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Updated: Nov 13, 2025
Preparation of Neutrally-charged, pH-responsive Polymeric Nanoparticles for Cytosolic siRNA Delivery
Published on: May 2, 2019
Biomedical application of chitosan-based nanoscale delivery systems: Potential usefulness in siRNA delivery for
Milad Ashrafizadeh1, Masoud Delfi2, Farid Hashemi3
1Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey; Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Orta Mahalle, Üniversite Caddesi No. 27, Orhanlı, Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey.
Abstract:
Gene therapy is an emerging and promising strategy in cancer therapy where small interfering RNA (siRNA) system has been deployed for down-regulation of targeted gene and subsequent inhibition in cancer progression; some issues with siRNA, however, linger namely, its off-targeting property and degradation by enzymes. Nanoparticles can be applied for the encapsulation of siRNA thus enhancing its efficacy in gene silencing where chitosan (CS), a linear alkaline polysaccharide derived from chitin, with superb properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, stability and solubility, can play a vital role. Herein, the potential of CS nanoparticles has been discussed for the delivery of siRNA in cancer therapy; proliferation, metastasis and chemoresistance are suppressed by siRNA-loaded CS nanoparticles, especially the usage of pH-sensitive CS nanoparticles. CS nanoparticles can provide a platform for the co-delivery of siRNA and anti-tumor agents with their enhanced stability via chemical modifications. As pre-clinical experiments are in agreement with potential of CS-based nanoparticles for siRNA delivery, and these carriers possess biocompatibiliy and are safe, further studies can focus on evaluating their utilization in cancer patients.
Insights
Chitosan nanoparticles effectively deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA) for cancer therapy, suppressing tumor growth and metastasis. These biocompatible nanoparticles show promise for clinical applications in cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanomedicine
- Cancer Therapy
Background:
- Gene therapy using small interfering RNA (siRNA) shows promise for cancer treatment by down-regulating target genes.
- Challenges with siRNA include off-targeting and enzymatic degradation, limiting its therapeutic efficacy.
- Nanoparticles offer a solution for siRNA delivery, enhancing gene silencing capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of chitosan (CS) nanoparticles for delivering siRNA in cancer therapy.
- To evaluate the efficacy of CS nanoparticles in suppressing cancer proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance.
- To discuss the advantages of CS nanoparticles, including their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and potential for co-delivery.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing chitosan (CS) nanoparticles for the encapsulation and delivery of siRNA.
- Investigating the use of pH-sensitive CS nanoparticles for enhanced therapeutic effects.
- Exploring chemical modifications of CS nanoparticles for improved stability and co-delivery of anti-tumor agents.
Main Results:
- siRNA-loaded CS nanoparticles demonstrated suppression of cancer cell proliferation and metastasis.
- pH-sensitive CS nanoparticles showed particular efficacy in inhibiting cancer progression.
- CS nanoparticles facilitated the co-delivery of siRNA and other anti-tumor agents, enhancing stability.
Conclusions:
- CS nanoparticles represent a promising and safe platform for siRNA delivery in cancer gene therapy.
- Pre-clinical studies support the potential of CS-based nanoparticles for effective cancer treatment.
- Further clinical investigations are warranted to evaluate the therapeutic application of these nanoparticles in cancer patients.
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