Nanogel-antimiR-31 conjugates affect colon cancer cells behaviour

Soft and flexible nanogels, produced by electron beam (e-beam) irradiation of poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) and acrylic acid, were evaluated as delivery devices of the inhibitor of miR-31, a small RNA molecule with an important role in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. The nanogel carriers developed possess both carboxyl and primary amino groups; the former were activated to react with the primary amino group present in the purposely-functionalised AntimiR-31. Very high conjugation reaction yields were attained, as well as a remarkable colloidal and storage stability of the conjugates. The ability of these nanoconstructs to be internalized by cells and the specific interaction of conjugated AntimiR with its biological target, without being detached from the nanogel, was demonstrated in vitro. These results are a strong encouragement to further proceed in the pre-clinical evaluation of the therapeutic effects of these formulations in CRC.