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Development of a spatiotemporal method to control molecular function by using silica-based photodegradable
Fumi Ishizuka1, Xiangsheng Liu, Shuhei Murayama
1Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and GPLLI Program, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|April 9, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed photodegradable nanoparticles for controlled molecule release. This spatiotemporal control method enables safe and effective molecular activation, applicable to various molecules and cellular functions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Precise control over molecular activation timing and location is crucial for safe and effective molecular applications.
- Existing methods for molecular control often lack spatiotemporal precision or require harsh conditions.
- Development of novel systems for light-inducible molecular release is an active area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a spatiotemporal method for controlling molecular function using silica-based photodegradable nanoparticles.
- To demonstrate the controlled release and restoration of function for various encapsulated molecules.
- To evaluate the cellular uptake and intracellular release dynamics of drug-loaded nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of silica-based photodegradable nanoparticles under mild conditions.
- Encapsulation of various functional molecules (rhodamine B, Nile blue A, propidium iodide (PI), BZAR) within the nanoparticle gel network.
- Light-induced release of encapsulated molecules and assessment of restored function.
- Conjugation of PI-encapsulated nanoparticles with octaarginine for cellular delivery.
- Tracking intracellular localization and release kinetics of PI post-irradiation.
Main Results:
- Successfully developed nanoparticles capable of encapsulating and restricting the function of diverse molecules.
- Demonstrated light-induced release of encapsulated molecules, restoring their original functions.
- Achieved efficient cellular internalization of octaarginine-conjugated nanoparticles into the cytoplasm.
- Observed rapid release of propidium iodide (PI) upon short-term irradiation and swift translocation to the nucleus within 2 minutes.
Conclusions:
- Silica-based photodegradable nanoparticles offer a versatile platform for spatiotemporal control of molecular function.
- The developed method allows for quick and transient release of encapsulated molecules with minimal irradiation time.
- This technique is applicable to a wide range of molecules and holds promise for precise intracellular delivery and activation.
