title: Solid lipid nanoparticles as nucleic acid delivery system: properties and molecular mechanisms.
abstract: Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have been proposed in the 1990s as appropriate drug delivery systems, and ever since they have been applied in a wide variety of cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. In addition, SLNs are considered suitable alternatives as carriers in gene delivery. Although important advances have been made in this particular field, fundamental knowledge of the underlying mechanisms of SLN-mediated gene delivery is conspicuously lacking, an imperative requirement in efforts aimed at further improving their efficiency. Here, we address recent advances in the use of SLNs as platform for delivery of nucleic acids as therapeutic agents. In addition, we will discuss available technology for conveniently producing SLNs. In particular, we will focus on underlying molecular mechanisms by which SLNs and nucleic acids assemble into complexes and how the nucleic acid cargo may be released intracellularly. In discussing underlying mechanisms, we will, when appropriate, refer to analogous studies carried out with systems based on cationic lipids and polymers, that have proven useful in the assessment of structure-function relationships. Finally, we will give suggestions for improving SLN-based gene delivery systems, by pointing to alternative methods for SLNplex assembly, focusing on the realization of a sustained nucleic acid release.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: dejesusmb@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Marcelo B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: de Jesus
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Inge S
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Zuhorn
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004355:Drug Stability; D005612:Freeze Drying; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D009696:Nucleic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D008055:Lipids; D009696:Nucleic Acids
keywords: Gene delivery; Solid lipid nanoparticles