Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Programming Stem Cells for Therapeutic Angiogenesis Using Biodegradable Polymeric Nanoparticles
Published on: September 27, 2013
Mitochondria-Targeting, Intracellular Delivery of Native Proteins Using Biodegradable Silica Nanoparticles
Peiyan Yuan1,2, Xin Mao1, Xiaofeng Wu1
1Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
Abstract:
Mitochondria are key organelles in mammalian cells whose dysfunction is linked to various diseases. Drugs targeting mitochondrial proteins provide a highly promising strategy for potential therapeutics. Methods for the delivery of small-molecule drugs to the mitochondria are available, but these are not suitable for macromolecules, such as proteins. Herein, we report the delivery of native proteins and antibodies to the mitochondria using biodegradable silica nanoparticles (BS-NPs). The modification of the nanoparticle surface with triphenylphosphonium (TPP) and cell-penetrating poly(disulfide)s (CPD) facilitated their rapid intracellular uptake with minimal endolysosomal trapping, providing sufficient time for effective mitochondrial localization followed by glutathione-triggered biodegradation and of native, functional proteins into the mitochondria.
Related Concept Videos
Translocation of Proteins into the Mitochondria
Sorting of outer membrane proteins:
Mitochondrial outer membrane proteins are of two types: the transmembrane, beta-barrel porins, and the membrane-anchored, alpha-helical proteins. Beta-barrel porin precursors are translocated by the TOM complex and inserted into the outer mitochondrial membrane by the SAM complex. In contrast,...
Peroxisomes and Mitochondria
The peroxisome is a single membrane-bound cellular organelle that can perform several different functions, including lipid metabolism and chemical detoxification. The enzymes within...
Intracellular Signaling Cascades
Mitochondria
Silica Gel Column Chromatography: Overview
Polar components tend to bind strongly to the silica gel, causing them to move slowly through the column. In contrast, nonpolar compounds...
Regulated Protein Degradation
Protein degradation plays two important roles in the cells. It helps to protect cells from misfolded or damaged proteins before they lead to a...

