Functionalization of miRNA—cNLC complexes
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression in cells. However, their application in gene therapy is limited by obstacles such as poor cellular uptake and instability (Mendonça et al., 2023). To overcome these limitations, cationic nanostructured lipid carriers (cNLCs) as delivery systems for miRNAs are developed. cNLCs protect and stabilize miRNAs, and also enhance cellular uptake, which results in effective nucleic acid-based therapy. Another approach, found in literature, to enhance cellular uptake is coating particles with human serum albumin (HSA) (Liu et al., 2012). Therefore, the effect of functionalization of miRNA-cNLC complexes with HSA was investigated. The physicochemical properties of uncoated and HSA-coated complexes were compared in terms of particle size, size distribution, surface charge, topography, and cellular uptake in 3T3-L1 mouse embryonic fibroblasts and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells.