Nanoparticles deliver bioactive molecules

A new hybrid nanocapsule uses a silica, metal and organic framework designed to deliver protein, nucleic acid or hydrophilic drugs.

A silica component molecule and a pH-responsive metal-organic framework component form the nanocapsule.

These particles can be fabricated by a water-in-oil emulsion method. Polyethylene glycol or polyzwitterions can be conjugated to the terminal groups of the polymer piece of the metal-organic framework, which can provide neutral surface charge and increase circulation time in vivo. It also allows for convenient conjugation of various targeting ligands and imaging probes. Once taken up by target cells via endocytosis, nanocapsules are subjected to degradation in acidic endolytic compartments, releasing the encapsulated payload inside endosomes.

The inventors have data showing that the nanocapsules can be used for the delivery of DNA, mRNA, Cas9/sgRNA ribonucleoprotein, and hydrophilic drugs (e.g., doxorubicin hydrochloride and Y-27632 dihydrochloride) with high loading contents and efficiencies.