Enhancing anti-melanoma outcomes in mice using novel chitooligosaccharide nanoparticles loaded with therapeutic survivin-targeted siRNA

Abstract

Melanoma anti-tumor therapy remains a challenge. SiRNA-based therapies provide a powerful means, but limitations remain in its pharmaceutical applications owing to the lack of highly efficient delivery systems. In this study, to improve the siRNA delivery efficiency of chitooligosaccharide (COS), phenylboronic acid (PBA)-modified COS was synthesized and structurally characterized. PBA-modified COS was used to deliver survivin-targeted siRNA for melanoma treatment. The siRNA-loaded nanoparticles were prepared by a synergetic assembly of electrostatic complexation and chemical cross-linking. The particle size and zeta potential were characterized by dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy was utilized to observe the morphology of the nanoparticles. The cellular uptake of nanoparticles on B16F10 cells was studied by flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. A luciferase reporter gene assay determined the gene silencing efficiency of different nanoparticles. As a result, the novel nanoparticles remarkably inhibited the proliferation of B16F10 cells in vitro and significantly inhibited the growth and metastasis of melanoma in vivo. In conclusion, PBA-modified COS can serve as a promising carrier for siRNA delivery in the field of anti-tumor therapy.