Anti-apoptosis Function of PBCA Nanoparticles Containing Caspase-3 siRNA for Neuronal Protection

Poly(butylcyanoacrylate) nanoparticles (PBCA NPs) have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and deliver pharmaceuticals into the brain. Caspase-3 (Casp3)-siRNA loaded NPs were designed to investigate the possibility of anti-apoptotic treatment. NPs were produced in a miniemulsion and optimized according to size and zeta potential. Casp3-PBCA NP induced anti-apoptotic effect was observed by an MTT test and siRNA caused knock-down effect was identified by using a western blot assay. Further, rhodamine-123 labeled PBCA NPs were visualized by in vivo imaging to investigate the blood-brain barrier passage in a rodent experiment.