Octa-functional PLGA nanoparticles for targeted and efficient siRNA delivery to tumors

Jiangbing Zhou, Toral R. Patel, Michael Fu, James P. Bertram, W. Mark Saltzman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

162 Scopus citations

Abstract

Therapies based on RNA interference, using agents such as siRNA, are limited by the absence of safe, efficient vehicles for targeted delivery in vivo. The barriers to siRNA delivery are well known and can be individually overcome by addition of functional modules, such as conjugation of moieties for cell penetration or targeting. But, so far, it has been impossible to engineer multiple modules into a single unit. Here, we describe the synthesis of degradable nanoparticles that carry eight synergistic functions: 1) polymer matrix for stabilization/controlled release; 2) siRNA for gene knockdown; 3) agent to enhance endosomal escape; 4) agent to enhance siRNA potency; 5) surface-bound PEG for enhancing circulatory time; and surface-bound peptides for 6) cell penetration; 7) endosomal escape; and 8) tumor targeting. Further, we demonstrate that this approach can provide prolonged knockdown of PLK1 and control of tumor growth in vivo. Importantly, all elements in these octa-functional nanoparticles are known to be safe for human use and each function can be individually controlled, giving this approach to synthetic RNA-loaded nanoparticles potential in a variety of clinical applications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)583-591
Number of pages9
JournalBiomaterials
Volume33
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2012

Keywords

  • Gene delivery
  • Nanoparticle
  • PLGA
  • RNA interference

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Biophysics
  • Biomaterials
  • Mechanics of Materials

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