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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
10:07
Preparation of Multifunctional Silk-Based Microcapsules Loaded with DNA Plasmids Encoding RNA Aptamers and Riboswitches
Published on: October 8, 2021
Thin multilayer films and microcapsules containing DNA quadruplex motifs.
Francesca Cavalieri1, Sher Leen Ng, Claudia Mazzuca
1Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, 00173 Rome, Italy.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|November 25, 2010
Summary
Researchers created G-quadruplex-polymer conjugates for drug delivery. These nanostructures self-assemble into microcapsules, effectively binding therapeutic agents like porphyrin TMPyP4.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Medicinal Chemistry
Background:
- G-quadruplexes show promise as therapeutic carriers.
- Developing multifunctional nanostructures is key for advanced drug delivery systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize G-quadruplex-polymer conjugates.
- To investigate their self-assembly into ordered structures and microcapsules.
- To explore their potential for binding therapeutic agents.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of G15-mer oligodeoxyguanosine polymer conjugates.
- Layer-by-layer assembly of conjugates with C30-mer strands to form microcapsules.
- Investigation of porphyrin TMPyP4 binding and photophysical properties.
Main Results:
- G-quadruplex-polymer conjugates retain self-assembly capabilities.
- Successful formation of multilayer films and microcapsules via a sequential assembly mechanism.
- Demonstrated ability of the multilayer films to bind therapeutic agents.
Conclusions:
- G-quadruplex-polymer conjugates are viable building blocks for multifunctional nanostructures.
- The developed microcapsules can serve as effective platforms for therapeutic agent delivery.
- The study highlights the potential of G-quadruplexes in advanced drug carrier systems.
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