The development of polymer-based nanoparticulate delivery systems for siRNA is important for the clinical success of gene therapy. However, there are some major drawbacks that need to be overcome. Short interfering RNA (siRNA) has been investigated as a potential therapeutic drug to silence disease-associated genes, but its usage is limited due to the lack of effective and safe nanocarriers. In this study, DOPE-PEI, a nanoparticle consisting of the fusogenic lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) conjugated with low-molecular-weight, 600 Da, branched polyethylenimine (PEI) was produced and optimized for siRNA delivery. This delivery system was modified with other components such as 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethyleneglycol)2000] (DOPE-PEG2K), DOPE-PEG3.4K-bombesin and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphoethanolamine/1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOPE/DOTAP) and tested on PC-3 cells. The conjugation of DOPE to PEI polymer (DOPE-PEI) improved the efficiency of PEI to deliver siRNA into the cytosol and knockdown genes, but demonstrated high toxicity. The addition of DOPE-PEG2K reduced cellular toxicity by masking the surface positive charge of the DOPE-PEI/siRNA complex, with the incorporation of a gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) targeting peptide and DOPE/DOTAP components improving the cellular uptake of siRNA into targeted cells and the siRNA knockdown efficiency.

Introduction. High fiber bakery products can be a healthy snack option for consumers. Our study focused on the effect of replacing wheat flour with okara flour on the physicochemical, nutritional, textural, and sensory attributes of biscuits. Study objects and methods. We used 2, 4, 6, and 8% w/w okara flour to prepare biscuits. Refined wheat flour (control), mixed flour (okara and wheat flour), dough, and biscuits were assessed for physicochemical, textural, and nutritional properties, as well as sensory characteristics. The volume of particles was higher in 8% okara flour (145 μm) compared to refined wheat flour (91 μm). Results and discussion. 2, 4, 6, and 8% w/w okara flour biscuits showed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower spread ratio and weight loss than biscuits from wheat flour. Hardness, stickiness, and cohesiveness of 2, 4, 6, and 8% okara flour dough were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower compared to the control, resulting in decreased cutting strength and increased hardness of okara flour biscuits. Moisture, protein, ash, fat, and crude fiber contents of 2, 4, 6, and 8% okara biscuits were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher compared to the control biscuits. The sensory evaluation suggested that 4% okara biscuits had higher consumer acceptability and were superior to the control and other okara biscuits. Conclusion. Mixed flour biscuits made from okara and wheat flours were superior in physicochemical, nutritional, textural, and sensory attributes, which allows considering them as an alternative healthy snack.

Gene therapy has the potential to treat both acquired and inherited genetic diseases. Generally, two types of gene delivery vectors are used - viral vectors and non-viral vectors. Non-viral gene delivery systems have attracted significant interest (e.g. 115 gene therapies approved for clinical trials in 2018; clinicaltrials.gov) due to their lower toxicity, lack of immunogenicity and ease of production compared to viral vectors. To achieve the goal of maximal therapeutic efficacy with minimal adverse effects, the cell-specific targeting of non-viral gene delivery systems has attracted research interest. Targeting through cell surface receptors; the enhanced permeability and retention effect, or pH differences are potential means to target genes to specific organs, tissues, or cells. As for targeting moieties, receptorspecific ligand peptides, antibodies, aptamers and affibodies have been incorporated into synthetic nonviral gene delivery vectors to fulfill the requirement of active targeting. This review provides an overview of different potential targets and targeting moieties to target specific gene delivery systems.