Preparation of aptamer-functionalized lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) encapsulating siRNAs

Briefly, lipid nanoparticles were prepared by spontaneous vesicle formation after a lipid-ethanol solution was slowly injected into siRNA buffer solution and then dialyzed. The 3’ thiol-modified aptamers were first activated and then conjugated to DSPE-PEG2000-Mal to form aptamer-PEG2000-DSPE. Finally, aptamer-PEG2000-DSPE in the form of micelles was inserted into the surface of the LNPs.