Cationic Magnetite Nanoparticles for Increasing siRNA Hybridization Rates

An investigation of the interaction principles of nucleic acids and nanoparticles is a priority for the development of theoretical and methodological approaches to creating bionanocomposite structures, which determines the area and boundaries of biomedical use of developed nanoscale devices. «Nucleic acid—magnetic nanoparticle» type constructs are being developed to carry out the highly efficient detection of pathogens, create express systems for genotyping and sequencing, and detect siRNA. However, the data available on the impact of nanoparticles on the behavior of siRNA are insufficient. In this work, using nanoparticles of two classical oxides of inorganic chemistry (magnetite (Fe3O4) and silica (SiO2) nanoparticles), and widely used gold nanoparticles, we show their effect on the rate of siRNA hybridization. It has been determined that magnetite nanoparticles with a positive charge on the surface increase the rate of siRNA hybridization, while negatively charged magnetite and silica nanoparticles, or positively charged gold nanoparticles, do not affect hybridization rates (HR).

Temporal Fluctuations in Interparticle Interactions Drive the Formation of Transiently Stable Nanoparticle Precipitates

<p></p><p>The pH and ionic strength dependence of electrostatic interactions was explored to introduce temporal fluctuations in the strengths of interparticle interactions and choreograph a transient self-assembly response in plasmonic nanoparticles. The assembly process was triggered by the electrostatic attraction between positively-charged gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and an aggregating agent, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The autonomous changes in the pH and ionic strength of the solution, under the influence of atmospheric CO₂, weaken the aggregating ability of EDTA and initiate the complete disassembly of [+] AuNP - EDTA precipitates. The non-destructive way of disassembly minimizes the generation of waste, which helped in achieving some of the desirable feats in the area of dynamic self-assembly like easy removal of waste, transiently stable precipitates and negligible dampness. The chemical strategy adopted in the present work, to introduce transientness, can act as a generic tool in creating the next generation of complex matter.</p><br><p></p>

Temporal Fluctuations in Interparticle Interactions Drive the Formation of Transiently Stable Nanoparticle Precipitates

<p></p><p>The pH and ionic strength dependence of electrostatic interactions was explored to introduce temporal fluctuations in the strengths of interparticle interactions and choreograph a transient self-assembly response in plasmonic nanoparticles. The assembly process was triggered by the electrostatic attraction between positively-charged gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and an aggregating agent, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The autonomous changes in the pH and ionic strength of the solution, under the influence of atmospheric CO₂, weaken the aggregating ability of EDTA and initiate the complete disassembly of [+] AuNP - EDTA precipitates. The non-destructive way of disassembly minimizes the generation of waste, which helped in achieving some of the desirable feats in the area of dynamic self-assembly like easy removal of waste, transiently stable precipitates and negligible dampness. The chemical strategy adopted in the present work, to introduce transientness, can act as a generic tool in creating the next generation of complex matter.</p><br><p></p>