Gavin David Kenny1, Leigh Pauline Brody1,
Nazila Kamaly1,2, Tammy Louise Kalber1, Andrew David
Miller2, Jimmy David Bell1
1Metabolic and Molecular Imaging Group,
Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; 2Genetic Therapies
Centre, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
This
studies aim was to characterise the ability of a liposome encapsulating siRNA
to act as a contrast agent for MRI. Liposomes were formed with and without
encapsulation of siRNA and size, encapsulation percentage and r1 determined.
Encapsulation of siRNA in liposomes had no effect on the size or r1 of the
liposomes and was found to be stable for approximately 5 days. This shows
that encapsulation of siRNA has no effect on the ability to act as a contrast
agent and that liposomes should be used within 5 days, meaning liposomes can
be tested without wasting expensive siRNA.