Preparation and characterization of chitosan/β-cyclodextrin nanoparticles containing plasmid DNA encoding...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanomedicine
• Gene Therapy

Background:

• Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a cytokine with demonstrated antitumor effects through immune system stimulation.
• Non-viral gene delivery systems offer advantages like safety, low cost, and high genetic material capacity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize Interleukin-12 (IL-12) encoding plasmid DNA (pUMVC3-hIL12) loaded Low Molecular Weight chitosan/β-cyclodextrin (LMW CS/CD) nanoparticles.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of these nanoparticles as a gene delivery system for potential cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• pUMVC3-hIL12 loaded LMW CS/CD nanoparticles were synthesized using the ionotropic gelation method.
• Characterization included size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, morphology, DNA loading efficiency, and cytotoxicity assays against CT-26 colon carcinoma cells.

Main Results:

• The nanoparticles were spherical, nano-sized (171.3±2.165 nm) with a positive zeta potential (34.3±1.55) and good encapsulation efficiency (83.315%±2.067).
• No significant cytotoxicity was observed in CT-26 cells.
• Transfection ability of nanoparticles was superior to naked DNA at 0.1 µg/ml concentration.

Conclusions:

• LMW CS/CD nanoparticles loaded with IL-12 plasmid DNA are a safe and effective non-viral gene delivery system.
• These nanoparticles show potential for enhanced IL-12 expression in future in vitro and in vivo gene therapy studies for cancer treatment.