DOTAP functionalizing single-walled carbon nanotubes as non-viral vectors for efficient intracellular siRNA delivery

Abstract

Context: Functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) with 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP) were used as novel and more convenient carriers of small interfering RNA (siRNA).Objective: To utilize the unique capability of SWNT to be easily modified by functional groups and readily internalized by mammalian cells to bind, condense, stabilize siRNA and enhance its transfection efficiency. Methods: After SWNT were non-covalently functionalized by cationic DOTAP (SWNT-DOTAP), siRNA interacted with SWNT-DOTAP via static electricity (SWNT-DOTAP/siRNA). Subsequently, the size, zeta potential and morphology of SWNT-DOTAP/siRNA were analyzed. The optimal compression ratio and stability of siRNA were assessed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Furthermore, in prostate carcinoma PC-3 cells, RT-PCR, flow cytometry and sulforhodamine B assays were used to evaluate the silencing activity, transfection efficiency and cell proliferation, respectively. Results and discussion: The characteristics of SWNT-DOTAP, i.e. an average size of 194.49 nm, a zeta potential of 45.16 mV and lower cytotoxicity than Lipofectamine 2000, indicated that this vector was suitable for siRNA delivery. Moreover, after interaction with SWNT-DOTAP, siRNA of human telomerase reverse transcriptase was bound, condensed and stabilized. In PC-3 cells, SWNT-DOTAP/siRNA exhibited 82.6% silencing activity and 92% transfection efficiency. Furthermore, the complexes inhibited cell proliferation by 42.1%. Conclusion: SWNT-DOTAP may be a promising siRNA delivery vector for gene-based therapeutic applications in cancer.

Simultaneous monitoring of the drug release and antitumor effect of a novel drug delivery system-MWCNTs/DOX/TC

“…Owing to their high surface area ratio, MWCNTs have strong loading capacity for a variety of agents including biomolecules (proteins or nucleic acids) and chemical drugs (either hydrophilic or hydrophobic) (Li et al, 2014 ; Qi et al, 2015 ). They can also increase the bioavailability of these molecules by controlling their release or protecting them from degradation or alleviate their toxicity and harmful side effects through targeted delivery (Mu et al, 2009 ; Li et al, 2016 ; Mehra & Palakurthi, 2016 ). These features make it possible to develop multifunctional drug carriers to further improve the efficacy of therapeutic/diagnostic agents.…”

Nanomaterials in Alzheimer’s disease treatment: a comprehensive review

“…It is advantageous over other means of transfer since it is non-immunogenic. Another way of targeting specific diseased cell is by conjugating antibodies along with radiolabeled or fluorescent tagged isotope [88][89][90]. SWNTs which were actually F-CNTs have been used by Yang et al [91] to target the brain cells.…”

Structural features of synthetic glycoconjugates and efficiency of their interaction with glycoprotein receptors on the surface of hepatocytes

“…Катионные липосомы, состоящие из аналогов природных липидов, могут иметь значительно более высокую эффективность доставки генов по сравнению с липосомами на основе фосфолипидов благодаря их особенной структуре бислоя [61]. Однако такие конъюгаты требуют обязательного наличия вспомогательных (хелперных) липидов, играющих важную роль в формировании липоплек-сов из катионных липосом и нуклеиновых кислот и определяющих их морфологию [62].…”