Targeted delivery of siRNA to human cancer and human embryonic stem cells with cell level resolution

    January 2016 in “ Munich Personal RePEc Archive (Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich) ”
    Xiao Huang
    TLDR A new method using gold nanoshells and infrared light effectively delivers siRNA to cancer and stem cells with precision and minimal damage.
    The study explored a novel method for delivering siRNA to human cancer and embryonic stem cells using hollow gold nanoshells (HGNs) and near-infrared (NIR) light. This approach allowed siRNAs to be released into cells without damage, specifically targeting cancer cells and minimizing off-target effects. The method required significantly less material than traditional methods and was effective in targeting genes in human embryonic stem cells without affecting their differentiation. The technique's precision in gene regulation was enhanced by using NIR light for spatial and temporal control, making it suitable for tissue engineering and drug screening applications. Additionally, a universal surface module was developed to optimize delivery across various cell lines, highlighting the potential for broad applications in cell engineering.
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