Lipid-based siRNA Nanodelivery Systems: A Learning Process for Improving Transfer from Concepts to Clinical Applications.

Background: The molecular mechanism of silencing genes using small interference RNA is as particular and innovative phenomenon as the proposed delivery systems to release them. Recent advances in RNAi have resulted in the development of multiple siRNA candidates that are currently being evaluated in preclinical / clinical instances. SNALP®, Atuplex® and Rondel® technologies stand out; they are mainly based on polymers, cyclodextrins or lipids.

Formulation Strategies, Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation of Lecithin-Based Nanoparticles for siRNA Delivery.

The aim of the present work was to take advantage of lecithin's biocompatibility along with its physicochemical properties for the preparation of lecithin-based nanocarriers for small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery. Water lecithin dispersions were prepared in different conditions, loaded with siRNA at different N/P ratios, and evaluated for loading capacity. The most appropriate ones were then assayed for cytotoxicity and characterized in terms of particle size distribution, zeta potential, and morphology.