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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
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Generation of Cationic Nanoliposomes for the Efficient Delivery of In Vitro Transcribed Messenger RNA
Published on: February 1, 2019
DOTAP/UDCA vesicles: novel approach in oligonucleotide delivery
Barbara Ruozi1, Renata Battini, Monica Montanari
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
Nanomedicine : Nanotechnology, Biology, and Medicine
|March 24, 2007
Summary
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) additive enhances DOTAP liposome delivery of oligonucleotides. These modified liposomes show improved cellular uptake and stability without toxicity, offering a promising gene delivery approach.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cationic liposomes like DOTAP are used for oligonucleotide delivery.
- Improving liposome stability and cellular uptake is crucial for effective gene therapy.
- Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a hydrophilic bile acid with potential formulation applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of UDCA as an additive to DOTAP cationic liposomes.
- To evaluate the impact on cellular uptake and localization of oligonucleotides.
- To assess the stability and toxicity of the novel DOTAP-UDCA formulations.
Main Methods:
- Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for UDCA incorporation.
- Gel electrophoresis to analyze oligonucleotide-liposome complexes.
- Cytofluorimetric and confocal microscopy for cellular uptake and localization studies in HaCaT cells.
Main Results:
- DOTAP-UDCA vesicles (MixVes) were successfully formed at various molar ratios.
- UDCA incorporation enhanced liposome stability, flexibility, and activity.
- MixVes at 1:0.25 and 1:0.5 molar ratios significantly increased oligonucleotide cellular uptake compared to DOTAP alone.
- Confocal microscopy confirmed altered cellular localization of the oligonucleotides.
Conclusions:
- Formulating DOTAP liposomes with UDCA creates more stable and effective gene delivery vehicles.
- Specific UDCA ratios (1:0.25, 1:0.5) optimize oligonucleotide cellular uptake.
- These UDCA-modified liposomes demonstrate a promising, non-toxic approach for oligonucleotide delivery.
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