December 15, 2016
Multi-functional nanomaterials possess unique properties, facilitating both therapeutic and diagnostic applications among others. Herein, we developed dual-functional lipid-like nanoparticles for simultaneous delivery of mRNA and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents in order to express functional proteins and provide real-time visualization. TT3-Gd18 LLNs were identified as a lead formulation, which was able to encapsulate 91% of mRNA and 74% of Gd. This formulation showed a comparable or a slightly higher delivery efficiency of mRNA compared to the initial TT3 LLNs. Moreover, a strong MRI signal was observed in the cell pellets treated with TT3-Gd18 LLNs. More importantly, TT3-Gd18 LLNs demonstrated an efficient delivery of mRNA and Gd contrast agents in vivo.
Publication - Summary
Sep 24, 2017
Nano Letters
Gene delivery for the purpose of protein expression has been traditionally performed by electroporation or viral transduction of plasmid DNA. Plasmid delivery has numerous challenges as they could potentially integrate into host genome and require ...
Publication - Summary
Jun 19, 2016
Neuromethods
This protocol outlines a high-content screening (HCS) platform for investigating the impact of microRNA (miRNA) expression on primary motor neurons in culture. Such a system is applicable to automated screening of cell morphology in response to dru...