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Gene delivery using layer-by-layer functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes: design, characterization, cell line evaluation

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Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with special nanoneedle structure have emerged as new promising candidates for plasmid and drug delivery. However, the delivery is greatly limited by the high tendency of CNT to form aggregates, the “less dispersion problem,” and CNT cytotoxicity. Here, we described an extensive evaluation of the ability of layer-by-layer modification strategy to reduce CNT size and toxicity, and to shield CNT hydrophobic surfaces. The MWCNTs can be derivatized with carboxylate groups (cMWCNT) and sequentially functionalized with protein, cationic polyethylenimine (PEI), and polysaccharide. The protein coating, characterized by Fourier transform infrared and deconvolution methods, could serve as the hydrophilic, biocompatible matrix and scaffold for sequential conjugation. We found that coated PEI-enhanced electrostatic interactions between plasmid DNA and CNTs. The functionalized cMWCNTs were analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic light scattering, and electron microscopy technologies. The conjugation of cMWCNTs–ovalbumin–PEI with oxidized pectin further promoted green fluorescence intensity by balancing the intracellular DNA release and were easier to disperse. Our in-depth study demonstrated that functionalized CNTs can be improved by fine-tuned process parameters of the protein–PEI–polysaccharide modification.

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Acknowledgements

We express gratitude to Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST 106-2221-E-182-050, 108-2221-E-182-039), Chang Gung University (BMRP 758), and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (2J0161, 2H0072, 2H0073) for funding and supporting this research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung University, 259, Wen-Hwa First Road, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, 333, Taiwan

    Monika Kumari & Chi-Hsien Liu

  2. Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine and Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, 261, Wen-Hwa First Road, Taoyuan, Taiwan

    Chi-Hsien Liu

  3. Department of Chemical Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, 84, Gung-Juan Road, New Taipei City, Taiwan

    Chi-Hsien Liu

  4. Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, 5, Fu-Hsing Street, Taoyuan, Taiwan

    Chi-Hsien Liu & Wei-Chi Wu

  5. College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, 259, Wen-Hwa First Road, Taoyuan, Taiwan

    Wei-Chi Wu

  6. Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, Taiwan

    Chun-Chao Wang

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  1. Monika Kumari
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Correspondence to Chi-Hsien Liu.

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Kumari, M., Liu, CH., Wu, WC. et al. Gene delivery using layer-by-layer functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes: design, characterization, cell line evaluation. J Mater Sci 56, 7022–7033 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-020-05648-6

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