The goal of this study was to create an effective delivery vehicle for short interfering RNA (siRNA) using a polyethylene glycol (PEG) - poly-L-lysine (PLL) block copolymer. Dynamic light scattering validated formation of the siRNA PEG-PLL micelles at a size of interest for drug delivery studies. The micelle assembly and stability was determined using a Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) assay, which measured energy transfer between a donor molecule and an acceptor molecule when the two were in close proximity, such as when micellized. At charge neutrality, micelles demonstrated stable energy transfer over time. While naked siRNA degrades in the body in minutes, these complexes were stable for over two hours.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Bailey, Christina Mary

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042915-132710

Advisor

• Camesano, Terri Anne

Year

• 2015

Date created

• 2015-04-29

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright