壳聚糖纳米粒作为基因载体的研究:粒径对转染效率的影响

研究粒径对壳聚糖(chitosan，CS)纳米粒介导的转染效率的影响。通过调整CS溶液加入质粒基因(plasmid DNA，pDNA)溶液的速度和涡旋时间制备250，580和1 300 nm粒径pDNA/CS纳米粒，研究粒径对CS介导的细胞转染效率的影响。为深入探讨粒径对转染效率的影响，考察了3种粒径pDNA/CS纳米粒的药剂学性质，对抗核酸酶作用和细胞对纳米粒的吸附和摄取行为。结果表明：本文制备的3种粒径纳米粒的药剂学性质和凝聚pDNA的能力等特性基本无差别，均能有效保护pDNA免受核酸酶降解；在HEK293细胞中的转染效率无显著差异；与细胞共孵育4 h，流式细胞仪测定的三者细胞摄取率与摄取量相似；荧光显微图像显示3种粒径纳米粒均以小聚集体形式吸附于细胞表面，激光扫描共聚焦显微图像显示直径约为2 μm小聚集体较易被细胞内吞入胞。因此粒径在250～1 300 nm中对壳聚糖纳米粒介导的细胞转染率基本无影响。     

Physical stability and in-vitro gene expression efficiency of nebulised lipid-peptide-DNA complexes

The lower respiratory tract provides a number of disease targets for gene therapy. Nebulisation is the most practical system for the aerosolisation of non-viral gene delivery systems. The aerosolisation process represents a significant challenge to the maintenance of the physical stability and biological activity of the gene vector. In this study we investigate the role of a condensing polycationic peptide on the stability and efficiency of nebulised lipid-DNA complexes. Complexes prepared from the cationic lipid 1, 2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP) and plasmid DNA (pDNA) at mass (w/w) ratios of 12:1, 6:1 and 3:1, and complexes prepared from DOTAP, the polycationic peptide, protamine, and pDNA (LPD) at 3:2:1 w/w ratio were nebulised using a Pari LC Plus jet nebuliser. Samples from the nebuliser reservoir (pre- and post-nebulisation) and from the aerosol mist were collected and investigated for changes, including: particle diameter, retention of in-vitro transfection activity and the relative concentration and nature of the complexed pDNA remaining after the nebulisation procedure. The process of jet nebulisation adversely affected the physical stability of lipid:pDNA complexes with only those formulated at 12:1 w/w DOTAP:pDNA able to maintain their pre-nebulisation particle size distribution (145+/-3 nm pre-nebulisation vs. 142+/-2 nm aerosol mist) and preserve significant pDNA integrity in the reservoir (35% of pre-nebulisation pDNA band intensity). The LPD complexes were smaller (102+/-1 nm pre-nebulisation vs. 113+/-2 nm aerosol mist) with considerably greater retention of pDNA integrity in the reservoir (90% of pre-nebulisation pDNA band intensity). In contrast the concentration of pDNA in the aerosol mist for both the 12:1 w/w DOTAP:pDNA and LPD complexes were significantly reduced (10 and 12% of pre-nebulised values, respectively). Despite reduced pDNA concentration the transfection (% cells transfected) mediated by aerosol mist for the nebulised complexes was comparatively efficient (LPD aerosol mist 26 vs. 40% for pre-nebulised complex; the respective values for 12: 1 w/w DOTAP:pDNA were 12 vs. 28%). The physical stability and biological activity of nebulised lipid:pDNA complexes can be improved by inclusion of a condensing polycationic peptide such as protamine. The incorporation of the peptide precludes the use of potentially toxic excesses of lipid and charge and may act as a platform for the covalent attachment of peptide signals mediating sub-cellular targetting.     

Receptor-mediated gene delivery by folate-poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted-trimethyl chitosan in vitro

Folate-poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted-trimethyl chitosan (F-PEG-g-TMC) and methoxypolyethylene glycol-grafted-trimethyl chitosan (mPEG-g-TMC)/pDNA complexes were prepared and characterized concerning physicochemical properties including cytotoxicity, condensation efficiency, particle size, and zeta potential. Furthermore, cellular uptake and transfection efficiency of the complexes were evaluated in vitro and compared with that of folate-trimethyl chitosan (folate-TMC) synthesized by our group to elucidate the effect of PEGylation. The cellular uptake of the F-PEG-g-TMC/pDNA with a copolymer nitrogen-to-DNA phosphate ratio (N/P ratio) of 20 in KB cells was specifically increased up to 1.68-fold compared with that of the mPEG-g-TMC/pDNA (N/P ratio 20) resulting in 1.5-fold and 1.4-fold increased transfection efficiency in KB cells and SKOV3 cells (folate receptor-overexpressing cell lines), respectively. The intracellular uptake and transfection efficiency of the F-PEG-g-TMC/pDNA were significantly enhanced relative to the folate-TMC/pDNA in folate receptor-overexpressing cells due to stabilizing effect of PEGylation. Subcellular localization of the complexes in the process of intracellular transportation was observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy suggesting quicker association of the F-PEG-g-TMC/pDNA. In conclusion, the F-PEG-g-TMC/pDNA complexes are potential vehicles for improving the transfection efficiency and specificity of gene.     

Physico-chemical characterisation and transfection efficiency of lipid-based gene delivery complexes.

Cationic liposomes spontaneously interact with negatively charged plasmid DNA to form a transfection competent complex capable of promoting the expression of a therapeutic gene. This work aims to improve the understanding of the poorly defined mechanisms and structural rearrangements associated with the lipid-DNA interaction. Specifically, dimethyl dioctadecylammonium bromide (DDAB):dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) and 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP) liposomes were mixed with a reporter plasmid (pADbeta or pCMVbeta) to form lipid-DNA complexes. The size and charge characteristics of the complexes as determined by photon correlation spectroscopy and microelectrophoresis were found to be dependent on the lipid:DNA ratio, with both DDAB:DOPE-DNA and DOTAP-DNA complexes aggregating at around neutral zeta potential. Negative stain transmission electron microscopy demonstrated at least three distinct complex structures being formed at the same DOTAP:DNA ratio. We postulate that two of these aggregates are structural moieties involved in the formation of the efficient transfection particle. Gel electrophoresis was used to determine the efficiency and extent of lipid-DNA complex formation. Results showed that only DOTAP liposomes were capable of preventing ethidium bromide intercalation with DNA and protecting the enclosed plasmid from nuclease digestion. When a range of lipid-DNA complexes were transfected into in vitro cell lines, the efficiency of reporter gene (beta-galactosidase) expression was found to depend on the type of liposome used in the complex, the ratio of lipid:DNA and the transfected cell line. Our results challenge the requirement for DOPE to be included in the formulation of cationic lipid vectors, especially in the case of DOTAP containing liposomes.     

Lipoplexes versus nanoparticles: pDNA/siRNA delivery

Abstract

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has been widely used as potential therapeutic for treatment of various genetic disorders. However, rapid degradation, poor cellular uptake and limited stability in blood limit the effectiveness of the systemic delivery of siRNA. Therefore, an efficient delivery system is required to enhance its transfection and duration of therapeutics. In the present study, plasmid DNA (pEGFPN3) expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) was used as a reporter gene. Chitosan nanoparticles/polyplexes and cationic liposomes/lipoplexes were developed and compared for their transfectivity and therapeutic activity in mammalian cell line (HEK 293). The nanoparticulates were first characterized by assessing the surface charge (zeta potential), size (dynamic light scattering) and morphology (transmission electron microscope) followed by evaluation for their DNA retardation ability, transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity on HEK 293 cell line. The chitosan nanoparticles/plasmid DNA (pDNA) complex and liposomes/pDNA complex were co-transfected with GFP-specific siRNA into HEK 293 cells and it was found that both are efficient delivery vehicles for siRNA transfection, resulting in ～57% and ～70% suppression of the targeted gene (GFP), respectively, as compared with the mock control (cells transfected with nanocarrier/pDNA complexes alone). This strong inhibition of GFP expression indicated that cationic liposomes are better than chitosan nanoparticles and can be used as an effective carrier of siRNA in mammalian cells.     

A spermine-deoxycholic acid conjugate based lipid as a transfecting agent

Deoxycholic acid-spermine conjugate (DAS), which is composed of natural components (deoxycholic acid and spermine), was incorporated in liposomes and evaluated for its interaction with plasmid DNA (pDNA) and in vitro transfection efficiency. Electromicrographs demonstrated that DAS-pDNA complexes are spherical, compact and electronically dense compared to the toroidal shapes formed by the monovalent lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP) and pDNA. In comparison to the singly charged, non-cholesterol based lipid (DOTAP), the multivalent lipid DAS had similar transfection efficiency in two cell lines. The monovalent sterol, deoxycholic acid propyldiamine conjugate (DAP) was not effective as a transfecting agent. This suggests that multivalent facial amphiphiles such as DAS may serve as excellent candidates for non-viral gene transfer and warrant further study.     

Development of nanosomes using high‐pressure homogenization for gene therapy

Objectives The aim of this project was to develop a novel lipid‐based formulation suitable for gene therapy. Methods Novel nanosize liposome (nanosome) formulations containing pDNA (plasmid DNA) were developed using high‐pressure homogenization (HPH). The effect of lipid concentration was studied at two levels: 3 mm and 20 mm . The preformed nanosomes were incubated for 18–20 h with pDNA or pDNA/protamine sulfate (PS) complex. The physical properties of the pDNA nanosomes were compared by particle size distribution and zeta‐potential measurements. Their biological properties were also compared by pDNA efficiency of encapsulation/complexation, integrity, nuclease digestion, transfection efficiency and cell cytotoxicity. Key findings pDNA nanosomes prepared with 20 mm lipid (nanosomes : pDNA : PS at a ratio of 8.6 : 1 : 2) had particle sizes of 170–422 nm (90% confidence). The zeta‐potential of the formulation was 49.2 ± 1.5 mV, and the pDNA encapsulation/complexation efficiency was ～98%. pDNA nanosomes prepared with 3 mm lipid (nanosomes : pDNA : PS at a ratio of 2.09 : 1 : 2) had particle sizes of 140–263 nm (90% confidence). The zeta‐potential of this formulation was 36.4 ± 1.2 mV, and the pDNA encapsulation/complexation efficiency was ～100%. However, a comparison of the efficiency of transfection indicated that pDNA nanosomes prepared with low‐concentration lipids (3 mm ) showed significantly higher transfection efficiency compared with the pDNA nanosomes prepared with high‐concentration lipids (20 mm ), as well as those prepared with Fugene‐6 (a commercially available transfection reagent). This particular formulation (pDNA nanosomes, 3 mm lipids) also showed significantly less cytotoxicity compared with the other pDNA nanosome formulations. Conclusions To conclude, these results indicate that condensing pDNA with PS followed by subsequent complexation with low‐concentration nanosomes generated from HPH can produce a pDNA nanosome formulation that will boost transfection efficiency, while minimizing cytotoxicity. This new technology appears to be an efficient tool for future commercial or large‐scale manufacture of DNA delivery systems for gene therapy.     

Development and characterization of a new plasmid delivery system based on chitosan-sodium deoxycholate nanoparticles

Chitosan is one of the most promising polymers for drug delivery through the mucosal routes because of its polycationic, biocompatible, and biodegradable nature, and particularly due to its mucoadhesive and permeation-enhancing properties. Bile salts are known to interact with lipid membranes, increasing their permeability. The addition of bile salts to chitosan matrices may improve the delivery characteristics of the system, making it suitable for mucosal administration of bioactive substances. In the present study we have developed chitosan nanoparticles using sodium deoxycholate as a counter ion and evaluated their potential as gene delivery carriers. Chitosan-sodium deoxycholate nanoparticles (CS/DS) obtained via a mild ionic gelation procedure using different weight ratios were used to encapsulate plasmid DNA (pDNA) expressing a "humanized" secreted Gaussia Luciferase as reporter gene (pGLuc, 5.7 kDa). Mean particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential were evaluated in order to select the best formulation for further in vitro studies. The nanoparticles presented an average size of 153-403 nm and a positive zeta potential ranging from +33.0 to +56.9 mV, for nanoparticles produced with CS/DS ratios from 1:4 to 1:0.6 (w:w), respectively. The pDNA was efficiently encapsulated and AFM studies showed that pDNA-loaded nanoparticles presented a more irregular surface due to the interaction between cationic chitosan and negatively charged pDNA which results in a more compact structure when compared to empty nanoparticles. Transfection efficiency of CS/DS-pDNA nanoparticles into moderately (AGS) and well differentiated (N87) gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines was determined by measuring the expression of luciferase, while cell viability was assessed using the MTT reduction. The CS/DS nanoparticles containing encapsulated pDNA were able to transfect both AGS and N87 cell lines, being more effective with AGS cells, the less differentiated cell line. The highest enzymatic activity was achieved with 20% pDNA encapsulated and after 24 h of transfection time. Low cytotoxicity was observed for the CS/DS nanoparticles either with or without pDNA, suggesting this could be a new potential vehicle for mucosal delivery of pDNA.     

Thiolated Chitosan/DNA Nanocomplexes Exhibit Enhanced and Sustained Gene Delivery

Purpose Thiolated chitosan appears to possess enhanced mucoadhesiveness and cell penetration properties, however, its potential in gene-drug delivery remains unknown. Herein, we report on a highly effective gene delivery system utilizing a 33-kDa thiol-modified chitosan derivative.Methods Thiolated chitosan was prepared by the reaction with thioglycolic acid. Nanocomplexes of unmodified chitosan or thiolated chitosan with plasmid DNA encoding green fluorescenct protein (GFP) were characterized for their size, zeta potential, their ability to bind and protect plasmid DNA from degradation. The transfection efficiency of thiolated chitosan and sustained gene expression were evaluated in various cell lines in vitro and in Balb/c mice in vivo.Results Thiolated chitosan–DNA nanocomplexes ranged in size from 75 to 120 nm in diameter and from +2.3 to 19.7 mV in zeta potential, depending on the weight ratio of chitosan to DNA. Thiolated chitosan, CSH360, exhibited effective physical stability and protection against DNase I digestion at a weight ratio ≥ 2.5:1. CSH360/DNA nanocomplexes induced significantly (P < 0.01) higher GFP expression in HEK293, MDCK and Hep-2 cell lines than unmodified chitosan. Nanocomplexes of disulphide-crosslinked CSH360/DNA showed a sustained DNA release and continuous expression in cultured cells lasting up to 60 h post transfection. Also, intranasal administration of crosslinked CSH360/DNA nanocomplexes to mice yielded gene expression that lasted for at least 14 days.Conclusions Thiolated chitosans condense pDNA to form nanocomplexes, which exhibit a significantly higher gene transfer potential and sustained gene expression upon crosslinking, indicating their great potential for gene therapy and tissue engineering.     

Mannosylated polyethylenimine coupled mesoporous silica nanoparticles for receptor-mediated gene delivery

Organic-inorganic nanohybrids have been studied for their use as non-viral transfection agents. The purpose of this study was to examine the ability of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) coupled with mannosylated polyethylenimine (MP) to transfect plasmid DNA in vitro. Although MSN is biocompatible and has low cytotoxicity, it is not easily transfected into a variety of cell types. To overcome this barrier, MP was coupled to MSN (abbreviated as MPS) to target macrophage cells with mannose receptors and enhance transfection efficiency. The DNA conveyance ability of MPS was examined by evaluating properties such as particle size, zeta potential, complex formation, protection of plasmid DNA against DNase-I, and the release of DNA upon cell entry. Particle sizes of the MPS/DNA complexes decreased with increasing weight ratio of MPS to DNA, while the zeta potential increased. Complete MPS/DNA complexes were formed at a weight ratio of five, and their resistance to DNase-I was evaluated. Cytotoxicity studies showed that MPS/DNA complexes resulted in a high percentage of cell viability, compared with PEI 25K as a vector. The transfection efficiency of MPS/DNA complexes was evaluated on Raw 264.7 and HeLa cell lines. It was found that MPS/DNA complexes showed enhanced transfection efficiency through receptor-mediated endocytosis via mannose receptors. These results indicate that MPS can be employed in the future as a potential gene carrier to antigen presenting cells.     

Skin photoprotection improvement: synergistic interaction between lipid nanoparticles and organic UV filters

The main objective of this study was to prepare two types of nanoparticles with poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and polyethylenimine (PEI) polymers. Plasmid DNA (pDNA) was adsorbed either on PLGA/PEI nanoparticles, or as PEI/DNA complex onto the surface of PLGA nanoparticles. Both types of nanoparticles were prepared by the double emulsion method. The nanoparticles were characterized by their size, zeta potential and pDNA or PEI/DNA complex adsorption. The PEI/DNA complex adsorption was confirmed with ethidium bromide assay. pDNA adsorption onto PLGA/PEI nanoparticles (PLGA/PEI-DNA) was studied by electrophoresis on agarose gel. Cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency of both types of nanoparticle and PEI/DNA complexes formulations were studied in head and neck squamous carcinoma cell line (FaDu). To improve endosomal release, photochemical internalization (PCI) was used. The zeta potential increased when the PEI/DNA complex adsorbed onto PLGA nanoparticles (PLGA-PEI/DNA). Optimal pDNA adsorption efficiency was achieved for nitrogen/phosphorous ratio≥20/1. In vitro transfection and cells viability on FaDu cells with or without PCI were found to be variable depending on the type and concentration of nanoparticles. The results showed that transfection efficiency for PLGA/PEI-DNA or PLGA-PEI/DNA nanoparticles ranged between 2 and 80%, respectively. PCI was found to slightly improve the transfection efficiency for all formulations.     

Polylysine and polyornithine gene transfer complexes: a study of complex stability and cellular uptake as a basis for their differential in-vitro transfection efficiency

Gene transfer vectors formed between the cationic polyamino acid, poly-(L)-omithine (PLO) and plasmid DNA (pDNA) have demonstrated superior transfection efficiency (up to x 10-fold) compared to equivalent polylysine-based systems in-vitro. The mechanism(s) underlying this observation remains to be elucidated. We previously reported no significant difference in colloidal particle size or zeta potential of polycation/pDNA complexes formed with poly-(L)-lysine (PLL), poly-(D)-lysine (PDL) or PLO. Here we report spectrofluorometric analysis indicating that PLO condenses pDNA at lower charge (+/-) ratios than PLL or PDL (cf. 0.8:1, 1.2:1 and 1.5:1). Moreover, PLO/pDNA complexes proved more stable to disruption by the polyanions, poly-(L)-aspartic acid (PAA) and heparin. There were no qualitative differences in the ability of the polycations to protect complexed pDNA from enzymatic degradation both in the presence and in the absence of polyanions. The superior transfection efficiency of PLO/pDNA complexes did not appear to be mediated by an increased cellular delivery of pDNA. The data suggests a greater affinity of PLO for pDNA as an important parameter for the observed superior in-vitro transfection efficiency.     

阳离子脂质/DNA复合物气雾剂的制备及其体外细胞转染研究

目的:制备阳离子脂质DOTAP和DNA的复合物(DOTAP/DNA)气雾剂并研究其细胞转染效率。方法:采用改良的Bligh and Dyer萃取法,制备能够在乙醚中均匀分散的不同氮-磷比的DOTAP/DNA复合物,采用定磷法测定载药率、激光粒度分布仪测定粒径分布等参数;进一步灌装DOTAP/DNA复合物气雾剂,以人肺腺癌细胞H1299为模型,检测气雾剂的细胞毒性(细胞相对存活率)和DNA转染效率(荧光强度)。结果:最佳氮-磷比(2∶1)的DOTAP/DNA复合物的载药率可达到(72±1.580)%,粒径为(188.700±42.770)nm;气雾剂的细胞相对存活率可达(91.643±6.970)%,荧光强度可达1.080×105RLU·mg-1。结论:研制的新型DOTAP/DNA复合物气雾剂,其毒性较低,细胞转染效率较高,具有被进一步开发研究成为呼吸道基因输送制剂的潜力。     

Polylysine and Polyornithine Gene Transfer Complexes: A Study of Complex Stability and Cellular Uptake as a Basis for their Differential in-vitro Transfection Efficiency

Gene transfer vectors formed between the cationic polyamino acid, poly- (l) -ornithine (PLO) and plasmid DNA (pDNA) have demonstrated superior transfection efficiency (up to × 10-fold) compared to equivalent polylysine-based systems in-vitro. The mechanism(s) underlying this observation remains to be elucidated. We previously reported no significant difference in colloidal particle size or zeta potential of polycation/pDNA complexes formed with poly- (l) -lysine (PLL), poly- (d) -lysine (PDL) or PLO. Here we report spectrofluorometric analysis indicating that PLO condenses pDNA at lower charge (+/ ?) ratios than PLL or PDL (cf. 0.8:1, 1.2:1 and 1.5:1). Moreover, PLO/pDNA complexes proved more stable to disruption by the polyanions, poly- (l) -aspartic acid (PAA) and heparin. There were no qualitative differences in the ability of the polycations to protect complexed pDNA from enzymatic degradation both in the presence and in the absence of polyanions. The superior transfection efficiency of PLO/pDNA complexes did not appear to be mediated by an increased cellular delivery of pDNA. The data suggests a greater affinity of PLO for pDNA as an important parameter for the observed superior in-vitro transfection efficiency.     

Chitosan enhances transfection efficiency of cationic polypeptides/DNA complexes

The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of cationic polypeptides mixed with chitosan (CS) on in vitro transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity in human cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa cells). The polypeptides/DNA complexes and ternary complexes (CS, polypeptides and DNA) at varying weight ratios were formulated and characterized by using gel electrophoresis. Their particle sizes and charge were evaluated. The effect of the type and molecular weight (MW) of polypeptides, the weight ratio, order of mixing, the pH and serum on transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity were evaluated in HeLa cells. Three types of polypeptides (poly-L-lysine; PLL, poly-L-arginine; PLA and poly-L-ornithine; PLO) were able to form complete complex with DNA at weight ratio above 0.1. The PLA MW >70 kDa showed the highest transfection efficiency. The order of mixing between CS, PLA and DNA affected the transfection efficiency. The highest transfection efficiency was observed in ternary complexes of PLA/DNA/CS (2:1:4) equal to PEI/DNA complex. For cytotoxicity studies, over 80% the average cell viabilities of the complexes were observed by MTT assay. This study suggests that the addition of CS to PLA/DNA is easy to prepare, safe and exhibits significantly improved DNA delivery potential in vitro.     

壳聚糖纳米粒用作基因递送载体的初步研究

目的初步研究基因壳聚糖纳米粒的性质和转染活性。方法用复凝聚法制备纳米粒;用透射电镜观察形态;用纳米粒度分析仪测定粒径、多分散度和zeta电位;用荧光分光光度法测定基因包封率;用凝胶阻滞分析和荧光扫描测定基因在纳米粒中的位置;用体外基因转染实验定性评价纳米粒的转染活性。结果纳米粒形态多呈球形,平均粒径为218.9 nm,多分散度为0.276,zeta电位为+21.2 mV;基因包封率为99.6%;凝胶阻滞分析和荧光扫描表明基因几乎全部被包裹在纳米粒内部,表面吸附很少;体外基因转染实验表明基因壳聚糖纳米粒能够转染人胚胎肾细胞(HEK293)和肝癌细胞(HepG2),基因能够在这两种细胞中表达。结论壳聚糖纳米粒能将基因递送到细胞内并且基因能够表达,因此可以用作基因药物载体。     

Galactosylated low molecular weight chitosan as DNA carrier for hepatocyte-targeting

Chitosan has the potential for DNA complexation and is useful as a non-viral vector for gene delivery. Highly purified low molecular weight chitosan (LMWC) was prepared. Lactobionic acid (LA) bearing galactose group was coupled with LMWC for liver-specificity. A series of galactosylated-LMWC (gal-LMWC) samples covering a range of galactose group contents were prepared. The chitosan/DNA complexes were obtained using a complex coacervation process. Gal-LMWCs were used to transfer pSV-beta-galactosidase reporter gene into human hepatocellular carcinoma cell (HepG2), L-02, SMMC-7721, and human cervix adenocarcinoma cell line (HeLa) cell lines in vitro. Transfection efficiency of gal-LMWCs was evaluated by beta-galactosidase assay and compared with those of lipofectin, calcium phosphate (CaP), high molecular weigh chitosan (HMWC) and LMWC. Gal-LMWC/DNA complex shows a very efficient cell selective transfection to hepatocyte. The transfection efficiency of gal-LMWCs increased with the improvement of the galactosylation degree. Cytotoxicity of gal-LMWC was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazd-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltentrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the results show that the modified chitosan has relatively low cytotoxicity, giving the evidence that the modified chitosan vector has the potential to be used as a safe gene-delivery system.     

Examination of the biophysical interaction between plasmid DNA and the polycations, polylysine and polyornithine, as a basis for their differential gene transfection in-vitro

The impetus to develop non-viral gene delivery vectors has led to examination of synthetic polycationic polymers as plasmid DNA (pDNA) condensing agents. Previous reports have highlighted superiority (up to x 10-fold) in the in-vitro transfection of pDNA complexes formed by poly-(L)-ornithine (PLO) compared to those formed with poly-(L)-lysine (PLL). The apparent basis for this consistent superiority of PLO complexes remains to be established. This comparative study investigates whether physico chemical differences in the supramolecular properties of polycation:pDNA complexes provide a basis for their observed differential gene transfection. Specifically, particle size distribution and zeta potential of the above complexes formulated over a wide range of polycation:pDNA ratios were found to be consistent with a condensed (150-200 nm) cationic ( + 30-40 mV) system but not influenced by the type of cationic polymer used. A spectrofluorimetric EtBr exclusion assay showed that polycation:pDNA complexes display different pDNA condensation behaviour, with PLO able to condense pDNA at a lower polycation mass compared to both polylysine isomers, and form complexes that were more resistant to disruption following challenge with anionic counter species, i.e. poly-(L)-aspartic acid and the glycosaminoglycan molecule. heparin. We conclude that particle size and surface potential as gross supramolecular properties of these complexes do not represent, at least in a non-biological system, the basis for the differential transfection behaviour observed between these condensing polymers. However, differences in the ability of the polylysine and polyornithine polymers to interact with pDNA and to stabilise the polymer-pDNA assembly could have profound effects upon the cellular and sub-cellular biological processing of pDNA molecules and contribute to the disparity in cell transfection efficiency observed between these complexes.