Mathematics

Study results from Hokkaido University in the area of bioanalytical chemistry published

  2008 SEP 15 - (VerticalNews.com) -- According to a study from Sapporo, Japan, "We previously reported that transferrin (Tf)-modified liposomes (Tf-L) additionally modified with a cholesterylated pH-sensitive fusogenic peptide (Chol-GALA) can release an encapsulated aqueous phase marker to cytosol via endosomal membrane fusion. However, further obstacles need to be overcome to bring the Tf-L to the level of a viral-like gene delivery system."

  "In this study, we developed a novel packaging method to encapsulate condensed plasmid DNA into PEgylated Tf-L (Tf-PEG-L) to form a core-shell-type nanoparticle. The most difficult challenge was to provide a mechanism of escape for the condensed core from endosome to cytosol in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG). We hypothesized that a membrane-introduced Chol-GALA and a PEgylated GALA would interact synergistically to induce membrane fusion between liposome and endosome. By simultaneously incorporating Chol-GALA into the membrane of Tf-PEG-L and GALA at tips of PEG chains, a condensed core was released into cytosol, and transfection acitivty increased 100-fold," wrote K. Sasaki and colleagues, Hokkaido University.

  The researchers concluded: "We concluded that topological control was responsible for the synergistic effect of GALA derivatives introduced on Tf-PEG-L."

  Sasaki and colleagues published the results of their research in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry (An artificial virus-like nano carrier system: enhanced endosomal escape of nanoparticles via synergistic action of pH-sensitive fusogenic peptide derivatives. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2008;391(8):2717-2727).

  For additional information, contact H. Harashima, Hokkaido University, Faculty Pharmaceutical Science, Laboratory Molecular Design Pharmaceutical, Sapporo, Hokkaido 0600812, Japan.

  The publisher of the journal Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry can be contacted at: Springer Heidelberg, Tiergartenstrasse 17, D-69121 Heidelberg, Germany.

  Keywords: Emerging Technologies, Nanoparticle, Nanotech, NanotechnologyAnalytical Sciences, Hokkaido University.

  This article was prepared by VerticalNews Mathematics editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, VerticalNews Mathematics via VerticalNews.com.