Saponin and fluorine-functionalized polyethyleneimine/covered metal organic framework: A novel gene delivery system for targeted delivery of green fluorescent protein plasmid

Abstract

Up to now, the existence of a safe and proper nanocarrier to improve the delivery efficiency of plasmid DNA into cells is a challenge. The large surface area and adjustable architectures of metal-organic framework (MOF), have gained a lot of interest and great potential for gene delivery. Herein, the Zirconium-Fumarate MOF (MOF-801) as novel MOF-polymer hybrid nanocarrier with high ability to gene delivery, was synthesized and modified with saponin- and fluorine-functionalized polyethyleneimine through an electrostatic interaction. The size and zeta potential of polyplex (DNA/nanocarrier) was 102 nm and +40 mV, respectively. Not only these powerful nanocarrier transfect the green fluorescent protein (plasmid-non encoded CRISPR/Cas systems) expression plasmid into the cell with an efficiency of about 60 %, but also, they showed good transfection efficiency at low plasmid doses and in existence of 30 % fetal bovine serum. Also, the nanocarrier was applied to study the plasmid delivery into cancer cell lines including MDA, PC12, HCT119, NIHT3, and MCF7 cells. The novel vector displayed low toxicity compared to other vectors which could be utilized for in vivo studies. Therefore, the saponin- and fluorine-modified polyethyleneimine/functionalized MOF-801 nanocomplex with remarkable properties was recommended for efficient gene transference. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.