Manzanares, D.D.ManzanaresAraya-Duran, I.I.Araya-DuranGallego-Yerga, L.L.Gallego-YergaJativa, P.P.JativaMarquez-Miranda, V.V.Marquez-MirandaCanan, J.J.CananBlanco, J.L.J.J.L.J.BlancoMellet, C.O.C.O.MelletGonzalez-Nilo, F.D.F.D.Gonzalez-NiloFernandez, J.M.G.J.M.G.FernandezCena, V.V.Cena2022-03-052022-03-052017https://publica.fraunhofer.de/handle/publica/25205010.2217/nnm-2017-0123Aim: To study the structural requirements that a cyclooligosaccharide-based nanoparticle must fulfill to be an efficient siRNA transfection vector. Materials & methods: siRNA protection from degradation by RNAses, transfection efficiency and the thermodynamic parameters of the nanoparticle/siRNA interactions were studied on pairs of amphiphilic molecules using biochemical techniques and molecular dynamics. Results: The lower the siRNA solvent accessible surface area in the presence of the nanoparticle, higher the protection from RNAse-mediated degradation in the corresponding nanocomplex; a moderate nanoparticle/siRNA binding energy value further facilitates reversible complexation and binding to the target cellular mRNA. Conclusion: The use, in advance, of these parameters will provide a useful indication of the potential of a molecular nanoparticle as siRNA transfecting vector.en610journal article