Poly-Acrylic and Nucleic Acid Cobalt Hexamine Nanocomplexes: Characterization, RNase Protection and Inhibition of In Vitro Tumorigenicity in Soft Agar

Lack of protection to RNase and hence robust anti-cancer activity remains a challenge for RNA delivery. This article reports the characterization of novel polyacrylic acid (PAA) and RNA nanocomplexes with Cobalt hexamine (Cohex) and their inhibition of RNase degradation and anti-melanomic activity to cultured human melanoma cells (A375). Interaction between PAA, RNA and Cohex was determined by Nanodrop UV spectroscopy. Nanocomplex formation was confirmed by light scatter, zeta potential and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Finally, biochemical and anti-cancer activity was shown by RNase gel electrophoresis and soft agar assay. Cohex forms nanocomplexes with PAA and RNA where the RNA:Cohex inhibits RNA degradation by RNase and the PAA:Cohex potently inhibited human melanoma (A375) tumor formation in soft agar assay.