Chitosan Nanoparticles for SiRNA Delivery In Vitro

RNA interference, the process in which small interfering RNAs (SiRNAs) silence a specific gene and thus inhibit the associated protein, has opened new doors for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. However, efficient delivery of SiRNAs remains a challenge, especially due to their instability in biological environments and their inability to cross cell membranes. To protect and deliver SiRNAs to mammalian cells, a variety of polymeric nanocarriers have been developed. Among them, the polysaccharide chitosan has generated great interests. This derivative of natural chitin is biodegradable and biocompatible, and can complex SiRNAs into nanoparticles on account of its positive charges. However, chitosan presents some limitations that need to be taken into account when designing chitosan/SiRNA nanoparticles. Here, we describe a method to prepare SiRNA/chitosan nanoparticles with high gene silencing efficiency and low cytotoxicity by using the ionic gelation technique.