Multilayered polyion complexes with dissolvable silica layer covered by controlling densities of cRGD-conjugated PEG chains for cancer-targeted siRNA delivery

Surface functionalization of nanoparticles is a crucial factor for nanoparticle-mediated drug and nucleic acid delivery. Particularly, the density of targeting ligands on nanoparticle significantly affects the affinity of nanoparticles to specific cellular surface (or receptor) through the multivalent binding effect. Herein, multilayered polyion complexes (mPICs) are prepared to possess varying densities of cyclic RGD peptide (cRGD) ligands for cancer-targeted small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery. A template PIC is first prepared by mixing siRNAs with homo catiomers of N-substituted polyaspartamide bearing tetraethylenepentamine (PAsp(TEP)) in aqueous solution, followed by silica-coating through silicate condensation reaction. Then, silica-coated PICs (sPICs) are further covered with block catiomers of PAsp(TEP) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) equipped with cRGD ligand. Successful preparation of targeted mPICs is confirmed from the changes in size and ζ-potential and the elemental analysis by transmission electron microscopy. Notably, the number of cRGD ligands per mPIC is regulated by altering the silicate concentration upon preparation of sPICs, which is confirmed by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy using fluorescent-labeled block catiomers. Ultimately, the targeted mPICs with a higher number of cRGD ligands demonstrate more efficient cellular uptake in cultured cancer cells, leading to enhanced gene silencing activity.