Screening of siRNA Nanoparticles for Delivery to Airway Epithelial Cells Using High Content Analysis
Background:
Delivery of siRNA to the lungs via inhalation offers a unique opportunity to develop novel methods of treating a range of poorly treated respiratory conditions. However progress has been greatly hindered by safety and delivery issues. This study developed a high-throughput method for screening novel nanotechnologies for pulmonary siRNA delivery
Methodology:
Following physico-chemical analysis, the ability of PEI-PEG/siRNA nanoparticles to facilitate siRNA delivery was determined using high content analysis (HCA) in Calu-3 cells. Results obtained from HCA were validated using confocal microscopy. Finally, cytotoxicity of the PEI-PEG/siRNA particles was analysed by HCA using the Cellomics® multiparamter cytotoxicity assay.
Conclusions:
PEI-PEG/siRNA nanoparticles facilitated increased siRNA uptake and luciferase knockdown in Calu-3 cells compared to PEI/siRNA.