Preparation of iron oxide nanoparticles for gene delivery application
The aim of this work is to evaluate the potential of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles prepared from different synthesis techniques as a non-viral vector in gene therapy.
Major achievements
Couplings of one or more non-viral vectors were shown to improve the delivery of genes into mammalian cells. A high cellular uptake and low toxicity of the iron oxide nanoparticles in mammalian cells were also demonstrated.
Various aspects of the work were presented in four conferences.
Future plans and directions
Work will be carried out to further improve the conjugation and intracellular release of plasmid DNA.
Nanoparticles internalisation and trafficking will also be examined using microscopy techniques.
A journal manuscript is in preparation.
Collaborations
Dr Christopher Marquis, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales.
