Liposome Encapsulation Services: siRNA, miRNA, DNA, Proteins

BOC Sciences, a leader in the biotechnology industry with over 20 years of expertise, offers cutting-edge liposome encapsulation services tailored for nucleic acids and proteins. Liposome encapsulation has emerged as a revolutionary method for enhancing the delivery and efficacy of therapeutic molecules. This advanced technology provides a versatile, biocompatible, and efficient means of delivering therapeutic agents to target cells, overcoming the challenges of degradation and poor cellular uptake. In vivo siRNA-induced therapeutic gene silencing (RNAi) is achieved by efficiently delivering small RNA molecules, such as siRNA, small hairpin RNA (shRNA), and microRNA (miRNA), into tissues. The use of liposomes for in vivo delivery can protect RNA/DNA/proteins from degradation and achieve accurate delivery into cells or tissues for research or therapeutic purposes.

Benefit of Liposome Encapsulation

Excellent Biocompatibility

With a structure similar to biological membranes, liposomes exhibit excellent cellular affinity and tissue compatibility. They can adhere around target cells for extended periods and enter cells directly, releasing drugs through lysosomal digestion.

Wide Drug Loading Range

Lipophilic drugs can be located between the bilayers of lipid membranes, amphiphilic drugs can localize at the interface between the aqueous phase and the membrane, and hydrophilic drugs can be positioned in the aqueous phase.

Targeted Delivery

Liposomes can be tailored for targeted delivery by modifying their administration route, site of delivery, and particle size. Moreover, specific targeting can be achieved by attaching recognition molecules to liposomes, enabling specific binding to target cells.

High Bioavailability

Phospholipids are components of cell membranes and are non-toxic upon injection into the body, eliciting no immune response.

Enhanced Drug Stability

Liposomes protect loaded drugs, preventing dilution by body fluids and enzymatic degradation.

Liposome Encapsulation Services of RNA, DNA, Protein

BOC Sciences liposome platform uses the latest microfluidics technology and achieves liposome protection of functional siRNA, shRNA, miRNA, mRNA, plasmid DNA, and protein molecules, providing uniform target particle size and enhancing in vivo delivery efficiency. We design the optimal size for each liposome to ensure the correct release of active ingredients into cells in the body. We use different liposomes to accommodate different delivery routes (topical, oral, pulmonary or parenteral). We offer a range of encapsulation options to suit different therapeutic needs, for example:

• Cationic Liposomes: Ideal for nucleic acid delivery due to their ability to complex with negatively charged molecules.
• PEGylated Liposomes: Enhance circulation time and reduce immune recognition.
• pH-Responsive Liposomes: Designed for targeted release in response to specific pH conditions.

For more liposome type needs, please see our liposome product list or customized service. Here, BOC Sciences mainly offers the following liposome loading services for your chooing.

Liposomes for RNA Delivery

An ideal RNAs vector should have the following three key characteristics for effective systemic delivery:

• Extend blood circulation time for effective accumulation
• Effective penetration into lesion tissue (such as tumors) - Gene carriers should be able to reach target tissues through vascular endothelium and extracellular matrix.
• High cellular uptake and effective endosome escape

The gene vector should have high enough cellular uptake and effective endosome escape to allow RNAs release from the endosome, resulting in high cytoplasmic transmission. Liposomes are the most widely studied vectors for in vivo delivery of various types of nucleic acids or proteins due to their excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility.

Four liposomal structures for siRNA delivery. (Xia, Y.Q.; et al, 2016)

siRNA Delivery

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) operates through RNA interference (RNAi), a biological process where the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) degrades target mRNA, leading to gene silencing. Liposomes have proven highly effective for siRNA delivery due to their ability to protect siRNA from nucleases and facilitate cellular uptake.

miRNA Delivery

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. Liposome-mediated delivery of miRNAs can control multiple mRNAs, making them potent therapeutic agents for various diseases.

mRNA Delivery

Messenger RNA (mRNA) can be transfected into cells to produce specific proteins for therapeutic purposes. Liposome encapsulation of mRNA improves stability and delivery efficiency.

Liposomes for DNA Delivery

Plasmid DNA Delivery

Plasmid DNA (pDNA) is a circular double-stranded DNA molecule used extensively in gene therapy and vaccination. Liposomes offer an efficient means of delivering pDNA due to their ability to protect the DNA and facilitate cellular entry.

Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASOs) Delivery

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are synthetic strands of DNA that bind to mRNA, inhibiting protein translation and modulating gene expression. Liposome encapsulation enhances the stability and delivery efficiency of ASOs.

Liposomes for Protein Delivery

Proteins play critical roles in various biological processes, and their therapeutic use requires efficient delivery systems to maintain stability and bioactivity. Liposomes provide a protective environment for proteins, enhancing their delivery to target sites.

CRISPR/Cas9 Delivery

The CRISPR/Cas9 system revolutionizes gene editing, but effective delivery remains a challenge. Liposomes offer a promising solution by encapsulating CRISPR/Cas9 components and facilitating their delivery to target cells.

Liposome Encapsulation Service Flow

Our liposome encapsulation service follows a meticulous process to ensure optimal delivery and efficacy:

• Consultation and Planning: Understanding the client's requirements and objectives.
• Formulation Development: Designing and optimizing liposome formulations for the specific therapeutic agent.
• Encapsulation: Encapsulating the therapeutic agent using advanced techniques.
• Characterization: Assessing the physicochemical properties and stability of the liposomes.
• Quality Control: Rigorous testing to ensure the quality and efficacy of the encapsulated product.
• Delivery and Support: Providing the final product along with ongoing support and consultation.

Sample Requirement

For effective liposome encapsulation, we require detailed information about the therapeutic agent, including its physicochemical properties, desired dosage, and target application. This information allows us to tailor our encapsulation process to achieve optimal results.

Applications of Liposome Encapsulation for RNA, DNA and Protein Delivery

• Cancer Therapy: Delivering siRNA, miRNA, and CRISPR/Cas9 components to target tumor cells.
• Gene Therapy: Using pDNA and mRNA for the treatment of genetic disorders.
• Vaccination: Enhancing the delivery and efficacy of DNA and protein-based vaccines.
• Neurodegenerative Diseases: Delivering therapeutic agents across the blood-brain barrier.

Contact us for a free consultation to design and customize liposome encapsulation services for different active ingredients.

Case Study

Receptor-Targeted Liposome-Peptide-siRNA Nanoparticles for MRTF Silencing in Conjunctival Fibrosis

Schematic diagram of a receptor-targeted liposome-peptide-siRNA nanoparticle. (Yu, W.M.C.; et al, 2016)

Conjunctival fibrosis is a common complication following glaucoma filtration surgery, leading to scar formation and vision impairment. The MRTF/SRF pathway plays a crucial role in fibroblast activation, and silencing the MRTF gene can reduce scarring and fibrosis. This case study developed a receptor-targeted liposome-peptide-siRNA nanoparticle delivery system for delivering MRTF-B siRNA. Researchers used 50 nM siRNA and tested different nanoparticles (LYR and LER). The results showed that LYR and LER nanoparticles silenced 76% and 72% of the MRTF-B gene, respectively, significantly outperforming non-targeted peptides or the use of siRNA or liposome-siRNA alone. Moreover, these nanoparticles showed no cytotoxicity when using different liposomes, targeted peptides, and 50 nM siRNA. Additionally, in a 3D fibroblast collagen matrix contraction assay, LYR nanoparticles completely inhibited matrix contraction. This is the first study to develop and demonstrate receptor-targeted liposome-peptide-siRNA nanoparticles as an effective and safe non-viral siRNA delivery system, which can be used to prevent fibrosis following glaucoma filtration surgery and other ocular contractile scarring.

FAQ

1. What are cationic liposomes for RNA delivery?

Cationic liposomes are lipid-based vesicles that carry a positive charge, making them particularly effective for the delivery of negatively charged nucleic acids such as RNA. These liposomes are composed of cationic lipids that can form electrostatic complexes with RNA, facilitating its delivery into cells.

2. What is the role of liposomes in gene delivery?

Liposomes play a crucial role in gene delivery, offering a versatile and efficient platform for transferring genetic material into cells. Their unique properties make them suitable for a wide range of applications in gene therapy, from the treatment of genetic disorders to cancer therapy and beyond.

3. Are liposomes a vaccine delivery system?

Yes, liposomes are indeed used as a vaccine delivery system. They offer several advantages for this application, making them a valuable tool in the development and administration of vaccines.

4. What is liposome-mediated gene transfer?

Liposome-mediated gene transfer, also known as lipofection, is a method of delivering genetic material into cells using liposomes. Liposomes are spherical vesicles composed of lipid bilayers that can encapsulate nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) and facilitate their entry into cells. This technique is widely used in gene therapy, molecular biology research, and biotechnology for its efficiency and versatility.

5. Can liposomes deliver DNA?

Yes, liposomes can indeed deliver DNA. Liposomes are lipid-based vesicles that can encapsulate and deliver various types of molecules, including nucleic acids like DNA.

References

1. Xia, Y.Q.; et al. Effect of Surface Properties on Liposomal siRNA Delivery. Biomaterials. 2016, 79: 56–68.
2. Yu, W.M.C.; et al. Receptor-targeted liposome-peptide-siRNA nanoparticles represent an efficient delivery system for MRTF silencing in conjunctival fibrosis. Scientific Reports. 2016, 6: 21881.