Amino Acid Functionalized Hydrotalcites for Gene Silencing
Nirasha Nundkumar1, Sooboo Singh2, Moganavelli Singh1
1School of Life Sciences, University of Kwa-Zulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa.
Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
|November 22, 2019
Summary
Amino acid functionalized hydrotalcites (aa-HTs) show potential for siRNA delivery. These aa-HTs effectively bind, protect, and deliver siRNA, leading to enhanced gene knockdown in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Hydrotalcites (HTs) are layered double hydroxides with potential applications in drug delivery.
- Functionalization of HTs can enhance their properties for specific applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize amino acid functionalized hydrotalcites (aa-HTs).
- To evaluate the potential of aa-HTs for small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery.
- To assess the gene silencing efficacy of aa-HTs in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Co-precipitation method for synthesis of HTs and aa-HTs.
- Characterization using XRD, ICP-OES, FTIR, TEM, and NTA.
- Gel retardation assays for siRNA binding capacity.
- MTT assay for cytotoxicity studies.
- Gene silencing studies in HeLa-tat-luc cells.
Main Results:
- Synthesized HTs and aa-HTs were successfully characterized.
- aa-HTs demonstrated optimal siRNA binding capacity.
- siRNA:HT complexes showed low cytotoxicity to HeLa-tat-luc cells.
- aa-HTs significantly enhanced gene knockdown compared to non-functionalized HTs.
Conclusions:
- Amino acid functionalized hydrotalcites are promising materials for siRNA delivery.
- These aa-HTs can effectively bind, protect, and deliver siRNA in vitro.
- Further research is warranted to explore their therapeutic potential.
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