Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
07:58
Formulation and Characterization of Bioactive Agent Containing Nanodisks
Published on: March 17, 2023
A multifunctional envelope-type nanodevice for use in nanomedicine: concept and applications
T Nakamura1, H Akita, Y Yamada
1Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo City, Japan.
Accounts of Chemical Research
|February 14, 2012
Summary
Researchers developed a novel multifunctional envelope-type nanodevice (MEND) for targeted intracellular delivery of nucleic acids and proteins. This nanotechnology overcomes biological barriers for enhanced drug development and therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Nanomedicine
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Modern drug development increasingly focuses on large molecules like proteins and nucleic acids.
- Effective delivery of these molecules into target cells is crucial for therapeutic success.
- Nanotechnology offers advanced solutions for intracellular targeting and drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel multifunctional envelope-type nanodevice (MEND) based on "Programmed Packaging" for intracellular drug delivery.
- To demonstrate the efficacy of MEND in delivering nucleic acids and proteins to various intracellular sites (cytosol, nucleus, mitochondria).
- To present strategies for optimizing in vivo tissue targeting and intracellular trafficking for enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Development of an octaarginine-modified MEND (R8-MEND) for efficient intracellular delivery and antigen presentation.
- Creation of a tetralamellar MEND (T-MEND) for enhanced pDNA delivery into the nucleus.
- Introduction of MITOPorter for targeted delivery of therapeutic materials to mitochondria.
- Integration of enzymatically cleavable PEG and GALA peptide for optimized in vivo tumor delivery and intracellular trafficking.
Main Results:
- R8-MEND demonstrated high transfection activity in dividing cells and efficient antigen presentation via MHC I pathway.
- T-MEND successfully delivered pDNA into the nucleus, optimizing nucleic acid decondensation for transfection.
- MITOPorter enabled targeted delivery to mitochondria via membrane fusion.
- Integrated strategies improved in vivo tumor delivery and intracellular trafficking, overcoming PEG limitations.
Conclusions:
- The "Programmed Packaging" approach with MEND offers a versatile platform for intracellular delivery of diverse therapeutic molecules.
- MEND systems can be tailored for specific intracellular targets, including the cytosol, nucleus, and mitochondria.
- Optimized MEND strategies show promise for advanced in vivo drug delivery, with potential clinical translation.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
01:16Drug Delivery: Overview
The selection of a drug's delivery route depends upon its physicochemical properties, including lipid or water solubility and ionization, as well as the therapeutic requirement, such as immediate or sustained effect. These routes can be divided into three primary categories: enteral, parenteral, and topical.
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the gastrointestinal...
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the gastrointestinal...