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Photosensitive Poly-l-lysine/Heparin Interpolyelectrolyte Complexes for Delivery of Genetic Drugs
Viktor Korzhikov-Vlakh1, Iuliia Katernuk1, Iuliia Pilipenko1
1Institute of Chemistry, Saint Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Universitetskii pr. 26, Peterhoff 198504, Russia.
Polymers
|May 14, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed photosensitive polymer systems for controlled drug release inside cells. These interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPECs) can deliver genetic material like siRNA and pDNA upon light activation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Controlled intracellular drug delivery remains a significant scientific challenge.
- Development of novel polymeric systems is crucial for targeted biopharmaceutical release.
- Photosensitive drug delivery systems offer precise spatiotemporal control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create photosensitive interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPECs) for intracellular drug delivery.
- To encapsulate genetic materials, including siRNA and pDNA, within these IPECs.
- To optimize IPEC composition for controlled release kinetics and evaluate their efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPECs) from poly-l-lysine and heparin.
- Incorporation of a photosensitive linker (4-brommethyl-3-nitrobenzoic acid) into IPECs.
- Characterization of linker destruction kinetics, cellular uptake via flow cytometry, and efficacy of genetic material delivery.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized IPECs capable of encapsulating genetic constructions (oligonucleotide, siRNA, pDNA).
- Optimized poly-l-lysine to heparin ratios for controlled release kinetics.
- Demonstrated photosensitive linker destruction and successful cellular internalization of modified IPECs.
Conclusions:
- Photosensitive IPECs show promise as effective delivery systems for siRNA and pDNA.
- Light-triggered release offers a novel strategy for intracellular biopharmaceutical delivery.
- Further research into these systems could advance targeted gene therapy and drug delivery.
