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Organic metal complexes based on zoledronate-calcium: a potential pDNA delivery system
Wenpan Li1, Xiu Xin, Shasha Jing
1Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, P. R. China. haiyang_hu@hotmail.com.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|April 9, 2020
Summary
Zoledronate-calcium (CaZol) metal-organic complexes show promise as nanocarriers for plasmid DNA (pDNA) gene delivery. Optimized CaZol/pDNA formulations offer efficient encapsulation, protection, and enhanced gene expression both in vitro and in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Gene Therapy
Background:
- Organic metal complexes are explored as hybrid materials for gene delivery applications.
- Developing efficient and safe nanocarriers for plasmid DNA (pDNA) is crucial for gene therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and characterize a novel metal-organic complex of zoledronate-calcium (CaZol) for pDNA delivery.
- To investigate the impact of varying Ca2+/Zol molar ratios on CaZol/pDNA complex formulation and performance.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of zoledronate-calcium (CaZol) metal-organic complexes.
- Formulation of CaZol/pDNA complexes at different Ca/Zol molar ratios.
- Characterization of particle size, pDNA encapsulation efficiency, and stability.
- Evaluation of pDNA protection against serum degradation.
- Assessment of cellular uptake and gene expression efficiency in vitro and in vivo.
Main Results:
- The optimal Ca/Zol molar ratio of 30 yielded CaZol/pDNA complexes with small particle sizes and high pDNA encapsulation.
- CaZol complexes demonstrated pH-sensitive properties, protecting pDNA at physiological pH (7.4) and enabling release at weakly acidic pH (5.5).
- Enhanced cellular uptake and gene expression efficiency were observed both in vitro and in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Zoledronate-calcium (CaZol) metal-organic complexes are effective nanocarriers for pDNA delivery.
- The pH-sensitive nature of CaZol facilitates controlled pDNA release and enhances gene delivery efficacy.
- CaZol represents a promising candidate for developing advanced gene delivery systems.
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