title: Water insoluble and soluble lipids for gene delivery.
abstract: Among various synthetic gene carriers currently in use, liposomes composed of cationic lipids and co-lipids remain the most efficient transfection reagents. Physicochemical properties of lipid/plasmid complexes, such as cationic lipid structure, cationic lipid to co-lipid ratio, charge ratio, particle size and zeta potential have significant influence on gene expression and biodistribution. However, most cationic lipids are toxic and cationic liposomes/plasmid complexes do not disperse well inside the target tissues because of their large particle size. To overcome the problems associated with cationic lipids, we designed water soluble lipopolymers for gene delivery to various cells and tissues. This review provides a critical discussion on how the components of water insoluble and soluble lipids affect their transfection efficiency and biodistribution of lipid/plasmid complexes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 26 South Dunlap Street, Feurt Bldg. RM 413, Memphis, TN 38163, United States. mahato@utmem.edu
authors.forename: Ram I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Mahato
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008055:Lipids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000235:genetics*; D012995:Solubility / Q000187:drug effects; D014867:Water / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D008055:Lipids; D014867:Water