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Assembly and Characterization of Polyelectrolyte Complex Micelles
Published on: March 2, 2020
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Cytosolic protein delivery via protein-bound microparticles based on anionic boron clusters and cationic polymers
Yuya Hirai1, Yoshimasa Makita2, Makoto Nakagawa3
1Department of Biology, Osaka Dental University, 8-1, Kuzuha Hanazono-cho, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1121, Japan. hirai-y@cc.osaka-dent.ac.jp.
Biomaterials Science
|June 10, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed novel boron cluster/polymer microparticles for direct protein delivery to the cell cytosol. This innovative cytosolic delivery system efficiently transports functional proteins into various cell types, bypassing gene introduction risks.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Direct protein delivery to the cytosol offers immediate functional expression without gene introduction risks.
- Current cytosolic delivery technologies are limited in scope and application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel microparticle system for efficient and versatile direct protein delivery into the cell cytosol.
- To demonstrate the utility of boron clusters in creating functional cytosolic delivery vehicles.
Main Methods:
- Formation of microparticles from anionic boron clusters (dodecaborododecaborate) and cationic polymer hexadimethrine bromide (HDB).
- Characterization of protein binding to these boron cluster/polymer-based microparticles (protein·BPMs).
- Assessment of protein·BPMs internalization via endocytosis and subsequent protein release in various cell types.
Main Results:
- Successfully formed protein-bound microparticles (protein·BPMs) using boron clusters and HDB.
- Demonstrated efficient cellular internalization of protein·BPMs via endocytosis.
- Confirmed release of functional proteins, including an enzyme, into the cytosol of diverse cell types.
Conclusions:
- Protein·BPMs represent a promising, simply prepared system for delivering diverse proteins to the cytosol.
- This approach utilizes boron clusters for advanced cytosolic delivery applications.
- The findings pave the way for new boron cluster-based cytosolic delivery strategies.
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