Chitosan-coated red fluorescent protein nanoparticle as a potential dual-functional siRNA carrier

Nanomedicine (Lond). 2015;10(13):2005-16. doi: 10.2217/nnm.15.56. Epub 2015 Jul 2.

Abstract

Aims: Developing safe and efficient nano vectors is critical for the success of siRNA therapy.

Materials & methods: By encapsulating red fluorescent protein (RFP) with chitosan (CS), a dual-functional siRNA delivery nano vector, RFP@CS, has been synthesized.

Results: RFP@CS has an optimum size of 7-23 nm for siRNA delivery; and the fluorescence of RFP, protected by CS coating, provides an excellent probe to track the delivery of siRNA. RFP@CS delivers siRNA efficiently into cells and the targeted gene could be completely silenced even after 48 h. No cytotoxicity or acute toxicity in mice was observed.

Conclusion: The high transfection efficacy and safety demonstrate RFP@CS is a promising nano vector for the gene therapy.

Keywords: chitosan; drug delivery; imaging; red fluorescent protein; siRNA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Chitosan / analysis
  • Chitosan / chemistry*
  • Fluorescence
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Luminescent Proteins / analysis
  • Luminescent Proteins / chemistry*
  • Male
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Nanoparticles / analysis
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanoparticles / ultrastructure
  • RNA Interference*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / administration & dosage*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Red Fluorescent Protein
  • Transfection* / methods

Substances

  • Luminescent Proteins
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Chitosan