Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs

siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs

Small interfering RNAs, or siRNAs, are short regulatory RNA molecules that can silence genes post-transcriptionally, as well as the transcriptional level in some cases. siRNAs are important for protecting cells against viral infections and silencing transposable genetic elements.
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the ATP-dependent...

Experimental RNAi

Experimental RNAi

RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular mechanism that inhibits gene expression by suppressing its transcription or activating the RNA degradation process. The mechanism was discovered by Andrew Fire and Craig Mello in 1998 in plants. Today, it is observed in almost all eukaryotes, including protozoa, flies, nematodes, insects, parasites, and mammals. This precise cellular mechanism of gene silencing has been developed into a technique that provides an efficient way to identify and determine the...

Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers

Site-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...

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted

Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.

RNA Interference

RNA Interference

RNA interference (RNAi) is a process in which a small non-coding RNA molecule blocks the post-transcriptional expression of a gene by binding to its messenger RNA (mRNA) and preventing the protein from being translated.
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Localized delivery of hyaluronic acid-doxorubicin from a surgical paste for post-operative glioblastoma treatment.

Materials today. Bio·2026

Same author

Multifunctional Nanovaccine Sensitizes Breast Cancer to Immune Checkpoint Therapy.

Advanced functional materials·2025

Same author

Designing polyphosphazene derivatives for gene delivery in glioblastoma treatment.

Materials today. Bio·2025

Same author

Design Strategies for Hyaluronic Acid-based Drug Delivery Systems in Cancer Immunotherapy.

Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society·2025

Same author

Repurposing Chemotherapeutics in a Hyaluronic Acid-conjugate Combination Treatment Approach for the Local Immunomodulation of the Glioblastoma Microenvironment.

International journal of pharmaceutics·2025

Same author

Topical miRNA Delivery via Elastic Liposomal Formulation: A Promising Genetic Therapy for Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE).

International journal of molecular sciences·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

Porous Silicon Microparticles for Delivery of siRNA Therapeutics

Porous Silicon Microparticles for Delivery of siRNA Therapeutics

Published on: January 15, 2015

Chitosan-based siRNA delivery systems.

Héloïse Ragelle¹, Gaëlle Vandermeulen¹, Véronique Préat¹

¹Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.

Journal of Controlled Release : Official Journal of the Controlled Release Society

|August 23, 2013

Summary

Chitosan nanoparticles offer a promising platform for delivering small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics. Recent advancements address key challenges like stability and endosomal escape, enhancing in vivo delivery efficiency.

Keywords:

Chitosan Delivery barriers Ligand Nanoparticles RNA interference siRNA

More Related Videos

Preparation of Neutrally-charged, pH-responsive Polymeric Nanoparticles for Cytosolic siRNA Delivery

Preparation of Neutrally-charged, pH-responsive Polymeric Nanoparticles for Cytosolic siRNA Delivery

Published on: May 2, 2019

Chitosan/Interfering RNA Nanoparticle Mediated Gene Silencing in Disease Vector Mosquito Larvae

Chitosan/Interfering RNA Nanoparticle Mediated Gene Silencing in Disease Vector Mosquito Larvae

Published on: March 25, 2015

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 8, 2026

Porous Silicon Microparticles for Delivery of siRNA Therapeutics

Porous Silicon Microparticles for Delivery of siRNA Therapeutics

Published on: January 15, 2015

Preparation of Neutrally-charged, pH-responsive Polymeric Nanoparticles for Cytosolic siRNA Delivery

Preparation of Neutrally-charged, pH-responsive Polymeric Nanoparticles for Cytosolic siRNA Delivery

Published on: May 2, 2019

Chitosan/Interfering RNA Nanoparticle Mediated Gene Silencing in Disease Vector Mosquito Larvae

Chitosan/Interfering RNA Nanoparticle Mediated Gene Silencing in Disease Vector Mosquito Larvae

Published on: March 25, 2015

Area of Science:

Biomaterials Science
Nanotechnology
Gene Therapy

Background:

Chitosan's cationic nature facilitates complexation with small interfering RNA (siRNA), forming nanoparticles.
Its biocompatibility and biodegradability make it suitable for in vivo applications.
Current chitosan-based siRNA delivery systems face efficiency limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

To review major barriers hindering chitosan-based siRNA delivery efficiency.
To discuss solutions for overcoming these barriers.
To explore parameters for designing improved delivery systems, including ligand grafting.

Main Methods:

Literature review of recent advancements in chitosan-based siRNA delivery systems.
Analysis of challenges such as biological fluid stability and endosomal escape.
Examination of strategies for enhancing in vivo therapeutic applications.

Main Results:

Identified stability and endosomal escape as critical barriers.
Highlighted solutions involving system optimization and ligand functionalization.
Reviewed successful local and systemic in vivo delivery systems.

Conclusions:

Recent improvements have overcome previous limitations in chitosan-siRNA systems.
Optimized systems are paving the way for a new generation of siRNA therapeutics.
Further development promises enhanced in vivo efficacy for gene silencing applications.