title: Physicochemical properties of pDNA/chitosan complexes as gene delivery systems.
abstract: Successful gene therapy depends on the development of effective gene carriers. Naturally occurring chitosan has been employed widely as a non-viral gene carrier because of its low toxicity, low immunogenicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. In this review, we summarize the utilization of chitosan, modified chitosan, and chitosan-containing ternary complexes as gene carriers. In particular, we discuss the influence of the physicochemical features of pDNA/chitosan complexes on their functions, such as stability and gene transfer into cells.
authors: Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522 Japan.
authors: Kenji
authors: K
authors: Hagiwara
authors: Riany
authors: R
authors: Anastasia
authors: Mitsuhiro
authors: M
authors: Nakata
authors: Toshinori
authors: T
authors: Sato
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D048271:Chitosan / Q000737:chemistry*; D004247:DNA / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D010957:Plasmids
chemical_list: D004247:DNA; D048271:Chitosan