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Ban E, Kim A. PicoGreen assay for nucleic acid quantification - Applications, challenges, and solutions. Anal Biochem 2024; 692:115577. [PMID: 38789006 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2024.115577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Various analytical methods and reagents have been employed for nucleic acid analysis in cells, biological fluids, and formulations. Standard techniques like gel electrophoresis and qRT-PCR are widely used for qualitative and quantitative nucleic acid analysis. However, these methods can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, with limitations such as inapplicability to small RNA at low concentrations and high costs associated with qRT-PCR reagents and instruments. As an alternative, PicoGreen (PG) has emerged as a valuable method for the quantitative analysis of nucleic acids. PG, a fluorescent dye, enables the quantitation of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) or double-stranded RNA, including miRNA mimic and siRNA, in solution. It is also applicable to DNA and RNA analysis within cells using techniques like FACS and fluorescence microscopy. Despite its advantages, PG's fluorescence intensity is affected by various experimental conditions, such as pH, salts, and chemical reagents. This review explores the recent applications of PG as a rapid, cost-effective, robust, and accurate assay tool for nucleic acid quantification. We also address the limitations of PG and discuss approaches to overcome these challenges, recognizing the expanding range of its applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunmi Ban
- College of Pharmacy, CHA University, Seongnam, 13488, South Korea
| | - Aeri Kim
- College of Pharmacy, CHA University, Seongnam, 13488, South Korea.
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Fattahi N, Gorgannezhad L, Masoule SF, Babanejad N, Ramazani A, Raoufi M, Sharifikolouei E, Foroumadi A, Khoobi M. PEI-based functional materials: Fabrication techniques, properties, and biomedical applications. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 325:103119. [PMID: 38447243 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2024.103119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Cationic polymers have recently attracted considerable interest as research breakthroughs for various industrial and biomedical applications. They are particularly interesting due to their highly positive charges, acceptable physicochemical properties, and ability to undergo further modifications, making them attractive candidates for biomedical applications. Polyethyleneimines (PEIs), as the most extensively utilized polymers, are one of the valuable and prominent classes of polycations. Owing to their flexible polymeric chains, broad molecular weight (MW) distribution, and repetitive structural units, their customization for functional composites is more feasible. The specific beneficial attributes of PEIs could be introduced by purposeful functionalization or modification, long service life, biocompatibility, and distinct geometry. Therefore, PEIs have significant potential in biotechnology, medicine, and bioscience. In this review, we present the advances in PEI-based nanomaterials, their transfection efficiency, and their toxicity over the past few years. Furthermore, the potential and suitability of PEIs for various applications are highlighted and discussed in detail. This review aims to inspire readers to investigate innovative approaches for the design and development of next-generation PEI-based nanomaterials possessing cutting-edge functionalities and appealing characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Fattahi
- Drug Design and Development Research Center, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417614411, Iran; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zanjan, Zanjan 45371-38791, Iran
| | - Lena Gorgannezhad
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Shabnam Farkhonde Masoule
- Drug Design and Development Research Center, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417614411, Iran
| | - Niloofar Babanejad
- College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Ali Ramazani
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zanjan, Zanjan 45371-38791, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Raoufi
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 13169-43551, Iran
| | - Elham Sharifikolouei
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129, Turin (TO), Italy
| | - Alireza Foroumadi
- Drug Design and Development Research Center, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417614411, Iran; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Khoobi
- Drug Design and Development Research Center, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417614411, Iran; Department of Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Park J, Kim S, Kim TI. Polyethylenimine-Conjugated Hydroxyethyl Cellulose for Doxorubicin/Bcl-2 siRNA Co-Delivery Systems. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020708. [PMID: 36840030 PMCID: PMC9965717 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), widely known for its biocompatibility and water solubility, is a polysaccharide with potential for pharmaceutical applications. Here, we synthesized polyethylenimine2k (PEI2k)-conjugated hydroxyethyl cellulose (HECP2k) for doxorubicin/Bcl-2 siRNA co-delivery systems. HECP2ks were synthesized by reductive amination of PEI2k with periodate-oxidized HEC. The synthesis of the polymers was characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, primary amine quantification, FT-IR, and GPC. Via agarose gel electrophoresis and Zeta-sizer measurement, it was found that HECP2ks condensed pDNA to positively charged and nano-sized complexes (100-300 nm, ~30 mV). The cytotoxicity of HECP2ks was low and HECP2k 10X exhibited higher transfection efficiency than PEI25k even in serum condition, showing its high serum stability from ethylene oxide side chains. Flow cytometry analysis and confocal laser microscopy observation verified the superior cellular uptake and efficient endosome escape of HECP2k 10X. HECP2k 10X also could load Dox and Bcl-2 siRNA, forming nano-particles (HECP2k 10X@Dox/siRNA). By median effect analysis and annexin V staining analysis, it was found that HECP2k 10X@Dox/siRNA complexes could cause synergistically enhanced anti-cancer effects to cancer cells via induction of apoptosis. Consequently, it was concluded that HECP2k possesses great potential as a promising Dox/Bcl-2 siRNA co-delivery carrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Park
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seoyoung Kim
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-il Kim
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biosystems & Biomaterials Science and Engineering, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence:
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Zoledronic acid-loaded cationic methylcellulose polyplex nanoparticles for enhanced gene delivery efficiency and breast cancer cell killing effect. APPLIED NANOSCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13204-021-02127-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Singh R, Kumar P. Disaccharide-polyethylenimine organic nanoparticles as non-toxic in vitro gene transporters and their anticancer potential. Bioorg Chem 2021; 112:104918. [PMID: 33932768 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Polyethylenimines (PEIs) have been shown as efficient gene delivery vectors due to their unique properties, however, toxicity as well as non-specific interactions with the tissues/cells because of high charge density have hampered their use in clinical applications. To counter these concerns, here, we have prepared disachharide-PEI organic nanoparticles by mixing PEIs with non-reducing disaccharides, i.e. trehalose (TPONs) and sucrose (SPONs), under mild conditions. The fabricated nanoparticles were complexed with pDNA and size of these complexes was found in the range of ~130-162 nm with zeta potential ~ +8-25 mV. Further evaluation of these nanoparticles revealed that substitution of disaccharides on PEIs successfully augmented cell viability. Transfection efficiency exhibited by these complexes was significantly higher than the unmodified polymer and the standard, Lipofectamine, complexes. Fabrication of organic nanoparticles did not alter the buffering capacity considerably which was found to be instrumental during endosomal escape of the complexes. Among both the series of nanoparticles, trehalose-PEI organic nanoparticles (TPONs) exhibited greater pDNA transportation potential than sucrose-PEI organic nanoparticles (SPONs) which was also established by flow cytometric data, wherein percent cells expressing GFP was higher in case of TP/pDNA complexes as compared to SP/pDNA complexes. Interestingly, TPONs also showed promising anticancer activity on cancer cell lines i.e. Mg63, MCF-7 and HepG2. Overall, the results advocate promising potential of disaccharide-PEI organic nanoparticles as efficient gene delivery agents which can be used effectively in future gene therapy applications along with anti-cancer competence of TPONs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reena Singh
- Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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