Nanoassemblies of Chitosan-Based Polyelectrolyte Complexes as Nucleic Acid Delivery Systems

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Effective nucleic acid delivery necessitates vectorization for nuclease protection, immune evasion, and cellular targeting.
• Ideal nanovectors must be safe, manufacturable, and stable for clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize novel, biocompatible nanovectors for nucleic acid delivery using a green synthesis approach.
• To demonstrate the potential of chitosan-based polyelectrolyte complexes as versatile nanocarriers.

Main Methods:

• Utilized polyelectrolyte complexation of chitosan and dextran sulfate at 25 °C in water.
• Characterized nanoassemblies for size (20-35 nm), colloidal stability (>1 year), and steam sterilizability.
• Demonstrated encapsulation/adsorption of model nucleic acids and surface attachment of targeting agents.

Main Results:

• Green synthesis yielded stable nanoassemblies (20-35 nm) with long-term colloidal stability (>1 year).
• Nanovectors were steam sterilizable and capable of carrying nucleic acids via encapsulation or adsorption.
• Surface functionalization with targeting agents was successfully achieved.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan-based polyelectrolyte complexes represent a promising, biocompatible platform for nanovector development.
• The green synthesis process offers a scalable and safe method for producing stable nanocarriers.
• These nanovectors show potential for targeted nucleic acid delivery in therapeutic applications.