Fundamental and Practical Aspects in the Formulation of Colloidal Polyelectrolyte Complexes of Chitosan and siRNA

The formation of electrostatic interactions between polyanionic siRNA and polycations gives an easy access to the formation of colloidal particles capable of delivering siRNA in vitro or in vivo. Among the polycations used for siRNA delivery, chitosan occupies a special place due to its unique physicochemical and biological properties. In this chapter we describe the fundamental and practical aspects of the formation of colloidal complexes between chitosan and siRNA. The basis of the electrostatic complexation between oppositely charged polyelectrolytes is first introduced with a focus on the specific conditions to obtain stable colloid complex particles. Subsequent, the properties that make chitosan so special are described. In a third part, the main parameters influencing the colloidal properties and stability of siRNA/chitosan complexes are reviewed with emphasis on some practical aspects to consider in the preparation of complexes.