title: Live-cell fluorescent microscopy platforms for real-time monitoring of polyplex-cell interaction: basic guidelines.
abstract: A myriad of cationic polymeric delivery vehicles are currently being developed with the aim of transporting various forms of nucleic acids to mammalian cells. The complexes between polycations and nucleic acids are referred to as polyplexes. The screening for successful polyplex candidates requires interdisciplinary research platforms and techniques for a more profound understanding of biophysical properties of delivery vehicles and their biological performance, including stability, transfection efficacy and possible cytotoxicity. Fluorescent microscopy has proven to be a useful tool for real-time monitoring of performance and intracellular trafficking of polyplexes as well as for assessing cell functionality. This review highlights the application of some of the most promising fluorescent microscopy platforms in relation to polyplex-mediated transfection processes.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, NanoScience Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
authors.forename: Ladan
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Parhamifar
authors.affiliation: Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, NanoScience Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
authors.forename: LinPing
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.affiliation: Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, NanoScience Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
authors.forename: Helene
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Andersen
authors.affiliation: Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, NanoScience Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark. Electronic address: moien.moghimi@sund.ku.dk.
authors.forename: S Moein
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Moghimi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000235:genetics; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009696:Nucleic Acids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D011073:Polyamines / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D000071228:Polyelectrolytes; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D014162:Transfection / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D009696:Nucleic Acids; D011073:Polyamines; D000071228:Polyelectrolytes; D011108:Polymers
keywords: Fluorescent microscopy; Gene therapy; Live cell imaging; Nanoparticles; Trafficking