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Updated: Jul 23, 2025

Models and Methods to Evaluate Transport of Drug Delivery Systems Across Cellular Barriers
Published on: October 17, 2013
Cargo-Dependent Targeted Cellular Uptake Using Quaternized Starch as a Carrier
Yossi Blitsman1, Chen Benafsha1, Nir Yarza1
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel.
Modified starch, Q-starch, shows promise as a universal drug delivery carrier. It forms nano-sized complexes that efficiently target cellular organelles based on the therapeutic cargo
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Tailored drug delivery systems are crucial for targeted therapies.
- Developing adaptable carriers for diverse therapeutic agents remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate modified starch (Q-starch) as a universal drug delivery carrier.
- To investigate Q-starch's ability to target specific cellular organelles based on cargo properties.
Main Methods:
- Formation and characterization of Q-starch/cargo complexes using dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, and cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM).
- Testing delivery of plasmid DNA (pDNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), and phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3).
Main Results:
- Q-starch forms nano-sized, positively charged, spherical complexes with therapeutic molecules.
- These complexes demonstrate efficient cellular uptake and targeted organelle delivery (nucleus, cytoplasm, membrane).
- Intracellular trafficking is dictated by the cargo's biological activity site.
Conclusions:
- Q-starch is a versatile and potent carrier for diverse therapeutic agents.
- The carrier's adaptability allows cargo-specific intracellular targeting.
- This highlights potential for novel targeted delivery strategies.
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