boydii; Rhinosporidium seeberi; and Sporothrix schenckii. 2.
- the present disclosure provides stimulus activated molecular machines described herein that may be used to treat a bacterial infection.
- a bacterial infection While humans contain numerous different bacteria on and inside their bodies, an imbalance in bacterial levels or the introduction of pathogenic bacteria can cause a symptomatic bacterial infection.
- Pathogenic bacteria cause a variety of different diseases including but not limited to numerous foodborne illness, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, pneumonia, syphilis, and leprosy.
- different bacteria have a wide range of interactions with the body and those interactions can modulate the ability of the bacteria to cause an infection. For example, bacteria can be conditionally pathogenic such that they only cause an infection under specific conditions.
- Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria exist in the normal human bacterial biome, but these bacteria when they are allowed to colonize other parts of the body causing a skin infection, pneumonia, or sepsis.
- Other bacteria are known as opportunistic pathogens and only cause diseases in a patient with a weakened immune system or another disease or disorder.
- Bacteria can also be intracellular pathogens which can grow and reproduce within the cells of the host organism. Such bacteria can be divided into two major categories as either obligate intracellular parasites or facultative intracellular parasites.
- Obligate intracellular parasites require the host cell in order to reproduce and include such bacteria as but are not limited to Chlamydophila, Rickettsia, and Ehrlichia which are known to cause pneumonia, urinary tract infections, typhus, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Facultative intracellular parasites can reproduce either intracellular or extracellular. Some non-limiting examples of facultative intracellular parasites include Salmonella, Listeria, Legionella, Mycobacterium, and Brucella which are known to cause food poisoning, typhoid fever, sepsis, meningitis, Legionnaire’s disease, tuberculosis, leprosy, and brucellosis.
- the stimulus activated molecular machines described herein may be used in the treatment of bacterial infections, including those caused by Staphyloccoccus aureus.
- S. aureus is a major human pathogen, causing a wide variety of illnesses ranging from mild skin and soft tissue infections and food poisoning to life-threatening illnesses such as deep post- surgical infections, septicaemia, endocarditis, necrotizing pneumonia, and toxic shock syndrome.
- These organisms have a remarkable ability to accumulate additional antibiotic resistance determinants, resulting in the formation of multiply-drug-resistant strains.
- Methicillin being the first semi-synthetic penicillin to be developed, was introduced in 1959 to overcome the problem of penicillin-resistant S.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a gram- positive, alpha-hemolytic, bile soluble aerotolerant anaerobe and a member of the genus Streptococcus. A significant human pathogenic bacterium, S.
- pneumoniae was recognized as a major cause of pneumonia in the late 19th century and is the subject of many humoral immunity studies. Despite the name, the organism causes many types of pneumococcal infection other than pneumonia, including acute sinusitis, otitis media, meningitis, bacteremia, sepsis, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, endocarditis, peritonitis, pericarditis, cellulitis, and brain abscess.
- S. pneumoniae is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in adults and children, and is one of the top two isolates found in ear infection, otitis media.
- Pneumococcal pneumonia is more common in the very young and the very old. S. pneumoniae can be differentiated from S.
- S. pneumoniae can also be distinguished based on its sensitivity to lysis by bile.
- the encapsulated, gram-positive coccoid bacteria have a distinctive morphology on gram stain, the so-called, “lancet shape.” It has a polysaccharide capsule that acts as a virulence factor for the organism; more than 90 different serotypes are known, and these types differ in virulence, prevalence, and extent of drug resistance.
- pneumoniae is part of the normal upper respiratory tract flora but as with many natural flora, it can become pathogenic under the right conditions (e.g., if the immune system of the host is suppressed). Invasins such as Pneumolysin, an anti-phagocytic capsule, various adhesins and immunogenic cell wall components are all major virulence factors.
- bacterial infections could be targeted to a specific location in or on the body. For example, bacteria could be harmless if only exposed to the specific organs, but when it comes in contact with a specific organ or tissue, the bacteria can begin replicating and cause a bacterial infection.
- the stimulus activated molecular machines described herein may be used to treat a bacterial infection by a gram-positive bacteria.
- Gram- positive bacteria contain a thick peptidoglycan layer within the cell wall which prevents the bacteria from releasing the stain when dyed with crystal violet. Without being bound by theory, the gram-positive bacteria are often more susceptible to antibiotics.
- gram- positive bacteria in addition to the thick peptidoglycan layer, also comprise a lipid monolayer and contain teichoic acids which react with lipids to form lipoteichoic acids that can act as a chelating agent.
- the peptidoglycan layer is outer surface of the bacteria.
- Many gram-positive bacteria have been known to cause disease including, but are not limited to, Streptococcus, Straphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Enterococcus, Listeria, Bacillus, Clostridium, Rathybacter, Leifsonia, and Clavibacter.
- Gram-Negative Bacteria the stimulus activated molecular machines described herein may be used to treat a bacterial infection by a gram-negative bacteria. Gram-negative bacteria do not retain the crystal violet stain after washing with alcohol.
- Gram-negative bacteria on the other hand, have a thin peptidoglycan layer with an outer membrane of lipopolysaccharides and phospholipids as well as a space between the peptidoglycan and the outer cell membrane called the periplasmic space.
- Gram-negative bacterial generally do not have teichoic acids or lipoteichoic acids in their outer coating.
- gram-negative bacteria also release some endotoxin and contain prions which act as molecular transport units for specific compounds. Most bacteria are gram-negative.
- Gram-negative bacteria include Bordetella, Borrelia, Burcelia, Campylobacteria, Escherichia, Francisella, Haemophilus, Helicobacter, Legionella, Leptospira, Neisseria, Pseudomonas, Rickettsia, Salmonella, Shigella, Treponema, Vibrio, and Yersinia.
- Gram-Indeterminate Bacteria the stimulus activated molecular machines described herein may be used to treat a bacterial infection by a gram-indeterminate bacteria. Gram-indeterminate bacteria do not full stain or partially stain when exposed to crystal violet.
- a gram-indeterminate bacteria may exhibit some of the properties of the gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
- a non-limiting example of a gram-indeterminate bacteria include Mycobacterium tuberculosis or Mycobacterium leprae.
- E. Cancer and Hyperproliferative Diseases While hyperproliferative diseases can be associated with any disease which causes a cell to begin to reproduce uncontrollably, the prototypical example is cancer.
- the prototypical example is cancer.
- the cell’s normal apoptotic cycle is interrupted and thus agents that interrupt the growth of the cells are important as therapeutic agents for treating these diseases.
- the cell membrane that may be disrupted is a human cell, such as a cancer cell.
- the compounds of the disclosure may disrupt a human cell, such as an adipose cell.
- the methods described in the present disclosure contemplate the disruption of either or both a healthy cell or a cancerous cell.
- the cell membrane disrupting compounds described herein may be used to lead to decreased cell counts and as such can potentially be used to treat a variety of types of cancer lines.
- the cell membrane disrupting compounds described herein are contemplated to open the cell membrane.
- the cell membrane disrupting compounds described herein thus allow at least a second therapeutic agent to enter the cell.
- it is anticipated that the cell membrane disrupting compounds described herein may be used to treat virtually any malignancy.
- Cancer cells that may be treated with the compounds of the present disclosure include but are not limited to cells from the skin, bladder, blood, bone, bone marrow, brain, breast, colon, esophagus, gastrointestine, gum, head, kidney, liver, lung, nasopharynx, neck, ovary, prostate, skin, stomach, pancreas, testis, tongue, cervix, or uterus.
- the cancer may specifically be of the following histological type, though it is not limited to these: neoplasm, malignant; carcinoma; carcinoma, undifferentiated; giant and spindle cell carcinoma; small cell carcinoma; papillary carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma; lymphoepithelial carcinoma; basal cell carcinoma; pilomatrix carcinoma; transitional cell carcinoma; papillary transitional cell carcinoma; adenocarcinoma; gastrinoma, malignant; cholangiocarcinoma; hepatocellular carcinoma; combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma; trabecular adenocarcinoma; adenoid cystic carcinoma; adenocarcinoma in adenomatous polyp; adenocarcinoma, familial polyposis coli; solid carcinoma; carcinoid tumor, malignant; branchiolo-alveolar adenocarcinoma; papillary adenocarcinoma; chromophobe carcinoma; acid
- the tumor may comprise an osteosarcoma, angiosarcoma, rhabdosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, or leukemia.
- F. Molecular Machines An important aspect of biomedical therapy is the effective delivery of various molecules such as drugs and genetic information into cells. In order to be effective, such delivery methods must facilitate the passage of the molecules across the lipid bilayer of cell membranes. Thus, several physical techniques have been used to open lipid bilayers of cellular membranes. Such techniques use physical energies such as electric fields, magnetic fields, temperature, ultrasound, and light.
- the methods of the present disclosure involve the use of stimuli-responsive molecular machines.
- the molecular machines used in the methods disclosed herein are examples of compounds that, in response to a stimulus, undergo a sequential conformational change, which generates a drill-like motion that can propel the molecule through lipid bilayers(Garc ⁇ a-López et al., 2017; Feringa, 2007, Klok, 2008).
- the molecular machine rotates unidirectionally.
- the molecular machine rotates bidirectionally.
- the rotational component of the molecular machine rotates at a speed greater than 1 Hz.
- the rotational component of the molecular machine rotates at a speed greater than 10 Hz. In some embodiments, the rotational component of the molecular machine rotates at a speed greater than 10 3 Hz. In some embodiments, the rotational component of the molecular machine rotates at a speed of about 10 4 Hz, 10 5 Hz, 10 6 Hz, 10 7 Hz, 10 8 Hz, 10 9 Hz, or 10 10 Hz, or any range derivable therein. In some embodiments, the rotational component of the molecular machine rotates at a speed of about 10 5 Hz, 10 6 Hz, 10 7 Hz, 10 8 Hz, or any range derivable therein.
- the rotational component of the molecular machine rotates at a speed of about 10 5 Hz. In some embodiments, the rotational component of the molecular machine rotates at a speed of about 10 6 Hz. In some embodiments, the rotational component of the molecular machine rotates at a speed of about 10 8 Hz.
- molecular machines (MMs) of the present disclosure consist of a stator and a stimulus-activated rotor (FIG. 1A).
- the molecular machine comprises a rotor that is connected to a stator by an alkenyl group. In other embodiments, the molecular machine comprises a rotor connected to a stator by an alkynyl group.
- the molecular machine comprises a rotor connected to a stator by an atropisomeric alkene.
- the moving components (that is, the rotor) of the present disclosure can include one or more conjugated systems.
- the rotor comprises a plurality of rings.
- the rotor comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 aliphatic or aromatic rings.
- the rotor comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 aliphatic or aromatic rings.
- the rotor comprises 1, 2, or 3 aliphatic or aromatic rings.
- the rotor comprises at least one ring that is aromatic.
- the rotor comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 aromatic rings. In some embodiments, the rotor comprises 1 aromatic ring. In some embodiments, the rotor comprises 2 aromatic rings. In some embodiments, the rotor comprises 3 aromatic rings. In some embodiments, the rotor comprises at least one aliphatic ring. In some embodiments, the rotor comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 aliphatic rings. In some embodiments, the rotor comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 aliphatic rings. In some embodiments, the rotor comprises 1 aliphatic ring. In some embodiments, the rotor comprises 2 aliphatic rings. In some embodiments, the rotor comprises 3 aliphatic rings.
- the rotor comprises both aromatic and aliphatic rings. In some embodiments, the rotor comprises any combination of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 aromatic rings and 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 aliphatic rings. In some embodiments, the rotor comprises any combination of 1, 2, or 3 aromatic rings and 1, 2, or 3 aliphatic rings. In some embodiments, the rotor comprises 1, 2, or 3 aromatic rings and 1 or 2 aliphatic rings. In some embodiments, the stimulus that generates the drill-like motion is electromagnetic radiation.
- the electromagnetic radiation that stimulates the presently disclosed molecular machines or is used in the presently disclosed methods to stimulate molecular machines comprises gamma rays, X-rays, UV light, visible light, near infrared light, infrared light, microwaves, or radio waves, or any combination thereof.
- the electromagnetic radiation comprises UV light, visible light, or near infrared light, or a combination thereof.
- the electromagnetic radiation comprises visible light.
- the electromagnetic radiation that stimulates the presently disclosed molecular machines or is used in the presently disclosed methods to stimulate molecular machines has a wavelength of between about 10 -9 nm to about 100 km.
- the electromagnetic radiation used in the presently disclosed methods has a wavelength of between 100 nm and 5000 nm.
- the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation used in the presently disclosed methods is about 100 nm, about 200 nm, about 300 nm, about 400 nm, about 500 nm, about 600 nm, about 700 nm, about 800 nm, 900 nm, about 1000 nm, about 1100 nm, about 1200 nm, about 1300 nm, about 1400 nm, about 1500 nm, about 1600 nm, about 1700 nm, about 1900 nm, about 2000 nm, about 2100 nm, about 2200 nm, about 2300 nm, about 2400 nm, about 2500 nm, or any range derivable therein.
- the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation used in the presently disclosed methods is about 100 nm, about 200 nm, about 300 nm, about 400 nm, about 500 nm, about 600 nm, about 700 nm, about 800 nm, 900 nm, about 1000 nm, about 1100 nm, about 1200 nm, about 1300 nm, about 1400 nm, about 1500 nm, about 1600 nm, about 1700 nm, about 1900 nm, about 2000 nm, or any range derivable therein.
- the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation used in the presently disclosed methods is about 300 nm, about 400 nm, about 500 nm, about 600 nm, about 700 nm, about 800 nm, or any range derivable therein. In some embodiments, the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation used in the presently disclosed methods is about about 300 nm, about 400 nm, or about 500 nm. In some embodiments, the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation used in the presently disclosed methods is about about 400 nm. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation is delivered by a laser. In some embodiments, the activation of the stimulus activated molecular machinesm according to the presently disclosed methods occurs for a defined or controlled time period.
- the controlled time period is less than about 10 seconds, such as less than 9 seconds, less than 8 seconds, less than 7 seconds, less than 6 seconds, less than 5 seconds, less than 4 seconds, less than 3 seconds, less than 2 seconds, less than 1 second, or any range derivable therein. In some embodiments, the controlled time period is less than 5 seconds, less than 4 seconds, less than 3 seconds, less than 2 seconds, or less than 1 second. In some embodiments, the molecular machine is activated for less than 5 seconds. In some embodiments, the molecular machine is activated for less than 2 seconds.
- the molecular machine is activated for about 500 milliseconds, about 400 milliseconds, about milliseconds, about 200 milliseconds, about 100 millseconds, or any range derivable therein. In some embodiments, the molecular machines are activated for between about 200 milliseconds and about 300 milliseconds. In some embodiments, the molecular machines are activated for between about 250 milliseconds.
- the stimulus-responsive molecular machines disclosed herein and the presently disclosed methods of use thereof are particularly valuable due to the mechanical mechanism of action.
- the stimuli that can activate MMs light is particularly appealing due to its non-chemical, non-invasive nature, and ease of control. More specifically, activation by light facilitates precise localization and temporal control of therapeutic action.
- H. Pharmaceutical Formulations and Routes of and Administration The present disclosure features methods comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine.
- the stimulus activated molecular machine is administered in an effective amount.
- the effective amount is a therapeutically effective amount.
- the methods comprise contacting a microorganism, a biofilm, or a cell with a stimulus activated molecular machine. In some embodiments, the methods comprise contacting a microorganism or a cell with an amount of stimulus activated molecular machine that is sufficient to effect a desired change. In some embodiments, the methods comprise inhibiting the growth of a microorganism or cell. In some embodiments, the methods comprise killing a microorganism or cell. In some embodiments, the methods comprise inducing necrosis in a microorganism or cell. In some embodiments, the methods comprise causing oxidative stress or inhibiting mitochondrial function in a cell. In some embodiments, the methods comprise overcoming drug resistance in a microorganism or cell.
- the methods comprise contacting a biofilm with an amount of stimulus activated molecular machine that is sufficient to effect a desired change. In some embodiments, the methods comprise contacting the biofilm with an amount of stimulus activated molecular machine that is sufficient to inhibit the formation of a biofilm or to eliminate a biofilm.
- pharmaceutical formulations also referred to as a pharmaceutical preparations, pharmaceutical compositions, pharmaceutical products, medicinal products, medicines, medications, or medicaments
- the stimulus activated molecular machines disclosed herein are formulated in a manner amenable for the treatment of human and/or veterinary patients.
- formulation comprises admixing or combining one or more of the compounds disclosed herein with one or more of the following excipients: lactose, sucrose, starch powder, cellulose esters of alkanoic acids, cellulose alkyl esters, talc, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, magnesium oxide, sodium and calcium salts of phosphoric and sulfuric acids, gelatin, acacia, sodium alginate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and/or polyvinyl alcohol.
- the pharmaceutical formulation may be tableted or encapsulated.
- the stimulus activated molecular machines may be dissolved or slurried in water, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, ethanol, corn oil, cottonseed oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, benzyl alcohol, sodium chloride, and/or various buffers.
- the pharmaceutical formulations may be subjected to pharmaceutical operations, such as sterilization, and/or may contain drug carriers and/or excipients such as preservatives, stabilizers, wetting agents, emulsifiers, encapsulating agents such as lipids, dendrimers, polymers, proteins such as albumin, nucleic acids, and buffers.
- Pharmaceutical formulations may be administered by a variety of methods, e.g., orally or by injection (e.g. subcutaneous, intravenous, and intraperitoneal).
- the stimulus activated molecular machines disclosed herein may be coated in a material to protect the compound from the action of acids and other natural conditions which may inactivate the compound.
- the active compound may be administered to a patient in an appropriate carrier, for example, liposomes, or a diluent.
- Pharmaceutically acceptable diluents include saline and aqueous buffer solutions.
- Liposomes include water-in- oil-in-water CGF emulsions as well as conventional liposomes.
- the stimulus activated molecular machines disclosed herein may also be administered parenterally, intraperitoneally, intraspinally, or intracerebrally.
- Dispersions can be prepared in glycerol, liquid polyethylene glycols, and mixtures thereof and in oils. Under ordinary conditions of storage and use, these preparations may contain a preservative to prevent the growth of microorganisms.
- Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for injectable use include sterile aqueous solutions (where water soluble) or dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable solutions or dispersion.
- the carrier can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, ethanol, polyol (such as, glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like), suitable mixtures thereof, and vegetable oils.
- the proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants.
- a coating such as lecithin
- surfactants for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, ascorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like.
- isotonic agents for example, sugars, sodium chloride, or polyalcohols such as mannitol and sorbitol, in the composition.
- Prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions can be brought about by including in the composition an agent which delays absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate or gelatin.
- the stimulus activated molecular machines or pharmaceutical formulations or compositions thereof disclosed herein can be administered orally, for example, with an inert diluent or an assimilable edible carrier.
- the stimulus activated molecular machines and other ingredients may also be enclosed in a hard or soft-shell gelatin capsule, compressed into tablets, or incorporated directly into the patient’s diet.
- the stimulus activated molecular machines disclosed herein may be incorporated with excipients and used in the form of ingestible tablets, buccal tablets, troches, capsules, elixirs, suspensions, syrups, wafers, and the like.
- the percentage of the stimulus activated molecular machines in the compositions and preparations may, of course, be varied.
- the amount of the stimulus activated molecular machines in such pharmaceutical formulations is such that a suitable dosage will be obtained.
- the stimulus activated molecular machines or pharmaceutical formulations or compositions thereof may also be administered topically to the skin, eye, ear, or mucosal membranes.
- Administration of the stimulus activated molecular machines topically may include formulations of the compounds as a topical solution, lotion, cream, ointment, gel, foam, transdermal patch, or tincture.
- the stimulus activated molecular machine may be combined with one or more agents that increase the permeability of the compound through the tissue to which it is administered.
- the topical administration is administered to the eye. Such administration may be applied to the surface of the cornea, conjunctiva, or sclera. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that administration to the surface of the eye allows the stimulus activated molecular machines to reach the posterior portion of the eye.
- Ophthalmic topical administration can be formulated as a solution, suspension, ointment, gel, or emulsion.
- topical administration may also include administration to the mucosa membranes such as the inside of the mouth. Such administration can be directly to a particular location within the mucosal membrane such as a tooth, a sore, or an ulcer.
- the stimulus activated molecular machines may be administered by inhalation in a dry-powder or aerosol formulation.
- Dosage unit form as used herein refers to physically discrete units suited as unitary dosages for the patients to be treated; each unit containing a predetermined quantity of stimulus activated molecular machines calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect in association with the required pharmaceutical carrier.
- the specification for the dosage unit forms of the invention are dictated by and directly dependent on (a) the unique characteristics of the stimulus activated molecular machines and the particular therapeutic effect to be achieved, and (b) the limitations inherent in the art of compounding such a stimulus activated molecular machine for the treatment of a selected condition in a patient.
- compounds of the present disclosure are administered at a therapeutically effective dosage sufficient to treat a condition associated with a condition in a patient.
- the efficacy of a stimulus activated molecular machine can be evaluated in an animal model system that may be predictive of efficacy in treating the disease in a human or another animal.
- the effective dose range for the stimulus activated molecular machines disclosed herein can be extrapolated from effective doses determined in animal studies for a variety of different animals.
- Km for an average 60 kg human is 37, whereas a 20 kg child (BSA 0.8 m2) would have a Km of 25.
- Km for some relevant animal models are also well known, including: mice Km of 3 (given a weight of 0.02 kg and BSA of 0.007); hamster Km of 5 (given a weight of 0.08 kg and BSA of 0.02); rat Km of 6 (given a weight of 0.15 kg and BSA of 0.025) and monkey Km of 12 (given a weight of 3 kg and BSA of 0.24).
- mice Km of 3 given a weight of 0.02 kg and BSA of 0.007
- hamster Km of 5 given a weight of 0.08 kg and BSA of 0.02
- rat Km of 6 given a weight of 0.15 kg and BSA of 0.025
- monkey Km of 12 given a weight of 3 kg and BSA of 0.24.
- Precise amounts of the therapeutic composition depend on the judgment of the
- a calculated HED dose provides a general guide.
- Other factors affecting the dose include the physical and clinical state of the patient, the route of administration, the intended goal of treatment and the potency, stability and toxicity of the particular therapeutic formulation.
- the actual dosage amount of a stimulus activated molecular machine of the present disclosure or composition comprising a stimulus activated molecular machine of the present disclosure administered to a patient may be determined by physical and physiological factors such as type of animal treated, age, sex, body weight, severity of condition, the type of disease being treated, previous or concurrent therapeutic interventions, idiopathy of the patient and on the route of administration. These factors may be determined by a skilled artisan.
- the practitioner responsible for administration will typically determine the concentration of active ingredient(s) in a composition and appropriate dose(s) for the individual patient.
- the dosage may be adjusted by the individual physician in the event of any complication.
- the therapeutically effective amount of stimulus activated molecular machine typically will vary from about 0.001 mg/kg to about 1000 mg/kg, from about 0.01 mg/kg to about 750 mg/kg, from about 100 mg/kg to about 500 mg/kg, from about 1 mg/kg to about 250 mg/kg, from about 10 mg/kg to about 150 mg/kg in one or more dose administrations daily, for one or several days (depending of course of the mode of administration and the factors discussed above).
- suitable dose ranges include 1 mg to 10,000 mg per day, 100 mg to 10,000 mg per day, 500 mg to 10,000 mg per day, and 500 mg to 1,000 mg per day. In some embodiments, the amount is less than 10,000 mg per day with a range of 750 mg to 9,000 mg per day. In some embodiments, the amount of the stimulus activated molecular machine in the pharmaceutical formulation is from about 0.1% and 100% (w/w). In some embodiments, the amount of active compound is from about 2 to about 75 weight percent. In further embodiments, the amount if from about 25 to about 60 weight percent. Single or multiple doses of the agents are contemplated. Desired time intervals for delivery of multiple doses can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art employing no more than routine experimentation.
- a routine schedule refers to a predetermined designated period of time.
- the routine schedule may encompass periods of time which are identical, or which differ in length, as long as the schedule is predetermined.
- the routine schedule may involve administration twice a day, every day, every two days, every three days, every four days, every five days, every six days, a weekly basis, a monthly basis or any set number of days or weeks there- between.
- the predetermined routine schedule may involve administration on a twice daily basis for the first week, followed by a daily basis for several months, etc.
- the invention provides that the agent(s) may be taken orally and that the timing of which is or is not dependent upon food intake.
- the agent can be taken every morning and/or every evening, regardless of when the patient has eaten or will eat.
- Combination Therapy In many clinical situations, it is advisable to use a combination of distinct therapies. Thus, it is envisioned that, in addition to the therapies described above, one would also wish to provide to the patient more “traditional” pharmaceutical anti-fungal therapies. Examples of standard therapies are described above. Combinations may be achieved by administering a single composition or pharmacological formulation that includes both agents, or with two distinct compositions or formulations, at the same time, wherein one composition includes the agents of the present disclosure and the other includes the standard therapy.
- standard therapy may precede or follow the present agent treatment by intervals ranging from minutes to weeks to months.
- the treatments are applied separately, one would generally ensure that a significant period of time did not expire between the time of each delivery, such that the agents would still be able to exert an advantageously combined effect on the subject.
- the presently disclosed methods comprise administration of an additional pharmaceutical agent.
- the additional pharmaceutical agent is an anti-fungal agent, e.g., one or more of an agent that selectively reduces or eliminates fungal pathogens from a patient or host with minimized toxicity to the host.
- the additional anti-fungal agent is a polyene antifungal drug (e.g., interacts with sterols in the cell membrane to form channels through which small molecules leak from the inside of the fungal cell to the outside).
- the additional anti-fungal agent is Amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, or voriconazole.
- the additional anti-fungal agent is an azole, an allylamine or a morpholine, or an antimetabolite.
- the additional anti- fungal agent is echinocandins or flucytosine. It is contemplated that other anti-fungal compounds may be used in combination with the present compounds.
- the additional pharmaceutical agent is an antibiotic.
- the presently disclosed methods comprise administration of a second therapeutic agent.
- the second therapeutic agent is a second chemotherapeutic agent, surgery, photodynamic therapy, sonodynamic therapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy.
- kits may include, for example, one or more components, such as dispensing apparatus, an instruction sheet, and other elements useful to practice the technology described herein. These physical elements can be arranged in any way suitable for carrying out the disclosure.
- the components of the kits may be packaged either.
- the container means of the kits will generally include at least one vial, test tube, flask, bottle, syringe or other container means, into which a component may be placed, and preferably, suitably aliquoted (e.g., aliquoted into the wells of a microtiter plate). Where there is more than one component in the kit, the kit also will generally contain a second, third or other additional container into which the additional components may be separately placed.
- kits of the present disclosure also will typically include a means for containing the stimulus activated molecular motor and any other reagent containers or instruments in close confinement for commercial sale. Such containers may include injection or blow molded plastic containers into which the desired vials are retained.
- a kit will also include instructions for employing the kit components as well the use of any other reagent not included in the kit. Instructions may include variations that can be implemented. It is contemplated that such reagents are embodiments of kits of the disclosure. Such kits, however, are not limited to the particular items identified above. J. Examples The following examples are included to demonstrate preferred embodiments.
- MMs Molecular machines
- FIG.1A Molecular machines
- These stimuli-responsive systems are particularly promising because they enable attack using a mechanical mechanism at the molecular scale.
- MMs can be spatially and temporally activated by light, allowing precise localization and temporal control of, for example, antimicrobial action.
- the presently disclosed methods may facilitate a reduction in the the selective pressure created by high antimicrobial doses due to the mechanical mechanism of action of the MMs described herein, which in turn may retard or mitigate the emergence of therapeutic resistance.
- the details that follow describe the use of stimulus activated molecular machines to rapidly kill planktonic and biofilm fungi without resistance development via a new mechanism of action in which molecular machines bind fungal mitochondrial phospholipids, eliciting mitochondrial dysfunction, calcium overload, and necrosis following light activation. At sublethal concentrations, stimulus activated molecular machines also potentiated the effects of conventional antifungals, at least in part by impairing efflux pump function.
- MMs kill planktonic and biofilm fungi without resistance development
- Table 1 Surpris et al., 2022
- a slow motor control (10 ⁇ 6 Hz) were examined for antifungal activity against a strain of the human pathogen Candida albicans isolated from a skin lesion (ATCC 18804). Since substituted piperazines are known improve molecule lipophilicity to increase antimicrobial activity (Ozdemir et al., 2018), a piperazine-modified molecular machine (MM 7) was also investigated.
- C. albicans cell suspensions were incubated with increasing concentrations of MMs and irradiated with 405-nm light at 292 mW cm -2 for 5 min (87.6 J cm -2 ).
- the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was defined as the MM concentration resulting in no visible fungal growth after irradiation with 87.6 J cm -2 of 405-nm light.
- the MICs of the different MMs for C. albicans varied from 1.25–80 ⁇ M (FIG. 1B).
- the inhibitory effects of the most potent MMs were further investigated in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the molds Aspergillus fumigatus, Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton rubrum.
- S. cerevisiae showed a susceptibility profile similar to that of C. albicans, with MIC values of 1.25–5 ⁇ M.
- A. fumigatus had the highest mean MIC values (5–10 ⁇ M), whereas M. gypseum and T.
- the antifungal potential of the four most potent MMs was further investigated in time-kill experiments by treating fungal strains with MMs (2 ⁇ MIC) or 1% DMSO, followed by irradiation with 405-nm light at 292 mW cm -2 for up to 10 min.
- Amphotericin B (AMB, 4 ⁇ MIC, Table 2) was used as a control antifungal.
- visible-light-activated MMs Compared with DMSO controls, visible-light-activated MMs reduced biofilm viability by up to 96% (MM 1, p ⁇ 0.0001), whereas AMB reduced biofilm viability by only 20% (p ⁇ 0.01) (FIG. 1G).
- visible-light- activated MMs reduced biofilm biomass by up to 35% (MM 5, p ⁇ 0.05), whereas AMB treatment achieved only a non-significant 6% reduction (FIG.1H). Resistance development to visible-light activated MMs was assessed by serial passage experiments. C. albicans cells surviving 0.5 ⁇ MIC of MM plus light (405 nm at 87.6 J cm -2 ) were subjected to 20 cycles of repeated MM treatment.
- MM treatment also decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (FIG. 7H), as measured by the shift in 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolocarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) fluorescence, in a concentration-dependent manner, with up to 75% of cells depolarized after MM treatment (FIG.7I, p ⁇ 0.05).
- FIG. 14A shows up to 4-fold (p ⁇ 0.05) (FIG. 14B).
- Mitochondrial calcium levels detected using the fluorescent probe Rhod-2 AM showed an even greater increase (up to 12-fold, p ⁇ 0.05) in MM-treated cells (FIG. 14C), which was also evident by live-cell calcium imaging using confocal microscopy (FIG. 14D, FIG. 14E).
- Mitigation of MM-induced cell death (FIG. 14F) and the MM-induced increases in cytosolic (FIG. 14G) and mitochondrial calcium (FIG. 14H) by the calcium chelator BAPTA-AM confirmed the importance of calcium homeostasis in the antifungal mechanism of action of MMs.
- MM-treated cells showed increased MitoTracker TM Green fluorescence (FIG. 15A), particularly at 2 ⁇ MIC (FIG. 15B, p ⁇ 0.05), denoting increased mitochondrial mass/volume. This finding maybe due, without being bound by theory, to water influx into mitochondria following calcium overload, consistent with the substantial increase in mitochondrial size in MM-treated cells compared with DMSO controls detected by TEM (FIG. 4I). Additionally, significant reductions in mitochondrial cytochrome c levels (p ⁇ 0.05) were observed in cells treated with 2 ⁇ MIC of MMs 1, 5, and 6 (FIG. 15C), suggesting, without being bound by theory, mitochondrial outer membrane rupture and intramitochondrial content leakage.
- MMs potentiate the activity of conventional antifungals
- a modified checkerboard assay was used to study the interaction of visible-light- activated MMs with conventional antifungals in C. albicans. Cells were treated with increasing concentrations of MMs (up to 1 ⁇ MIC), irradiated with 405-nm light (87.6 J cm -2 ), and then challenged with increasing concentrations of different antifungals (up to 1 ⁇ MIC, Table 2).
- MM 1 synergized with all antifungals tested (FIG. 16A), with FICIs ranging from 0.093 (MM 1–ciclopirox) to 0.500 (MM 1–fluconazole and MM 1– voriconazole).
- Rhodamine 6G efflux was used to assess whether the potentiation of conventional antifungals by MMs was due to impaired activity of energy-dependent efflux pumps.
- DMSO controls effluxed 75–85% of the accumulated rhodamine 6G, whereas MM-treated cells effluxed only 31–68% (FIG. 16B), denoting the interference of MMs with the activity of efflux pumps.
- MMs potentiate conventional antifungals in vivo and ex vivo
- the toxicity of visible-light-activated MMs to mammalian cells was investigated in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293T) treated with increasing MM concentrations and 87.6 J cm -2 of 405-nm light. Vehicle-treated controls exposed to this light dose showed only a non-significant reduction in cell viability (FIG. 17).
- MM concentration that reduced viability by 50% (IC50), calculated from dose-response curves (FIG. 16C), ranged from 1.61– 6.02 ⁇ M (FIG. 16D).
- IC50 and MIC were used to calculate the therapeutic index.
- ⁇ 1 (FIG.16D)
- MM 1 was used for in vivo and ex vivo studies.
- the in vivo antibacterial activity of MM 1 was evaluated in a Galleria mellonella model of systemic infection with C. albicans or A. fumigatus.
- Infected worms were treated with 1% DMSO or MM 1 (1 ⁇ MIC) with or without light or with conventional antifungals (1 ⁇ MIC), namely, the polyene AMB and the azole fluconazole (FLC, C. albicans) or voriconazole (VRC, A. fumigatus).
- conventional antifungals 1 ⁇ MIC
- FLC polyene AMB
- FLC azole fluconazole
- VRC voriconazole
- Worm survival was monitored for 7 days, and fungal burden was assessed in a larval subset 48 h post-infection (FIG.16E). All C.
- rubrum (ATCC 10218) isolated from a human onychomycosis case. T. rubrum-infected porcine nails were treated with 1% DMSO or MM 1 alone (0.77% (w/v) in DMSO) plus 405-nm light (87.6 J cm -2 ) or two formulations of the topical synthetic hydroxypyridone ciclopirox: a 0.77% "lotion” and an 8% "lacquer.” The effect of dual therapy (MM 1 plus ciclopirox) was also evaluated. Fungal load was assessed 5 days post-treatment (FIG. 16H). Compared with DMSO controls, MM 1 alone significantly reduced fungal burden by ⁇ 2 log10 (FIG. 16I).
- Candida genus are the most common fungal species associated with biofilm infections of medical devices (Tsui et al., 2016), and biofilm formation is an important process associated with C. albicans virulence (Mayer et al., 2013). Bacteria in a biofilm can also detach from biological or artificial surfaces, enter the bloodstream, and migrate to other parts of the body through the process of hematogenous dissemination, leading to candidemia and septicemia. Fungal biofilms are highly resistant to antifungal drugs and host immune defenses, making the treatment of biofilm-associated infections particularly challenging (Tsui et al., 2016).
- cardiolipin and phosphatidylglycerol are major components of the bacterial membrane but are mainly found in the mitochondrial membranes of eukaryotes, consistent with their endosymbiotic origin (Sagan, 1967).
- mitochondrial superoxide radical formation in MM-treated cells.
- mitochondria In addition to their role in energy and ROS generation, in higher eukaryotes, mitochondria also modulate cellular calcium homeostasis due to their proximity to the endoplasmic reticulum, the main calcium reservoir (Giorgi et al., 2018).
- the vacuole In yeast, the vacuole is the primary cellular calcium storage organelle, and the role of mitochondria in calcium homeostasis is unclear because there is no mitochondrial calcium uniporter or calcium- sensitive dehydrogenases (Pittman, 2011).
- Elevated intracellular calcium levels in MM-treated cells can be attributed, without being bound by theory, to intracellular ATP depletion (FIG.7B) resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction. Since intracellular calcium homeostasis depends on ATPases in the plasma membrane, vacuole, and other organelles (Mart ⁇ nez-Mu ⁇ oz and Kane, 2008), ATP depletion leads to uncontrolled calcium uptake from the extracellular medium and its release from intracellular stores. This is followed by water influx leading to swelling of the cell and organelles, including mitochondria (FIG. 15B), which eventually burst and release the intramitochondrial contents into the cytoplasm, as indicated by a significant decrease in mitochondrial cytochrome C concentration in MM-treated cells.
- FIG. 15B water influx leading to swelling of the cell and organelles, including mitochondria
- necrotic death Damage to the plasma membrane, intracellular ATP depletion, leakage of cell contents, and swelling of mitochondria are common features of necrotic death (Eisenberg et al., 2010). The necrotic nature of MM killing was confirmed by the significant increase in the percentage of necrotic but not apoptotic cells after MM treatment (FIG. 15D, FIG. 15E). Overall, MM-induced fungal cell death via necrosis results from, without being bound by theory, the cumulative effects of oxidative stress and bioenergetic deficit triggered by light activation of MMs bound to mitochondrial phospholipids, leading to calcium overload and osmotic shock (FIG. 20). Because these processes occurred in C. albicans and S. cerevisiae (FIG.
- the proposed antifungal mechanism of action of MMs appears to be conserved in yeast. Unlike most conventional antifungals, which act on a single target in the cell, the involvement of widespread mitochondrial dysfunction and calcium overload in the mechanism of action of antifungal MMs may explain the inability to detect the development of resistance to MM treatment, as this damage cannot in principle be mitigated by one or a few concurrent mutations. Since MMs bind cardiolipin and phosphatidylglycerol and yeasts lacking both phospholipids are severely impaired or not viable (Gohil et al., 2005), simultaneous mutations in both phospholipids that could prevent MM binding and lead to resistance are unlikely.
- MMs also enhance the effect of conventional antifungal drugs by impairing the activity of energy-dependent efflux pumps.
- Enhanced efflux is an important mechanism by which microorganisms attenuate the effect of antimicrobials by reducing the amount of drug that accumulates in the cell (Cannon et al., 2009). Accordingly, inhibition of efflux pumps has been found to enhance the activity of antifungal drugs by increasing their intracellular levels (Iyer et al., 2020).
- the observed impairment of the activity of energy- dependent efflux pumps by MMs can be attributed, without being bound by theory, to the MM-induced decrease in intracellular ATP content (FIG.
- G. mellonella is a simple invertebrate that has been used extensively as a model system for studying the in vivo efficacy of antifungal agents against Candida albicans (Li et al. ⁇ 2013) and A. fumigatus (Slater et al., 2011).
- G. mellonella does not have adaptive immunity, but its innate immune system has similarities to that of vertebrates in terms of function and anatomy (Smith and Casadevall, 2021). Importantly, pathogenicity in mice and G.
- MM 1 potentiated the activity of the commonly prescribed antifungal agent ciclopirox (Gupta et al., 2018) in an ex vivo onychomycosis porcine model (FIG.16I).
- Most conventional antifungal agents, such as AMB exhibit severe toxicity leading to undesirable side effects (Stewart and Paterson, 2021).
- a therapeutic approach combining sublethal MMs to sensitize cells to conventional antifungals could mitigate the side effects of existing antifungal therapies.
- MMs not only kill fungal cells directly but can also enhance the effect of conventional antifungal drugs by targeting a distinct process in the cell (i.e., intracellular calcium homeostasis) and/or preventing their efflux identifies MMs as dual mode-of-action antifungals that could provide a much-needed new therapeutic option to combat pan-resistant fungal strains such as C. auris (Kuehn, 2020), for which there are currently limited treatment options.
- MMs with improved safety profiles that specifically target fungal mitochondria can be developed by exploiting differences in the chemical composition of fungal and mammalian mitochondrial phospholipids (Schlame et al., 1993) and/or by modifying MMs with peptide addends that target mitochondrial proteins found in fungi but not in mammals, such as the fungal-type II NADH dehydrogenases (Melo et al., 2004).
- Molds (A. fumigatus and the dermatophytes T. rubrum and M. gypseum) were sub-cultured on SDAE medium and incubated for 7 days at 28 °C. Conidia were recovered by covering the plates with sterile distilled water and scraping the colonies. The suspensions were filtered (8- ⁇ m pore size) and diluted in saline to ⁇ 10 4 CFU mL –1 (Santos and Hamdan, 2005). For MM MIC determination, increasing concentrations (0.3125–160 ⁇ M) of different MMs (8 mM stock in DMSO) were added to the cell suspensions.
- Irradiated cell suspensions were inoculated in 3-(N-morpholino)propanesulfonic acid (MOPS)-buffered Roswell Park Memorial Institute Medium (RPMI) 1640 (pH 7.0). Tubes were incubated at 30 °C for 48 h (yeasts) and 28 °C for 7 days (molds). The antifungal or MM concentration resulting in no visible growth was defined as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (CLSI, 2017; CLSI, 2008). Similarly prepared cell suspensions were used to determine the MIC of conventional antifungals. Aliquots (100 ⁇ L) of MIC tubes without visible fungal growth were plated on SDAE medium.
- MOPS 3-(N-morpholino)propanesulfonic acid
- RPMI Roswell Park Memorial Institute Medium
- the cells were centrifuged (5,000 ⁇ g, 5 min), washed, and resuspended in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) to ⁇ 10 6 CFU mL –1 .
- PBS phosphate-buffered saline
- conidia suspensions ⁇ 10 4 CFU mL –1
- Cell/conidia suspensions were treated with 1% DMSO or MMs (2 ⁇ MIC) and, after a 30-min dark incubation, irradiated (405-nm light at 292 mW cm -2 ) as previously described.
- the XTT assay was used to evaluate biofilm viability (Nett et al., 2011). This assay is based on the reduction of the tetrazolium salt XTT to formazan by dehydrogenases in the mitochondrial electron transport chain of living cells. The resulting formazan can be easily detected by measuring the absorbance at 490 nm, which is proportional to the number of living cells, providing a reliable quantitative measurement of metabolically active cells in biofilms (Taff et al., 2012). C.
- albicans biofilms were established in 96-well flat-bottom polystyrene plates (Corning-Costar Corp., Corning, NY, USA) by diluting 24-h cultures in fresh MOPS- buffered RPMI 1640. After 48 h at 30 °C, mature biofilms were washed with PBS and treated with AMB (2 ⁇ or 4 ⁇ MIC), 1% DMSO, or different MMs (2 ⁇ or 4 ⁇ MIC). DMSO- and MM- treated samples were then irradiated in situ with 405-nm light (87.6 J cm -2 ). Biofilm viability was determined using an XTT cell viability assay kit (Biotium, Hayward, CA, USA) per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Plasma membrane permeability The effects of MMs on plasma membrane permeability were determined by monitoring PI uptake (Ma et al., 2020) and calcein leakage (Edgerton et al., 1998). For PI uptake, C.
- albicans cells were grown as described for time-kill experiments, centrifuged (5,000 ⁇ g, 5 min), washed, and resuspended in 5 mM glucose and 5 mM 4-(2- hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) buffer (pH 7.2).
- Cell suspensions ( ⁇ 10 6 CFU mL –1 ) were treated with 1% DMSO or visible-light-activated MMs (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) and then irradiated with 405-nm light (87.6 J cm -2 ). After irradiation, PI (10 ⁇ M final concentration) was added to the cells.
- PI-labeled cells were transferred to a black 96-well plate, and PI fluorescence (excitation: 535 nm, emission: 617 nm) over time was monitored in a microplate reader (BioTek Instruments Inc., Winooski, VT, USA).
- C. albicans cells ( ⁇ 10 6 CFU mL –1 ), grown as described for time-kill experiments, were centrifuged (5,000 ⁇ g, 5 min), washed, and resuspended in assay buffer (20 mM MOPS sodium salt, 1 mM CoCl 2 , 90 mM NaCl, pH 7.5) containing 0.8 mM calcein-AM.
- albicans cell suspensions ( ⁇ 10 6 CFU mL -1 ) were treated with 1% DMSO or MMs (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) and irradiated with 405-nm light (87.6 J cm -2 ), as described above. Following centrifugation (5,000 ⁇ g, 5 min), extracellular and intracellular ATP was extracted from the supernatant and pellet, respectively, as previously described (Koshlukova et al., 1999). ATP concentrations were measured using the CellTiter-Glo Luminescent Cell Viability Assay (Promega, Madison, WI, USA) per the manufacturer's instructions.
- the luminescent signal was measured using a microplate reader (BioTek Instruments Inc., Winooski, VT, USA) and converted to ATP concentration by linear regression of a standard ATP curve prepared using adenosine 5’-triphosphate disodium salt trihydrate. ATP levels were normalized to the protein concentration determined using the Pierce Assay (PierceTM BCA Protein Assay Kit, Thermo Fisher Scientific, MA, USA).
- Plasma membrane fluidity The effects of MMs on C. albicans membrane dynamics were evaluated using DPH fluorescence (Kim et al., 2009).
- albicans cell suspensions ( ⁇ 10 6 CFU mL –1 ) were prepared, treated with 1% DMSO or MMs (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC), and then irradiated with 405-nm light (87.6 J cm -2 ).
- AMB-treated cells were used as controls. Samples were fixed with 0.37% formaldehyde and labeled with 0.6 mM DPH, as previously described (Kim et al., 2009). DPH fluorescence (excitation: 350 nm, emission: 420 nm) was measured in a microplate reader (BioTek Instruments Inc., Winooski, VT, USA). DPH fluorescence of untreated samples minus background was defined as 100% and used to calculate changes in treated samples.
- albicans cell suspensions ( ⁇ 10 6 CFU mL –1 ) were prepared in PBS (1 ⁇ ) as described for time-kill assays, treated with 1% DMSO or 0.5 ⁇ MIC MM 1, and then irradiated with 87.6 J cm -2 405-nm light. Irradiated cells were fixed with Karnovsky's fixative, postfixed with 1% osmium, and dehydrated with a series of ethanol washes. For TEM, specimens were embedded in epoxy resin (PolyBed 812; Polysciences, Inc., Warrington, PA, USA) after being dehydrated in a series of washes with a graded concentration of 50–100% ethanol.
- epoxy resin PolyBed 812; Polysciences, Inc., Warrington, PA, USA
- a Leica EM UC7 ultramicrotome (Leica Microsystems, Wetzlar, Germany) was used to cut ultrathin sections (65 nm), which were then poststained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate. Samples were observed using a JEOL JEM2100 TEM (Hitachi Corporation, Japan) operating at an accelerating voltage of 80 kV.
- albicans cell suspensions ( ⁇ 10 6 CFU mL -1 ), prepared as described for time-kill experiments, were treated with 1% DMSO or MMs (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) and irradiated with 405-nm light (87.6 J cm -2 ). Irradiated cells were mixed with 25 ⁇ L of activated XTT working solution (Biotium, Hayward, CA, USA) in a 96-well plate. After 4 h at 30 °C, the absorbance (490 nm) and background (640 nm) were measured in a microplate reader (BioTek Instruments Inc., Winooski, VT, USA). The absorbance of untreated samples minus background was defined as 100% and used to calculate the reduction in mitochondrial activity.
- MitoROS TM 580 The fluorescence of MitoROS TM 580 (excitation: 510 nm, emission: 580 nm) over time was monitored in a microplate reader (BioTek Instruments Inc., Winooski, VT, USA). Mitochondrial ROS generation was also monitored by confocal microscopy. Cells were prepared as previously described for colocalization analysis and then mixed with an equal volume of 2 ⁇ MitoROS TM 580 working solution in Hank's Balanced Salt Solution with 20 mM HEPES (HHBS) buffer containing 1.25 ⁇ M MM 1. After a 30-min dark incubation, the solution was removed and replaced with fresh HHBS buffer.
- HHBS Hank's Balanced Salt Solution
- albicans cell suspensions ( ⁇ 10 6 CFU mL –1 ) were prepared as described above, challenged with 1% DMSO or MMs (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC), and then irradiated with 405-nm light (87.6 J cm -2 ), after which the cells were centrifuged (5,000 ⁇ g, 5 min).
- SOD Superoxide dismutase
- Lipid peroxidation was determined using a TBARS assay kit (TCA method) (Caymanchem, MI, USA) per the distributor's instructions.
- albicans cell suspensions ( ⁇ 10 6 CFU mL –1 ) were prepared in HHBS containing 0.04% Pluronic® F-127 (AAT Bioquest, CA, USA) and labeled with Rhod-2 AM or Calbryte TM 520 AM (4 ⁇ M final concentration). After a 30-min dark incubation at 30 °C, 1% DMSO or MMs (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) was added. Following an additional 30-min incubation, the cells were centrifuged (5,000 ⁇ g, 5 min), resuspended in HHBS, and irradiated with 405-nm light (87.6 J cm -2 ).
- the growth medium was then replaced with fresh HHBS buffer containing Rhod-2 AM (4 ⁇ M final concentration), to which MM 1 (1.25 ⁇ M) was added. After a 30-min dark incubation, the solution was replaced with fresh HHBS.
- Cells were immediately imaged using a Nikon A1 confocal microscope (Nikon Corporation, NY, USA) directly on the Ibidi imaging dish with a 60 ⁇ water immersion objective. MM light activation was performed in situ with a SOLA LED using a DAPI excitation filter (395/25 nm, 166 mW cm -2 ). Light was delivered through the microscope objective for 5 min, after which fluorescence was monitored for 60 additional minutes.
- Mitochondrial mass/volume was estimated using MitoTracker TM Green fluorescence (Puleston, 2015).
- C. albicans cell suspensions ( ⁇ 10 6 CFU mL –1 ) were treated with DMSO or MMs (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) and then irradiated with 405-nm light (87.6 J cm -2 ).
- the cells were then stained with MitoTracker TM Green (200 nM) for 30 min at 30 °C and washed three times with PBS. At least 10,000 cells per sample were analyzed in a SA3800 Spectral Analyzer (Sony Biotechnology, CA, USA).
- Cytochrome c release C was estimated using MitoTracker TM Green fluorescence (Puleston, 2015).
- albicans cell suspensions ( ⁇ 10 6 CFU mL –1 ) were treated with DMSO or MMs (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) and irradiated with 405-nm light (87.6 J cm -2 ).
- Cells were harvested for protoplast preparation by digestion with zymolyase 20 T (20 mg mL –1 , US Biological Life Sciences, MA, USA) in 0.1 M potassium phosphate buffer (pH 6.0) containing 1 M sorbitol for 1 h at 30 °C.
- Mitochondrial cytochrome c was extracted and reduced with ascorbic acid (0.5 mg mL –1 ) as previously described (Yun and Lee, 2016).
- albicans cells were grown as described for time-kill experiments, washed in sorbitol buffer (0.5 mM MgCl 2 , 35 mM potassium phosphate, pH 6.8, containing 1.2 M sorbitol), and resuspended in the same buffer containing zymolyase 20 T (20 mg mL –1 , US Biological Life Sciences, MA, USA). After 1 h of digestion at 30 °C, protoplasts were centrifuged, washed, and resuspended in binding buffer (140 mM NaCl, 10 mM HEPES, 2.5 mM CaCl 2 , 1.2 M sorbitol, pH 7.4).
- binding buffer 140 mM NaCl, 10 mM HEPES, 2.5 mM CaCl 2 , 1.2 M sorbitol, pH 7.4
- Protoplasts were treated with 1% DMSO or MMs (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) and then irradiated with 405-nm light (87.6 J cm -2 ).
- the protoplasts were immediately labeled using an Annexin V-FITC/PI Apoptosis Kit (Abnova, Taiwan) per the distributors' instructions. At least 10,000 cells per sample were analyzed in a SA3800 spectral analyzer (Sony Biotechnology, CA, USA).
- albicans was investigated by determining the MIC of different antifungals alone and after treatment with visible-light-activated MMs using a modified broth microdilution checkerboard assay (Cantón et al., 2005) in an 8x8-well configuration.
- C. albicans cell suspensions were prepared as described for MIC determination and treated with increasing concentrations (up to 1 ⁇ MIC) of MMs.
- irradiation 87.6 J cm -2 of 405-nm light
- cells were collected and distributed along the x-axis of a 96-well plate.
- Efflux activity was evaluated by measuring the energy-dependent efflux of the fluorescent dye rhodamine 6G (Maesaki et al., 1999). C. albicans cells were grown overnight ( ⁇ 16 h) in YPD at 30 °C, rediluted in fresh YPD, and grown for an additional 3 h at 30 °C. The cells were then centrifuged, washed with 50 mM HEPES buffer (pH 7.0), and resuspended in de-energization buffer containing 1 ⁇ M antimycin A and 5 mM 2-deoxy-D- glucose in 50 mM HEPES buffer (pH 7.0).
- the cells were centrifuged, washed, and resuspended in cold 50 mM HEPES buffer (pH 7.0). The cells were then incubated with rhodamine 6G (10 ⁇ M final concentration) for 2 h at 30 °C. Afterward, the cells were centrifuged (1,000 ⁇ g, 5 min), washed, and resuspended in cold HEPES buffer. Cells were then treated with 1% DMSO or MMs (0.5–2 ⁇ MIC) and irradiated with 405-nm light (87.6 J cm -2 ).
- Rhodamine 6G fluorescence (excitation: 485 nm, emission: 535 nm) over time was measured in a microplate reader (BioTek Instruments Inc., Winooski, VT, USA). Rhodamine 6G-free cells served as unstained controls. Untreated sample fluorescence minus background was defined as 100% and used to normalize the remaining data points.
- G. mellonella (Li et al., 2013; (Slater et al., 2011).
- G. mellonella were acquired from a commercial supplier (rainbowmealworms.net) in their final instar larval stage. Worms of similar size ( ⁇ 0.3 g), responsive to touch, and displaying no signs of melanization were selected.
- C. albicans ( ⁇ 10 5 CFU mL –1 ) and A. fumigatus conidia ( ⁇ 10 4 conidia mL –1 ) suspensions were prepared in PBS as previously described. The fungal inoculum (5 ⁇ L) was injected into the last left proleg of the worms with a Hamilton syringe.
- MM and/or antifungal agents (1 ⁇ MIC, Table 2) diluted in sterile water were injected similarly to the right proleg.
- the following treatment groups were established: (1) 1% DMSO with and without light, (2) monotherapy with MM 1 alone (1 ⁇ MIC) with and without light, (3) monotherapy with conventional antifungals (1 ⁇ MIC) amphotericin B (AMB) or azole (fluconazole, FLC, in the case of C. albicans and voriconazole, VRC, in the case of A. fumigatus), or (4) combination therapy with visible- light-activated MM 1 (1 ⁇ MIC) followed by treatment with conventional antifungal (1 ⁇ MIC).
- worms in the irradiated treatment groups were transferred to 24-well plates (Corning-Costar Corp., Corning, NY, USA) and irradiated with 405-nm light (87.6 J cm -2 ). Worms were incubated in sterile Petri dishes at 30 °C in the dark. Live and dead worms were scored each day for 7 days. Melanized or unresponsive worms were considered dead. Fungal load was assessed in a separate group of similarly treated worms 48 h after infection. Only healthy larvae (four worms per treatment group) with no melanization spots were used. After weight determination, worms were killed by freezing and homogenized using a tissue grinder (Fisherbrand, Fisher Scientific, Pittsburgh, PA, USA).
- Pig hooves with exposed toenails were processed into ⁇ 1 cm 2 - sized individual toenail samples with a band saw, washed with 70% ethyl alcohol and sterilized water, and inoculated with a microconidia suspension of T. rubrum ( ⁇ 10 7 conidia mL –1 ) for 3 h. Samples were placed in a Petri dish containing moist sterilized paper and incubated at 28 °C for 10 days. Fungal growth was confirmed by sample resuspension in PBS and plating on PDA containing 0.025% SDB and 1% penicillin-streptomycin.
- Infected samples were then treated with (1) 1% DMSO plus light, (2) monotherapy with MM 1 alone (0.77% in DMSO) plus light, (3) monotherapy with conventional antifungal (three drops (Quatrin et al., 2020) of Ciclopirox Topical Suspension USP, 0.77% “Lotion”, Leading Pharma, LLC, NY, USA, or Ciclopirox Topical Solution, 8% "Lacquer", Perrigo New York Inc., NY, USA), or (4) combination therapy with MM 1 plus light and conventional antifungal.
- Each treatment group consisted of three samples.
- samples in the irradiated treatment groups were transferred to 24-well plates (Corning-Costar Corp., Corning, NY, USA) and irradiated with 405-nm light (87.6 J cm -2 ). Treatment was repeated every 24 h for 5 days. Afterward, the samples were transferred to tubes containing PBS plus 1% penicillin-streptomycin, vortexed, and sonicated (Quatrin et al., 2020). Triplicate aliquots of this suspension were inoculated on PDA plates containing 1% penicillin-streptomycin. After a 10-day incubation at 28 °C, CFU numbers were determined. Untreated samples served as positive controls.
- the normality of the data was assessed using an Anderson-Darling normality test, a D'Agostino-Pearson omnibus normality test, a Shapiro- Wilk normality test, or a Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test with the Dallal-Wilkinson- Lilliefors test for P values. Comparisons between two groups were performed with a t-test for parametric data or a Mann-Whitney U test for nonparametric data. Comparisons between multiple groups were performed using ANOVA or a Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's multiple comparisons test. A Mantel-Cox test was used to determine statistical significance in G. mellonella survival experiments.
- Example 2 Use of MMs for Killing Bacteria Described below are six visible light (405 nm) activated molecular machines (MMs) that kill Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), in as little as 2 min of light activation without detectable resistance.
- MRSA methicillin-resistant S. aureus
- This novel antimicrobial therapy is effective not only against exponentially growing planktonic cells but also resistant phenotypes, such as biofilms and persister cells.
- electron microscopy, RNAseq, and spectrophoto- and spectrofluorimetric methods the mode of action of MMs was found to involve mechanical disruption of the membrane, leakage of intracellular material, and loss of membrane potential.
- MMs are fast-acting broad-spectrum antibacterials Table 7: Chemical structure of visible light-activated MM screened in Example 2 Chemical structure of visible light-activated MM screened in this study, their corresponding molecular weight and estimated rotation rates following light activation based on the rotation rates of known motors containing the same core skeletons.
- coli cell suspensions were incubated with a range of concentrations (0.3125 - 40 ⁇ M) of the different MMs (8 mM stock in DMSO) and then irradiated for 5 min with 405 nm light at 146 mW cm -2 (43.8 J cm -2 ).
- DMSO-only controls were included in every experiment to exclude possible effects of the vehicle. Irradiated cell suspensions were collected and inoculated into cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth (MHB). Following overnight incubation (37 °C), samples were inspected for growth.
- the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of light-activated MM was defined as the concentration of MM resulting in no visible bacterial growth following irradiation with 43.8 J cm -2 of 405 nm light (FIG. 26).
- the MIC of the different MMs in E. coli is shown in FIG. 25E.
- Six fast-rotating MMs (MM 1 through MM 6) (FIG. 25F) displaying MIC values within the range of concentrations tested were identified.
- MM 4 characterized by the presence of a triphenylphosphonium (TPP+) group, displayed the lowest MIC in E. coli (0.625 ⁇ M), closely followed by MM 1 (1.25 ⁇ M).
- MM 2 characterized by the presence of a tertiary amine on the side chain of the rotor portion of the molecule, displayed the highest MIC (32 ⁇ M).
- Slow rotating MM controls ( ⁇ 10 -3 Hz) (Table 7) did not exhibit antibacterial activity (FIG. 27), denoting the importance of fast rotation rates for the antibacterial properties of MM.
- substantial differences in rotation rates of the different antibacterial MMs were not detected (FIG. 28), suggesting that small variations in the rotation rate of fast MMs cannot explain differences in their antibacterial activity.
- Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed substantial differences in the distributions of angles between the MM axle and the plane of the membrane of the most potent (MM 1) and the least potent (MM 2) antibacterial MM (FIG.29).
- the bacteriostatic potential of the identified MM was further investigated in additional Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains (Table 8, Table 9).
- Table 9 MIC of six MMs in different bacterial strains. Killing by light-activated MMs varied in a concentration- and light-intensity- dependent manner, with enhanced MM concentration and light intensity resulting in higher MM-induced killing (FIG. 31). Some toxicity of the MM itself (in the absence of light) was detected, particularly for the TPP+ containing MM 4 (FIG. 31), which was, therefore, excluded in subsequent “mode-of-action” experiments. Among the strains tested, S. aureus was particularly susceptible to killing by high MM concentrations even in the absence of light.
- S. aureus also exhibited substantial sensitivity to 405 nm light alone (FIG. 31).
- Light dose-dependent reduction of bacterial numbers by different concentrations of the most potent MMs revealed that complete eradication of A. baumannii and E. coli required at least 40 J cm -2 of 405 nm light in samples treated with the highest concentration of MMs tested (5 ⁇ M).
- Complete eradication of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus could be achieved with 16 J cm -2 of 405 nm light and 0.625 to 5 ⁇ M of MM (FIG.32).
- MMs (2x MIC) were further examined at a fixed light intensity of 146 mW cm -2 (Table 10, FIG. 33A).
- A. baumannii treatment with different MMs reduced cell number to the limit of detection in 3 min (MM 4) to 10 min (MM 3).
- E. coli bacterial numbers were reduced to the limit of detection in 4 min (MM 4, MM 5, MM 6) to 10 min (MM 2) of irradiation in the presence of 2x MIC of each MM.
- MM-induced reduction of cell numbers to the limit of detection was achieved in 3 min (MM 1, MM 4) to 10 min (MM 3, MM 6).
- Complete elimination of S. aureus was achieved in 2 min (MM 4) to 4 min (MM 2, MM 3) of irradiation.
- Table 10 Antibiotic MIC (in ⁇ g per mL) of different strains examined in Example 2.
- the antibacterial spectrum of action of the most efficient MMs was assessed in additional strains, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) (FIG. 33B).
- MRSA methicillin-resistant S. aureus
- the MIC of MM 1 ranged from 0.078 ⁇ M in B. megaterium and S. epidermidis to 10 ⁇ M in B. cepacia and B. cereus.
- the MIC of MM 5 ranged from 0.078 ⁇ M in B. megaterium, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis to 20 ⁇ M in B. cepacia and E. cloacae.
- the MIC of MM 6 ranged from 0.078 ⁇ M in S. aureus and S.
- MM kill persister cells and disrupt established biofilms The ability of light-activated MMs (1x MIC) to kill antibiotic-tolerant persister cells (Fig.3A) was investigated in the Gram-negative strains A.
- DMSO-treated samples showed a reduction in total cell numbers of up to 50% (p ⁇ 0.01), while MM-treated cells showed up to 78% (p ⁇ 0.01) reduction in total cell number, compared to the respective untreated controls (FIG.35B).
- ATP quantification was used as a proxy of the number of metabolically active cells within biofilms (Stiefel et al., 2016).
- the population of metabolically active cells was reduced by 18 to 27% (p ⁇ 0.05) by rifampin and tobramycin, respectively, even after 45 min of treatment, while a 15-min treatment period with visible light-activated MM reduced the amount of metabolically active cells by as much as 94% (p ⁇ 0.01), compared to a 66% reduction (p ⁇ 0.01) in DMSO-treated samples, relatively to the respective untreated controls (FIG.35C). Treatment with control antibiotics resulted in a reduction in biofilm protein content of up to 78% (p ⁇ 0.01).
- Table 12 Susceptibility (assessed as the MIC) of antibiotic-resistant E. coli and S. aureus to MMs.
- MM target the cell membrane
- the mechanism of action of MM was investigated using RNAseq, an array of spectrophoto- and spectrofluorimetric methods, and electron microscopy (FIG. 25D). All mechanism of action studies were conducted under the same irradiation conditions: 5 min of irradiation with 405 nm light at 146 mW cm -2 (light dose of 43.8 J cm -2 ). RNAseq was conducted on E.
- MM 1-treated samples and DMSO controls exhibited distinct transcriptomic profiles (FIG. 37C), with some transcripts displaying as much as a 5-fold difference in abundance between treatments (FIG.37D).
- transcripts significantly more abundant in MM-treated cells did not reveal a significant enrichment for particular biological processes, molecular functions, or cellular components, denoting, without being bound by theory, the unspecific character of MM-induced cellular damage.
- the genes encoding the transcripts more abundant in MM-treated samples compared to DMSO controls play a role in susceptibility to MMs
- the MIC for the corresponding single-gene knockouts was assessed. No consistent trend towards resistance or sensitivity to MM treatment was observed (FIG.38), suggesting no particular relevance of these genes to the cell’s response to MMs.
- TEM Transmission electron microscopy
- aeruginosa treated with sub-MIC concentrations of the three most potent MM (MM 1, MM 5, and MM 6) and then challenged with increasing concentrations of the antibiotic vancomycin. Due to its large size, vancomycin ( ⁇ 1450 Da) usually cannot cross the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria (Rubenstein and Keynan, 2014). However, treatment with sub-MIC concentrations of MMs resulted in increased susceptibility of P. aeruginosa to vancomycin, denoted by inhibition of growth in checkerboard plates (FIG. 42F). Accordingly, P. aeruginosa cells pre-treated with 0.25x MIC of the different visible light-activated MMs were killed in 60 to 150 min of treatment with vancomycin (FIG.42G).
- MM mitigate infection-associated mortality in vivo
- the toxicity of MM to mammalian cells was originally investigated by examining the light dose-dependent effects of different concentrations of the most potent MM (MM 1, MM 5, and MM 6) in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK). The results revealed a reduction in viability of HEK cells with increasing concentration of MM and increasing light dose (FIG. 43).
- MMs The safety of MMs was further examined in both HEK cells and normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs), by determining the MM concentration resulting in a 50% reduction in the viability of mammalian cells (IC50) following 5 min of irradiation at 146 mW cm -2 (43.8 J cm -2 ), the same experimental conditions used to determine the bacterial MIC (Table 17).
- IC50 mammalian cells
- IC50 ranged from 5 ⁇ M for MM 1 to 10 ⁇ M for MM 5 and MM 6.
- the IC50 was 5 ⁇ M for the three MM tested. Based on these results, a concentration of 1x the MIC of each MM (Table 9) was used for subsequent in vivo experiments.
- Table 17 IC 50 of MM 1, MM 5, and MM 6 in mammalian cell lines
- the in vivo antibacterial activity of MM was investigated in a burn wound infection model of the invertebrate Galleria mellonella (Maslova et al., 2020). Following the generation of a burn wound in the worm, wounds were infected with either the Gram-positive S. aureus or the Gram-negative A. baumannii. Infected wounds were then treated with 1% DMSO, 1x MIC of conventional antibiotics (polymyxin B in the case of A. baumannii infection and tobramycin in the case of S.
- Table 18 Statistical significance of the difference between survival curves of G. mellonella infected with A. baumannii and S. aureus and treated with 1x MIC of different MM, 1x MIC of the antibiotics polymyxin B (A. baumannii) or tobramycin (S. aureus).
- the present disclosure describes an antibacterial therapy based on the use of synthetic visible light-activated MMs that kill bacteria by mechanical damage.
- synthetic MMs were activated by visible light to kill bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).
- MRSA methicillin-resistant S. aureus
- the presently disclose methods provide for the killing of of bacteria within minutes, vastly outperforming conventional antibiotics (FIG.33A, FIG.33B).
- MMs as disclosed herein also rapidly eliminated persister cells (FIG. 35A).
- Persister cells are defined as transiently antibiotic-tolerant fractions of bacterial populations that are metabolically inactive or dormant (Lewis, 2007).
- biofilms are considered resistant phenotypes, characterized by the presence of a heterogeneous dense extracellular polymeric matrix that includes extracellular DNA, proteins, and polysaccharides in which high densities of microbial cells are entrapped (Ch’ng et al., 2019).
- This complex milieu provides a barrier to antibiotic diffusion and penetration, making biofilm-associated infections frequently refractory to conventional antimicrobial therapy (Stewart, 2002; Vuotto et al., 2014; Donlan, 2000).
- MM- and DMSO-treated cells displayed strikingly distinct transcriptomic profiles (FIG. 37C). Transcripts significantly more abundant in DMSO-treated cells compared to MM-treated cells were overwhelming enriched for membrane-associated processes (Tables 13-15), identifying the membrane as the major target of MM. Increased fluorescence of dyes used to monitor damage to the inner and outer bacterial membrane (FIG. 39A, FIG. 39B) further demonstrated that the mechanism of action of MMs involves unspecific, widespread damage to the cell envelope.
- Membrane damage was followed by leakage of intracellular components, denoted by increased levels of extracellular ATP (FIG. 39C), and loss of the ability to sustain the membrane potential, evidenced by increased fluorescence of the membrane potential dye DiSC3(5) (FIG. 39D). Electron microscopy revealed extensive damage to the cell ultrastructure following MM treatment, particularly at the level of the membrane and cell wall, including the presence of physical deformities reminiscent of holes in the cell surface that were absent in DMSO controls (FIG.39E, FIG.39F).
- MM mode of action of MM is distinct from that of membrane-targeting, pore-forming antibiotics such as nisin or daptomycin, which involve docking to specific binding sites in the membrane and the oligomerization of the antibiotic molecule to form a pore or ion channel (Kosmidis and Levine, 2010; Prince et al., 2016). Resistance to such antibiotics has been reported and attributed to altered cell wall and cell membrane composition and function in resistant mutants (Tran et al., 2015; Bayer et al., 2013).
- pore-forming antibiotics such as nisin or daptomycin
- MMs were able to rapidly kill a range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains and efflux knockouts, suggests that the antibacterial action of MMs in the presently disclosed methods does not involve binding to specific elements within the bacterial envelope. Rather, the mechano-bactericidal action of MMs via physical membrane disruption is unlike any other antibacterial modality known in the art.
- This molecular-level generalized, unspecific membrane damage can also possibly account, again without being bound by theory, for the ability of MMs to efficiently eradicate persisters, which are particularly susceptible to membrane-targeting agents (Hurdle et al., 2011).
- a mode of action that involves physical membrane disruption may also explain the undetectable levels of resistance after repeated exposure to MMs (FIG.
- the reduced permeability of the Gram-negative membrane represents an important challenge for antibacterial therapy by posing a barrier that limits antibiotic entrance to the cell (Pagès et al., 2008; Niakido, 2003).
- the present disclosure provides, besides methods for killing bacteria, methods for potentiating the killing of E. coli by traditional antibiotics, as demonstrated by (1) a reduction of antibiotic MIC values when antibiotic treatment was preceded by exposure of cells to sublethal doses of MMs (FIG. 42A) and, (2) enhanced killing by antibiotics following pre-exposure of cells to sublethal MM (FIG. 42D).
- aeruginosa challenged with sublethal concentrations of fast light-activated MMs displayed substantial growth inhibition following subsequent treatment with vancomycin (FIG. 42F) and were completely killed in as little as 60 min by the otherwise ineffective vancomycin (FIG. 42G).
- vancomycin FIG. 42F
- FIG. 42G vancomycin
- These results demonstrate the ability of MMs to permeabilize the Gram-negative outer membrane to substances that would otherwise be excluded, including typical Gram-positive antibiotics, like vancomycin.
- the presently disclosed MMs and methods of use thereof demonstrate that, by permeabilizing the Gram-negative outer membrane and improving the accessibility of antibiotics to intracellular targets, MMs exert an antibiotic co-adjuvant action. Future work should aim to identify other antibacterial molecules whose action can be potentiated by visible light active MM-induced membrane permeabilization.
- the safety of MMs to mammalian cells was investigated in vitro in two mammalian cell lines subjected to the same irradiation conditions used to determine the bacterial MIC.
- the intensity (146 mW cm -2 ) and dose/fluence (43.8 J cm -2 ) of 405 nm light used throughout most of the presently described experiments are comparable, or lower, to those previously shown to be safe for mammalian cells in vitro and in vivo (40, 45–48).
- the proximity of the IC50 and MIC (Table 17), particularly in A.
- G. mellonella is a well- established, inexpensive, and low maintenance model of fungal and bacterial infections (Ramarao et al., 2012; Harding et al., 2012; Mylonakis et al., 2005; Junior et al., 2013). While insects like G.
- mellonella do not have an adaptive immune response and cannot generate antibodies, their complex innate immune system shows some similarities to that of mammals (Wojda, 2017). Importantly, correlations between immune responses to pathogens in G. mellonella and mice demonstrate that results obtained using this invertebrate model can provide significant insights into the mammalian response (Jander et al., 2000; Borman, 2018; Brennan et al., 2002). Due to their location, skin wounds, such as burns, are particularly amenable to light- mediated antimicrobial therapies.
- N 1 ,N 1 -Dimethyl-N 2 -(2-methyl-1-(9H-thioxanthen-9-ylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl)ethane-1,2-diamine (2).
- BINAP 2.5 mg, 0.0066 mmol
- palladium(II) acetate 0.5 mg, 0.0022 mmol
- BINAP 2.5 mg, 0.0066 mmol
- palladium(II) acetate 0.5 mg, 0.0011 mmol
- N 1 ,N 1 -dimethyl-N 2 -(9-(2-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-1-ylidene)-9H- thioxanthen-3-yl)ethane-1,2-diamine (1).
- BINAP 2.5 mg, 0.0066 mmol
- palladium(II) acetate 0.5 mg, 0.0011 mmol
- BINAP 5.0 mg, 0.0132 mmol
- palladium(II) acetate 1.0 mg, 0.0022 mmol
- MM- or DMSO-treated cells were dispensed in one well of a 24-well plate positioned in the center of the light beam (405 nm LED Light, Prizmatix, UHP-F-5-405) placed at the appropriate distance necessary to achieve the desired light intensity of 304 mW cm -2 , 146 mW cm -2 or 87 mW cm -2 , as measured with a handheld digital power meter console coupled to an S415C thermal power sensor head (Thorlabs, Newton, MA, USA).
- MIC Minimum inhibitory concentration
- aeruginosa were generated by growing cell cultures to late-stationary phase for 16 h at 37 °C, followed by treatment with ciprofloxacin (10-fold MIC) for 4 h to kill non-persistent cells (Morones-Ramirez et al., 2013).
- Persister cells of E. coli were prepared by adding ampicillin (100 ⁇ g mL -1 ) to exponential-phase cells (OD600 of ⁇ 0.8) followed by continuous agitation for another 3 h, as previously described (Keren et al., 2004). In the case of S. aureus, almost all stationary-phase are considered to be persistent (Keren et al., 2004).
- aureus cells were grown at 37°C and 220rpm in LB broth to an OD600 of 0.3. Cells were then diluted 1:1000 in 25mL LB and grown for 16 h at 37°C and 220rpm in 250mL flasks. Ampicillin-tolerant or stationary phase persister cells of E. coli and S. aureus, respectively, were collected and resuspended in PBS and then challenged with 1x MIC of MM or 1% DMSO followed by irradiation at 405 nm at a dose of 146 mW cm -2 , as described for exponential phase cells. Antibiotic controls (2x and 4x MIC) were processed in the same way, except that no light was provided.
- aureus were grown overnight in tryptic soy broth (TSB) medium.
- TTB tryptic soy broth
- the overnight cultures were diluted in 1:100 in fresh media and 100 ⁇ L aliquots were distributed in a 96-well plate.
- planktonic cells were removed by inverting the plate onto a stack of paper towels, and the biofilm was washed three times with PBS.
- MM 1, MM 5, or MM 6 were added at 2x MIC to the biofilm and incubated statically in the dark for 60 min.
- the biofilm was then irradiated for 15, 30, or 45 min at 146 mW cm -2 .
- acridine orange solution (2% in H 2 O) diluted 1:100 in Walpole’s buffer (27.2 g L -1 sodium acetate trihydrate, adjusted to pH 4 with glacial acetic acid) was added to the wells. Following a 15 min incubation, the biofilm was washed three times with 0.9 % NaCl, thoroughly resuspended in 100 ⁇ L 0.9 % NaCl, and fluorescence intensity (excitation: 485 nm, emission: 528 nm) was measured in a microplate reader (BioTek Instruments Inc, Winooski, VT, USA) (Stiefel et al., 2016).
- the washed biofilm was stained with a 0.1% solution of crystal violet in water. After 15 min of staining the plate was rinsed 3 times with water, and then blotted on a stack of paper towels. After overnight drying of the plate, 30% acetic acid in water was added to solubilize the crystal violet for 15 min. The solubilized crystal violet was transferred to a new flat- bottom microtiter plate and the absorbance at 550 nm was quantified in a microplate reader (BioTek Instruments Inc, Winooski, VT, USA), using 30% acetic acid in water as the blank (O’Toole, 2011). Unirradiated samples were used as controls. Control antibiotics rifampin (P. aeruginosa) and tobramycin (S.
- RNAseq Three independent, well-isolated colonies of E. coli were cultured to mid-log phase in MHB media. Cells were collected and resuspended in PBS (1x) to an OD600 of ⁇ 0.05.
- RNA sequencing was performed by DNA Link Inc. (Seoul, Republic of Korea).
- RNA-Seq libraries were constructed by using TruSeq Stranded Total RNA with Ribo-Zero Plus rRNA Depletion Kit and sequenced on the Illumina NovaSeq6000 platform (Illumina, San Diego, CA) in the 100 nt, paired-end configuration. From each sample, an average of 70 million reads was obtained. For gene expression analysis, reads were trimmed with cutadapt (Magoc et al., 2013) and aligned to the reference genome of Escherichia coli str. K-12 substr. MG1655 (NC_000913) using EDGE-pro pipeline with default setting. Differential expression analysis was performed with DESeq2 in Bioconductor (Love et al., 2014).
- Cells were collected and resuspended in PBS (1x) to an OD600 of ⁇ 0.05. Cells were treated with 0.5x MIC of MM 1, or 1% DMSO in the dark for 30 min. Cells were then irradiated for 5 min at 146 mW cm -2 (43.8 J cm -2 ) after which cells were fixed with Karnovsky’s fixative (Carlson et al., 2003), and post-fixed with 1% osmium, and dehydrated with a series of ethanol washes.
- coli cell suspensions were prepared as described for MIC determination with an increasing concentration (0.1 – 40 ⁇ M) of the different MMs, followed by irradiation for 5 min at 146 mW cm -2 .
- the irradiated cell suspensions were collected and distributed along the x-axis of a 96-well plate according to a gradient of increasing concentration, followed by the addition of a gradient of increasing concentration of antibiotic (0.00125 – 1 ⁇ g mL -1 ) along the y-axis of the plate to the irradiated cells.
- MHB was then added to each well of the plate and the plate was incubated at 37 °C with shaking at 220 rpm for 18 h under aerobic conditions.
- Bacterial growth was assessed by measuring the OD600 in a microplate reader (BioTek Instruments Inc, Winooski, VT, USA).
- the FIC was calculated after dividing the MIC of each antibiotic in combination with different MM by the MIC of the antibiotic alone.
- the FIC index obtained by adding both FICs, was interpreted as indicating a synergistic effect if it was ⁇ 0.5, as additive or indifferent if it was > 0.5 and ⁇ 2.0, and as antagonistic if it was > 2.0 (Hall et al., 1983).
- coli were prepared as described for MIC determination and treated with 0.5x MIC of each MM (MM 1, MM 5, and MM 6) or 1% DMSO followed by 5-min irradiation at 146 mW cm -2 . Irradiated cell suspensions were then collected and challenged with 4x MIC of the antibiotics gentamicin, novobiocin, ciprofloxacin, and ampicillin. Following preparation of the appropriate serial dilutions, samples were spot plated onto LB agar plates and the number of CFU was determined. Non- irradiated, antibiotic-treated (4x MIC) cell suspensions were similarly processed. To evaluate the ability of pre-treatment with MMs to potentiate killing by vancomycin, P.
- aeruginosa cell suspensions were prepared as described for the MIC assessment and treated with a range of concentrations (0 to 1x MIC) of the different antibacterial MMs (MM 1, MM 5 and MM 6) and irradiated for 5 min with 146 mW cm -2 of 405 nm light. Following irradiation, cells were collected and distributed along the x-axis of a 96-well plate according to a gradient of increasing concentration, after which vancomycin was added according to a gradient of increasing concentration (0 to 40 ⁇ g mL -1 ) along the y- axis of the plate to the irradiated cells.
- MHB was then added to each well of the plate and the plate was incubated at 37 °C with shaking at 220 rpm for 18 h under aerobic conditions. Bacterial growth was assessed by measuring the OD600 in a microplate reader (BioTek Instruments Inc, Winooski, VT, USA). For time-kill experiments, P. aeruginosa cell suspensions prepared as previously described were treated with 0.25x MIC of the different MM (MM 1, MM 5, and MM 6) and irradiated for 5 min with 146 mW cm -2 of 405 nm light.
- Vancomycin was then added (final concentration of 10, 20, and 40 ⁇ g mL -1 ) and survival (CFU per mL) was monitored every 30 min for 4 h (240 min), as previously described. Controls treated with vancomycin only, MM only, and DMSO plus vancomycin were also included.
- Tetracycline uptake The ability of pre-treatment with subinhibitory concentrations of MMs to potentiate antibiotic killing was further evaluated by monitoring the fluorescence of tetracycline uptake. E. coli were prepared as described for MIC determination and treated with 0.5x MIC of each MM (MM 1, MM 5, and MM 6) or 1% DMSO followed by 5-min irradiation at 146 mW cm- 2 .
- Irradiated cell suspensions were then collected, and tetracycline (128 ⁇ g mL -1 final concentration) was added.
- a volume of 100 ⁇ L per well of tetracycline amended cell suspension was transferred to a black 96-well plate and fluorescence was read every 5 min for 60 min at room temperature in a microplate reader (Ex: 405 nm, Em: 535 nm) (BioTek Instruments Inc, Winooski, VT, USA). Results were expressed as RFU corrected for fluorescence in the absence of cells.
- the wound was inoculated with 10 ⁇ L of 1:10 dilution of an overnight culture of A. baumannii or S. aureus. Any larva who showed distress or leakage of hemolymph after the burn process was immediately euthanized by incubating at -20 °C for 20 min to minimize suffering. Following overnight incubation at 37 °C for the establishment of infection, 10 ⁇ L of (1) different MMs at 1x MIC, (2) antibiotics polymixin B in the case of A. baumannii or tobramycin in the case of S. aureus, or (3) 1% DMSO were applied to the wound.
- IRC intrinsic reaction coordinate
- the geometry was subsequently refined by first increasing the basis set to def2- TZVP, which is of triple- ⁇ quality, and then, by increasing the integration grid size to the G16 SuperFineGrid (Weigend, 2005; Frisch, 2016). Previous studies have recommended the (99,590) grid for convergence of meta-GGA functionals, but we chose to further increase the grid to enhance accuracy (Weigend, 2005).
- the SuperFineGrid keyword requests a pruned (175,974) grid for atoms of the first row, and a (250,974) grid for heavier atom types (Frisch, 2016).
- TPSSTPSS(GD3BJ)/def2-SVP coordinates can be found in Table S13.
- the motor goes from Metastable Functionalized -> Transition State (TS) Functionalized -> Stable Functionalized -> Metastable Nonfunctionalized -> TS Nonfunctionalized -> Stable Nonfunctionalized.
- TS Metastable Functionalized -> Transition State
- Further details are provided in elsewhere in Example 2. Refinement of the Electronic Energy Geometries, frequencies, and thermochemical corrections to the electronic energy are fairly converged at the TPSSTPSS(GD3BJ)/def2-TZVP G16 SuperFineGrid level of theory. However, the electronic energy can usually be improved.
- def2-TZVPPD retrieved from the Basis Set Exchange for H, C, N, O, and S
- def2-TZVPPD retrieved from the Basis Set Exchange for H, C, N, O, and S
- CHARMM-GUI Membrane Builder was used to build 1POPE/3POPG lipid bilayers containing 11 POPE and 33 POPG molecules (1:3 POPE:POPG ratio) in each layer with the desired MM in the middle (Jo, 2007; Jo, 2009; Wu, 2014; Lee, 2016; Klauda, 2010; Venable, 2014).
- the resulting membranes were then neutralized by adding counter-ions of sodium and then solvated by adding 5 nm of TIP3P water on each side with 150 mM of NaCl buffer to simulate the ionic strength of the buffer used in experiments.
- the resulting system dimensions were about 5 x 5 x 14.0 nm (FIG. 59). In all simulations the membrane is located parallel to the XY plane.
- the TIP3P model of water was utilized.
- GridMAT-MD was used to calculate the thickness of the lipid bilayer membrane. Grid size was 20 ⁇ 20 and thickness was measured using phosphorus atoms on POPE and POPG molecules by time-averaging all simulations (500 ns in total for each MM) (Allen, 2009).
- Umbrella Sampling Simulations A combination of steered MD (SMD), umbrella sampling, and weighted histogram analysis (WHAM) methods was used to describe the binding profiles for both MMs.
- each MM was slowly pulled out of the membrane.
- a steering force was applied to the Center of Mass (COM) of the MM using a spring constant of 1000 kJ/mol/nm 2 along the Z-axis only. This force was then used to pull the MM out of the membrane at a rate of 1 nm/ns.
- From the resulting trajectory a subset of snapshots was selected with increasing distance between MM and the center of the membrane along Z axis; the distance varied between 0 nm and 4 nm with 0.2 nm step, which resulted in 21 snapshots for each MM. These snapshots were used as starting points for umbrella sampling simulation windows.
- Example 3 Molecular Machine Therapy in Cancer Described below is the treatment of melanoma and oral cancer cells using wide field 405 nm LED light and stimulus activated molecular machines according to the presently disclosed methods, showing that various types of cancer cell lines treated with stimulus activated molecular machines exhibited almost 100% loss in viability.
- stimulus activated molecular machines were evaluated in subcutaneous tumor model of B16-F10 melanoma in C57BL/6J mice and their therapeutic efficacy is discussed in the sections that follow.
- the exemplary stimulus activated molecular machine used in the assays described below is shown in FIG.50 and is also referred to herein as M96.
- Molecular machine M96 is effective to kill mouse melanoma cancer cells B16-F10 in vitro.
- Mouse melanoma B16-F10 cells (1 mL of cell suspensions in media containing 200,000 cells/mL) were treated with molecular machine M96, which upon 405 nm light actuation cause necrotic cell death by cell membrane permeabilization.
- FIG. 51A Cell death was assessed by cell culture of the surviving cells for a period of 9 days and counting the number of colony- forming cancer cells, also known as the clonogenic assay (FIG. 51A).
- the light dose, power intensity in mW/cm 2 and illumination time were each varied to optimize the therapeutic effect of light-activated- M96 at 8 ⁇ M (FIG. 51B).
- FIG. 51C supports, by multiple repetitions of the clonogenic assay and statistical analysis, that 5 min of illumination at 300 mW/cm 2 and 8 ⁇ M was enough to kill nearly 100% of the cells.
- 51D shows that by propidium iodide (PI) staining and counting the PI positive (death) cells in an automatic cell counter, illumination at 200 mW/cm 2 for 5 min (60 J/cm 2 ) and 8 ⁇ M M96 was sufficient to kill nearly 100% of the cells.
- the analysis was performed 2 h after the light treatment in contrast to the clonogenic assay which is read at 9 days after the treatment.
- conducting the analysis by flow cytometry to count the PI positive cells (indicated dead cells) at 2 h after the treatment and analyzing a larger cell population of 10,000 cells an illumination of 300 mW/cm 2 for 5 min (90 J/cm 2 ) was sufficient to kill nearly 100% of the cells (FIG.
- the in vitro IC50 of stimulus activated molecular machine M96 upon illumination with 405 nm light at 150 mW/cm 2 for 5 min was ⁇ 3 ⁇ M (FIG. 52B).
- the in vitro IC50 of stimulus activated molecular machine M96 upon illumination with 405 nm light at 200 mW/cm 2 for 5 min was ⁇ 2 ⁇ M. Under these illumination conditions, the concentration of stimulus activated molecular machine M96 at 4 ⁇ M is demonstrated to be sufficient to kill nearly 95-99% of the cancer cells in cell lines.
- a concentration of M96 of 8 ⁇ M is shown to be sufficient to kill nearly 100% of the cells in vitro in cell lines B16-F10, A375 and ROC3.
- Human cells from various skin conditions were tested for the IC50 of M96 upon illumination with 405 nm light at 200 mW/cm 2 for 5 minutes (FIG.52D).
- Time-course flow cytometry analysis shows that the cellular membrane permeabilization to propidium iodide (PI) is immediate upon light-activated-molecular machine M96 treatment.
- B16-F10 cells (1 mL cell suspension containing 200,000 cells/mL) were treated with 8 ⁇ M stimulus activated molecular machine M96 and illumination with 405 nm light at 300 mW/cm 2 for 5 min, PI added for staining, and the cells were analyzed by flow cytometry.
- the PI enters the cells when the cell membrane is disrupted upon treatment with light-activated- M96 and stains the cellular DNA.
- Flow cytometry analysis detects and quantifies PI positive (that is, dead) cells (FIG. 53A). Time course flow cytometry was conducted to show that PI staining is immediate upon treatment, and that two PI positive subpopulations are detected.
- the first is a low intensity PI positive population ( ⁇ 10 3 fluorescence intensity) and the second is a high intensity PI positive population ( ⁇ 10 5 ) as shown in FIG. 53A.
- the high intensity PI positive population correspond to cells that are fully PI stained and death.
- the low intensity PI positive population corresponds to cells wherein their membrane was partially compromised and are in the process of dying. Over time, here from 0.5 hours to 4 hours, the dying subpopulation (low intensity PI) converted into the death subpopulation (high intensity PI).
- the total number of PI positive cells after light-activated M96 treatment is ⁇ 97% as shown in FIG.53B.
- FIG. 54B shows that the intratumoral injection of 50 ⁇ L solution, either with 0.1%DMSO or 8 ⁇ M M96, followed by 405 nm light irradiation at 300 mW/cm 2 for 5 min was sufficient to cause necrotic skin damage including the tumor. Therefore, further work was undertaken to optimize the light dose to minimize generalized skin damage due to exposure to the light irradiation.
- PD-1 is primarily believed to inhibit effector T-cell activity in the effector phase within tissue and tumors and by blocking PD-1 the immune system is activated against the tumors (Dong et al., 2002).
- the rationale in combining anti-PD-1 therapy with molecular machine therapy is that the mechanical action of molecular machines may destroy cancer cells and then release immunogenic molecules that may prime the immune system (Jiang et al., 2016; Krombach et al., 2019; Cushman et al., 2018; Bhalla et al., 2018; Vatner et al., 2014). Priming of the immune system in combination with the methods involving molecular machines as described herein may synergize with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
- FIG. 57 shows the results of the combination of molecular machine therapy with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. An improvement in the tumor growth delay is observed with the combination (FIG. 57B), which is reflected in a slight improvement in the survival (FIG. 57C).
- Materials and Methods (i) Cancer cell lines Mouse melanoma B16-F10 and ROC3 were obtained from the laboratory of Dr. Roberto Rangel at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. ROC3 cell line was developed by Dr. Roberto Rangel. The A375 cell line was purchased from ATCC.
- Chemicals Molecular machine M96 was originally synthesized in the laboratory of Dr. James M. Tour (see Example 2). Molecular machine M96 was also obtained from Taros Chemicals GmbH and Co. KG (Germany).
- 0.5-1 million cells were inoculated per dish, cultured for 2-3 days in incubator at 37 °C and 5 % CO 2 , then transferred to a new dish when confluency reached nearly 95-100%.
- cells were detached with 0.05 % trypsin-EDTA (Gibco, 25-300-054). Then, the trypsinized cells were collected and mixed with 3 volumes of media to stop the action of the trypsin. Then e the cells were centrifuged at 1200 rpm for 5 min, resuspended in media, and inoculated to a new culture dish.
- A375 and ROC3 were cultured under the same conditions as described for B16-F10 cell line.
- PI stock solution is at 1 mg/ml.
- M96/DMSO was transferred into a 35 mm plastic culture dish.
- the mixture was then treated under the 405 nm LED light (PRIZMATIX, Israel, UHP-F-5-405) for 5 min at optical power of 300 mW/cm 2 (different optical powers were used, typically around the range of 150-300 mW/cm 2 ).
- the sample was placed sitting on top of an aluminum-block painted in black color while is treated under the light (Thermo-block, Thermo ScientificTM Dry Baths/Block Heaters, cat. # 88-870-103).
- the light intensity was measured and adjusted using an Optical Power Meter from Thorlabs, sensor model S302C and console model PM100D.
- the PI positive cells (death) in each sample were analyzed by flow cytometry or using an Automatic Cell Counter (Countess III FL Automatic Cell Counter, Invitrogen).
- the samples were transferred to a new FACS tube. The samples were incubated at 37 °C and 5% CO 2 until all the samples were collected to be analyzed. The samples were analyzed typically at about 2 h after the light treatment.
- the sample was transferred to a clean Eppendorf tube. Then, the cells were serially diluted 1:20 (to get 10,000 cells per mL) and 1:200 (to get 1000 cells per mL) in the media with phenol red (DMEM with 4.5 g/L glucose (Gibco, 11960-044) and supplemented with 10% FBS (SAFC Industries-Sigma-Aldrich, 12303C), 2X (10 mL) MEM vitamin solution (Corning, 25-020-Cl), 1X (5 mL) non-essential amino acid (NEAA) mixture (Lonza, 13-114E), 1X (5 mL) of L-glutamine (Lonza, 17-605E), 1X (5 mL) of sodium pyruvate (Lonza, 13-115E) and 1X (5 mL) of penicillin/streptomycin (Hyclone, SV30010).
- 1000 cells (1 mL of suspension of 1000 cells per mL) were plated in each well of a 6-well cell culture plate containing appropriate total volume of about 1.5 mL. The cells were incubated at 37 °C and 5% CO 2 for 7-12 days until the colonies were formed. The principle of the test is that death cells will not grow and viable cells will form colonies. Once the colonies were visible, colonies were stained. First, the media was removed and the cells were washed with ⁇ 1.5 mL of PBS buffer. Then, about 2 mL of 0.05% w/v crystal violet solution in methanol was added to the cells and allowed to stain for 5 min. Then, the crystal violet was removed and the excess of crystal violet was washed with water several times ( ⁇ 4- 5 times).
- the cells were harvested using 0.05 % trypsin-EDTA (Gibco, 25-300-054). In detail, the cells were washed with PBS solution first before the trypsinization. Then, upon addition of ⁇ 1.5 mL of trypsin solution, the cells were incubated for about 1-2 min in the incubator at 37 °C and 5% CO 2 . To stop the trypsinization, 6 mL of DMEM media with supplements was added (the same used for the culture of the cells as described before). The cells were centrifuged at 300 r.c.f. (relative centrifugal force) for 3 min. The media was removed and discharged.
- trypsin-EDTA Gibco, 25-300-054
- the cells were re-dispersed in ⁇ 5 mL of DMEM media without supplements.
- the cell suspension was kept in ice.
- the cells were injected (100 ⁇ L of 1x10 6 cells/mL suspension per mouse, corresponding to 100,000 cells per mouse) subcutaneously in the right flank of 7-8 weeks old female mouse (C57BL/6J), in which the hair in the right flank was previously depilated using an electric barber machine.
- the tumors were allowed to grow for 6 days counting from the day of cell injection.
- the hair of the mouse was removed using on-the-shelf hair remover cream (Nair Hair Remover Lotion). For this purpose, a drop of the cream was placed on the skin, on top of the area where the tumor was injected.
- mice were anesthetized using isoflurane while the hair remover cream was applied. Starting at day 7 the tumors were measured using a caliper. The tumors can be observed as a black spot (due to the melanin present in the B16-F10 cells) under the skin after the cream depilation. The typical volume of the tumors at about 7 days was approximately 15 mm 3 . The volume of the tumor was calculated as: (1/2) x length x width x height. When the height was not possible to measure in the case of the tumors which were too small (usually ⁇ 100 mm 3 ), then the tumor volume was calculated as: (1/2) x length x width 2 .
- mice (xii) Treatment of B16-F10 tumors with M96 and blue 405 nm light The tumors were treated at day 7 from the day of cell injection. At day 7 the tumors size typically 15 mm 3 . Typically, mice were divided in 4 groups (5-10 mice per group): 1) M96 only, 2) 0.1% DMSO only, 3) M96 + light, and 4) 0.1% DMSO + light. The day of treatment, fresh solutions (8 ⁇ M or 20 ⁇ M of M96 in PBS and controls 0.1% DMSO or 0.25% DMSO in PBS) were prepared as described before. The mice were anesthetized with isoflurane using a vaporizer.
- mice were injected with 30 ⁇ L of 8 ⁇ M M96 solution in PBS or 0.1% DMSO intratumorally.
- the tumors were small and many times is not possible deliver the whole 30 ⁇ L intratumorally, but the 30 ⁇ L are delivery as adjacent as possible to the tumor.
- mice were kept for 30 min in the cages to let the M96 solution or DMSO solution interact with the tumors.
- the mice were treated (under anesthesia, using isoflurane) with 405 nm light source from Prizmatix applying a power intensity of 250 mW/cm 2 for 5 min (Other powers were also investigated such as 200 mW/cm 2 or 300 mW/cm 2 ).
- xiii Combination of immunotherapy and MM therapy The mice were prepared, tumors generated, and treated as described before for the B16-F10 tumor model in C57BL/6J mice. The therapeutic regime of molecular machine therapy in combination with immunotherapy is described in FIG. 57.
- the immunotherapy was conducted by intraperitoneal injection of 100 ⁇ L of anti-PD1 solution in PBS at 2 ⁇ g/ ⁇ L (200 ⁇ g per mouse).
- Mouse-IgG1 (isotype) was injected in the same way and concentration as a control.
- Anti-PD1 was purchased from BioXcell (anti-mouse-PD1 (CD279), In VivoPlusTM, cat# BP0146).
- Mouse-IgG1 isotype control was purchased from BioXcell (InVivoMab, clone MOPC-21, cat# BE0083). * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
- compositions and methods of this disclosure have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions and methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the disclosure. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain agents which are both chemically and physiologically related may be substituted for the agents described herein while the same or similar results would be achieved. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. References The following references to the extent that they provide exemplary procedural or other details supplementary to those set forth herein, are specifically incorporated herein by reference.
- Giorgio Atropisomeric (R, R)-2, 2 ‘-Bi ([2] paracyclo [2](5, 8) quinolinophane) and (R, R)-1, 1 ‘-Bi ([2] paracyclo [2](5, 8) isoquinolinophane): Synthesis, Structural Analysis, and Chiroptical Properties. J. Org. Chem.70, 1011– 1018 (2005). L. Ernst, V. Boekelheide, H. Hopf, 1 H and 13 C NMR spectra of multibridged [2n] cyclophanes. Magn. Reson. Chem.31, 669–676 (1993). L.
- Tumor-Associated B7-H1 Promotes T-Cell Apoptosis: A Potential Mechanism of Immune Evasion. Nat. Med.2002, 8 (8), 793– 800. Jiang, W.; Chan, C. K.; Weissman, I. L.; Kim, B. Y. S.; Hahn, S. M. Immune Priming of the Tumor Microenvironment by Radiation. Trends in Cancer 2016, 2 (11), 638–645. Krombach, J.; Hennel, R.; Brix, N.; Orth, M.; Schoetz, U.; Ernst, A.; Schuster, J.; Zuchtriegel, G.; Reichel, C. A.; Bierschenk, S.; et al.
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