Oiling DNA nanocages with lipid molecules makes them slide through cell membranes | Ramesh Singh
Author Interview with Ramesh Singh
How would you explain your research outcomes to the non-scientific community?
DNA biomolecules occupy an extraordinary role in biology as a carrier of genetic information. Using these molecules, we can create containers at nanometer scale known as DNA nanocages. These cages are capable of loading and transporting drugs and medicines and delivering them to the precise location where they are needed. However, structural barriers and repulsive forces by cell membranes prevented them from entering the mammalian cells.?
In this study, our team identified and optimized a cationic lipid molecule that has an affinity towards both DNA nanocages and cell membranes. We masked the DNA nanocages with these lipid molecules so that they can easily cross the cell membrane. Through this method of functionalization of the DNA nanocages, we addressed the structural barrier, thereby increasing the cellular absorption of nanocarriers in sufficient quantities to be employed for drug delivery.
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