title: Stimuli-responsive polyamine-DNA blend nanogels for co-delivery in cancer therapy.
abstract: Polyamine plasmid DNA (pDNA) hydrogels have been synthesized by an original approach which conjugates pDNA condensation by polyamines and cross-linking reaction with ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether. In an attempt to design more sophisticated vectors with enhanced transfection efficiency and targeting ability, the cell-binding ligand transferrin has been incorporated into polyethylenimine formulations. All systems are photodegradable which allows for the controlled release of different plasmids (pVAX1-LacZ and pcDNA3-FLAG-p53) and anticancer drugs (doxorubicin, epirubicin and paclitaxel). The tumoral treatment through the combined action of pcDNA3-FLAG-p53 gene and an anticancer drug has a stronger potential to suppress the development of cancer cells. The effect is greatly improved when transferrin is encapsulated into the carriers. This study is a relevant contribution for the design of novel generation of plasmid biopharmaceuticals for progresses in gene cancer therapy, feeding the hope of cancer cure.
authors.affiliation: CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal. Electronic address: dcosta@fcsaude.ubi.pt.
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Costa
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal.
authors.forename: Artur J M
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Valente
authors.affiliation: CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
authors.forename: João
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Queiroz
mesh_terms: D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D036103:Nanotechnology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011073:Polyamines / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D005782:Gels; D011073:Polyamines; D004247:DNA
keywords: Anticancer drugs; Cancer therapy; Co-delivery; Gene delivery; Nanogels; Non-viral vectors