title: Ultrafine chitosan nanoparticles as an efficient nucleic acid delivery system targeting neuronal cells.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cell transfection with nanoscaled cationic polymeric particles using Chitosan has been extensively explored. Because of its properties such as cationic charges, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity, it has been used as a potential gene, siRNA, protein (including antibodies), and drug carrier system.
  
  
  METHODS
  This work describes the development of chitosan nanoparticles of a 20-nm diameter for a potential siRNA delivery application. The particles were prepared using an ionic gelation method, using sodium tripolyphosphate as a cross-linker. The effect of variation in pH was investigated on particle size and surface charge. Gene loading efficiency by chitosan nanoparticles was performed by varying weight ratios of chitosan: siRNA. Transfection efficiency was evaluated on Neuro2a cells.
  
  
  RESULTS
  It was observed that 20-nm-sized nanoscale complexes induced significant transfection in neuronal cells.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These particles have potential in the delivery of siRNA to neural tissues.
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Artificial Cells and Organs Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Meenakshi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Malhotra
authors.forename: Arun
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kulamarva
authors.forename: Safaa
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sebak
authors.forename: Arghya
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Paul
authors.forename: Jasmine
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bhathena
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mirzaei
authors.forename: Satya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Prakash
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D048271:Chitosan / Q000737:chemistry*; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000737:chemistry; D005782:Gels; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D051379:Mice; D053758:Nanoparticles; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000378:metabolism; D010316:Particle Size; D011122:Polyphosphates / Q000737:chemistry; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014162:Transfection
chemical_list: D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D005782:Gels; D011122:Polyphosphates; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D048271:Chitosan; C005692:triphosphoric acid