Rational design is pivotal in the modern development of nucleic acid nanocarrier systems. With the rising prominence of polymeric materials as alternatives to lipid-based carriers, understanding their structure-function relationships becomes paramount. Here, we introduce a newly developed coarse-grained model of polyethylenimine (PEI) based on the Martini 3 force field. This model facilitates molecular dynamics simulations of true-sized PEI molecules, exemplified by molecules with molecular weights of 1.3, 5, 10, and 25 kDa, with degrees of branching between 50.0 and 61.5%. We employed this model to investigate the thermodynamics of small interfering RNA (siRNA) complexation with PEI. Our simulations underscore the pivotal role of electrostatic interactions in the complexation process. Thermodynamic analyses revealed a stronger binding affinity with increased protonation, notably in acidic (endosomal) pH, compared to neutral conditions. Furthermore, the molecular weight of PEI was found to be a critical determinant of binding dynamics: smaller PEI molecules closely enveloped the siRNA, whereas larger ones extended outward, facilitating the formation of complexes with multiple RNA molecules. Experimental validations, encompassing isothermal titration calorimetry and single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy, aligned well with our computational predictions. Our findings not only validate the fidelity of our PEI model but also accentuate the importance of in silico data in the rational design of polymeric drug carriers. The synergy between computational predictions and experimental validations, as showcased here, signals a refined and precise approach to drug carrier design.
Keywords: Martini 3; RNA interference; polyplex; rationale design.