Liposomal Spherical Nucleic Acids

A novel class of metal-free spherical nucleic acid nanostructures was synthesized from readily available starting components. These particles consist of 30 nm liposomal cores, composed of an FDA-approved 1,2-dioleoyl-<i>sn</i>-glycero-3-phospho­choline (DOPC) lipid monomer. The surface of the liposomes was functionalized with DNA strands modified with a toco­pherol tail that intercalates into the phospho­lipid layer of the liposomal core via hydrophobic interactions. The spherical nucleic acid architecture not only stabilizes these constructs but also facilitates cellular internalization and gene regulation in SKOV-3 cells

Cross-Linked Micellar Spherical Nucleic Acids from Thermoresponsive Templates

A one-pot synthesis of micellar spherical nucleic acid (SNA) nanostructures using Pluronic F127 as a thermoresponsive template is reported. These novel constructs are synthesized in a chemically straightforward process that involves intercalation of the lipid tails of DNA amphiphiles (CpG motifs for TLR-9 stimulation) into the hydrophobic regions of Pluronic F127 micelles, followed by chemical cross-linking and subsequent removal of non-cross-linked structures. The dense nucleic acid shell of the resulting cross-linked micellar SNA enhances their stability in physiological media and facilitates their rapid cellular internalization, making them effective TLR-9 immunomodulatory agents. These constructs underscore the potential of SNAs in regulating immune response and address the relative lack of stability of noncovalent constructs

Drug-Loaded Polymeric Spherical Nucleic Acids: Enhancing Colloidal Stability and Cellular Uptake of Polymeric Nanoparticles through DNA Surface-Functionalization

Small-sized (∼65 nm) doxorubicin (Dox)-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) were modified with oligonucleotides to form colloidally stable Dox-loaded polymeric spherical nucleic acid (Dox-PSNA) nanostructures in biological media. The nucleic acid shell facilitates the cellular uptake of Dox-PSNA, which results in <i>in vitro</i> cytotoxicity against SKOV3 cancer cells