The Codelivery of siRNA and QDs by pH-Responsive Micelle for Hepatoma Cancer Cells

Abstract

Recently, RNA interfering (RNAi) has become a promising approach for cancer therapy. However, the application of RNAi for clinics is still hindered due to the lack of safe and efficient carriers. In this study, a pH-responsive micelle based on polycaprolactone-block–poly 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (PCL-PDEM) cationic copolymer was developed to carry short interfering RNA (siRNA) for silencing interleukin 8 (IL-8) gene in hepatoma cancer cells. The transfection efficiency of the PCL-PDEM-siRNA/quantum dots (QDs) nanoplex has reached about 70%, and the expression level of IL-8 decreased about 63%. Furthermore, the codelivery of QDs and siRNA has been realized, which is beneficial to visualize the process of siRNA delivery. No considerable cytotoxicity from the nanoparticles has been observed, indicating that our responsive cationic micelle is potential in clinical trial for hepatoma cancer therapy.

Tumor Microenvironment Responsive RNA Drug Delivery Systems: Intelligent Platforms for Sophisticated Release

“…Due to the charge conversion properties of the carrier system and the tumor-specific targeting, it is beneficial to prolong the residence time of tumor cells in the blood circulation. More protonation polymers have also been developed, such as those based on polycaprolactone- block -poly2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, poly(β-amino ester), and others. Of course, choosing the right protonable group is crucial, as accidental protonation or deprotonation can lead to off-target effects.…”

“…, such as those based on polycaprolactone-block-poly2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate,37 poly(β-amino ester), and others. Of course, choosing the right protonable group is crucial, as accidental protonation or deprotonation can lead to off-target effects.…”

Insights on prospects of nano-siRNA based approaches in treatment of Cancer

“…Furthermore, intratumoral injection of anti-VEGF siRNA/PEI/HA complex resulted in an efficient reduction of tumor development in C57BL/6 mice through the HA receptor-mediated endocytosis to tumor cells ( Jiang et al, 2009 ). Similarly, Cao et al (2019) studied the effect of pH responsive micelles based on siRNA for the targeted delivery in hepatocellular carcinoma.…”

The role of polyplexes in developing a green sustainable approach in agriculture

“…Certain pH responsive polymers have been prepared that releases the dsRNA within the endosome compartment of the cell by undergoing conformational changes due to a transition in pH. 114 The pH transition range of the polymers however may not work for pest control strategies. Pests belonging to Lepidoptera family have a very alkaline intestinal gut pH and therefore may destabilize the dsRNA thus decreasing its efficacy.…”