Novel organic-inorganic hybrid nanoparticles for improving delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics in cancer therapy.

This project aims to develop novel organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials for improving the delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics in cancer therapy. Specific objectives of the project include studying the synthesis and physicochemical characterisation of novel polyelectrolyte complex templated hybrid nanoparticles. The loading, release, and stability of nucleic acid therapeutics such as oligonucleotides and/or messenger RNA (mRNA) will be investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy and gel electrophoresis. Lastly, the biological safety, cellular uptake, and gene transfection efficacy of the nucleic acid loaded hybrid nanoparticles will be evaluated in 2D and 3D cell cultures.