Nucleic Acid-Based Polymeric and Polymer-Lipid Nanoparticles: Novel Approaches to Spherical Nucleic Acids

Abstract: Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) are nanostructures composed of a metallic or another inorganic core to the surface of which highly oriented oligonucleotide strands are covalently attached thus forming a dense layer. The dense arrangement and high orientation as well as the three-dimensional architecture and small size give rise to specific properties of SNAs that are different from those of their linear nucleic acid counterparts – cellular uptake with no need of transfection agents, resistance to nuclease degradation, ability to overcome different biological barriers, minimal cytotoxicity and non-specific immunogenic responses. In response to concerns about potential long-term toxicity and metabolic fate of the metallic and inorganic cores, strategies to design SNAs with organic cores have been developed. In this contribution, preparation methods and biomedical applications of SNAs are discussed. Special attention is paid to SNAs with organic cores, particularly, oligonucleotide-grafted polymeric and polymer-lipid nanoconstructs that have recently been developed in the Institute of Polymers.

Acknowledgment. This work was supported by the National Science Fund project No DN 19/8-2017.