Characterization of transferrin-modified procationic-liposome protamine-DNA complexes.
We developed a novel transferrin modified non-viral gene delivery system, transferrin-modified procationic-liposome-protamine-DNA complexes (Tf-PLPD) and investigated its characteristics. Blank procationic liposomes were prepared using the film dispersion filter method. Protamine was used to condense plasmid DNA to form protamine-DNA complexes and the complexes were further incubated with blank procationic liposomes to form PLPD. Transferrin was adsorbed onto the surface of PLPD via an electrostatic interaction, and thus Tf-PLPD was produced. Characteristics such as stability in rat serum, morphology, average particle size, zeta potential, and transfection efficiency in HepG2 cells were further investigated. The results indicated that the procationic liposomes remained stable in rat serum for 24 h. Tf-PLPD protected plasmid DNA from enzymatic degradation even after lyophilization. The size distribution of Tf-PLPD was in the range of 240+/-12 nm and the zeta potential was -24.10+/-2.5 mV (n=3), respectively. The transfection efficiencies of Tf-PLPD were 24.26+/-2.6 mU beta-galactosidase/mg protein. Lyophilization and the presence of serum did not affect the transfectivity of Tf-PLPD and the procationic liposomes also had low cytotoxicity to cells.
Zhong
Zhi-Rong
ZR
Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University West China School of Pharmacy, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
Zhang
Zhi-Rong
ZR
Liu
Ji
J
Deng
Yong
Y
Fu
Yao
Y
Song
Qing-Guo
QG
He
Qin
Q
D000818:Animals; D002412:Cations; D004247:DNA; D003851:Deoxyribonucleases; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D008081:Liposomes; D046912:Multiprotein Complexes; D010316:Particle Size; D010957:Plasmids; D011479:Protamines; D051381:Rats; D014162:Transfection; D014168:Transferrin
D002412:Cations; D008081:Liposomes; D046912:Multiprotein Complexes; D011479:Protamines; D014168:Transferrin; D004247:DNA; D003851:Deoxyribonucleases