Supramolecular Spherical Polyelectrolyte Brushes on Gold Nanoparticles for Light-Triggered Gene Delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Spherical polyelectrolyte brushes (SPBs) are valuable in biomedicine, especially for gene delivery.
• Current SPBs have fixed architectures, limiting their responsiveness and tunability.
• There is a need for advanced nanocarriers with controllable properties for enhanced therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a light-controllable supramolecular SPB for gene delivery.
• To investigate the structural transitions and gene delivery capabilities of the novel nanocarrier.
• To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of UV-triggered gene release in cancer models.

Main Methods:

• Construction of a core-shell nanostructure (AuNP@CDs@Azo-PD) using gold nanoparticles, cyclodextrins, and azobenzene-terminated polymers.
• Characterization using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and UV-vis spectroscopy.
• In vitro evaluation of gene delivery efficiency, biocompatibility, and therapeutic effects, including gene expression and tumor suppression.

Main Results:

• Successful formation of a light-responsive supramolecular SPB with a core-shell architecture.
• Demonstrated controlled structural transitions under UV irradiation.
• Achieved comparable transfection efficiency to commercial agents, effective gene encapsulation, and protection against nucleases.
• UV-triggered release of PTEN gene led to significant tumor suppression, reducing proliferation and migration while increasing apoptosis.

Conclusions:

• AuNP@CDs@Azo-PD represents a versatile and responsive nanoplatform for controlled gene delivery.
• The light-controllable nature allows for precise therapeutic intervention.
• This system holds significant potential for advanced cancer therapy applications.