Enhancing Deoxyribonucleic Acid Delivery Efficiency via pH-Responsive Metal-Tannic Acid Cross-Linking Encapsulation

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanomedicine
• Gene Therapy

Background:

• Effective gene delivery is crucial for gene therapy success.
• Precise control over vector transmission and release within cells remains a challenge.
• Targeting the acidic tumor microenvironment requires specialized delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a pH-responsive nanogene vector for enhanced gene therapy.
• To investigate the potential of metal ion- and tannic acid-modified polyethylenimine (Mⁿ⁺-TA/PEI) as a gene delivery vector.
• To evaluate the vector's performance in acidic tumor microenvironments.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of Mⁿ⁺-TA/PEI nanogene vectors by modifying polyethylenimine with metal ions and tannic acid.
• Assessment of pH-responsive particle size changes for Al³⁺-TA/PEI and Fe³⁺-TA/PEI.
• Evaluation of cytotoxicity, hemolysis, protein absorption, cellular uptake, and gene expression promotion.

Main Results:

• Mⁿ⁺-TA/PEI vectors demonstrated significant pH-responsive particle size changes.
• The vectors exhibited low cytotoxicity, hemolysis, and protein absorption.
• Efficient cellular uptake and promotion of gene expression were observed.
• The vectors showed excellent DNA delivery ability and good safety profiles.

Conclusions:

• The developed Mⁿ⁺-TA/PEI nanogene vector offers precise control over gene delivery and release.
• Its pH-responsive nature makes it suitable for targeting acidic tumor microenvironments.
• The vector shows significant potential for safe and effective gene therapy applications.