ζ potential changing nanoparticles as cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene delivery system: an in vitro evaluation.

AIM:Aim of the study was the development of ζ potential changing nanoparticles as gene delivery system for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene. METHODS:Chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose were modified with phosphotyrosine, a substrate for the brush border enzyme alkaline phosphatase. With these synthesized derivatives, different nanoparticle formulations, including the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene were prepared by ionic gelation. RESULTS:A change from negative to positive ζ potential after enzymatic cleavage could be observed. Transfection studies with HEK-293 and Caco-2 cells showed transfection rates comparable to Lipofectamine 2000. Transfection efficiencies were significantly decreased when phosphate cleavage and thus ζ potential change was inhibited by phosphatase inhibitor. CONCLUSION:The developed nanoparticles represent a promising gene delivery system.