DNA-polycation nanospheres as non-viral gene delivery vehicles.
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.
Leong
K W
KW
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. kleong@bme.jhu.edu
Mao
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Truong-Le
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Roy
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Walsh
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August
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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
D004247:DNA; D011073:Polyamines; D000071228:Polyelectrolytes