Polyelectrolyte Vectors for Gene Delivery: Influence of Cationic Polymer on Biophysical Properties of Complexes Formed with DNA

• DOI: 10.1021/bc990025r
• Publication Date: 2002-07-26T05:32:19Z
• Authors: Margreet A. Wolfert; Philip R. Dash; Ola Nazarova; David Oupicky; Leonard W. Seymour; Sarah Smart; Jiri Strohalm; Karel Ulbrich
• Keywords: Cationic polymerization; Side chain

Cationic polymer/DNA complexes are widely used for gene delivery, although the influence of cationic polymer on biophysical properties resulting complex is poorly understood. Here, several series polymers have been to evaluate structural parameters DNA complexes. Parameters studied included length side chain, charge type (primary versus tertiary and quaternary), molecular weight, spacing along backbone. with short chains (such as polyvinylamine) formed small complexes, resistant destabilization by polyanions, low surface charge, limited transfection activity, efficient intranuclear transcription. Conversely, long (e.g., poly[methacryloyl-Gly-Gly-NH-(CH2)6-NH2)] showed inefficient formation, high positive better activity. The effects weight varied between polymers, example, poly(l-lysine) produced relatively whereas poly[2-(trimethylammonio)ethyl methacrylate chloride] large aggregates. Polymers containing quaternary ammonium groups formation but poor transfection. Finally, spreading charges structure inhibited their ability condense DNA. In summary, achieve small, stable use bearing primary amino suggested.