Tannic acid cross-linked polyethylenimine quantum dot nanoclusters for efficient DNA release

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Gene Delivery

Background:

• Developing efficient and traceable non-viral vectors for gene delivery remains a significant challenge.
• Existing vectors often suffer from low transfection efficiency, poor targeting, or potential cytotoxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel nanoclusters (TC25NCs) for effective and visually trackable DNA delivery.
• To evaluate the DNA loading capacity, pH-responsive release, cytotoxicity, and transfection efficiency of the synthesized TC25NCs.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of TC25NCs via bonding formaldehyde functionalized tannic acid (TA-CHO) with carbon quantum dots (CQDs).
• DNA loading and pH-responsive release studies.
• In vitro cytotoxicity assays (MTT) at varying N/P ratios.
• Cellular uptake and transfection efficiency assessment using fluorescence imaging in 293T, HepG2, and HeLa cells.

Main Results:

• TC25NCs effectively loaded DNA and demonstrated pH-responsive release.
• Negligible cytotoxicity was observed, with cell viability >80% at high N/P ratios.
• High transfection efficiencies were achieved: 58.88% (293T), 42.69% (HepG2), and 35.25% (HeLa), outperforming single vector materials.
• Real-time monitoring of cellular uptake and quantitative analysis were enabled by TC25NCs' fluorescence.

Conclusions:

• TC25NCs represent a promising, non-viral vector for efficient and visually trackable DNA delivery.
• The nanocluster design offers precise control over the gene delivery process.
• This strategy provides valuable insights for developing advanced gene delivery systems.