Targeted delivery of small interfering RNA to colon cancer cells using chitosan and PEGylated chitosan nanoparticles

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules specifically target messenger RNA species, decreasing intracellular protein levels. beta-Catenin protein concentrations are increased in 70-80% of colon tumors, promoting tumor progression. Chitosan exhibits low levels of toxicity and can be transported across mucosal membranes; therefore, our objective was to develop chitosan and poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted (PEGylated) chitosan nanoparticles, 100-150 nm in diameter, encapsulating anti-beta-catenin siRNA for transfection into colon cancer cells. Encapsulation efficiencies up to 97% were observed. Confocal microscopy visualized the entry of fluorescently-tagged siRNA into cells. Western blot analysis showed that both chitosan and PEGylated chitosan nanoparticles containing anti-beta-catenin siRNA decreased beta-catenin protein levels in cultured colon cancer cells. These results indicate that nanoparticles made with chitosan and PEGylated chitosan can successfully enter colon cancer cells and decrease the level of a protein that promotes tumor progression. These or similar nanoparticles may prove beneficial for the treatment of colon cancer in humans. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.