Virus-Like Particles of mRNA with Artificial Minimal Coat Proteins: Particle Formation, Stability, and Transfection Efficiency.

RNA has enormous potential as a therapeutic, yet, the successful application depends on efficient delivery strategies. In this study, we demonstrate that a designed artificial viral coat protein, which self-assembles with DNA to form rod-shaped virus-like particles (VLPs), also encapsulates and protects mRNA encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and luciferase, and yields cellular expression of these proteins. The artificial viral coat protein consists of an oligolysine (K) for binding to the oligonucleotide, a silk protein-like midblock S = (GAGAGAGQ) that self-assembles into stiff rods, and a long hydrophilic random coil block C that shields the nucleic acid cargo from its environment.

Stereoselective uptake of cell-penetrating peptides is conserved in antisense oligonucleotide polyplexes.

Stereochemistry matters. A significant conceptual advancement is presented toward the understanding of how functional characteristics of delivery peptides can translate into functional characteristics of peptide-based oligoplexes.

Permeability of PEGylated immunoarsonoliposomes through in vitro blood brain barrier-medulloblastoma co-culture models for brain tumor therapy.

Purpose: Owing to restricted access of pharmacological agents into the brain due to blood brain barrier (BBB) there is a need: 1. to develop a more representative 3-D-co-culture model of tumor-BBB interaction to investigate drug and nanoparticle transport into the brain for diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation. 2.

Design and self-assembly of simple coat proteins for artificial viruses.

Viruses are among the simplest biological systems and are highly effective vehicles for the delivery of genetic material into susceptible host cells. Artificial viruses can be used as model systems for providing insights into natural viruses and can be considered a testing ground for developing artificial life. Moreover, they are used in biomedical and biotechnological applications, such as targeted delivery of nucleic acids for gene therapy and as scaffolds in material science.

Glycosaminoglycans in the cellular uptake of drug delivery vectors - bystanders or active players?

The implementation of efficient strategies for cellular delivery is the most significant hurdle in the development of oligonucleotide and protein-based nanomedicines. Unlike small molecule drugs that enter cells by virtue of hydrophobicity or by being substrates of transporters, these macromolecules lack the capacity to cross the plasma membrane in a non-disruptive way, therefore requiring the combination with carriers that mediate entry. Remarkably, for the major part, these carriers lack distinct structural features except for a high density of positive charge.

Development of poly(glycerol adipate) nanoparticles loaded with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The aim of this study was to assess acylated and non-acylated poly(glycerol adipate) polymers (PGA) as suitable nanoparticulate systems for encapsulation and release of ibuprofen, ibuprofen sodium salt (IBU-Na) and ketoprofen as model drugs. Drug encapsulated nanoparticles were prepared using the interfacial deposition method in the absence of surfactants. Physicochemical characterisation studies of the produced loaded nanoparticles showed that drug-polymer interactions depend on the characteristics of the actual active substance.

A facile synthesis route of size tunable CdS quantum dots with high photoluminescence yield.

Water soluble CdS nanoparticles were synthesized by reacting CdCl2 with sodium thiosulphate solutions as sulphur precursor. The facile one-pot synthetic route produced tunable (2-10 nm) high quality QDs with narrow particle size distribution and enhanced quantum yields (QY).

The preparation of magnetically guided lipid based nanoemulsions using self-emulsifying technology.

This paper reports an easy and highly reproducible preparation route, using self-emulsifying technology, for an orally administered high quality magnetically responsive drug delivery system. Hydrophobic iron oxide nanoparticles of about 5 nm in diameter were prepared and incorporated into the lipid core of the produced oil droplets of a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (MagC(18)/SNEDDS). The produced nanoemulsion exhibits colloidal stability at high ionic strengths and temperatures.

Arsonoliposomes for the potential treatment of medulloblastoma.

Purpose: To investigate the arsonoliposome effect on medulloblastoma cells (VC312Rs) related to uptake, endocytotic mechanism and cell viability.

Methods: VC312R viability in presence of either arsonoliposomes or stealth liposomes was studied using MTT assay for 1-4 days. Fibroblasts (3T3) were used as control.