NANOGENOMICS FOR MEDICINE: siRNA ENGINEERING

Abstract

Described herein are materials and methods for the delivery of siRNA and the production of nanoparticles useful for the delivery of siRNA. Methods of treating a disease or disorder using the nanoparticles described herein also are disclosed.

1 . A nanoparticle, comprising a nucleic acid outer shell, wherein said outer shell protects one or more molecules contained in said nanoparticle. 
     
     
         2 . The nanoparticle of  claim 1 , wherein said nucleic acid is DNA. 
     
     
         3 . The nanoparticle of  claim 1 , wherein said molecule is selected from the group consisting of RNA, antibody, or a therapeutic composition. 
     
     
         4 . The nanoparticle of  claim 3 , wherein the RNA is siRNA. 
     
     
         5 . The nanoparticle of  claim 1 , wherein said outer shell comprises bulk DNA polymers. 
     
     
         6 . The nanoparticle of  claim 5 , wherein said DNA polymers are isolated from salmon sperm, herring sperm, or sturgeon. 
     
     
         7 - 34 . (canceled) 
     
     
         35 . The nanoparticle of  claim 5 , wherein said DNA polymers are locked into conformation(s) that further stabilize or protect said molecule(s) contained in said nanoparticle. 
     
     
         36 . The nanoparticle of  claim 5 , wherein said DNA polymers can serve as a substrate for one or more targeting molecules. 
     
     
         37 . The nanoparticle of  claim 36 , wherein said targeting molecule is selected from the group consisting of antibodies, aptamers, or specific binding domains that bind to surface proteins.