Abstract
Modified magnetic nanoparticles are used as non-viral gene carriers in biological applications. To achieve successful gene delivery, it is critical that nanoparticles effectually assemble with nucleic acids. However, relatively little work has been conducted on the assemble mechanisms between nanoparticles and DNA, and its effects on transfection efficiency. Using biophysical and biochemical characterization, along with Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we investigate the morphologies, assembling structures and gene delivering abilities of the PEI modified magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) gene delivery system. In this gene delivery system, MNP/DNA complexes are formed via binding of DNA onto the surface of MNPs. MNPs are favorable to not only increase DNA concentration but also prevent DNA degradation. Magnetofection experiments showed that MNPs has low cytotoxicity and introduces highly stable transfection in mammalian somatic cells. In addition, different binding ratios between MNPs and DNA result in various morphologies of MNP/DNA complexes and have an influence on transfection efficiency. Dose–response profile indicated that transfection efficiency positively correlate with MNP/DNA ratio. Furthermore, intracellular tracking demonstrate that MNPs move though the cell membranes, deliver and release exogenous DNA into the nucleus.
Highlights
Nanoparticles are widely used in gene therapy, drug delivery and diagnosis detection [1,2,3,4,5] due to its small size, surface effect and penetration performance
Magnetic nanoparticles exhibit paramagnetism, enabling high targeting in a magnetic field, increasing the intake of nucleic acids, transfection efficiency, and improving localization of a nucleic acid delivered to a specific area which is under the influence of a magnetic field [11,12,13]
The morphologies of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were characterized by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM)
Summary
Nanoparticles are widely used in gene therapy, drug delivery and diagnosis detection [1,2,3,4,5] due to its small size, surface effect and penetration performance. Magnetic nanoparticles have become one of the most popular nano-carriers, which have many benefits. Such benefits include high carrying efficiency [6] without inducing immunogenicity [7], it is biocompatible in living cells [8], and it is easy to design, modify and operate [9,10]. The size, shape, surface charge and the presence of different modified functional groups of nanoparticles can affect cell-specific internalization, excretion, toxicity and efficacy [14,15,16,17,18,19]. After cell internalization, the intracellular trail and fate of nanoparticles has not yet been elucidated [24]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
