PEG & Genomics Delivery Solutions

Recent advances in genomics have proposed the therapeutic potential of siRNA, shRNA, miRNA, antisense oligonucleotides, aptamers, plasmid DNA etc. and have made it possible to get access to a specific cellular target inside cell. However, delivery of such therapeutic genes is hampered by premature degradation of blood and extracellular matrix and low cellular uptake. Although the development of cationic nanocarriers overcomes gene degradation and insufficient cellular uptake, they still face the challenges of nanoparticle systems due to strong cationic charges. Therefore, PEGylation of polycations can well overcome these unpleasant properties. For example, PEGylation of polycationic plasmids such as poly-L-lysine-based complexes affects the globular structure and steric stability of the complexes, thereby avoiding aggregation upon intravenous injection and increasing in vitro transfection and circulation time. With our fully automated PEG synthesis platform, BOC Sciences can offer development solutions for genomics delivery to help you be more successful. Our dedicated analytical and custom test development experts can provide you with comprehensive support before, during and after your experiments.

Application of PEG in Gene Delivery

Generally, the widely used method to prevent or slow down the opsonization of nanoparticles in the blood is to use shielding groups that can be adsorbed or grafted onto the surface of nanoparticles, which can block the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions between opsonins and the particle surface. Among them, PEGylation of the nanogels not only improves their circulation time but also minimizes their aggregation during intravenous injection. Theoretically, PEGylation can decorate the particle surface by covalently grafting, trapping or adsorbing PEG chains. Among them, particles with covalently bound PEG chains have a longer circulation half-life than PEG particles with physical adsorption. In addition, PEGylation can also have a beneficial effect on the stability of dispersed nanoparticles, because aggregation is a common problem during injection and even during the preparation and storage of nanogels. A long circulation of drug loaded nanoparticles and the avoidance of aggregation in the bloodstream is especially important when the nanoparticles have to deliver their drug load into tumors. Indeed, nanoparticles should not be absorbed too quickly by macrophages and should remain small enough to allow extravasation through the leaky vasculature in the tumor.

Additionally, genes themselves have been modified with PEG to overcome the challenges associated with their negative charge, extracellular degradation by nucleases and low intracellular uptake. Mechanistically, PEGylation improves their circulation time, thereby improving their extravasation and accumulation in cancer tissues and reducing aggregation during intravenous injection. For example, the FDA-approved orphan drug Pegaptanib sodium (PEGylated RNA aptamer) is unstable to nuclease digestion. Its stability is increased upon incorporation of deoxythymidine at the 3'-end and two 20-kDa linear units of the branched PEG molecule at the 5'-end. Aptanib, another FDA-approved PEGylated aptamer, is prepared by conjugating 40 kDa PEG to oligonucleotides via a pentaamino linker for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. The PEG linker increases its stability against enzymatic degradation, improves cell spreading and prolongs plasma clearance time.

Our PEG Solutions for Genomics Delivery

In addition to PEG and lipid synthesis services, BOC Sciences can also provide PEGylation solutions for genomics delivery according to the needs of customers' R&D projects. We provide the most comprehensive PEG modification service for genomics delivery, including siRNA, shRNA, miRNA, antisense oligonucleotides, aptamers, plasmamid DNA etc. We have developed specific skills and expertise to produce high-quality modified and difficult-to-synthesize PEG products. Our PEG & genomics delivery solutions include but are not limited to the following:

• Custom development and synthesis of functionalized and structured PEGs
• Nanogel development and PEGylation
• Direct PEGylation of gene opsonins
• Protocol screening for PEGylation of gene vectors
• Characteristic evaluation and safety evaluation
• Assay development and screening

PEG Analysis Instruments and Facilities

What Can We Offer for Your Gene Delivery?

• One-stop development solutions
• Responsive project management
• Professional and skilled research team
• Rich experience in pegylation technology
• Well-equipped comprehensive analytical support
• Pilot and commercial scale production

Our PEG Solution Service Workflow

BOC Sciences has developed our PEGylation technology into a powerful and seamless drug discovery engine. Combining years of experience in PEG development and screening, our experts are able to apply PEGylation technology to different gene delivery systems to meet customers' needs for gene delivery projects. If you are interested in our PEG solutions in gene delivery, contact us to learn more.