The authors acknowledge financial support from Houston Methodist Research Institute, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos., 21231007 and 21121061), the Ministry of Education of China (Nos., 20100171110013 and 313058), the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program No. 2014CB845604), and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.

1. PCPS Particle Preparation
<ol>
	<li>Oxidize non-functionalized porous silicon particles in a 30% solution of hydrogen peroxide at 95 &#176;C for 2 hr. Aminate the oxidized particles in 2% (3-&#8203;aminopropyl)&#8203;triethoxysilane solution in isopropyl alcohol for 2 days at 65 &#176;C with gentle stirring.</li>
	<li>Centrifuge the solution for 30 min at 18,800 x g and wash the particles twice in isopropyl alcohol and three times in ethanol, using brief sonication to suspend the pellet. Leave the particles in ethanol solution when performing step 1.3 and 1.4.</li>
	<li>Add a known volume of particle suspension (e.g., 10 &#956;l) to 10 ml isotone diluent and count the particles with a particle counting analyzer to determine the concentration of particles in the stock solution.</li>
	<li>Activate the acid group of L-arginine (0.1 nmol) with N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N&#8242;-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC, 0.1 nmol)/N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS, 0.1 nmol) in 20 ml of ethanol for 2 hr at RT with gentle stirring.</li>
	<li>Briefly sonicate the particle stock solution and add 1 billion particles to the L-arginine solution and leave the reaction for 18 hr at RT with gentle stirring.</li>
	<li>Activate the first aspartic acid group of N-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-L-aspartic acid (Boc-Asp-OH, 1 nmol) with EDC (0.1 nmol)/NHS (0.1 nmol) in 20 ml of ethanol for 4 hr at 4 &#176;C with gentle stirring.</li>
	<li>Dissolve 50 mg polyethylenimine in 10 ml ethanol and add the solution to the Boc-Asp-OH mixture. Let the reaction proceed for 24 hr at RT with gentle stirring.</li>
	<li>Activate the second aspartic acid group of the Boc-Asp-OH/PEI solution with EDC (0.1 nmol)/NHS (0.1 nmol) at 4 &#176;C for 6 hr with gentle stirring.</li>
	<li>To obtain PCPS particles, add the particle solution from step 1.5 into the Boc-Asp-OH/PEI solution from step 1.8. Allow the reaction to proceed for 18 hr at RT with gentle stirring.</li>
	<li>Centrifuge the solution for 30 min at 18,800 x g and wash the particle solution three times with ethanol, using brief sonication to suspend the pellet.</li>
</ol>
2. PCPS Particle Characterization
<ol>
	<li>Measure the size of the particles using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).
	<ol>
		<li>Place a drop of particle suspension (10,000 particles/&#956;l in ethanol) on a clean silica SEM sample stub and let dry at RT under vacuum.</li>
		<li>Measure SEM images at 8 kV with a 3&#8211;5 mm working distance using an in-lens detector.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Measure the zeta potential of the particles using a particle analyzer system.
	<ol>
		<li>Mix 10 &#956;l of particle suspension (10,000 particles/&#956;l in ethanol) with 1 ml of 10 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.4).</li>
		<li>Load the sample into folded capillary cells and measure the zeta potential according to the manufacturer&#8217;s instructions.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
3. Loading of siRNA into PCPS Particles
<ol>
	<li>Dry the PCPS particles (from PCPS particle preparation step 1.9) under vacuum O/N.</li>
	<li>Add siRNA (4 &#956;g) in nuclease-free water (20 &#956;l) to the dried PCPS particles and sonicate briefly. Use the following particle to siRNA ratios: 2 &#215; 105 particles/0.2 &#956;g siRNA, 4 &#215; 105 particles/0.2 &#956;g siRNA, 6 &#215; 105 particles/0.2 &#956;g siRNA, 8 &#215; 105 particles/0.2 &#956;g siRNA, 10 &#215; 105 particles/0.2 &#956;g siRNA and 12 &#215; 105 particles/0.2 &#956;g siRNA.</li>
	<li>Incubate for 3 hr at 4 &#176;C on a shaker (1,000 rpm) to allow siRNA binding to the particles.</li>
</ol>
4. Optimization of siRNA/PCPS Particle Ratio
<ol>
	<li>Add DNA loading dye to 20 &#956;l of the PCPS/control siRNA particles with different particle to siRNA ratios (see loading of siRNA into PCPS particles).</li>
	<li>Load the samples into a 2% agarose gel containing DNA gel stain.</li>
	<li>Perform electrophoresis at a constant voltage of 120 V for 20 min in running buffer.</li>
	<li>Analyze the gel with image acquisition and analysis software.</li>
</ol>
5. Release of siRNA from PCPS Particles
<ol>
	<li>Mix 20 &#956;l of the PCPS/control siRNA particles with different particle to siRNA ratios (see step 3) in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS, 2%) and let stand for 1 hr at RT.</li>
	<li>Add DNA loading dye to the samples.</li>
	<li>Load samples into a 2% agarose gel containing DNA gel stain.</li>
	<li>Perform electrophoresis at a constant voltage of 120 V for 20 min in running buffer using DNA electrophoresis equipment and a power supply.</li>
	<li>Analyze the gel with image acquisition and analysis software.</li>
</ol>
6. Confocal Microscopy of PCPS Particles
<ol>
	<li>Add 5 &#956;l of PCPS/fluorescent control siRNA particles (10 &#215; 105 particles/0.2 &#956;g siRNA/20 &#956;l) to a glass cover slip.</li>
	<li>Visualize particle layers by confocal microscopy.</li>
</ol>
7. Characterization of Arg-PEI/control siRNA Nanoparticles
<ol>
	<li>To degrade the silicon material and form Arg-PEI/control siRNA nanoparticles, add PCPS/siRNA particles (10 &#215; 106 PCPS particles/2 &#956;g siRNA) to 100 &#956;l of phosphate buffered saline and shake (1,000 rpm) at 37 &#176;C for 2 days.</li>
	<li>Centrifuge the sample for 30 min at 18,800 x g and collect the supernatant.</li>
	<li>Measure the size of the formed Arg-PEI/siRNA nanoparticles with dynamic light scattering (DLS).
	<ol>
		<li>Mix 10 &#956;l of the supernatant with 1 ml 10 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) and place into a plastic cuvette.</li>
		<li>Measure the size of the particles using a particle analyzer system according to the manufacturer&#8217;s instructions.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Determine the size and morphology of the formed Arg/PEI-siRNA nanoparticles with atomic force microscopy.
	<ol>
		<li>Take 10 &#181;l of the supernatant and place on a silicon wafer.</li>
		<li>Visualize the particles with atomic force microscopy (AFM).</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
8. Cell Culture
<ol>
	<li>Culture MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells in cell culture media supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and 1% penicillin-streptomycin at 5% CO2, 95% humidity and 37 &#176;C.</li>
</ol>
9. Confocal Microscopy of Live Cells with PCPS Particles
<ol>
	<li>Plate cells in 2-well culture slides at a seeding density of 3 x 105 cells/well for 24 hr.</li>
	<li>Add PCPS particles loaded with fluorescent control siRNA (10 &#215; 105 particles/0.2 &#956;g particle to siRNA ratio, 50 nM siRNA) to cells.</li>
	<li>Record a movie of the cells with a confocal microscope (supplied with a chamber, 5% CO2, 95% humidity and 37 &#176;C) for 12 hr following particle exposure.</li>
</ol>
10. Confocal Microscopy of Fixed Cells with PCPS Particles
<ol>
	<li>Plate cells in 2-well culture slides at a seeding density of 3 x 105 cells/well for 24 hr.</li>
	<li>Add PCPS particles loaded with fluorescent control siRNA (10 &#215; 105 particles/0.2 &#956;g particle to siRNA ratio, 50 nM siRNA) to cells and incubate for 1 day, 7 days and 10 days.</li>
	<li>Wash the cells twice with phosphate buffered saline and then fix them with 4% paraformaldehyde solution for 10 min.</li>
	<li>Wash the cells with phosphate buffered saline.</li>
	<li>Permeabilize the cells with 0.1% octyl phenol ethoxylate for 10 min and then wash them three times with phosphate buffered saline.</li>
	<li>Block the cells with albumin from bovine serum (10 mg/ml) in phosphate buffered saline for 10 min at RT with gentle stirring.</li>
	<li>To visualize filamentous actin, incubate the cells with fluorescently labeled phalloidin (1 &#956;l/40 &#956;l blocking solution) for 20 min at RT with gentle stirring and then wash in phosphate buffered saline.</li>
	<li>Remove the slides from the frame and add antifade reagent with 4&#39;,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) to visualize the nucleus.</li>
	<li>Add a cover glass on top and take images of the cells with confocal microscopy.</li>
</ol>
11. Flow Cytometry of Cells with PCPS/fluorescent Control siRNA Particles
<ol>
	<li>Plate cells in a 6-well plate at a seeding density of 3 x 105 cells/well for 24 hr.</li>
	<li>Add PCPS particles loaded with fluorescent control siRNA (10 &#215; 105 particles/0.2 &#956;g particle to siRNA ratio, 50 nM siRNA) to the cells and incubate for 24 hr.</li>
	<li>Wash the cells with phosphate buffered saline and scrape them with a cell scraper.</li>
	<li>Store the cells in phosphate buffered saline with 2% fetal bovine serum prior to analysis. Use untreated cells as a negative control.</li>
	<li>Perform flow cytometry.</li>
</ol>
12. Cell Viability of Cells with PCPS Particles and PCPS/control siRNA Particles
<ol>
	<li>Plate cells in a 96-well plate at a cell density of 3 &#215; 103 cells/well for 24 hr.</li>
	<li>Treat the cells with PCPS particles (1.5 &#215; 105/well and 6 &#215; 105/well) or PCPS/control siRNA particles (10 &#215; 105 particles/0.2 &#956;g particle to siRNA ratio, 10 nM and 100 nM siRNA) for 48 hr and 72 hr. Use untreated cells and cells treated with phosphate buffered saline (same volume as the added particles) as controls. Assay each sample in triplicate.</li>
	<li>Perform a cell proliferation assay according to the manufacturer&#8217;s instructions.</li>
	<li>Represent data as the mean &#177; standard deviation.</li>
</ol>
13. Western Blot of Cells with PCPS/ATM Mutated siRNA Particles
<ol>
	<li>Plate cells in a 6-well plate at a cell density 2 &#215; 105 cells/well for 24 hr.</li>
	<li>Incubate the cells with PCPS/control siRNA (50 nM) particles or PCPS/ATM siRNA (50 nM) particles for 72 hr. Use untreated cells as a control.</li>
	<li>Lyse the cells using a protein extraction reagent supplemented with a protease inhibitor cocktail.</li>
	<li>Centrifuge the cell lysates for 10 min at 14,000 x g and recover the supernatant.</li>
	<li>Determine the protein concentration with a protein quantification assay according to the manufacturer&#8217;s instructions.</li>
	<li>Add sample loading buffer (with 5 &#956;l 2-mercaptoethanol/ml buffer) to the samples and heat them for 6 min at 99 &#176;C.</li>
	<li>Load the protein samples (20 &#956;g/&#956;l) in a 12% SDS-polyacrylamide gel in running buffer and perform polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (1 hr, 120 V) using electrophoresis equipment and a power supply.</li>
	<li>Transfer the gel in transfer buffer (with 20% methanol) to a nitrocellulose membrane (1 hr, 100 V) using electrophoresis equipment and a power supply.</li>
	<li>Block the membrane with 5% dry milk for 1 hr.</li>
	<li>Incubate the membrane with the ATM primary antibody (from rabbit) in blocking solution (from step 13.9) at a 1:1,000 dilution O/N.</li>
	<li>Wash the membrane with phosphate buffered saline containing 0.1% polyethylene glycol sorbitan monolaurate and then incubate it with the secondary antibody (anti-rabbit) in blocking solution (from step 13.9) at a 1:2,500 dilution for 1 hr.</li>
	<li>Wash the membrane with phosphate buffered saline containing 0.1% polyethylene glycol sorbitan monolaurate and detect the protein bands with Western blot detection reagent using image acquisition and analysis software.</li>
	<li>For the loading control, wash the membrane and repeat steps 13.9-13.12 using a &#946;-actin primary antibody (from mouse, 1:10,000 dilution) and a secondary antibody (anti-mouse 1:4,000 dilution).</li>
</ol>

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G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=siRNA+delivery+systems+for+cancer+treatment.">siRNA delivery systems for cancer treatment.</a> Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 61 (10), 850-862 (2009).</li><li>Mintzer, M. A., Simanek, E. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Nonviral+vectors+for+gene+delivery.">Nonviral vectors for gene delivery.</a> Chem Rev. 109 (2), 259-302 (2009).</li><li>Whitehead, K. A., Langer, R., Anderson, D. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Knocking+down+barriers:+advances+in+siRNA+delivery.">Knocking down barriers: advances in siRNA delivery.</a> Nat Rev Drug Discov. 8 (2), 129-138 (2009).</li><li>Decuzzi, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Size+and+shape+effects+in+the+biodistribution+of+intravascularly+injected+particles.">Size and shape effects in the biodistribution of intravascularly injected particles.</a> J Control Release. 141 (3), 320-327 (2010).</li><li>Decuzzi, P., Ferrari, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Design+maps+for+nanoparticles+targeting+the+diseased+microvasculature.">Design maps for nanoparticles targeting the diseased microvasculature.</a> Biomaterials. 29 (3), 377-384 (2008).</li><li>Martinez, J. 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The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests.

This protocol describes a method for the successful delivery and transfection of siRNA into cells. In particular, the delivery of siRNA is achieved by using a multifunctional platform consisting of polycation-functionalized pSi particles. The use of siRNA therapy has great potential, e.g., cancer treatment, as various oncogenes can be targeted with high specificity. Therefore, there exists a demand to develop siRNA delivery vehicles, which can mitigate the challenges of siRNA therapy. In conclusion, we have outl...

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are double-stranded RNA molecules that can suppress the expression of genes. In recent years, siRNAs have been developed as a new generation of biodrugs that show therapeutic potential for future use in clinical applications1-5. However, the successful implementation of siRNA therapy remains a considerable challenge, due to degradation by nucleases, poor intracellular uptake, low transfection efficiency and inefficient release from the endosome/lysosome5. Many of these hurdles can be overcome by the development of delivery platforms, which can safely and efficiently deliver siRNA to diseased tissue. Compared to viral carriers, non-viral platforms provide several advantages, such as safety, low cost and ease of tailoring. In particular, cationic nanoparticles, such as polymers and lipids, have proved useful for siRNA delivery3.
Previously, we have developed a discoidal drug delivery system, termed the multistage vector (MSV). This platform is based on sequential stages, in which one vehicle is released from another. The first stage vehicle is a microparticle made from biodegradable porous silicon (pSi), while the second stage vehicles are nanoparticles loaded with drugs or contrast agents6,7. The nanoparticles, which are embedded in the pSi material, are gradually released as the Si degrades8. A benefit of using Si particles is that the morphology and surface characteristics can easily be tailored to achieve optimal biodistribution and drug release. Recently, the successful use of the MSV platform for the delivery of siRNA liposomes to tumor tissue was shown in an ovarian and breast cancer mouse model9, 10.
In this work, we have fabricated a universal delivery system for siRNA based on the principals of the MSV platform. The efficacy of this delivery system has previously been demonstrated using different siRNA molecules11. The system is a polycation-functionalized porous silicon (PCPS) carrier, consisting of pSi grafted with polyethylenimine (PEI) and arginine (Arg). PEI can aid in forming electrostatic interactions with siRNA, while Arg and pSi can serve to reduce the toxicity of PEI, as previously demonstarted11. In addition, the presence of PEI can assist in intracellular uptake and endosomal escape, while the pSi microparticles enable siRNA protection and sustained release. The pSi particles gradually degrade under physiological conditions, thereby resulting in the formation of Arg-PEI/siRNA nanoparticles (Figure 1), which have a distinct morphology and a narrow size distribution11. For details regarding the stability of the PCPS/siRNA system, please refer to the study by Shen et al.11. This PCPS platform differs from the conventional MSV, since the second stage nanoparticles are not initially present in the carrier, but are formed over time as the first-stage carrier degrades11, 12. The siRNA loading efficiency, cytotoxicity and gene silencing efficiency of the PCPS system has been evaluated in vitro. Transfection efficiency was measured using siRNA against the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) oncogene, which is involved in DNA repair10. Previously, the suppression of ATM has been shown to decrease tumor growth in a breast cancer model10.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="1812">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="55">
			<td height="55" style="height:55px;width:605px;">Name of the Material/Equipment</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Company/Institution</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">Catalog Number</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Comments/Description</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:605px;">Polyethylenimine (PEI), branched</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">408727</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Average molecular weight ~25,000 Da</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:605px;">L-Arginine</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">A5006</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Reagent grade, &#8805;98%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:605px;">Boc-Asp-OH</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">408-468</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">99%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:605px;">(3-&#8203;Aminopropyl)&#8203;triethoxysilane</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">440140</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">99%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">Hydrogen peroxide solution</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">216763</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">30&#160;wt. % in H2O</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:605px;">Sulfuric acid</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">339741</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">100.00%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:605px;">Isopropyl alcohol</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">W292907</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">&#8805;99.7%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:605px;">Ethanol</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">459844</td>
			<td>&#8805;99.5%&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">N-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-N&#8242;-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>03449</td>
			<td>&#8805;99%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Albumin from bovine serum</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>A7030-10G</td>
			<td>Blocking agent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated siRNA&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:133px;"></td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Designed in-house</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">Tris Acetate-EDTA buffer</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">T9650</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">For DNA agarose gel electrophoresis</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">Penicillin-Streptomycin</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>P4333</td>
			<td style="width:653px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">Fetal Bovine Serum</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>F2442</td>
			<td style="width:653px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">TWEEN 20</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>P1379</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Polyethylene glycol sorbitan monolaurate</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">2-Mercaptoethanol</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>M6250</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">For Western blot</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">Sodium dodecyl sulfate</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>L3771</td>
			<td style="width:653px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">Sodium phosphate monobasic</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>71496</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">For making phosphate buffer&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">Sodium phosphate dibasic</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>71640</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">For making phosphate buffer</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Anti-Mouse IgG</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">A4416</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Secondary antibody (anti-mouse) for Western blot</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:605px;">N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS)</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">130672</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">98%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:605px;">CELLSTAR 96W Microplate Tissue Culture Treated Clear w/ Lid</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Greiner Bio-One</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">655182</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">96-well plate</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:605px;">10X Tris-Glycine Liquid</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Li-Cor&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">928-40010</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Transfer buffer for Western blot</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:605px;">Paraformaldehyde solution 4% in PBS&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Santa Cruz</td>
			<td>Sc-281692</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Fixation of cells</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;">CellTiter 96 AQueous Non-Radioactive Cell Proliferation Assay (MTS)</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Promega</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">G5421</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Proliferation assay</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:605px;">Phosphate buffered saline</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">BP399-500</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">10 X Solution</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:605px;">Corning cellgro Dulbecco&#39;s Modification of Eagle&#39;s (Mod.)</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Fisher Scientific&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">MT-15-017-CM</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Cell culture media, 1X solution</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:605px;">Triton X-100</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>AC21568-2500</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Octyl phenol ethoxylate, permeabilization agent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:605px;">Cover glass</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>12-530C&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:653px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:605px;">Methanol</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Fisher Scientific&#160;</td>
			<td>A412-1</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">For Western blot transfer buffer</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:605px;">Plastic Cuvettes</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Fisher Scientific&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">14-377-010&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">For size measurements using Zetasizer Nano ZS</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:605px;">Molecular BioProducts RNase AWAY Surface Decontaminant</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">14-754-34</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Spray for removing RNAse contamination</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">Agarose</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">BP165-25</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Low melting point, for running RNA samples</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">ProLong Gold Antifade Reagent with DAPI&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Invitrogen</td>
			<td>P36935</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Antifade reagent with DAPI, nucelus detection</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">Alexa Fluor 488 Phalloidin</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Invitrogen</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">A12379</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Dissolve 300 units in 1.5 ml methanol, detection of filamentous actin</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Invitrogen</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">S33102</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Visualization of RNA</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:605px;">Negative Control siRNA</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Qiagen</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">1022076</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Control siRNA</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">AllStars Neg. siRNA AF 555</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Qiagen</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">1027294</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Fluorescent control siRNA</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">Cell scraper</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Celltreat</td>
			<td>229310</td>
			<td style="width:653px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">BioLite Multidishes and Microwell Plates</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>130184</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">6-well plate</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Pierce LDS Sample Loading Buffer (4X)&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>84788</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Sample loading buffer for Western blot</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">Pierce BCS Protein Assay Kit</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">23227</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Protein quantification assay</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Halt Protease Inhibitor Single-Use Cocktails (100X)</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">78430</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Protease inhibitor cocktail, use at 1X</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">M-PER Mammalian Protein Extraction Reagent</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Thermo Scientific&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">78501</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Protein extraction reagent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">Sorvall Legend Micro 21R</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>75002440</td>
			<td>Centrifuge</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">Beta Actin Antibody&#160;</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific&#160;</td>
			<td>MA1-91399</td>
			<td>&#946;-actin primary antibody (from mouse) for western blor</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">6X TriTrack DNA Loading Dye</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>R1161</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">DNA loading dye</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Nuclease-Free Water&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Life Technologies</td>
			<td>AM9938</td>
			<td style="width:653px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Non-Fat Dry Milk</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Lab Scientific</td>
			<td>M0841</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">For Western blot</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">2-well BD Falcon culture slides&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">BD Biosciences</td>
			<td>354102</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">2-well culture slides</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Amersham ECL Western blot detection reagent.&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">GE Healthcare Life Sciences</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">RPN2106</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Western blot detection reagent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">BA Membranes</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">GE Healthcare Life Sciences</td>
			<td>10402096</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Nitrocellulose membrane for Wester blot</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">ATM (D2E2) Rabbit mAb</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Cell Signaling</td>
			<td>2873S</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">ATM primary antibody (from rabbit) for Western blot</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Anti-rabbit IgG, HRP-linked Antibody</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Cell Signaling&#160;</td>
			<td>7074</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Secondary antibody (anti-rabbit) for Western blot&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">Folded capillary cells</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Malvern&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">DTS 1061</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">For zeta potentail measurements using Zetasizer Nano ZS</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">MDA-MB-231 cell line</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">ATCC</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">HTB-26</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Mammary Gland/Breast</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">12% Mini-PROTEAN TGX Gel</td>
			<td>Bio-rad</td>
			<td>456-1043&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:653px;">For Western blot</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Biorad PowerPac HC</td>
			<td>Bio-rad</td>
			<td>164-5052</td>
			<td>Power supply for electrophoresis</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">10x Tris/Glycine/SDS Buffer</td>
			<td>Bio-rad</td>
			<td>161-0732</td>
			<td>Running buffer for Western blot</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Wide Mini-Sub Cell GT Cell</td>
			<td>Bio-rad</td>
			<td>170-4405</td>
			<td>Electrophoresis equipment for DNA agarose gel&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Mini-PROTEAN Tetra cell</td>
			<td>Bio-rad</td>
			<td>165-8000</td>
			<td>Electrophoresis equipment for Western blot</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">ChemiDoc XRS+ System with Image Lab Software</td>
			<td>Bio-rad</td>
			<td>170-8265</td>
			<td>Image acquisition and analysis software for gels and blots</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">4&#34; (10cm) dia., 5x7mm diced Silicon Wafer</td>
			<td>Ted Pella&#160;</td>
			<td>16007</td>
			<td>Silicon waferfor scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Thermomixer R</td>
			<td>Eppendorf</td>
			<td>22670107</td>
			<td>Shaker&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Isoton II diluent</td>
			<td>Beckman Coulter</td>
			<td>8546719</td>
			<td>Isoton diluent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Multisizer 4 Coulter Counter</td>
			<td>Beckman Coulter</td>
			<td>A63076</td>
			<td>Particle counting analyzer</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">Non-functionalized porous silicon particles&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Microelectronics Research Center, University of Texas at Austin</td>
			<td style="width:133px;"></td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Dicoidal shape. 2.6 &#956;m (diameter) x 0.7 &#956;m (hight), provided in isopropyl alcohol</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">Zetasizer Nano ZS</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Malvern</td>
			<td style="width:133px;"></td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Particle analyzer system for size and zeta potential&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:605px;">Scanning Electron Microscope</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">FEI</td>
			<td style="width:133px;"></td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Particle size and shape&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:605px;">Atomic Force Microscope</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Bruker</td>
			<td style="width:133px;"></td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Particle size and shape</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:605px;">Fluo ViewTM 1000 Confocal Microscope</td>
			<td style="width:421px;">Olympus</td>
			<td style="width:133px;"></td>
			<td style="width:653px;">Visualization of fixed and live cells</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

porous silicon microparticles for delivery of sirna therapeutics

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be used to suppress gene expression, thereby providing a new avenue for the treatment of various diseases. However, the successful implementation of siRNA therapy requires the use of delivery platforms that can overcome the major challenges of siRNA delivery, such as enzymatic degradation, low intracellular uptake and lysosomal entrapment. Here, a protocol for the preparation and use of a biocompatible and effective siRNA delivery system is presented. This platform consists of polyethylenimine (PEI) and arginine (Arg)-grafted porous silicon microparticles, which can be loaded with siRNA by performing a simple mixing step. The silicon particles are gradually degraded over time, thereby triggering the formation of Arg-PEI/siRNA nanoparticles. This delivery vehicle provides a means for protecting and internalizing siRNA, without causing cytotoxicity. The major steps of polycation functionalization, particle characterization, and siRNA loading are outlined in detail. In addition, the procedures for determining particle uptake, cytotoxicity, and transfection efficacy are also described.

This protocol describes the use of a non-viral delivery system for safe and efficient siRNA transfection. The SEM results reveal that the PCPS particles are cylindrical in shape and have a diameter of 2.6 &#956;m (Figure 2A). The particles are positively charged with a zeta potential of approximately +8.21 (Figure 2B), thereby enabling electrostatic binding with negatively charged nucleotides. Confocal images of different layers of the PCPS particles demonstrate that fluorescent control ...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Porous Silicon Microparticles for Delivery of siRNA Therapeutics at JoVE.com

Porous Silicon Microparticles for Delivery of siRNA Therapeutics

Delivery remains the main challenge for the therapeutic implementation of small interfering RNA (siRNA). This protocol involves the use of a multifunctional and biocompatible siRNA delivery platform, consisting of arginine and polyethylenimine grafted porous silicon microparticles.

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be used to suppress gene expression, thereby providing a new avenue for the treatment of various diseases. However, the ...

porous-silicon-microparticles-for-delivery-of-sirna-therapeutics

Research

JoVE Journal

Bioengineering

10.8K Views.  Houston Methodist Research Institute. Delivery remains the main challenge for the therapeutic implementation of small interfering RNA (siRNA). This protocol involves the use of a multifunctional and biocompatible siRNA delivery platform, consisting of arginine and polyethylenimine grafted porous silicon microparticles.

Video: Porous Silicon Microparticles for Delivery of siRNA Therapeutics

Soft Lithographic Functionalization and Patterning Oxide-free Silicon and Germanium

The development of hybrid electronic devices relies in large part on the integration of (bio)organic materials and inorganic semiconductors through a stable interface that permits efficient electron transport and protects underlying substrates from oxidative degradation. Group IV semiconductors can be effectively protected with highly-ordered self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) composed of simple alkyl chains that act as impervious barriers to both organic and aqueous solutions. Simple alkyl SAMs, however, are inert and not amenable to traditional patterning techniques. The motivation for immobilizing organic molecular systems on semiconductors is to impart new functionality to the surface that can provide optical, electronic, and mechanical function, as well as chemical and biological activity. 
Microcontact printing (&mu;CP) is a soft-lithographic technique for patterning SAMs on myriad surfaces.1-9 Despite its simplicity and versatility, the approach has been largely limited to noble metal surfaces and has not been well developed for pattern transfer to technologically important substrates such as oxide-free silicon and germanium. Furthermore, because this technique relies on the ink diffusion to transfer pattern from the elastomer to substrate, the resolution of such traditional printing is essentially limited to near 1 &mu;m.10-16
In contrast to traditional printing, inkless &mu;CP patterning relies on a specific reaction between a surface-immobilized substrate and a stamp-bound catalyst. Because the technique does not rely on diffusive SAM formation, it significantly expands the diversity of patternable surfaces. In addition, the inkless technique obviates the feature size limitations imposed by molecular diffusion, facilitating replication of very small (&lt;200 nm) features.17-23 However, up till now, inkless &mu;CP has been mainly used for patterning relatively disordered molecular systems, which do not protect underlying surfaces from degradation.
Here, we report a simple, reliable high-throughput method for patterning passivated silicon and germanium with reactive organic monolayers and demonstrate selective functionalization of the patterned substrates with both small molecules and proteins. The technique utilizes a preformed NHS-reactive bilayered system on oxide-free silicon and germanium. The NHS moiety is hydrolyzed in a pattern-specific manner with a sulfonic acid-modified acrylate stamp to produce chemically distinct patterns of NHS-activated and free carboxylic acids. A significant limitation to the resolution of many &mu;CP techniques is the use of PDMS material which lacks the mechanical rigidity necessary for high fidelity transfer. To alleviate this limitation we utilized a polyurethane acrylate polymer, a relatively rigid material that can be easily functionalized with different organic moieties. Our patterning approach completely protects both silicon and germanium from chemical oxidation, provides precise control over the shape and size of the patterned features, and gives ready access to chemically discriminated patterns that can be further functionalized with both organic and biological molecules. The approach is general and applicable to other technologically-relevant surfaces.

Here we describe a simple method for patterning oxide-free silicon and germanium with reactive organic monolayers and demonstrate functionalization of the patterned substrates with small molecules and proteins. The approach completely protects surfaces from chemical oxidation, provides precise control over feature morphology, and provides ready access to chemically discriminated patterns.

The development of hybrid electronic devices relies in large part on the integration of (bio)organic materials and inorganic semiconductors through a ...

Self-reporting Scaffolds for 3-Dimensional Cell Culture

Culturing cells in 3D on appropriate scaffolds is thought to better mimic the in vivo microenvironment and increase cell-cell interactions. The resulting 3D cellular construct can often be more relevant to studying the molecular events and cell-cell interactions than similar experiments studied in 2D. To create effective 3D cultures with high cell viability throughout the scaffold the culture conditions such as oxygen and pH need to be carefully controlled as gradients in analyte concentration can exist throughout the 3D construct. Here we describe the methods of preparing biocompatible pH responsive sol-gel nanosensors and their incorporation into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) electrospun scaffolds along with their subsequent preparation for the culture of mammalian cells. The pH responsive scaffolds can be used as tools to determine microenvironmental pH within a 3D cellular construct. Furthermore, we detail the delivery of pH responsive nanosensors to the intracellular environment of mammalian cells whose growth was supported by electrospun PLGA scaffolds. The cytoplasmic location of the pH responsive nanosensors can be utilized to monitor intracellular pH (pHi) during ongoing experimentation.

Biocompatible pH responsive sol-gel nanosensors can be incorporated into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) electrospun scaffolds. The produced self-reporting scaffolds can be used for in&#160;situ monitoring of microenvironmental conditions whilst culturing cells upon the scaffold. This is beneficial as the 3D cellular construct can be monitored in real-time without disturbing the experiment.

Culturing cells in 3D on appropriate scaffolds is thought to better mimic the in vivo microenvironment and increase cell-cell interactions. The resulting ...

Preparation of Silicon Nanowire Field-effect Transistor for Chemical and Biosensing Applications

Surveillance using biomarkers is critical for the early detection, rapid intervention, and reduction in the incidence of diseases. In this study, we describe the preparation of polycrystalline silicon nanowire field-effect transistors (pSNWFETs) that serve as biosensing devices for biomarker detection. A protocol for chemical and biomolecular sensing by using pSNWFETs is presented. The pSNWFET device was demonstrated to be a promising transducer for real-time, label-free, and ultra-high-sensitivity biosensing applications. The source/drain channel conductivity of a pSNWFET is sensitive to changes in the environment around its silicon nanowire (SNW) surface. Thus, by immobilizing probes on the SNW surface, the pSNWFET can be used to detect various biotargets ranging from small molecules (dopamine) to macromolecules (DNA and proteins). Immobilizing a bioprobe on the SNW surface, which is a multistep procedure, is vital for determining the specificity of the biosensor. It is essential that every step of the immobilization procedure is correctly performed. We verified surface modifications by directly observing the shift in the electric properties of the pSNWFET following each modification step. Additionally, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to examine the surface composition following each modification. Finally, we demonstrated DNA sensing on the pSNWFET. This protocol provides step-by-step procedures for verifying bioprobe immobilization and subsequent DNA biosensing application.

We describe key steps for biosensing by using polysilicon nanowire field-effect transistors, including the preparation of the device and the immobilization and confirmation of a DNA molecular probe on the nanowire surface, as well as conditions for DNA sensing.

Surveillance using biomarkers is critical for the early detection, rapid intervention, and reduction in the incidence of diseases. In this study, we ...

Synthesis of Thermogelling Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-graft-chondroitin Sulfate Composites with Alginate Microparticles for Tissue Engineering

Injectable biomaterials are defined as implantable materials that can be introduced into the body as a liquid and solidify in situ. Such materials offer the clinical advantages of being implanted minimally invasively and easily forming space-filling solids in irregularly shaped defects. Injectable biomaterials have been widely investigated as scaffolds for tissue engineering. However, for the repair of certain load-bearing areas in the body, such as the intervertebral disc, scaffolds should possess adhesive properties. This will minimize the risk of dislocation during motion and ensure intimate contact with the surrounding tissue, providing adequate transmission of forces. Here, we describe the preparation and characterization of a scaffold composed of thermally sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-graft-chondroitin sulfate (PNIPAAM-g-CS) and alginate microparticles. The PNIPAAm-g-CS copolymer forms a viscous solution in water at RT, into which alginate particles are suspended to enhance adhesion. Above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST), around 30 &#176;C, the copolymer forms a solid gel around the microparticles. We have adapted standard biomaterials characterization procedures to take into account the reversible phase transition of PNIPAAm-g-CS. Results indicate that the incorporation of 50 or 75 mg/ml&#160;alginate particles into 5% (w/v) PNIPAAm-g-CS solutions quadruple the adhesive tensile strength of PNIPAAm-gCS alone (p&#60;0.05). The incorporation of alginate microparticles also significantly increases swelling capacity of PNIPAAm-g-CS (p&#60;0.05), helping to maintain a space-filling gel within tissue defects. Finally, results of the in vitro toxicology assay kit, 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) and Live/Dead viability assay indicate that the adhesive is capable of supporting the survival and proliferation of encapsulated Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) 293 cells over 5 days.

Synthesis of Thermogelling PolyN-isopropylacrylamide-graft-chondroitin Sulfate Composites with Alginate Microparticles for Tissue Engineering

An injectable tissue engineering scaffold composed of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-graft-chondroitin sulfate (PNIPAAm-g-CS)-containing alginate microparticles was prepared. The adhesive strength, swelling properties and in vitro biocompatibility are analyzed in this study. The characterization techniques developed here may be applicable to other thermogelling systems.

Injectable biomaterials are defined as implantable materials that can be introduced into the body as a liquid and solidify in situ. Such materials offer ...

Delivery of Therapeutic siRNA to the CNS Using Cationic and Anionic Liposomes

Prion diseases result from the misfolding of the normal, cellular prion protein (PrPC) to an abnormal protease resistant isomer called PrPRes. The emergence of prion diseases in wildlife populations and their increasing threat to human health has led to increased efforts to find a treatment for these diseases. Recent studies have found numerous anti-prion compounds that can either inhibit the infectious PrPRes isomer or down regulate the normal cellular prion protein. However, most of these compounds do not cross the blood brain barrier to effectively inhibit PrPRes formation in brain tissue, do not specifically target neuronal PrPC, and are often too toxic to use in animal or human subjects. 
We investigated whether siRNA delivered intravascularly and targeted towards neuronal PrPC is a safer and more effective anti-prion compound. This report outlines a protocol to produce two siRNA liposomal delivery vehicles, and to package and deliver PrP siRNA to neuronal cells. The two liposomal delivery vehicles are 1) complexed-siRNA liposome formulation using cationic liposomes (LSPCs), and 2) encapsulated-siRNA liposome formulation using cationic or anionic liposomes (PALETS). For the LSPCs, negatively charged siRNA is electrostatically bound to the cationic liposome. A positively charged peptide (RVG-9r [rabies virus glycoprotein]) is added to the complex, which specifically targets the liposome-siRNA-peptide complexes (LSPCs) across the blood brain barrier (BBB) to acetylcholine expressing neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). For the PALETS (peptide addressed liposome encapsulated therapeutic siRNA), the cationic and anionic lipids were rehydrated by the PrP siRNA. This procedure results in encapsulation of the siRNA within the cationic or anionic liposomes. Again, the RVG-9r neuropeptide was bound to the liposomes to target the siRNA/liposome complexes to the CNS. Using these formulations, we have successfully delivered PrP siRNA to AchR-expressing neurons, and decreased the PrPC expression of neurons in the CNS.

The goal of this protocol is to use cationic/anionic liposomes with a neuro-targeting peptide as a CNS delivery system to enable siRNA to cross the BBB. The optimization of a delivery system for treatments, like siRNA, would allow for more treatment options for prion and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Prion diseases result from the misfolding of the normal, cellular prion protein (PrPC) to an abnormal protease resistant isomer called PrPRes.  The ...

Designing Porous Silicon Films as Carriers of Nerve Growth Factor

Despite the great potential of NGF for treating neurodegenerative diseases, its therapeutic administration represents a significant challenge as the protein does not cross the blood-brain barrier, owing to its chemical properties, and thus requires long-term delivery to the brain to have a biological effect. This work describes fabrication of nanostructured PSi films as degradable carriers of NGF for sustained delivery of this sensitive protein. The PSi carriers are specifically tailored to obtain high loading efficacy and continuous release of NGF for a period of four weeks, while preserving its biological activity. The behavior of the NGF-PSi carriers as a NGF delivery system is investigated in vitro by examining their capability to induce neuronal differentiation and outgrowth of PC12 cells and dissociated DRG neurons. Cell viability in the presence of neat and NGF-loaded PSi carriers is evaluated. The bioactivity of NGF released from the PSi carriers is compared to the conventional treatment of repetitive free NGF administrations. PC12 cell differentiation is analyzed and characterized by the measurement of three different morphological parameters of differentiated cells; (i) the number of neurites extracting from the soma (ii) the total neurites' length and (iii) the number of branching points. PC12 cells treated with the NGF-PSi carriers demonstrate a profound differentiation throughout the release period. Furthermore, DRG neuronal cells cultured with the NGF-PSi carriers show an extensive neurite initiation, similar to neurons treated with repetitive free NGF administrations. The studied tunable carriers demonstrate the long-term implants for NGF release with a therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases.

Here, we present a protocol to design and fabricate nanostructured porous silicon (PSi) films as degradable carriers for the nerve growth factor (NGF). Neuronal differentiation and outgrowth of PC12 cells and mice dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons are characterized upon treatment with the NGF-loaded PSi carriers.

Despite the great potential of NGF for treating neurodegenerative diseases, its therapeutic administration represents a significant challenge as the ...

3D Printed Porous Cellulose Nanocomposite Hydrogel Scaffolds

This work demonstrates the use of three-dimensional (3D) printing to produce porous cubic scaffolds using cellulose nanocomposite hydrogel ink, with controlled pore structure and mechanical properties. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs, 69.62 wt%) based hydrogel ink with matrix (sodium alginate and gelatin) was developed and 3D printed into scaffolds with uniform and gradient pore structure (110-1,100 &#181;m). The scaffolds showed compression modulus in the range of 0.20-0.45 MPa when tested in simulated in vivo conditions (in distilled water at 37 &#176;C). The pore sizes and the compression modulus of the 3D scaffolds matched with the requirements needed for cartilage regeneration applications. This work demonstrates that the consistency of the ink can be controlled by the concentration of the precursors and porosity can be controlled by the 3D printing process and both of these factors in return defines the mechanical properties of the 3D printed porous hydrogel scaffold. This process method can therefore be used to fabricate structurally and compositionally customized scaffolds according to the specific needs of patients.&#160;

The three critical steps of this protocol are i) developing the right composition and consistency of the cellulose hydrogel ink, ii) 3D printing of scaffolds into various pore structures with good shape fidelity and dimensions and iii) demonstration of the mechanical properties in simulated body conditions for cartilage regeneration.

This work demonstrates the use of three-dimensional (3D) printing to produce porous cubic scaffolds using cellulose nanocomposite hydrogel ink, with ...

Preparation of Neutrally-charged, pH-responsive Polymeric Nanoparticles for Cytosolic siRNA Delivery

The success of siRNA as a targeted molecular medicine is dependent upon its efficient cytosolic delivery to cells within the tissue of pathology. Clinical success for treating previously &#8216;undruggable&#8217; hepatic disease targets with siRNA has been achieved. However, efficient tumor siRNA delivery necessitates additional pharmacokinetic design considerations, including long circulation time, evasion of clearance organs (e.g., liver and kidneys), and tumor penetration and retention. Here, we describe the preparation and in vitro physicochemical/biological characterization of polymeric nanoparticles designed for efficient siRNA delivery, particularly to non-hepatic tissues such as tumors. The siRNA nanoparticles are prepared by electrostatic complexation of siRNA and the diblock copolymer poly(ethylene glycol-b-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-co-butyl methacrylate]) (PEG-DB) to form polyion complexes (polyplexes) where siRNA is sequestered within the polyplex core and PEG forms a hydrophilic, neutrally-charged corona. Moreover, the DB block becomes membrane-lytic as vesicles of the endolysosomal pathway acidify (&#60; pH 6.8), triggering endosomal escape and cytosolic delivery of siRNA. Methods to characterize the physicochemical characteristics of siRNA nanoparticles such as size, surface charge, particle morphology, and siRNA loading are described. Bioactivity of siRNA nanoparticles is measured using luciferase as a model gene in a rapid and high-throughput gene silencing assay. Designs which pass these initial tests (such as PEG-DB-based polyplexes) are considered appropriate for translation to preclinical animal studies assessing the delivery of siRNA to tumors or other sites of pathology.

Methods to prepare and characterize the physicochemical properties and bioactivity of neutrally-charged, pH-responsive siRNA nanoparticles are presented. Criteria for successful siRNA nanomedicines such as size, morphology, surface charge, siRNA loading, and gene silencing are discussed.

The success of siRNA as a targeted molecular medicine is dependent upon its efficient cytosolic delivery to cells within the tissue of pathology. Clinical ...

Silicon Nanowires and Optical Stimulation for Investigations of Intra- and Intercellular Electrical Coupling

Myofibroblasts can spontaneously internalize silicon nanowires (SiNWs), making them an attractive target for bioelectronic applications. These cell-silicon hybrids offer leadless optical modulation capabilities with minimal perturbation to normal cell behavior. The optical capabilities are obtained by the photothermal and photoelectric properties of SiNWs. These hybrids can be harvested using standard tissue culture techniques and then applied to different biological scenarios. We demonstrate here how these hybrids can be used to study the electrical coupling of cardiac cells and compare how myofibroblasts couple to one another or to cardiomyocytes. This process can be accomplished without special equipment beyond a fluorescent microscope with coupled laser line. Also shown is the use of a custom-built MATLAB routine that allows the quantification of calcium propagation within and between the different cells in the culture. Myofibroblasts are shown to have a slower electrical response than that of cardiomyocytes. Moreover, the myofibroblast intercellular propagation shows slightly slower, though comparable velocities to their intracellular velocities, suggesting passive propagation through gap junctions or nanotubes. This technique is highly adaptable and can be easily applied to other cellular arenas, for in vitro as well as in vivo or ex vivo investigations.

This protocol describes the use of silicon nanowires for intracellular optical bio-modulation of cell in a simple and easy to perform method. The technique is highly adaptable to diverse cell types and can be used for in vitro as well as in vivo applications.

Myofibroblasts can spontaneously internalize silicon nanowires (SiNWs), making them an attractive target for bioelectronic applications. These ...

Tools for Surface Treatment of Silicon Planar Intracortical Microelectrodes

Intracortical microelectrodes hold great therapeutic potential. But they are challenged with significant performance reduction after modest implantation durations. A substantial contributor to the observed decline is the damage to the neural tissue proximal to the implant and subsequent neuroinflammatory response. Efforts to improve device longevity include chemical modifications or coating applications to the device surface to improve the tissue response. Development of such surface treatments is typically completed using non-functional "dummy" probes that lack the electrical components required for the intended application. Translation to functional devices requires additional consideration given the fragility of intracortical microelectrode arrays. Handling tools greatly facilitate surface treatments to assembled devices, particularly for modifications that require long procedural times. The handling tools described here are used for surface treatments applied via gas-phase deposition and aqueous solution exposure. Characterization of the coating is performed using ellipsometry and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A comparison of electrical impedance spectroscopy recordings before and after the coating procedure on functional devices confirmed device integrity following modification. The described tools can be readily adapted for alternative electrode devices and treatment methods that maintain chemical compatibility.

The present protocol describes tools for handling silicon planar intracortical microelectrodes during treatments for surface modification via gas deposition and aqueous solution reactions. The assembly of the components used to handle the devices throughout the procedure is explained in detail.

Intracortical microelectrodes hold great therapeutic potential. But they are challenged with significant performance reduction after modest implantation ...