DOTMA Liposomes for DNA/RNA Delivery

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DOTMA is a lipid with a positive charge per molecule. The DOTMA liposomes provided by BOC Sciences can efficiently encapsulate DNA and RNA fragments, with an encapsulation rate of 100%, and can be well taken up by cells to express target genes. The transfection efficiency at the cellular level is 10 times higher than that of DOTAP.

What are DOTMA Liposomes?

DOTMA (N-[1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium) liposome is a lipid-based delivery system for DNA or RNA molecules are transported into cells. These liposomes are positively charged due to the presence of trimethylammonium groups, which allows them to interact with negatively charged DNA or RNA molecules and promote their uptake by cells. Liposomes are made by mixing the lipid DOTMA with other lipids (e.g. cholesterol, dope). This mixture is then hydrated in a buffer solution containing target DNA or RNA, thereby forming liposome-DNA or liposome-RNA complexes. The resulting complexes can be used to deliver DNA or RNA to cells in vitro and in vivo.

One advantage of using DOTMA liposomes for DNA/RNA delivery is their high transfection efficiency, which means they are able to deliver DNA or RNA molecules into a high proportion of cells. In addition, liposomes can protect DNA or RNA from degradation and immune recognition, improving their stability and half-life in the body.

Features of DOTMA Liposomes

Positive Charge Characteristics

DOTMA liposomes are positively charged, and this positive charge gives DOTMA liposomes good hydrophilicity and cell membrane penetration capabilities.

High Load Capacity

DOTMA liposomes can efficiently bind and package negatively charged nucleic acid molecules. This makes DOTMA liposomes an ideal carrier for gene delivery, capable of stably protecting nucleic acids and facilitating their delivery into cells.

Targeting

By introducing specific targeting ligands or antibodies, DOTMA liposomes can be combined with specific cell surface receptors or markers, thereby improving the specificity and selectivity of delivery.

Simple Preparation

DOTMA liposomes are relatively easy to prepare, and commonly used methods include film hydration, solvent-driven methods, and lipid film melting methods.

Methods for Modifying DOTMA Liposomes

Surface Modification

The surface of liposomes can be modified by covalent or non-covalent methods. Covalent modification involves attaching molecules with specific functions to the surface of liposomes to increase their stability and circulating half-life. The non-covalent modification of liposomes involves the binding of specific receptor ligands or molecules to the surface of liposomes, for example via electrostatic interactions or hydrophobic interactions.

Lipid Composition Adjustment

DOTMA liposomes can have their lipid components adjusted to change their properties and functionality. By modifying the hydrocarbon chain length, saturation, or polarity of the lipid, liposome properties, stability, and delivery efficiency can be modulated.

Nucleic Acid Packaging

For gene delivery, DOTMA liposomes are frequently used with nucleic acids (such as DNA or RNA). Liposomes can bind to nucleic acids by interacting with their charge or by encapsulating them within their walls. It is possible to optimize nucleic acid packaging efficiency and stability by adjusting parameters such as ratio of nucleic acids to liposomes, of incubation time, and of temperature.

Liposome Fusion

During liposome fusion, two or more liposomes are merged into one large liposome. Liposomal fusion allows liposomes to be easily shaped, sized, and structured to meet the needs of different applications.

Magnetic Modification

Magnetic particles can be introduced into DOTMA liposomes to make the liposomes magnetic, enabling applications such as magnetically guided delivery or magnetic resonance imaging.

BOC Sciences' DOTMA liposome products are ideal vehicles for delivering genetic material. You can also get custom liposome products tailored to your research. If you have any questions about our services and products, please feel free to contact us.