Synthesis of biodegradable multi-block copolymers of poly(L-lysine) and poly(ethylene glycol) as a non-viral gene carrier.
Biodegradable and non-toxic multi-block copolymers based on poly(L-lysine) and poly(ethylene glycol) were synthesized. Synthesized copolymers showed almost negligible cytotoxicity above 95% cell viability and transfection efficiency compared to the PLL homopolymer with molecular weight of 25,700. Biodegradation under physiological conditions revealed that the molecular weight of copolymers decreased to 20% of the initial molecular weight within 72 h. Transfection efficiencies of copolymers were not affected by the presence of serum, while that of PLL homopolymer decreased to the level of naked DNA in the presence of serum. Based on the results, the new copolymers are believed to be a potentially efficient carrier for the delivery of bioactive agents.
Ahn
Cheol-Hee
CH
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hyperstructured Organic Materials Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, South Korea. chahn@snu.ac.kr
Chae
Su Young
SY
Bae
You Han
YH
Kim
Sung Wan
SW
D002461:Cell Line, Transformed; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D005822:Genetic Vectors / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D006801:Humans; D008239:Lysine / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics
D004337:Drug Carriers; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D008239:Lysine