Theoretical and Computational Biophysics

The therapeutic nanoparticles need to release their nucleic acid content when they reach the target cell. This process may involve the fusion of the nanoparticle with the endosomal membrane. We use coarse grained molecular dynamics simulations to model the fusion process and understand which factors contribute to it.

Cationic polymer like polyehtilenimine (PEI) may represent an alternative delivery vehicle for nucleic acids. By means of simple models we help elucidate which properties of the polymer play the most important role and how they could be explited to improve the delivery efficiency.