ABSTRACT
Nucleic acids are an important class of macromolecules that are essential to all forms of life. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) are those in which the scaffold, ligand and therapeutic agent are all made of RNA. Cellular delivery of RNA NANPs has become a major hurdle in the transition from benchtop to bedside. Numerous studies have been carried out in search of stable, efficient, and safe carriers for delivery of RNA NANPs. Most of these carriers are lipid-based and possess a positive charge to enhance electrostatic interactions with negatively charged NANPs. Molecular dynamic simulations show that the efficient complexation between bolaamphiphiles and RNAs is stabilized by the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions as well as by hydrogen bonding. The little extracellular vesicles facilitate the transfer of genetic material which could be exploited for efficient delivery of RNA NANPs.
