title: Self-assembled PAA-based nanoparticles as potential gene and protein delivery systems.
abstract: A series of nanoparticles is prepared via layer-by-layer assembly of oppositely charged, synthetic biocompatible polyamidoamine polymers as potential carriers. Particle size, surface charge and internal chain mobility are quantified as a function of the polymer type and number of layers. The effect of addition of surfactant is examined to simulate the effects of nanoparticle dissolution. The cyctotoxicity of these particles (in epithelia and murine cell lines) are orders of magnitude lower than polyethyleneimine controls. Stable nanoparticles may be prepared from mixtures of strongly, oppositely charged polymers, but less successfully from weakly charged polymers, and, given their acceptable toxicity characteristics, such modularly designed constructs show promise for drug and gene delivery.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich, Medway Campus, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK. p.griffiths@gre.ac.uk
authors.forename: Peter C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Griffiths
authors.forename: Nicolo
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mauro
authors.forename: Damien M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: Simon C W
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Richardson
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dyer
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ferruti
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004578:Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008027:Light; D008970:Molecular Weight; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D010316:Particle Size; D011073:Polyamines / Q000737:chemistry*; D012399:Rotation; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D013113:Spin Labels; D055672:Static Electricity
chemical_list: C531249:Poly(amidoamine); D011073:Polyamines; D013113:Spin Labels