Synthesis of a New Potential Conjugated TAT-Peptide-Chitosan Nanoparticles Carrier via Disulphide Linkage

[摘要] Chitosan and TAT peptide have been widely investigated as delivery systems for various biomolecules such as plasmid DNA, oligonucleotides, and siRNAs. Conjugation of chitosan with TAT-peptide was therefore expected to produce a carrier with enhanced ability to facilitate cellular uptake. In this study, chitosan nanoparticles (CNs) were prepared by ionic gelation method prior to conjugation with TAT-peptide via disulphide linkage (CN-TAT). The conjugation was performed at various TAT-peptide-to-chitosan weight ratios ranging from 0.008 : 1 to 0.125 : 1. siRNA as a model biomolecule was loaded by adsorption onto the CN-TAT. Nanosize range particles were produced with a size range of less than 700 nm depending on TAT-peptide concentration used. HPLC and Raman spectrometry analysis revealed that TAT-peptide was successfully conjugated to the CN via disulphide linkage. siRNA loading efficiency for CN-TAT was 93%  ±0.01.In vitrocytotoxicity studies showed that CN-TAT has relatively low toxicity. In conclusion, TAT conjugated onto CN via disulphide linkage was successfully synthesized, and its low cytoxicity demonstrates a potential for its use as a vector for biomolecules.

[学科分类] 材料工程