Complex associates of plasmid DNA and a novel class of block copolymers with PEG and cationic segments as new vectors for gene delivery.
Cationic block copolymers, consisting of a poly(ethylene glycol) block and a block deriving from the poly(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate were prepared via a two-step procedure, based on the use of macroinitiators. By appropriately changing the experimental conditions and reacting the poly(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate block with iodo- or bromo-alkyl derivatives, a variety of ionic block copolymers with tuned physicochemical properties were prepared. These block copolymers are able to spontaneously self-assemble with plasmid DNA to produce oriented and shielded vectors, with physicochemical properties appropriate for in vivo applications. In addition, the formation of a complex between the cationic block copolymer and the plasmid DNA results in a nuclease resistance increase due to the stable nature of the complex.
Laus
M
M
Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Avanzate, Alessandria, Italy.
Sparnacci
K
K
Ensoli
B
B
Buttò
S O
SO
Caputo
A
A
Mantovani
I
I
Zuccheri
G
G
Samorì
B
B
Tondelli
L
L
D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D015756:Genes, tat; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000235:genetics; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008422:Materials Testing; D008823:Micelles; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D010957:Plasmids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000235:genetics*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D008823:Micelles; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols