Coimbra Chemistry Center

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Publications

Sorting hidden patterns in nanoparticle performance for glioblastoma using machine learning algorithms

Publication . Basso, João; Mendes, Maria; Silva, Jessica; Cova, Tânia; Luque-Michel, Edurne; Jorge, Andreia F.; Grijalvo, Santiago; Gonçalves, Lídia; Eritja, Ramon; Blanco-Prieto, María J.; Almeida, António José; Pais, Alberto; Vitorino, Carla

Cationic compounds have been described to readily penetrate cell membranes. Assigning positive charge to nanosystems, e.g. lipid nanoparticles, has been identified as a key feature to promote electrostatic binding and design ligand-based constructs for tumour targeting. However, their intrinsic high cytotoxicity has hampered their biomedical application. This paper seeks to establish which cationic compounds and properties are compelling for interface modulation, in order to improve the design of tumour targeted nanoparticles against glioblastoma. How can intrinsic features (e.g. nature, structure, conformation) shape efficacy outcomes? In the quest for safer alternative cationic compounds, we evaluate the effects of two novel glycerol-based lipids, GLY1 and GLY2, on the architecture and performance of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). These two molecules, composed of two alkylated chains and a glycerol backbone, differ only in their polar head and proved to be efficient in reversing the zeta potential of the nanosystems to positive values. The use of unsupervised and supervised machine learning (ML) techniques unraveled their structural similarities: in spite of their common backbone, GLY1 exhibited a better performance in increasing zeta potential and cytotoxicity, while decreasing particle size. Furthermore, NLCs containing GLY1 showed a favorable hemocompatible profile, as well as an improved uptake by tumour cells. Summing-up, GLY1 circumvents the intrinsic cytotoxicity of a common surfactant, CTAB, is effective at increasing glioblastoma uptake, and exhibits encouraging anticancer activity. Moreover, the use of ML is strongly incited for formulation design and optimization.

2021-01Journal article

Open access

Unveiling a family of spiro-ß-lactams with anti-HIV and antiplasmodial activity via phosphine-catalyzed [3+2] annulation of 6-alkylidene-penicillanates and allenoates

Publication . Alves, Américo; Alves, Nuno G.; Bártolo, Inês; Fontinha, Diana; Caetano, Soraia; Prudêncio, Miguel; Taveira, Nuno; Melo, Teresa M. V. D. Pinho E

The molecular architecture of spirocyclic compounds has been widely explored within the medicinal chemistry field to obtain new compounds with singular three-dimensional pharmacophoric features and improved bioactivity. Herein, the synthesis of 68 new spirocyclopentene-β-lactams is described, resulting from a rational drug design and structural modulation of a highly promising lead compound BSS-730A, previously identified as having dual antimicrobial activity associated with a novel mechanism of action. Among this diverse library of new compounds, 22 were identified as active against HIV-1, with eight displaying an IC50 lower than 50 nM. These eight compounds also showed nanomolar activity against HIV-2, and six of them displayed micromolar antiplasmodial activity against both the hepatic and the blood stages of infection by malaria parasites, in agreement with the lead molecule’s bioactivity profile. The spirocyclopentene-β-lactams screened also showed low cytotoxicity against TZM-bl and Huh7 human cell lines. Overall, a family of new spirocyclopentene penicillanates with potent activity against HIV and/or Plasmodium was identified. The present structure–activity relationship open avenues for further development of spirocyclopentene-β-lactams as multivalent, highly active broad spectrum antimicrobial agents.

2022-10-07Journal article

Open access

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of new chiral spiro-ß-lactams highly active against HIV-1 and Plasmodium

Publication . G. Alves, Nuno; Bártolo, Inês; Alves, Américo; Fontinha, Diana; Francisco, Denise; Lopes, Susana M. M.; Soares, Maria I. L.; Simões, Carlos J. V.; Prudêncio, Miguel; Taveira, Nuno; Melo, Teresa M. V. D. Pinho E

The synthesis and antimicrobial activity of new spiro-β-lactams is reported. The design of the new molecules was based on the structural modulation of two previously identified lead spiro-penicillanates with dual activity against HIV and Plasmodium. The spiro-β-lactams synthesized were assayed for their in vitro activity against HIV-1, providing relevant structure-activity relationship information. Among the tested compounds, two spirocyclopentenyl-β-lactams were identified as having remarkable nanomolar activity against HIV-1. Additionally, the same molecules showed promising antiplasmodial activity, inhibiting both the hepatic and blood stages of Plasmodium infection.

2021Journal article

Restricted access

Spiro-ß-lactam BSS-730A Displays Potent Activity against HIV and Plasmodium

Publication . Bártolo, Inês; Santos, Bruna S.; Fontinha, Diana; Machado, Marta; Francisco, Denise; Sepodes, Bruno; Rocha, Joao; Mota-Filipe, Hélder; Pinto, Rui; Figueira, Maria-Eduardo; Barroso, Helena; Nascimento, Teresa; Matos, António P. Alves de; Alves, Américo; Alves, Nuno G.; Simões, Carlos J. V.; Prudêncio, Miguel; Melo, Teresa M. V. D. Pinho E; Taveira, Nuno

The high burden of malaria and HIV/AIDS prevents economic and social progress in developing countries. A continuing need exists for development of novel drugs and treatment regimens for both diseases in order to address the tolerability and long-term safety concerns associated with current treatment options and the emergence of drug resistance. We describe new spiro-β-lactam derivatives with potent (nM) activity against HIV and Plasmodium and no activity against bacteria and yeast. The best performing molecule of the series, BSS-730A, inhibited both HIV-1 and HIV-2 replication with an IC50 of 13 ± 9.59 nM and P. berghei hepatic infection with an IC50 of 0.55 ± 0.14 μM with a clear impact on parasite development. BSS-730A was also active against the erythrocytic stages of P. falciparum, with an estimated IC50 of 0.43 ± 0.04 μM. Time-of-addition studies showed that BSS-730A potentially affects all stages of the HIV replicative cycle, suggesting a complex mechanism of action. BSS-730A was active against multidrug-resistant HIV isolates, with a median 2.4-fold higher IC50 relative to control isolates. BSS-730A was equally active against R5 and X4 HIV isolates and displayed strong synergism with the entry inhibitor AMD3100. BSS-730A is a promising candidate for development as a potential therapeutic and/or prophylactic agent against HIV and Plasmodium.

2021-01-04Journal article

Restricted access