The blue shift of fluorescence emission reveals the dsRNA-loading capacity of cationic nanocarriers

Abstract

The loading capacity of dsRNA by nanocarriers is a key parameter in the process of RNAi commercialisation. In this research, a sustainable, simple, and cheap method was developed to determine the dsRNA loading capacity by popular cationic nanocarriers. In this method, the fluorescence emission of the cationic nanocarrier + (dsRNA–DAPI) shows blue shift in comparison to that of dsRNA–DAPI. When dsRNA–DAPI is completely loaded by cationic nanocarriers, the fluorescence peak coincides with the emission wavelength of DNA–DAPI. The samples of nanocarrier + (dsRNA–DAPI) are simply tested in a fluorometer with no damage to the samples. The reported method is simpler, cheaper, and more sustainable than gel electrophoresis and HPLC, and will fulfill the industry need for reliable and quick quality administration/control in the production process.