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Modulating Shape of Polyester Based Polymersomes using Osmotic Pressure
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Dually Gated Polymersomes for Gene Delivery.
Fangyingkai Wang1,2, Jingyi Gao2, Jiangang Xiao2
1Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital , Tongji University School of Medicine , 301 Middle Yanchang Road , Shanghai 200072 , China.
Nano Letters
|July 28, 2018
Summary
This study presents a novel dual-gate polymersome for efficient gene delivery. The "boarding gate" enables easy loading of nucleic acids, while the "debarkation gate" ensures controlled intracellular release, showcasing its potential as a biomacromolecular shuttle.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Gene Delivery Systems
Background:
- Effective gene carriers are crucial for delivering sensitive nucleic acids.
- Existing systems often lack precise control over loading, protection, and release.
- On-demand release mechanisms are needed for efficient gene transfection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel polymersome with a dual-gating system for enhanced gene delivery.
- To investigate the self-assembly and properties of the dually gated polymersome.
- To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo performance of the polymersome for gene transfection.
Main Methods:
- Self-assembly of a block copolymer [poly(ethylene oxide)- block-poly[ N-isopropylacrylamide- stat-7-(2-methacryloyloxyethoxy)-4-methylcoumarin- stat-2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate]] into polymersomes.
- Utilizing a temperature-controlled "boarding gate" for nucleic acid encapsulation (siRNA, plasmid DNA).
- Employing a pH-triggered "debarkation gate" (proton sponge effect) for intracellular release.
Main Results:
- Successful encapsulation of siRNA and plasmid DNA within the polymersomes.
- Demonstrated efficient in vitro and in vivo gene transfection.
- Confirmed expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) from delivered plasmid DNA.
- The dual-gating system allows for controlled loading and release of genetic material.
Conclusions:
- The dually gated polymersome effectively functions as a biomacromolecular shuttle.
- This system offers a promising platform for advanced gene delivery applications.
- The dual-gate mechanism provides precise control over nucleic acid delivery and release.
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