Evaluation of PEG-transferrin-PEI nanocomplex as a gene delivery agent

Polyethylenimine (PEI) has been shown to be an efficient nonviral delivery vector. To improve its specificity and reduce its cytotoxicity, PEI should be modified. Transferrin (Tf) is a cell-binding ligand and Tf-receptors are expressed in malignant cells. Modification of cationic polymer by polyethy...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of nanoscience and nanotechnology Vol. 11; no. 8; p. 7078
Main Authors Lee, Kyung-Man, Lee, Yong-Bok, Oh, In-Joon
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.08.2011
Subjects
DNA - chemistry
Humans
Jurkat Cells
Nanostructures
Plasmids
Polyethylene Glycols - chemistry
Polyethyleneimine - chemistry
Transfection
Transferrin - chemistry
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:Polyethylenimine (PEI) has been shown to be an efficient nonviral delivery vector. To improve its specificity and reduce its cytotoxicity, PEI should be modified. Transferrin (Tf) is a cell-binding ligand and Tf-receptors are expressed in malignant cells. Modification of cationic polymer by polyethylene glycol (PEG) can reduce the protein interaction and cell cytotoxicity of delivery vectors. We have synthesized PEG-Tf-PEI conjugate as an efficient and safe carrier of plasmid DNA (pDNA). Nanocomplexes of conjugates with pDNA were characterized by measuring the particle size and the surface charge. Transfection efficiency of nanocomplexes in Jurkat cells was improved and cytotoxicity was decreased compared with those of PEI complex. This was due to a reduction in the membrane damaging effect via shielding of the positive charge on the nanocomplex surface by PEG.
ISSN:1533-4880
1533-4899
DOI:10.1166/jnn.2011.4863