Alginate-chitosan hydrogels containing shRNA plasmid for inhibition of CTNNB1 expression in breast cancer cell

Abstract Objectives The hydrogels prepared with alginate and chitosan polymers were aimed to deliver the shRNA-encoding plasmid (pshRNA) to MDA-MB-231 cells for the inhibition of β-catenin (CTNNB1) which was reported to be over-expressed in breast cancer. Methods Polyion complex hydrogels prepared using varying concentrations of sodium alginate and chitosan were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) analysis, swelling, and degradation properties. After the release properties and serum stability of pshRNA-loaded hydrogels were determined, their cytotoxicity, transfection efficacy, and effects on CTNNB1 expression were investigated in MDA-MB-231 cells. Results All hydrogels were shown to protect pshRNA from the enzymatic activity of serum and to deliver pshRNA to cells efficiently. As a result of transfection studies, pshRNA-loaded hydrogels reduced CTNNB1 expression by up to 30.25%. Cell viability also decreased by 38% in cells treated with 2.5% (w/v) alginate-chitosan hydrogel containing pshRNA targeting CTNNB1. Conclusions Alginate-chitosan hydrogels were shown to be a suitable matrix system for local gene delivery.