Structural aspects of histone H1-DNA complexes and their relation to transfection efficiency.

During transfection, polycation-DNA complexes are normally diluted by the transfection medium, which often contains salt in the physiological concentration range and serum. It is not exactly known to what extent this dilution step influences the properties of the complexes, which in turn influence the transfection efficiency. In order to gain more insight into the size-structure-transfection activity relationship, we prepared histone H1-DNA complexes in NaCl solutions at various concentrations known to determine the size and structure of the resulting complexes.

99mTc labelled model drug carriers - labeling, stability and organ distribution in rats.

The surface characteristics of intravenously administered particulate drug carriers decisively influence the protein adsorption that is regarded as a key factor for the in vivo fate of the carriers. We labeled surface-modified polymer particles with the gamma-emitting radioisotope 99mTc in order to test their properties in blood and follow their in vivo fate. The biodistribution was different in various types of polymer particles.

Functional groups on polystyrene model nanoparticles: influence on protein adsorption.

The surface characteristics of intravenously administered particulate drug carriers decisively influence the protein adsorption that is regarded as a key factor for the in vivo fate of the carriers. Latex nanoparticles were synthesized to study the influence of different basic and acidic functional groups on particulate surfaces on the protein adsorption from human serum. The protein mass adsorbed to the particles was assessed by BCA protein assay, the protein adsorption patterns were analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis.

Electron microscopic analysis of nanoparticles delivering thioflavin-T after intrahippocampal injection in mouse: implications for targeting beta-amyloid in Alzheimer's disease.

Prevention of beta-amyloid (Abeta) production, aggregation and formation of Abeta deposits is a key pharmacological target in Alzheimer's disease. The passage of Abeta-binding compounds through the blood-brain barrier is often hampered for free ligands, whereas it is enhanced by drug encapsulation in nanoparticles. Here, we describe the preparation and characterization of polymeric carriers containing thioflavin-T as a marker for fibrillar Abeta.