The Potential of Chitosan Nanoparticles as a Delivery System for the Expression of Dengue Virus' rE Gene with pEGFP-N1 Vector in HeLa Cells

  • Muhammad Rizky Muzakki Master Program of Biotechnology, The Graduate School, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
  • Villa Sekar Cita Master Program of Biotechnology, The Graduate School, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
  • Nabilah Adzra Fahlevi Master Program of Biotechnology, The Graduate School, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
  • Tri Untari Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia.
  • Asmarani Kusumawati Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
Keywords: chitosan, gene delivery, Dengue virus, rE gene, HeLa cells

Abstract

Dengue virus (DENV) infection remains a significant global health concern, necessitating the development of effective preventative strategies. DNA vaccines hold great potential for addressing viral infections, but they often face challenges in gene delivery. Chitosan nanoparticles have emerged as a biocompatible, non-toxic carrier for enhancing DNA delivery. This study evaluates chitosan nanoparticles as a delivery system for the recombinant envelope (rE) gene from the four DENV serotypes. The pEGFP-N1-rE plasmid (N1-rE) was transformed into Escherichia coli DH5α, with colony PCR, restriction analysis, and sequencing confirming accurate gene insertion. N1-rE was complexed with chitosan nanoparticles at various DNA mass ratios (wt./wt.), with optimal complex formation at a 1:0.5 ratio as confirmed by gel retardation assays. The complex exhibited stability against DNase I and fetal bovine serum and non-toxicity to HeLa cells, with 91.24% cell viability. The chitosan-DNA complex had an average size of 217.4 nm and a zeta potential of -21.9 mV. Confocal microscopy, RT-PCR, and qPCR analyses confirmed successful transfection of the N1-rE/CH complex into HeLa cells, with fluorescence detection, a 134 bp amplicon, and a 10.63-fold increase in gene expression, respectively. These results highlight the potential of chitosan nanoparticles as an effective delivery platform for targeted gene delivery, paving the way for novel therapeutic approaches against DENV infection.

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Published
2026-03-02
How to Cite
Muzakki, M. R., Sekar Cita, V., Fahlevi, N. A., Untari, T., & Kusumawati, A. (2026). The Potential of Chitosan Nanoparticles as a Delivery System for the Expression of Dengue Virus’ rE Gene with pEGFP-N1 Vector in HeLa Cells. Indonesian Journal of Pharmacy, 37(1), 83-95. https://doi.org/10.22146/ijp.16822
Section
Research Article