Interpolyelectrolyte and block ionomer complexes for gene delivery: physico-chemical aspects.
Interpolyelectrolyte complexes formed as a result of the polyion coupling reaction between polynucleotide and polycation chains have been used for gene delivery. A general disadvantage of these systems is their reduced solubility. To overcome this problem, cationic copolymers comprised of polycation and poly(ethylene oxide) segments have been developed. These copolymers form block ionomer complexes with DNA that are water soluble even if all electrostatic charges are neutralized. This paper discusses physico-chemical aspects of formation and behavior of interpolyelectrolyte and block ionomer complexes and presents recent results on the use of block ionomer complexes for gene delivery.
Kabanov
VA
Department of Polymer Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, Moscow V-234, Russian Federation
Kabanov
AV