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Updated: Jan 30, 2026

Preparation and Characterization of C60/Graphene Hybrid Nanostructures
Published on: May 15, 2018
Transfection of pulmonary cells by stable pDNA-polycationic hybrid nanostructured particles
Diana P Gaspar1,2, Joana Vital3, María C Leiva4,5,6
1Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal.
Aim:
Cationically modified solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) were investigated as plasmid DNA (pDNA) carriers and transfection agents for the pulmonary route.
Materials & Methods:
pDNA-loaded SLN were produced using glyceryl dibehenate or tristearate as matrix lipids and chitosan as surface charge modifier, and encapsulated by spray-drying in mannitol and trehalose microspheres.
Results:
Nanoparticles of 200 nm, and zeta potential around +15 mV were produced. Electrophorectic analysis confirmed plasmid stability and integrity. The pDNA-loaded SLN were able to transfect the Calu-3 and A549 pulmonary cell lines, while showing low cytotoxicity. Microencapsulation of SLN yielded dry powders suitable for inhalation that protected pDNA from degradation.
Conclusion:
Microencapsulated SLN are a promising safe and effective carrier system for pulmonary gene delivery following pulmonary administration.
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