Silica nanoparticles deliver DNA to cells

New research indicates that silica nanoparticles can act as DNA carriers, offering a nonviral method of gene delivery.

In the study, Dr. Paras N. Prasad and colleagues, from the State University of New York at Buffalo, synthesized various silica nanoparticles that were able to condense and protect both plasmid and genomic DNA. Some of the nanoparticles were labeled with fluorescent dyes to facilitate cellular tracking with microscopy.The researchers' findings appear in the December 27th early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.The nanoparticles were readily admitted to the cytoplasm of the test cells, the investigators note. Once in the cell, the nanoparticles protected their genetic payload from enzymatic degradation and delivered the DNA to the nucleus. Lastly, successful gene transfection was observed.The use of modified nanoparticles combined with optical tracking 'provides a promising future direction for targeted therapy with enhanced efficacy as well as real-time monitoring of drug action,' the investigators state.(Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: Reuters Health: Oncolink: January 2005.)

Related Articles:

• Nano-sand to revolutionise dermal drug delivery
• The good news in our DNA: defects you can fix with vitamins and minerals
• Nanomachine kills cancer cells
• Radio Waves fire up Nanotubes Embedded in Tumours, Destroying Liver Cancer
• Nanobubbles deliver Targeted Cancer Drugs using Ultrasound
• FISH on a Chip Offers Quicker, Less Costly Cancer Diagnosis
• Aging Driven By Buildup Of Damaged DNA In Cells
• DNA Analysis Could Boost Accuracy of Thyroid Tests, NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Team Reports
• Genetic repair mechanism clears the way for sealing DNA breaks
• Gold Nanorods May Make Safer Cancer Treatment
• Innovative Research Set To Push Boundaries Of Cancer Care
• University Of Delaware Researchers Develop Cancer 'Nanobomb'
• Purdue Scientists Treat Cancer With RNA Nanotechnology
• Magnetic Nanoparticles For Potential Cancer Treatment

Connect

Sign up for free newsletters

Subscribe to RSS feeds

Discuss on Forum

Article Comments

Rate this article