Single-walled carbon nanotube – siRNA complex (SWCNT-siRNA) (SWCNT-siRNA)

A single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) – siRNA complex is a nanotherapeutic delivery system designed to transport small interfering RNA (siRNA) into cells to achieve gene silencing. SWCNTs are one-dimensional carbon nanomaterials that possess unique physical properties, such as high aspect ratios and the ability to penetrate biological membranes via endocytosis or needle-like translocation (Liu et al., 2009, Angewandte Chemie). In this complex, siRNA is typically conjugated to the SWCNT surface through non-covalent interactions like π-π stacking or electrostatic forces, protecting the nucleic acid from enzymatic degradation in the systemic circulation (Lamberti et al., 2011, Nanomedicine). Upon entering the cytoplasm, the siRNA is released to interact with the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), leading to the sequence-specific cleavage of target messenger RNA (mRNA) and the subsequent downregulation of specific proteins (Zhang et al., 2011, Biomaterials). This technology is primarily explored for treating diseases characterized by overexpressed or mutated genes, such as various cancers and viral infections (Al-Jamal et al., 2011, PNAS). However, the clinical application of SWCNT-siRNA complexes is currently limited by concerns regarding the long-term biocompatibility, potential asbestos-like toxicity, and the metabolic clearance of carbon nanotubes from the body (Bianco et al., 2011, Nanomedicine).

Other names

SWCNT-siRNA complexSWNT-siRNACarbon nanotube-siRNA conjugateCNT-siRNA

The complex facilitates the delivery of siRNA across the plasma membrane; once intracellular, the siRNA is released to bind with the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), resulting in the degradation of target mRNA and inhibition of protein translation.