Evaluation of adsorption of DNA/PEI polyplexes to tubing materials.

Nucleic acid drugs hold great promise for potential treatment of a variety of diseases. But efficient delivery is still the major challenge impeding translation. Nanoformulations based on polymers and lipids require preparation processes such as microfluidic mixing, spray drying or final filling, where pumping is a crucial step.

Impact of crystalline and amorphous matrices on successful spray drying of siRNA polyplexes for inhalation of nano-in-microparticles.

To develop stable and inhalable dry powder formulations with long shelf life, we spray dried polyplexes consisting of siRNA and a polyethylenimine based block copolymer in presence of mannitol or trehalose. We investigated the effect of inlet (T-In) and outlet (T-Out) temperature on the recovery of siRNA as well as adsorption effects within the tubing material. Choosing a low abrasion silicon tubing prevented siRNA loss due to adsorption.

Characterization of positively charged polyplexes by tunable resistive pulse sensing.

With the approval of the first siRNA-based drugs, non-viral siRNA delivery has gained special interest in industry and academia in the last two years. For non-viral delivery, positively charged lipid and polymer formulations play a central role in research and development. However, nanoparticle size characterization, particularly of polydisperse formulations, can be very challenging.

T-cell targeted pulmonary siRNA delivery for the treatment of asthma.

Despite the large number of drugs available for the treatment of asthma, in 5-10% of the patients this disease is not well controlled. While most treatments palliate symptoms, those suffering from severe and uncontrolled asthma could benefit more from a therapeutic approach addressing the root problem. An siRNA-based therapy targeting the transcription factor GATA3 in activated T helper cells subtype 2 (T 2 cells), one of the key upstream factors involved in asthma, could therefore represent a promising strategy.

Characterization of spray dried powders with nucleic acid-containing PEI nanoparticles.

Localized aerosol delivery of gene therapies is a promising treatment of severe pulmonary diseases including lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, COPD and asthma. The administration of drugs by inhalation features multiple benefits including an enhanced patient acceptability and compliance. The application of a spray dried powder formulation has advantages over solutions due to their increased stability and shelf life.

Distinct Parameters in the EEG of the PLP α-SYN Mouse Model for Multiple System Atrophy Reinforce Face Validity.

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by parkinsonian symptoms and cerebellar symptoms. Sleep disturbances also play a crucial role in MSA. One of the most convincing animal models in MSA research is the PLP α-SYN model, but to date no studies on sleep disturbances in this mouse model, frequently found in MSA patients are available.

QTL analysis of root-lesion nematode resistance in barley: 1. Pratylenchus neglectus.

The root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus neglectus can cause severe losses in barley cultivation. Multiplication rates had been found to vary greatly between different barley accessions. Two winter barley cultivars, Igri and Franka, had been found to differ in their ability to resist this parasite.