Cationic Niosomes as Non-Viral Vehicles for Nucleic Acids: Challenges and Opportunities in Gene Delivery

Abstract

Cationic niosomes have become important non-viral vehicles for transporting a good number of small drug molecules and macromolecules. Growing interest shown by these colloidal nanoparticles in therapy is determined by their structural similarities to liposomes. Cationic niosomes are usually obtained from the self-assembly of non-ionic surfactant molecules. This process can be governed not only by the nature of such surfactants but also by others factors like the presence of additives, formulation preparation and properties of the encapsulated hydrophobic or hydrophilic molecules. This review is aimed at providing recent information for using cationic niosomes for gene delivery purposes with particular emphasis on improving the transportation of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), small interference RNAs (siRNAs), aptamers and plasmids (pDNA).

Gene delivery to the rat retina by non-viral vectors based on chloroquine-containing cationic niosomes

“…Cationic niosomes are selfassembled vesicular nanovehicles, similar to liposomes, with encouraging properties for gene delivery applications. To mention a few, the chemical structure of niosomes makes it possible to provide more stable and less cytotoxic formulations at a low cost [13]. The amphiphilic nature of nonionic surfactants enable niosomes to trap both hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds [14].The cationic part here is the hydrochloride salt of the cationic lipid 2,3-di (tetradecyloxy) propan-1-amine (D).…”

Niosome-Based Approach for In Situ Gene Delivery to Retina and Brain Cortex as Immune-Privileged Tissues

“…Once niosomes have been prepared using any of the previously above-mentioned techniques, the corresponding nioplexes can be obtained after the addition of a solution of the pertinent genetic material to the colloidal suspension of niosomes ( Figure 3). Due to the electrostatic interactions between the positively charged amine groups of the cationic lipids incorporated into the niosome vesicles and the negatively charged phosphate groups of the genetic material, nioplexes can be easily obtained at different cationic lipid/genetic material ratios [76]. In the case the obtained niosomes are not going to be used soon, they can be stored at 4 • C during several weeks, without affecting the main physicochemical parameters that influence the gene delivery process [9].…”

“…Compared to liposome counterparts, niosomes are recognized for their higher chemical and storage stability, due to the presence of non-ionic surfactants in their structure [75]. In addition, niosomes can be easily prepared at a low cost, and they are less toxic than liposomes due to the presence of non-ionic surfactants [76,77]. All these characteristics justify the research on niosomes as an interesting platform for gene delivery applications.…”

“…Normally, after niosome elaboration and before performing any biological experiments, some of the most relevant physicochemical properties involved in the nucleic acid delivery of niosomes are evaluated as a screening methodology to select the most suitable composition and concentration of the chemical components [78]. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) can evaluate the hydrodynamic diameter and the polydispersity index (PDI) of both niosomes and corresponding nioplexes in a Zetasizer instrument, while the morphology and distribution of niosome colloidal dispersions can be examined by different microscopic techniques [76]. The DLS technique is based on the random Brownian movement of small particles and the light scattered when a laser irradiates the colloidal suspension, which is highly dependent on the ion concentration [78].…”

Lipoaminoacids Enzyme-Based Production and Application as Gene Delivery Vectors

“…Recently, cationic gemini surfactants have attracted special attention as efficient transfection agents in vitro and promising alternatives to viral vectors in gene therapy [4][5][6]. Successful gene therapy crucially depends on the development of effective vectors, especially for the safe introduction of the selected gene into living cells.…”