DOTMA:Chol liposomes are a type of cationic liposome that combines the cationic lipid DOTMA with cholesterol in a 1:1 molar ratio. This lipid composition is designed to enhance the delivery of genetic materials such as DNA and RNA into cells by forming complexes with these negatively charged molecules, thereby facilitating their cellular uptake through electrostatic interactions.
The efficacy of DOTMA:Chol liposomes in gene delivery is attributed to their positive charge, which allows them to form complexes with negatively charged genetic materials. This interaction facilitates the encapsulation and protection of DNA or RNA, enhancing their uptake by cells. The process involves the destabilization of endosomal membranes, promoting the release of the genetic material into the cytoplasm for efficient expression.
Studies have demonstrated that DOTMA-based cationic liposomes can induce cytotoxicity in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, likely due to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation within treated cells. However, the use of antioxidants has been explored to mitigate these cytotoxic effects, suggesting that careful consideration of concentration and co-treatment strategies can enhance cell viability during gene delivery efforts.
Formulating DOTMA:Chol liposomes for optimal gene delivery involves careful consideration of the lipid composition and the charge ratio between the liposomes and the genetic material. The size and zeta potential of these liposomes also play crucial roles in their interaction with target cells, affecting their uptake and the subsequent gene expression efficacy. Ensuring a balance between transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity is crucial for successful gene delivery.
Cholesterol is incorporated into DOTMA liposomes to enhance membrane fluidity and stability, facilitating the formation of liposome-DNA or RNA complexes. This addition not only improves the structural integrity of the liposomes but also modulates their charge and interaction with cellular membranes, which can enhance the overall efficiency of gene delivery. The specific ratio of DOTMA to cholesterol (50:50) is optimized to achieve a balance between transfection efficiency and minimal cytotoxicity, making it an effective vector for gene therapy applications.
In vitro evaluation of niosomes' transfection efficiency in iMSCs#6 (upper panel) and iMSCs#13 (lower panel) cell lines. F: filtered; wF: without filtration.
This study investigated the impact of the ratio of DOTMA in niosomes on DNA transfection efficiency. Researchers prepared niosomes containing DOTMA (cationic lipid), cholesterol, and polysorbate 60, and complexed them with lacZ plasmid to form nioplexes. By adjusting the concentration of DOTMA (7% and 15%) and the ratio of DOTMA to DNA (5/1, 10/1, 15/1, and 20/1), they studied the gene transfection efficiency of niosomes. The results showed that unfiltered niosomes (7% and 15% DOTMA) could efficiently transfected immortalized mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs) with similar efficiency as the positive control (LPF). This work demonstrates that non-filtered niosomes (7% and 15% DOTMA) are a promising non-viral gene delivery platform for iMSCs.
Carballo-Pedrares, Natalia, et al. "Niosomes-based gene delivery systems for effective transfection of human mesenchymal stem cells." Materials Science and Engineering: C. 128 (2021): 112307. Under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.
Click the button below to contact us or submit your feedback about this product.
Online Inquiry