PABA Nanoparticles as Effective Delivery Agents of siRNAs into Biological Systems

Organic nanomaterials hold promises as new-age drug delivery vehicles in vivo and in live cells. Authors have successfully synthesised several fluorescently labelled, self-assembled PABA (p-aminobenzoic acid) nanoparticles using various acid side chain combinations. p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), a structural moiety of many commercial drugs, is selfassembled with linker alkyl side chains to form tubular nano structures. Generated molecules demonstrate high level uptake, intercellular delivery, biocompatibility and minimal cytotoxicity, both in human cancer cell lines, mouse embryonic stem cells as well as in vivo in Drosphila animal model. Flurophores attached to nanostructures help in rapid in vivo screening and tracking through complex tissues. The sub-cellular inter-nalization mechanism of the conjugates was determined. Physio-chemical parameters of engineered nanoskeletons critical for preferred uptake in multiple organs of live Drosophilawere also defined. Uptake and inter-cellular delivery of the conjugated nanotubes into cell lines was demonstrated by fluorescence imaging and flow cytometry. Accumulation of nanotubes had no adverse effects and abnormalities on cell morphology and proliferation rate. The variability of side chains alter size, shape and surface texture of each nanomaterial leading to differential uptake in human and insect cells and different internal organs in live Drosophilavia energy dependent endocytosis. Our results