Sonya Sonnenberg

Bio: Sonya Sonnenberg is an academic researcher from University of California, San Diego. The author has contributed to research in topics: Self-healing hydrogels & Extracellular matrix. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 3 publications receiving 218 citations.

Enzyme-Responsive Nanoparticles for Targeted Accumulation and Prolonged Retention in Heart Tissue after Myocardial Infarction.

Abstract: A method for targeting to and retaining intravenously injected nanoparticles at the site of acute myocardial infarction in a rat model is described. Enzyme-responsive peptide-polymer amphiphiles are assembled as spherical micellar nanoparticles, and undergo a morphological transition from spherical-shaped, discrete materials to network-like assemblies when acted upon by matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), which are up-regulated in heart tissue post-myocardial infarction.

Stimuli‐Responsive Materials: Enzyme‐Responsive Nanoparticles for Targeted Accumulation and Prolonged Retention in Heart Tissue after Myocardial Infarction (Adv. Mater. 37/2015)

Abstract: Stimuli-responsive nanoparticles, when injected systemically, circulate in the blood stream until reaching the site of myocardial infarction (MI). As reported by N. C. Gianneschi, K. L. Christman, and co-workers on page 5547, recognition by infarct-associated enzymes induces a morphology transition, triggering the subsequent aggregation of nanoparticles at the site of damage. The resulting microscale aggregates exhibit prolonged retention in the infarct, thereby providing a potential platform for delivering therapeutics to an acute MI.

The Smart Drug Delivery System and Its Clinical Potential

Abstract: With the unprecedented progresses of biomedical nanotechnology during the past few decades, conventional drug delivery systems (DDSs) have been involved into smart DDSs with stimuli-responsive characteristics. Benefiting from the response to specific internal or external triggers, those well-defined nanoplatforms can increase the drug targeting efficacy, in the meantime, reduce side effects/toxicities of payloads, which are key factors for improving patient compliance. In academic field, variety of smart DDSs have been abundantly demonstrated for various intriguing systems, such as stimuli-responsive polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, metals/metal oxides, and exosomes. However, these nanoplatforms are lack of standardized manufacturing method, toxicity assessment experience, and clear relevance between the pre-clinical and clinical studies, resulting in the huge difficulties to obtain regulatory and ethics approval. Therefore, such relatively complex stimulus-sensitive nano-DDSs are not currently approved for clinical use. In this review, we highlight the recent advances of smart nanoplatforms for targeting drug delivery. Furthermore, the clinical translation obstacles faced by these smart nanoplatforms have been reviewed and discussed. We also present the future directions and perspectives of stimuli-sensitive DDS in clinical applications.

Peptide and protein nanoparticle conjugates: versatile platforms for biomedical applications

Abstract: Peptide- and protein-nanoparticle conjugates have emerged as powerful tools for biomedical applications, enabling the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of disease. In this review, we focus on the key roles played by peptides and proteins in improving, controlling, and defining the performance of nanotechnologies. Within this framework, we provide a comprehensive overview of the key sequences and structures utilised to provide biological and physical stability to nano-constructs, direct particles to their target and influence their cellular and tissue distribution, induce and control biological responses, and form polypeptide self-assembled nanoparticles. In doing so, we highlight the great advances made by the field, as well as the challenges still faced in achieving the clinical translation of peptide- and protein-functionalised nano-drug delivery vehicles, imaging species, and active therapeutics.

Self-Assembled Peptide-Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical Imaging and Therapy.

Abstract: Peptide-based materials are one of the most important biomaterials, with diverse structures and functionalities. Over the past few decades, a self-assembly strategy is introduced to construct peptide-based nanomaterials, which can form well-controlled superstructures with high stability and multivalent effect. More recently, peptide-based functional biomaterials are widely utilized in clinical applications. However, there is no comprehensive review article that summarizes this growing area, from fundamental research to clinic translation. In this review, the recent progress of peptide-based materials, from molecular building block peptides and self-assembly driving forces, to biomedical and clinical applications is systematically summarized. Ex situ and in situ constructed nanomaterials based on functional peptides are presented. The advantages of intelligent in situ construction of peptide-based nanomaterials in vivo are emphasized, including construction strategy, nanostructure modulation, and biomedical effects. This review highlights the importance of self-assembled peptide nanostructures for nanomedicine and can facilitate further knowledge and understanding of these nanosystems toward clinical translation.