Aptamer-Targeted Dendrimersomes Assembled from Azido-Modified Janus Dendrimers "Clicked" to DNA

Amphiphilic Janus dendrimers (JDs), synthetic alternatives to lipids, have the potential to expand the scope of nanocarrier delivery systems. JDs self-assemble into vesicles called dendrimersomes, encapsulate both hydrophobic cargo and nucleic acids, and demonstrate enhanced stability in comparison to lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Here, we report the ability to enhance the cellular uptake of Janus dendrimersomes using DNA aptamers. Azido-modified JDs were synthesized and conjugated to alkyne-modified DNAs using copper-catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition. DNA-functionalized JDs form nanometer-sized dendrimersomes in aqueous solution via thin film hydration. These vesicles, now displaying short DNAs, are then hybridized to transferrin receptor binding DNA aptamers. Aptamer-targeted dendrimersomes show improved cellular uptake as compared to control vesicles via fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. This work demonstrates the versatility of using click chemistry to conjugate functionalized JDs with biologically relevant molecules and the feasibility of targeting DNA-modified dendrimersomes for drug delivery applications.