Core–Shell Structures from the Coassembly of Lipoprotein-like Nanoparticles and Plasmid DNA for Gene Delivery

Abstract

We reported self-assembled core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) based on lipoprotein-like NPs and plasmid DNA (pDNA). Lipoprotein-like NPs were prepared using cholic acid (CA)-modified lipopeptides. We designed six different lipopeptides with different peptide segments to construct a series of NPs. It was proven that these NPs have different positive surface charges. These NPs could bind pDNA through electrostatic interaction to form core–shell complexes. The interactions between NPs and pDNA were systematically investigated. The number of NP charges determines the strength of the interaction between NPs and pDNA. Thus, various types of core–shell structures, such as loose and dense core–shell NPs, were found in this system. Cytotoxicity test confirmed that the carriers had no toxicity. We also proved that the core–shell structures have a good cell transfection effect. This study would expand the application of lipopeptide assemblies in the gene delivery field, which may lead to the development of peptide-based gene vectors for therapeutic application.

Role of Gemini Surfactants with Variable Spacers and SiO2 Nanoparticles in ct-DNA Compaction and Applications toward In Vitro/In Vivo Gene Delivery

“…Pi-Boleda et al explored the phenomenon of effective DNA condensation using chiral β-amino acid-based cationic surfactants. Wang et al investigated the gene delivery technique by coassembling lipoprotein-like nanoparticles and plasmid DNA. Many recent reports emphasize upon the non-viral gene delivery vectors highlighting the DNA compaction phenomenon. − …”

“…Thus, gene vectors should facilitate DNA’s passing through the cell membrane. These phenomena direct several promising future applications in biochemistry and pharmacy. ,, Several strategies followed for controlling DNA conformation, compaction, and decompaction are explained in a review article by Gonzalez-Perez and Dias and Estévez-Torres and Baigl . The various substrates leading to the compaction in the negatively charged DNA backbone include cationic liposomes, nanoparticles, , polymers, − dendrimer, and surfactants. ,− Utility of cationic co-solutes as non-viral vectors devises a suitable method to cause DNA compaction.…”