title: Dynamic constitutional frameworks (DCFs) as nanovectors for cellular delivery of DNA.
abstract: We introduce Dynamic Constitutional Frameworks (DCFs), macromolecular structures that efficiently bind and transfect double stranded DNA. DCFs are easily synthesizable adaptive 3D networks consisting of core connection centres reversibly linked via labile imine bonds both to linear polyethyleneglycol (PEG, ∼1500 Da) and to branched polyethyleneimine (bPEI, ∼800 Da). DCFs bind linear and plasmid DNA, forming particulate polyplexes of 40-200 nm in diameter. The polyplexes are stable during gel electrophoresis, well tolerated by cells in culture, and exhibit significant transfection activity. We show that an optimal balance of PEG and bPEI components is important for building DCFs that are non-toxic and exhibit good cellular transfection activity. Our study demonstrates the versatility and effectiveness of DCFs as promising new vectors for DNA delivery.
authors.affiliation: Adaptative Supramolecular Nanosystems Group, Institut Européen des Membranes, ENSCM/UMII/UMR-CNRS 5635, Pl. Eugène Bataillon, CC 047, 34095 Montpellier, Cedex 5, France. mihail-dumitru.barboiu@univ-montp2.fr.
authors.forename: Ioana-Andreea
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Turin-Moleavin
authors.forename: Florica
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Doroftei
authors.forename: Adina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Coroaba
authors.forename: Dragos
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Peptanariu
authors.forename: Mariana
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pinteala
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Salic
authors.forename: Mihail
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Barboiu
mesh_terms: D002470:Cell Survival; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D005822:Genetic Vectors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D008970:Molecular Weight; D056951:Photoelectron Spectroscopy; D010957:Plasmids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry*; D011094:Polyethyleneimine / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D011094:Polyethyleneimine; D004247:DNA