Abstract
Nanocarriers responding to light have great potential for pinpoint therapy, and recent studies have revealed promising in vivo activity. However, light-selective gene transfer still remains challenging in the systemic application. Here we report systemic light-responsive nanocarriers for gene delivery developed through the sequential self-assembly of ABC-type triblock copolymer/DNA/dendrimeric photosensitizer, forming polyplex micelles with three-layered functional nanocompartments. The DNA-packaged core is covered by the photosensitizer-incorporated intermediate layer, which is encompassed by an outer shielding shell. This three-layered structure permits multistep photosensitizer and DNA delivery into a solid tumour by a systemic route: the shielding layer minimizes unfavourable interactions with blood components, and the photosensitizer is delivered to endo-/lysosomal membranes to facilitate light-selective cytoplasmic translocation of the micelles, accomplishing DNA delivery into the nucleus to exert gene expression. The polyplex micelles display >100-fold photoenhanced gene expression in cultured cells and exhibit light-induced in vivo gene transfer in solid tumours following systemic administration.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
