title: NIR light controlled photorelease of siRNA and its targeted intracellular delivery based on upconversion nanoparticles.
abstract: The most notable role of small interfering RNA (siRNA) is in RNA interference (RNAi) and post-transcriptional gene silencing, which leads to a surge of interest in RNAi for both biomedical research and therapeutic applications. However, "naked" siRNA cannot cross cellular membranes freely because of highly negative charges which limits its utility for gene therapy. In this work, a system of near-infrared (NIR) light-induced siRNA release from silica coated upconversion nanoparticles (Si-UCNPs) is presented. These Si-UCNPs were functionalized with cationic photocaged linkers through covalent bonding, which could effectively adsorb anionic siRNA through electrostatic attractions and were easily internalized by living cells. Upon NIR light irradiation, the photocaged linker on the Si-UCNPs surface could be cleaved by the upconverted UV light and thus initiated the intracellular release of the siRNA. The in vitro agarose gel electrophoresis and intracellular imaging results indicated that the Si-UCNPs-based gene carrier system allowed effective siRNA delivery and the applications of NIR light instead of direct high energy UV irradiation may greatly guarantee less cell damage.
authors.affiliation: Division of Chemistry & Biological Chemistry, School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
authors.forename: Yanmei
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Fang
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Xiaogang
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Bengang
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Xing
mesh_terms: D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects*; D020868:Gene Silencing; D007259:Infrared Rays; D008027:Light; D008422:Materials Testing; D053769:Nanocapsules / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects*; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000528:radiation effects; D014162:Transfection / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D053769:Nanocapsules; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering