Hollow spherical nucleic acid structures based on polymer-coated phospholipid vesicles

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) are promising nanostructures with diverse applications.
• Existing SNA synthesis methods can be complex and may require harsh conditions.
• Cellular uptake of nucleic acid-based nanostructures often necessitates transfection agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a feasible one-pot synthesis of hollow spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) utilizing phospholipid liposomes.
• To create novel vesicular SNAs with DNA strands grafted onto a polymeric shell.
• To evaluate the characteristics, cellular uptake, and toxicity of these hollow SNAs.

Main Methods:

• One-pot synthesis involving liposome formation, polymeric layer coating, and DNA oligonucleotide grafting.
• Characterization using dynamic light scattering (DLS) for hydrodynamic radius and zeta potential measurements.
• Assessment of cellular uptake without transfection agents and evaluation of cytotoxicity.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of hollow/vesicular SNAs with a hydrodynamic radius of 78.3 nm and zeta potential of -14.2 mV.
• Each vesicle carries approximately 5868 DNA strands in an unextended conformation.
• Constructs demonstrated minimal toxicity and efficient cell membrane crossing without transfection agents.

Conclusions:

• A straightforward method for producing hollow/vesicular SNAs has been established.
• These novel SNAs possess favorable characteristics for cellular delivery.
• The ability of these SNAs to enter cells unaided represents a significant advancement for nucleic acid nanostructures.