title: DNA-polycation nanospheres as non-viral gene delivery vehicles.
abstract: Nanospheres synthesized by salt-induced complex coacervation of cDNA and polycations such as gelatin and chitosan were evaluated as gene delivery vehicles. DNA-nanospheres in the size range of 200-750 nm could transfect a variety of cell lines. Although the transfection efficiency of the nanospheres was typically lower than that of lipofectamine and calcium phosphate controls in cell culture, the beta-gal expression in muscle of BALB/c mice was higher and more sustained than that achieved by naked DNA and lipofectamine complexes. This gene delivery system has several attractive features: (1) ligands can be conjugated to the nanosphere for targeting or stimulating receptor-mediated endocytosis; (2) lysosomolytic agents can be incorporated to reduce degradation of the DNA in the endosomal and lysosomal compartments; (3) other bioactive agents or multiple plasmids can be co-encapsulated; (4) bioavailability of the DNA can be improved because of protection from serum nuclease degradation by the polymeric matrix; (5) the nanosphere can be lyophilized for storage without loss of bioactivity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. kleong@bme.jhu.edu
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Leong
authors.forename: H Q
authors.initials: HQ
authors.lastname: Mao
authors.forename: V L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Truong-Le
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Roy
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Walsh
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: August
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001682:Biological Availability; D002460:Cell Line; D004247:DNA / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008863:Microspheres; D010316:Particle Size; D011073:Polyamines; D000071228:Polyelectrolytes; D014162:Transfection
chemical_list: D004247:DNA; D011073:Polyamines; D000071228:Polyelectrolytes