DOTMA:DOPE (50:50) liposomes consist of an equal molar mixture of DOTMA, a cationic lipid, and DOPE, a neutral helper lipid. This composition is specifically designed to enhance the delivery of nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, into cells by neutralizing the negative charge of the nucleic acids through electrostatic interactions, thereby facilitating their cellular uptake.
Nucleic acids can be efficiently loaded into DOTMA:DOPE liposomes through a process known as complexation, where the negatively charged nucleic acids interact electrostatically with the positively charged liposomes. This process is usually performed at room temperature, with careful titration of nucleic acid to achieve the desired charge ratio.
The pH sensitivity of DOTMA:DOPE liposomes is crucial for their gene delivery capabilities. Upon encountering the acidic environment inside endosomes, these liposomes undergo a pH-dependent conformational change that promotes endosomal membrane destabilization and subsequent release of their genetic cargo into the cytoplasm, which is a critical step for successful gene expression.
Membrane fusion is a key mechanism through which DOTMA:DOPE liposomes deliver their cargo into cells. After endocytosis, the fusogenic property of DOPE facilitates the fusion of liposomes with endosomal membranes, leading to the release of the encapsulated nucleic acids into the cytoplasm, where they can exert their biological effects.
The transfection efficiency of DOTMA:DOPE liposomes can be evaluated using a reporter gene assay, such as luciferase or GFP, where the expression level of the reporter gene in the target cells indicates the success of nucleic acid delivery. Quantitative PCR and flow cytometry are also commonly used methods to assess transfection efficiency.
Tumour uptake of formulations following intravenous administration
The research explores the novel application of DOTMA:DOPE (50:50) liposomes for targeted genetic therapy, specifically focusing on neuroblastoma. Through sophisticated engineering of cationic nanovesicle complexes derived from giant unilamellar vesicle (GUV) precursors, this study benchmarks a new stride in genetic therapy delivery systems. Incorporating both plasmid DNA or siRNA and targeting peptide ligands, the engineered nanovesicles demonstrated promising biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo, without the cytotoxicity or significant immune activation typically associated with cationic liposome-based systems. Unlike their lipopolyplex counterparts, these nanovesicles showed no substantial cytotoxicity or complement system activation, making them a safer option for intravenous administration and tumor therapy.
Tagalakis, A. D., Maeshima, R., et al. Peptide and nucleic acid-directed self-assembly of cationic nanovehicles through giant unilamellar vesicle modification: targetable nanocomplexes for in vivo nucleic acid delivery. Acta biomaterialia. 2017, 51: 351-362.
Click the button below to contact us or submit your feedback about this product.
Online Inquiry