title: Porous silicon microparticles for delivery of siRNA therapeutics.
abstract: Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be used to suppress gene expression, thereby providing a new avenue for the treatment of various diseases. However, the successful implementation of siRNA therapy requires the use of delivery platforms that can overcome the major challenges of siRNA delivery, such as enzymatic degradation, low intracellular uptake and lysosomal entrapment. Here, a protocol for the preparation and use of a biocompatible and effective siRNA delivery system is presented. This platform consists of polyethylenimine (PEI) and arginine (Arg)-grafted porous silicon microparticles, which can be loaded with siRNA by performing a simple mixing step. The silicon particles are gradually degraded over time, thereby triggering the formation of Arg-PEI/siRNA nanoparticles. This delivery vehicle provides a means for protecting and internalizing siRNA, without causing cytotoxicity. The major steps of polycation functionalization, particle characterization, and siRNA loading are outlined in detail. In addition, the procedures for determining particle uptake, cytotoxicity, and transfection efficacy are also described.
authors: Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute; MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University.
authors: Jianliang
authors: J
authors: Shen
authors: Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute; Pediatrics Department of Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology.
authors: Xiaoyan
authors: X
authors: Wu
authors: Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute.
authors: Yeonju
authors: Y
authors: Lee
authors: Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute; CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience & Technology of China.
authors: Joy
authors: J
authors: Wolfram
authors: Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute.
authors: Zhizhou
authors: Z
authors: Yang
authors: MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University.
authors: Zong-Wan
authors: ZW
authors: Mao
authors: Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College.
authors: Mauro
authors: M
authors: Ferrari
authors: Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College; hshen@houstonmethodist.org.
authors: Haifa
authors: H
authors: Shen
mesh_terms: D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D055252:Cell-Derived Microparticles; D006801:Humans; D058726:Nanoconjugates / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D011073:Polyamines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D000071228:Polyelectrolytes; D011094:Polyethyleneimine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000235:genetics; D000067492:RNAi Therapeutics / Q000379:methods*; D012825:Silicon / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D014162:Transfection / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D058726:Nanoconjugates; D011073:Polyamines; D000071228:Polyelectrolytes; D011094:Polyethyleneimine; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D012825:Silicon
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