Figure 2: Formation and characterisation of NPs. | Nature Communications

Figure 2: Formation and characterisation of NPs.

From: Cell type-specific delivery of short interfering RNAs by dye-functionalised theranostic nanoparticles

Figure 2

(a) Dye-functionalisation of NPs. PLGA is labelled with DY-635 via EDC coupling, siRNA is complexed with LMW PEI, and NPs are formed by double emulsion procedure. (b) Surface fluorescence quenching of DY-635[NP](−) indicates that DY-635 is exposed at the NP surface (n=3, mean±s.e.m.). (c–e) Electron microscopy of NPs ([NP](−), DY-635[NP](−), DY-635[NP](siRNA) reveals regular round shape (scale bars 500 nm). (f) Higher power TEM of DY-635[NP](siRNA) after treatment with Cu2+-ions (inset shows the corresponding cryo-TEM image) suggests siRNA is encapsulated and not aggregated to the surface (scale bars 100 nm). (g) Uptake of DY-635 functionalised NPs is enhanced compared with non-functionalised NP and, unlike that of non-functionalised NPs is inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by cyclosporine A with an IC50 of 209 nM, similar to the uptake of free DY-635.

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