Zeta-potential-changing Nanoparticles Conjugated With cell-penetrating Peptides for Enhanced Transfection Efficiency

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to develop zeta-potential-changing nanoparticles (NPs) combining cell-penetrating peptides for gene delivery. Methods & materials: NPs were formed using phosphorylated carboxymethyl cellulose–glucosamine 6-phosphate (CMC–G6P) and polyethylene imine–polyarginine conjugates. Phosphate release was evaluated using intestinal alkaline phosphatase and cell lines. Transfection studies with plasmid DNA were then performed. Results: The zeta potential of CMC-G6P/branched PEI NPs was -3 mV and switched to +4 mV after intestinal alkaline phosphatase cleavage. The released phosphate in human colon adenocarcinoma cell line was more pronounced than human embryonic kidney cell line 293. Transfection studies demonstrated the greatest expression of plasmid DNA when being incorporated into CMC–G6P/polyethylene imine–polyarginine NPs. Conclusion: Novel zeta potential changing NPs combining cell-penetrating peptides are a promising tool to deliver DNA drugs to target cells.

Keywords:

• cell-penetrating peptide
• intestinal alkaline phosphatase
• polymeric nanoparticles
• transfection efficiency
• zeta potential changing systems

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This work was supported by Technology Grants South East Asia financed by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Science and Research and administered/executed by the OeAD (Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research, OeAD-GmbH). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.