Novel cationic solid-lipid nanoparticles as non-viral vectors for gene delivery

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanomedicine
• Gene Therapy

Background:

• Gene delivery relies on effective and safe vectors.
• Nonviral vectors offer advantages over viral methods but often face challenges in efficiency and safety.
• Solid-lipid nanoparticles (SLN) are emerging as promising nanocarriers for drug and gene delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of novel cationic solid-lipid nanoparticles (SLN) as a nonviral transfection agent for gene delivery.
• To characterize the physical properties and DNA complexation capabilities of these cationic SLN.
• To evaluate the in vitro toxicity and transfection efficiency of SLN-DNA complexes in human liver cancer cells.

Main Methods:

• Cationic SLN were prepared using the microemulsion method with Compritol ATO 888, dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide, and Pluronic F68.
• Nanoparticle size, zeta potential, DNA complexation, and DNA protection against DNase I digestion were assessed.
• In vitro toxicity and transfection efficacy of SLN-DNA complexes were evaluated in human liver cancer cells.

Main Results:

• Cationic SLN were produced with a size of approximately 120 nm and a positive zeta potential of +45 mV.
• SLN effectively formed stable complexes with DNA and protected it from enzymatic degradation.
• SLN and SLN-DNA complexes exhibited very low toxicity to liver cancer cells.
• SLN-DNA complexes successfully promoted gene transfection in the evaluated cell line.

Conclusions:

• The developed cationic SLN are suitable for forming stable complexes with DNA.
• These nanoparticles demonstrate low toxicity and effective gene transfection capabilities in vitro.
• Cationic SLN show significant potential as nonviral vectors for gene therapy applications.