Improved In Vivo Delivery of Small RNA Based on the Calcium Phosphate Method

In the past few years, we have demonstrated the efficacy of a nanoparticle system, super carbonate apatite (sCA), for the in vivo delivery of siRNA/miRNA. Intravenous injection of sCA loaded with small RNAs results in safe, high tumor delivery in mouse models. To further improve the efficiency of tumor delivery and avoid liver toxicity, we successfully developed an inorganic nanoparticle device (iNaD) via high-frequency ultrasonic pulverization combined with PEG blending during the production of sCA. Compared to sCA loaded with 24 μg of miRNA, systemic administration of iNaD loaded with 0.75 μg of miRNA demonstrated similar delivery efficiency to mouse tumors with little accumulation in the liver. In the mouse therapeutic model, iNaD loaded with 3 μg of the tumor suppressor small RNA MIRTX resulted in an improved anti-tumor effect compared to sCA loaded with 24 μg. Our findings on the bio-distribution and therapeutic effect of iNaD provide new perspectives for future nanomedicine engineering.

C60 fullerene tubes as removable templates

Crystalline microtubes (inner diameter 240–2100 nm) consisting of C60 fullerene molecules were prepared in the mixture of C60-saturated pyridine and isopropyl alcohol kept at 0 °C. Characterization by transmission electron microscopy showed a linear relationship between the outer diameter and the inner diameter for the C60 fullerene tubes. Optical observations suggested that the specimens already had tubular structure when they were grown in the solution. Deposition of guest crystals inside the C60 fullerene tubes was performed by the following procedure: (i) ultrasonic pulverization to obtain the C60 fullerene tubes with open ends, (ii) absorption of methyl alcohol solution of KBr into the tubes by the capillary attraction, and (iii) evaporation of methyl alcohol to precipitate KBr inside the tubes. Columnar KBr crystals were then obtained by dissolving the fullerene tube walls in toluene.