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Trehalose-based Janus cyclooligosaccharides: the "Click" synthesis and DNA-directed assembly into pH-sensitive
J L Jiménez Blanco1, F Ortega-Caballero1, L Blanco-Fernández2
1Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Sevilla, E-41012 Sevilla, Spain.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|July 9, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed Janus molecular nanoparticles using a novel "clicking" strategy. These nanoparticles self-assemble with DNA into pH-dependent structures, enabling effective in vitro and in vivo gene delivery.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Bioconjugation Chemistry
Background:
- Janus nanoparticles offer unique properties due to their segregated domains.
- Efficient methods for preparing complex nanostructures are crucial for biomedical applications.
- Controlling self-assembly through external stimuli like pH is a key challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a convergent strategy for synthesizing Janus molecular nanoparticles.
- To investigate the self-assembly behavior of these nanoparticles with DNA.
- To evaluate the transfection efficiency of the resulting nanostructures.
Main Methods:
- Thiourea-
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized Janus molecular nanoparticles with distinct cationic and lipophilic domains.
- Demonstrated pH-dependent self-assembly into lamellar superstructures in the presence of DNA.
- Confirmed nanostructure formation using electrochemical, SAXS, TEM, and computational methods.
- Achieved efficient gene transfection both in vitro and in vivo.
Conclusions:
- The implemented thiourea-
