Ultrafine chitosan nanoparticles as an efficient nucleic acid delivery system targeting neuronal cells.
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.
Malhotra
Meenakshi
M
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.
Kulamarva
Arun
A
Sebak
Safaa
S
Paul
Arghya
A
Bhathena
Jasmine
J
Mirzaei
Maryam
M
Prakash
Satya
S
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
D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D005782:Gels; D011122:Polyphosphates; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D048271:Chitosan; C005692:triphosphoric acid