Bio-inspired bioactive glasses for efficient microRNA and drug delivery. Issue 31 (31st July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Xian; Liang, Qiming; Zhang, Wen; Li, Yuli; Ye, Jiandong; Zhao, Fujian; Chen, Xiaofeng; Wang, Shiren
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials chemistry. Volume 5:Issue 31(2017)
• Page Start: 6376
• Page End: 6384
• Publication Date: 2017-07-31
• Subjects: Materials -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/c7tb01021d
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-750X

Abstract

Abstract : Inspired by nature's pinecone structure, we innovatively designed and synthesized pinecone-like bioactive glasses for the delivery of microRNAs and drugs. The particles showed a large specific surface area, unique porous structure, and efficient delivery of microRNAs and doxorubicin. Abstract : Bio-inspired pinecone-like bioactive glasses consisting of ordered thin-layers separated by consistent cavities were synthesized using a sol–gel process. The short diameter of the as-produced particles was as short as 161 nm, and the surface area was as high as 280 m 2 g −1 . The pore volume, ranging from ∼0.74 cm 3 g −1 to ∼0.67 cm 3 g −1, could be modulated by the aqueous ammonia concentration. The surface was further tailored for positive charges by amino grafting. The as-produced nanoparticles could successfully enter cells via endocytosis. The microRNA delivery of the bioactive glass particles was further investigated by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, indicating a loading efficiency and transfection efficiency greater than 90%. The potential of such particles as drug carriers was also studied. CCK8, live–dead cell staining and PI/annexinV double staining analyses confirmed that the bioactive glass particles loaded with antitumour doxorubicin (DOX) significantly accelerated the apoptosis of tumour cells. These bio-inspired bioactive glasses are promising as novel vectors for drug and microRNA delivery with high efficiency.