title: DNA polyplexes formed using PEGylated biodegradable hyperbranched polymers.
abstract: A novel PEGylated biodegradable hyperbranched PEG-b-PDMAEMA has been synthesized. The low toxicity, small molecular weight PDMAEMA chains were crosslinked using a biodegradable disulfide-based dimethacrylate (DSDMA) agent to yield higher molecular weight hyperbranched polymers. PEG chains were linked onto the polymer surface, masking the positive charge (as shown by Zeta potential measurements) and reducing the toxicity of the polymer. The hyperbranched structures were also cleaved under reducing conditions and analyzed, confirming the expected component structures. The hyperbranched polymer was mixed with DNA and efficient binding was shown to occur through electrostatic interactions. The hyperbranched structures could be reduced easily, generating lower toxicity oligomer chains.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Advanced Macromolecular Design (CAMD), School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
authors.forename: Lei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tao
authors.forename: William C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Chou
authors.forename: Beng H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Thomas P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Davis
mesh_terms: D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry; D008689:Methacrylates; D008722:Methods; D009757:Nylons; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000633:toxicity; D055672:Static Electricity
chemical_list: D004337:Drug Carriers; D008689:Methacrylates; D009757:Nylons; D011108:Polymers; C407037:poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate); D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D004247:DNA