Prospects of Cationic Carbosilane Dendronized Gold Nanoparticles as Non-viral Vectors for Delivery of Anticancer siRNAs siBCL-xL and siMCL-1

Cancer is one of the most important problems of modern medicine. At the present time, gene therapy has been developed against cancer, which includes the delivery of anticancer small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) directed at cancer proteins. The prospect of creating drugs based on RNA interference implies the use of delivery systems. Metal nanoparticles are the most studied objects for medicine, including their application as non-viral vectors. We have synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified with cationic carbosilane dendrons of 1–3 generations, with a positive charge on the surface, gold nanoparticles can effectively bind small interfering RNAs. Using a photometric viability test and flow cytometry, we assessed the ability of dendronized gold nanoparticles in delivering siRNAs to tumor cells. The efficiency of the complexes in initiating apoptosis was measured and, also, the overall effect of proapoptotic siRNA on cells. AuNP15 has both the highest efficacy and toxicity. The delivery efficiency in suspension cell lines was 50–60%. Complexes with targeted siRNA decreased cell viability by 20% compared to control and initiated apoptosis.