Resources
Germline Mutagenesis of Nasonia Vitripennis Through Ovarian Delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein
Abstract: CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing is a powerful technology to study the genetics of rising model organisms, such as the jewel wasp Nasonia vitripennis. However, current methods involving embryonic microinjection of CRISPR reagents are challenging. Delivery of Cas9...
Continue ReadingBiodegradable Drug-Delivery Peptide Nanocapsules
Abstract: Branched amphiphilic peptide capsules (BAPCs) are an efficient transport system that can deliver nucleic acids, small proteins, and solutes. The ability of BAPCs to break down is essential to their adoption as a delivery vehicle...
Continue ReadingBranched Amphiphilic Peptide Capsule Uptake by Aspergillus Nidulans
Abstract: The ability of branched amphipathic peptide capsules (BAPC) to encapsulate and transport payloads into cells offers new approaches to deliver active ingredients (AIs). Until now, we have found that the BAPC were completely inert in...
Continue ReadingSynthesis and Characterization of Multifunctional Branched Amphiphilic Peptide Bilayer Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles
Abstract: We provide strong chemical and biophysical evidence that documents that branched amphiphilic peptides, BAPs, known to assemble into spherical nanoassemblies in solution, do assemble as peptide-bilayer-delimited capsules. These nanoassemblies are termed branched amphiphilic peptide capsules...
Continue ReadingDelivery of Lethal dsRNAs in Insect Diets by Branched Amphiphilic Peptide Capsules
Abstract: Development of new and specific insect pest management methods is critical for overcoming pesticide resistance and collateral off-target killings. Gene silencing by feeding dsRNA to insects shows promise in this area. Here we described the...
Continue ReadingBranched Amphipathic Peptide Capsules: Different Ratios of the Two Constituent Peptides Direct Distinct Bilayer Structures, Sizes, and DNA Transfection Efficiency
Abstract: Branched amphipathic peptide capsules (BAPCs) are biologically derived, bilayer delimited, nanovesicles capable of being coated by or encapsulating a wide variety of solutes. The vesicles and their cargos are readily taken up by cells and...
Continue ReadingOrganization and Structure of Branched Amphipathic Oligopeptide Bilayers
Abstract: A class of self-assembling branched amphiphilic peptide capsules (BAPCs) was recently developed that could serve as a new drug delivery vehicle. BAPCs can encapsulate solutes up to ∼12 kDa during assembly, are unusually stable, and...
Continue ReadingGene Delivery and Immunomodulatory Effects of Plasmid DNA Associated with Branched Amphiphilic Peptide Capsules
Abstract: We recently reported on a new class of branched amphiphilic peptides that associate with double stranded DNA and promote in vitro transfection of eukaryotic cells. In the present study, we tested a different formulation in...
Continue ReadingA Review of Solute Encapsulating Nanoparticles used as Delivery Systems with Emphasis on Branched Amphipathic Peptide Capsules
Abstract: Various strategies are being developed to improve delivery and increase the biological half-lives of pharmacological agents. To address these issues, drug delivery technologies rely on different nano-sized molecules including: lipid vesicles, viral capsids and nano-particles....
Continue ReadingThermally Induced Conformational Transitions in Nascent Branched Amphiphilic Peptide Capsules
Abstract: Branched amphiphilic peptide capsules (BAPCs) are biocompatible, bilayer delimited polycationic nanospheres that spontaneously form at room temperature through the coassembly of two amphiphilic branched peptides: bis(FLIVI)-K-K4 and bis(FLIVIGSII)-K-K4. BAPCs are readily taken up by cells...
Continue ReadingAdditional Data
The Blog
FAQs
BAPC®️
What are Branched Amphipathic Peptide Capsules (BAPC®️)?
BAPC®️ are nanospheres made from two branched peptides that self-assemble to form solvent-filled, bilayer defined capsules. They serve as nano-delivery vehicles that overcome many of the poor absorption issues that plague certain classes of drugs: vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, pesticides, etc.
Due to their extreme temperature stability, BAPC have distinct advantages over other nano-carriers and can even be autoclaved. While liposomal-based carries break down too quickly in biological systems, polymer-based carriers don’t decompose at all and can build up in the environment. BAPC®️ offer just the right amount of stability while maintaining low cytotoxicity and immunogenicity.
How small are BAPC®️?
BAPC®️ are produced to specification in sizes ranging from six nanometers to two micrometers.
Why would I need different size BAPC®️?
The optimal size needed depends on the application. For diagnostic work, six nanometer BAPC®️ are ideal for gold or biomarker encapsulation. For cell transfection research, BAPC®️ are available in the following sizes: 6, 10, 25, and 50 nanometers. These sizes are ideal for achieving maximum transfection rates. Larger BAPC®️ can be prepared and can be used for encapsulating larger volumes for delivery of active ingredients such as fungicides.
How is the surface charge affected by addition of nucleic acid particles (i.e. iRNA and dsRNA)?
The positive surface charge is decreased due to electrostatic attractions but not to a point where their net charge becomes negative
Can BAPC®️ be customized for my specific application?
Yes. We realize that all research has unique considerations, so we can customize BAPC®️ to your exact specifications. If you’re not sure which size BAPC®️ are best suited for your research, we invite you to contact our team for a consultation.
What components can BAPC®️ be used with?
The composition of BAPC®️ allows hydrophilic small molecules, proteins and nucleic acids to be either surface bound or encapsulated within its compartment during the assembly process. This works both in vitro and in vivo.
What can BAPC®️ encapsulate?
- Fluorescent Dyes
- Therapeutic Drugs
- Radionuclides
- Pesticides
- Fungicides
- Colloidal Gold
- Magnetic Beads
What can be bound to the surface of BAPC®️?
- Proteins
- Sugars
- dsRNA
- siRNA
- Oligonucleotides
- Plasmids
- CRISPR-Cas9 components
Are BAPC®️ toxic?
When it comes to nanoparticles, there are a lot of unknowns and misconceptions in the industry. With much related research still in its infancy, the long-term effects of these new nanoparticles on human health and the environment are still being investigated.
While many nanoparticle carriers are toxic to target cells, BAPC®️ are non-toxic due to their natural peptide composition, stability and slightly positive surface charge. They also have the advantage of being non-immunogenic and completely biodegradable in the environment.
What commercial applications can BAPC®️ be used for?
BAPC®️ are an adaptable carrier platform with applications for multiple industries.
These include:
- Medical Vaccines
- Medical Therapeutics
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Veterinary Vaccines
- Veterinary Therapeutics
- Veterinary Pesticides
- Plant Nutrition
- Plant Insecticides
- Plant Fungicides
- Plant Herbicides
- Household and Commercial Biopesticides
- Premise Pest Control
- Cell Transfection
BAPtofect®️-25
What is BAPtofect®️-25?
BAPtofect®️-25 kits are 25 nm conformationally locked BAPC in quantities of 0.5mg, 1.0 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg for use in cell transfection research. 25 nm BAPC®️ have been proven to be the ideal size to achieve maximum cell transfection rates.
How does BAPtofect®️-25 work for cell transfection?
Compared to the liposomal and polymer-based cell transfection materials available today, BAPC ®️offer an improved option for cell transfection research. In studies using HeLa and HEK-293 cells, BAPtofect®️-25 compared to an industry leading liposomal carrier yielded transfection rates that exceeded the cationic lipid with considerably less cytotoxicity.
BAPC®️ enter cells via the endosomal pathway providing targeted, protected delivery of their payloads. Both surface-bound proteins and nucleic acids are shielded from lytic degradation.
What is the surface charge of BAPtoFect®️-25?
+25 to 30 mV
How do I use BAPtofect®️-25?
A full reagent protocol is available here.
Shipping and Storage
How is BAPC®️ shipped?
US shipments are sent via USPS Priority Mail for delivery within one to three days. International shipments are sent via Federal Express Economy unless expedited delivery is requested.
How is BAPC®️ stored?
BAPC®️ should be stored in a cool and dry location. BAPC®️ with added fluorescent dye should also be stored in a dark location.