Preparation and Characterization of siRNA-Loaded Liposomes

The major challenge for RNAi-based therapy is the fabrication of the delivery system that meet the requirement of clinical applicability. Liposome-derived nanoparticles (NPs) are one of the best investigated systems for in vivo siRNA delivery. In the recent years, we have successfully redesigned the conventional cationic liposomes into Liposome/Protamine/hyaluronic acid (LPH) NPs and Lipid-Calcium-Phosphate (LCP) NPs in order to increase the in vivo gene silencing effect and reduce the toxicity. Here we describe the preparation of LPH and LCP NPs loaded with siRNA, and characterization analysis including size distribution, trapping efficiency, and in vivo activity. This protocol could be used for in vivo delivery of siRNA to target genes in cancer cells.