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Updated: May 14, 2026
08:44
Assembly and Characterization of Polyelectrolyte Complex Micelles
Published on: March 2, 2020
Oligopeptides/DNA Coacervate Droplets as Macromolecular Delivery Microcarriers
Linyi Zhang1, Chong Wang2, Mengqi Han1
1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences), Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Summary
Researchers developed novel coacervates from oligopeptides and DNA for efficient intracellular delivery of macromolecular therapeutics. These carriers utilize a unique mechanism for cell entry and controlled release within the cytoplasm.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Molecular Therapeutics
Background:
- Macromolecular therapeutics offer great potential for treating various diseases.
- Challenges exist in selecting suitable carriers for efficient intracellular delivery due to physicochemical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel macromolecular carriers for enhanced intracellular delivery of therapeutics.
- To investigate the mechanism of cellular membrane translocation and cytosolic release.
Main Methods:
- Formation of coacervates via liquid-liquid phase separation of oligopeptides and DNA.
- Assessment of coacervate-mediated recruitment and release of biomacromolecules (proteins, enzymes).
- Investigation of cellular uptake pathways, including lipid raft interactions and comparison to endocytosis.
Main Results:
- Coacervates successfully facilitated efficient recruitment and release of therapeutic macromolecules.
- Cellular uptake appeared to involve cholesterol-dependent lipid raft interactions, distinct from classical endocytosis.
- Intracellular DNA degradation by enzymes led to coacervate disassembly and cargo release in the cytoplasm.
Conclusions:
- Oligopeptide-DNA coacervates represent a promising platform for macromolecular drug delivery.
- The developed system integrates efficient membrane translocation with programmable cytosolic release.
- This platform offers a generalizable approach for intracellular delivery of diverse macromolecular therapeutics.
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