Triggered RNAi therapy using metal inorganic nanovectors

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is as a very interesting therapeutic alternative to treat genetic diseases such Alzheimer´s or some types of cancer, but its effective delivery still remains a challenge. Herein, Au nanorods (GNRs)-based platforms functionalised with polyelectrolyte (PE) layers were developed and analysed as potential siRNA nanocarriers. The polymeric layers were successfully assembled on the particle surfaces by means of the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique through the alternating deposition of oppositely charged poly(styrene) sulfonate, PSS, poly(lysine), PLL, and siRNA biopolymers, with a final hyaluronic acid (HA) layer in order to provide the nanoconstructs with a potential targeting ability as well as colloidal stability in physiological medium. Once the hybrid nanocarriers were obtained, their release, colloidal stability, cytotoxicity, cellular uptake and gene silencing potential were studied. In this regard, these hybrid particles release the genetic material inside cells by means of a...