AIM:  Synthetic polymers have been explored as promising vectors for gene therapy for the treatment of inherited and acquired diseases resulting from abnormal gene expression. However, the efficiency of these non-viral vectors is relatively low and cytotoxic while applying in serum containing environment, which is similar to that of in vivo condition. The aim of this study is to design a blood components compatible gene delivery system. METHOD:  The redox-sensitive polyplexes were prepared by stepwise fabrication method. First, DNA plasmid was condensed with poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) to form binary complexes. After that, polyspermine (PSP) and sodium hyaluronate (HA) were subsequently adsorbed on it to form tetrary Complex, PoSC. RESULTS:  Different from the DNA/PEI/HA ternary system whose transfection efficiency significantly decreases with the increase of serum concentration, PoSC exhibited high transfection efficiency about 51% and 87% for NIH3T3 cells and HCT116 cells respectively at 50% serum condition. Furthermore, PoSC didn't show any cytotoxic effect at its working concentration. CONCLUSION:  The overall results suggested that HA adsorption on cationic complexes enhanced the transfection efficiency, while PSP is essential for high transfection efficiency at higher serum concentration.

Design of serum compatible tetrary complexes for gene delivery

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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