Thermally robust solvent-free liquid polyplexes for heat-shock protection and long-term room temperature storage of therapeutic nucleic acids
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics have attracted recent attention as promising preventative solutions for a broad range of diseases. Nonviral delivery vectors, such as cationic polymers, improve the cellular uptake of nucleic acids without suffering the drawbacks of viral delivery vectors. However, these delivery systems are faced with a major challenge for worldwide deployment, as their poor thermal stability elicits the need for cold chain transportation. Here, we demonstrate a biomaterial strategy to drastically improve the thermal stability of DNA polyplexes. Importantly, we demonstrate long-term room temperature storage with a transfection efficiency maintained for at least 9 months. Additionally, extreme heat shock studies show retained luciferase expression after heat treatment at 70 °C. We therefore provide a proof of concept for a platform biotechnology that could provide long-term room temperature storage for temperature-sensitive nucleic acid therapeutics, eliminating the need for the cold chain, which in turn would reduce the cost of distributing life-saving therapeutics worldwide.
Date Issued
2024-05-13
Date Acceptance
2024-04-17
Citation
Biomacromolecules, 2024, 25 (5), pp.2965-2972
ISSN
1525-7797
Publisher
American Chemical Society
Start Page
2965
End Page
2972
Journal / Book Title
Biomacromolecules
Volume
25
Issue
5
Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society. This publication is licensed under
CC-BY 4.0.
CC-BY 4.0.
License URL
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38682378
Subjects
DNA
Heat-Shock Response
Hot Temperature
Humans
Polymers
Temperature
Transfection
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
United States
Date Publish Online
2024-04-29