Low molecular weight linear polyethylenimine-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-polyethylenimine triblock copolymers: synthesis, characterization, and in vitro gene transfer properties

Novel ABA triblock copolymers consisting of low molecular weight linear polyethylenimine (PEI) as the A block and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as the B block were prepared and evaluated as polymeric transfectant. The cationic polymerization of 2-methyl-2-oxazoline (MeOZO) using PEG-bis(tosylate) as a macroinitiator followed by acid hydrolysis afforded linear PEI-PEG-PEI triblock copolymers with controlled compositions. Two copolymers, PEI-PEG-PEI 2100-3400-2100 and 4000-3400-4000, were synthesized. Both copolymers were shown to interact with and condense plasmid DNA effectively to give polymer/DNA complexes (polyplexes) of small sizes (<100 nm) and moderate zeta-potentials (approximately +10 mV) at polymer/plasmid weight ratios > or =1.5/1. These polyplexes were able to efficiently transfect COS-7 cells and primary bovine endothelial cells (BAECs) in vitro. For example, PEI-PEG-PEI 4000-3400-4000 based polyplexes showed a transfection efficiency comparable to polyplexes of branched PEI 25000. The transfection activity of polyplexes of PEI-PEG-PEI 4000-3400-4000 in BAECs using luciferase as a reporter gene was 3-fold higher than that for linear PEI 25000/DNA formulations. Importantly, the presence of serum in the transfection medium had no inhibitive effect on the transfection activity of the PEI-PEG-PEI polyplexes. These PEI-PEG-PEI triblock copolymers displayed also an improved safety profile in comparison with high molecular weight PEIs, since the cytotoxicity of the polyplex formulations was very low under conditions where high transgene expression was found. Therefore, linear PEI-PEG-PEI triblock copolymers are an attractive novel class of nonviral gene delivery systems.     

Temperature dependent gene expression induced by PNIPAM-based copolymers: potential of hyperthermia in gene transfer

The objective of this work was to obtain gene delivery vectors with high efficiency induced by application of local hyperthermia. As a building construct for the polyplex particles, block copolymers were used, in which one block represents poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) and another block a statistical copolymer of poly(N-isopropylacryamide) (PNIPAM) and different hydrophilic monomers (acrylamide or vinylpyrrolidinone). The block copolymers were synthesizized by radical polymerization of the corresponding monomers directly onto PEI. The complexation of DNA with these copolymers led to small, charge neutral particles, which aggregated upon increasing the temperature from 37 degrees C to 42 degrees C. This aggregation was found to be responsible for the enhanced transfection efficiency of these formulations under hyperthermic conditions. Gene expression in cells treated by hyperthermia was found to be nearly 2 orders of magnitude higher in comparison to cells transfected at physiological temperature. The mechanism by which hyperthermia influences the gene transfection efficiency is proposed.     

Synthesis of temperature-responsive heterobifunctional block copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)

Heterobifunctional block copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) were synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of NIPAM using a macromolecular trithiocarbonate PEG-based chain transfer agent. The polymerization showed all the expected features of living radical polymerization and allowed the synthesis of copolymers with different lengths of the PNIPAM block. The synthesized block copolymers contained a carboxylic acid group from L-lysine at the focal point and a trithiocarbonate group at the terminus of the PNIPAM block. The trithiocarbonate functionality was converted into a thiol group and used for conjugation of biotin to the end of the PNIPAM block. The copolymers exhibited temperature-dependent association behavior in aqueous solution with a phase transition of approximately 32 degrees C. The described heterobifunctional block copolymers show promise for surface modifications with the potential for stimulus-controlled surface presentation of ligands attached to the terminus of the PNIPAM block.     

Novel thermoresponsive nonviral gene vector: P(NIPAAm-co-NDAPM)-b-PEI with adjustable gene transfection efficiency

A thermoresponsive cationic copolymer, poly( N-isopropylacrylamide- co- N-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)methacrylamide)- b-polyethyleneimine (P(NIPAAm- co-NDAPM)- b-PEI), was designed and synthesized as a potential nonviral gene vector. The lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of P(NIPAAm- co-NDAPM)- b-PEI in water measured by UV-vis spectroscopy was 38 degrees C. P(NIPAAm- co-NDAPM)- b-PEI as the gene vector was evaluated in terms of cytotoxicity, buffer capability determined by acid-base titration, DNA binding capability characterized by agarose gel electrophoresis and particle size analysis, and in vitro gene transfection. P(NIPAAm- co-NDAPM)- b-PEI copolymer exhibited lower cytotoxicity in comparison with 25 kDa PEI. Gel retardation assay study indicated that the copolymer was able to bind DNA completely at N/P ratios higher than 30. At 27 degrees C, the mean particle sizes of P(NIPAAm- co-NDAPM)- b-PEI/DNA complexes decreased from 1200 to 570 nm corresponding to the increase in N/P ratios from 10 to 60. When the temperature changed to 37 degrees C, the mean particle sizes of complexes decreased from 850 to 450 nm correspondingly within the same N/P ratio range due to the collapse of thermoresponsive PNIPAAm segments. It was found that the transfection efficiency of P(NIPAAm- co-NDAPM)- b-PEI/DNA complexes was higher than or comparable to that of 25 kDa PEI/DNA complexes at their optimal N/P ratios. Importantly, the transfection efficiency of P(NIPAAm- co-NDAPM)- b-PEI/DNA complexes could be adjusted by altering the transfection and cell culture temperature.     

Polymer-DNA hybrid nanoparticles based on folate-polyethylenimine-block-poly(L-lactide)

The ability of amphiphilic block copolymers that consist of polyethylenimine (PEI) and poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) to modulate the delivery of plasmid DNA was evaluated. Folate-polyethylenimine-block-poly(l-lactide) (folate-PEI-PLLA) was synthesized by linking folic acid and PLLA to PEI diamine. Water-soluble polycation PEI provides gene-loading capability. Additionally, PEI is considered to exhibit high transfection efficiency and endosomal disrupting capacity. Hydrophobic PLLA that is incorporated into the gene delivery vector is believed to enhance the cell interactions and tissue permeability of the delivery system. Polymeric carrier containing folic acid is expected to be able to identify tumor surface receptors and transfect cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis. The results of agarose retardation assay indicated that the folate-PEI-PLLA began to form polyplexes at a polymer/DNA weight ratio (P/D) of over 10, whereas branched polyethylenimine (B-PEI) formed polyplexes with DNA at a ratio of above 1. The spherical particle morphology was supplemented with a particle size of approximately 100 nm at 10 P/D ratio. The results indicated that folate-PEI-PLLA with proper PEI/PLLA ratio effectively reduced cytotoxicity and maintained acceptable transfection efficiency. Low cytotoxicity of the folate-PEI-PLLA gives an advantage to high-dose administration.     

Ruthenium(II) tris(bipyridine)-centered poly(ethylenimine) for gene delivery

Ruthenium(II) tris(bipyridine)-centered poly(ethylenimine) (Ru PEI) was synthesized via acid hydrolysis of Ru tris(bipyridine)-centered poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (Ru PEOX), and the luminescence, DNA entrapment, and transfection efficiencies were evaluated. Emission maxima for Ru PEI samples are red-shifted compared to Ru PEOX precursors, and the luminescence lifetimes are shorter in both methanol and aqueous solutions. Slower oxygen quenching of Ru PEOX and Ru PEI luminescence versus [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 (bpy = bipyridine) is attributed to polymer shielding effects. Ru PEI luminescence is similar in the presence and absence of DNA. Ru PEI (7900 Da) and linear PEI (L-PEI; 22,000 Da) fully entrapped DNA (5.4 kb; pcDNA) at an N/P ratio of 2. LNCaP prostate cancer cells were transfected with a plasmid encoding for green fluorescent protein using Ru PEI and L-PEI vectors for comparison. For N/P = 48, the transfection efficiency for Ru PEI was approximately 50% relative to that of L-PEI.     

Cationic amphiphilic star and linear block copolymers: synthesis, self-assembly, and in vitro gene transfection

A series of amphiphilic star and linear block copolymers were synthesized using ATRP. The core consisted of either polystyrene (PS) or poly(n-butyl acrylate) (PBuA), having different glass-transition (T(g)) values. These polymers were used as macroinitiators in the polymerization of the cationic 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA). The polymers were used to study the effects of polymer architecture and flexibility on the self-assembling properties, DNA complexation, and transfection. All polymers formed core-shell micelles in aqueous solutions and condensed plasmid DNA. Linear PDMAEMA-PBuA-PDMAEMA has transfection efficiency comparable to PEI25K in ARPE19 cell line. Glassy state of the micellar core and star-shaped architecture decreased the DNA transfection compared with the rubbery and linear polymer structures. The polymers showed low cellular toxicity at low nitrogen/phosphate (n/p) ratios.     

Temperature-controlled properties of DNA complexes with poly(ethylenimine)-graft-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)

End-functionalized poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) was synthesized by living free radical polymerization and conventional free radical polymerization and was used to prepare graft copolymers with poly(ethylenimine) (PEI). The copolymers exhibited lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior between 30 and 32 degrees C and formed complexes with plasmid DNA. The LCST of the copolymers in the DNA complexes increased slightly to approximately 34-35 degrees C. Cytotoxicity of the copolymers was evaluated by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release from cells. The copolymers exhibited temperature-dependent toxicity, with higher levels of LDH release observed at temperatures above the LCST. Cellular uptake and transfection activity of the DNA complexes with the PEI-g-PNIPA copolymers were lower than those of the control PEI/DNA complexes at temperature below the LCST but increased to the PEI/DNA levels at temperatures above the LCST.     

Synthesis of amphiphilic tadpole-shaped linear-cyclic diblock copolymers via ring-opening polymerization directly initiating from cyclic precursors and their application as drug nanocarriers

We report on the facile synthesis of well-defined amphiphilic and thermoresponsive tadpole-shaped linear-cyclic diblock copolymers via ring-opening polymerization (ROP) directly initiating from cyclic precursors, their self-assembling behavior in aqueous solution, and the application of micellar assemblies as controlled release drug nanocarriers. Starting from a trifunctional core molecule containing alkynyl, hydroxyl, and bromine moieties, alkynyl-(OH)-Br, macrocyclic poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (c-PNIPAM) bearing a single hydroxyl functionality was prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), the subsequent end group transformation into azide functionality, and finally the intramacromolecular ring closure reaction via click chemistry. The target amphiphilic tadpole-shaped linear-cyclic diblock copolymer, (c-PNIPAM)-b-PCL, was then synthesized via the ROP of ε-caprolactone (CL) by directly initiating from the cyclic precursor. In aqueous solution at 20 °C, (c-PNIPAM)-b-PCL self-assembles into spherical micelles consisting of hydrophobic PCL cores and well-solvated coronas of cyclic PNIPAM segments. For comparison, linear diblock copolymer with comparable molecular weight and composition, (l-PNIPAM)-b-PCL, was also synthesized. It was found that the thermoresponsive coronas of micelles self-assembled from (c-PNIPAM)-b-PCL exhibit thermoinduced collapse and aggregation at a lower critical thermal phase transition temperature (T(c)) compared with those of (l-PNIPAM)-b-PCL. Temperature-dependent drug release profiles from the two types of micelles of (c-PNIPAM)-b-PCL and (l-PNIPAM)-b-PCL loaded with doxorubicin (Dox) were measured, and the underlying mechanism for the observed difference in releasing properties was proposed. Moreover, MTT assays revealed that micelles of (c-PNIPAM)-b-PCL are almost noncytotoxic up to a concentration of 1.0 g/L, whereas at the same polymer concentration, micelles loaded with Dox lead to ～60% cell death. Overall, chain topologies of thermoresponsive block copolymers, that is, (c-PNIPAM)-b-PCL versus (l-PNIPAM)-b-PCL, play considerable effects on the self-assembling and thermal phase transition properties and their functions as controlled release drug nanocarriers.     

Transfection of bovine fetal fibroblast with polyethylenimine (PEI) nanoparticles: effect of particle size and presence of fetal bovine serum on transgene delivery and cytotoxicity

The development of efficient transfection protocols for livestock cells is crucial for implementation of cell-based transgenic methods to produce genetically modified animals. We synthetized fully deacylated linear 22, 87 and 217 kDa polyethylenimine (PEI) nanoparticles and compared their transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity to commercial branched 25 kDa PEI and linear 58 kDa poly(allylamine) hydrochloride. We studied the effect of PEI size and presence of serum on transfection efficiency on primary cultures of bovine fetal fibroblasts and established cells lines (HEK 293 and Hep G2). We found that transfection efficiency was affected mainly by polymer/pDNA ratio and DNA concentration and in less extent by PEI MW. In bovine fibroblast, preincubation of PEI nanoparticles with fetal bovine serum (FBS) greatly increased percentage of cells expressing the transgene (up to 82%) while significantly decreased the polymer cytotoxic effect. 87 and 217 kDa PEI rendered the highest transfection rates in HEK 293 and Hep G2 cell lines (>50% transfected cells) with minimal cell toxicity. In conclusion, our results indicate that fully deacylated PEI of 87 and 217 kDa are useful DNA vehicles for non-viral transfection of primary cultures of bovine fetal fibroblast and HEK 293 and Hep G2 cell lines.     

Highly efficient gene transfer with degradable poly(ester amine) based on poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and polyethylenimine in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND: Polyethylenimine (PEI) is toxic although it is one of the most successful and widely used gene delivery polymers with the aid of the proton sponge effect. Therefore, development of new novel gene delivery carriers having high efficiency with less toxicity is necessary. METHODS: In this study, a degradable poly(ester amine) carrier based on poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and low molecular weight linear PEI was prepared. Furthermore, we compared the gene expression of the polymer/DNA complexes using two delivery methods: intravenous administration as an invasive method and aerosol as a non-invasive method. RESULTS: The synthesized polymer had a relatively small molecular weight (MW = 7980) with 25 h half-life in vitro. The polymer/DNA complexes were formed at an N/P ratio of 9. The particle sizes and zeta-potentials of the complexes were dependent on N/P ratio. Compared to PEI 25K, the newly synthesized polymer exhibited high transfection efficiency with low toxicity. Poly(ester amine)-mediated gene expression in the lung and liver was higher than that of the conventional PEI carrier. Interestingly, non-invasive aerosol delivery induced higher gene expression in all organs compared to intravenous method in an in vivo mice study. Such an expressed gene via a single aerosol administration in the lung and liver remained unchanged for 7 days. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that poly(ester amine) may be applied as an useful gene carrier.     

Polymer terminal group effects on properties of thermoresponsive polymeric micelles with controlled outer-shell chain lengths

Well-defined amphiphilic diblock copolymers comprising thermoresponsive polymer segments of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (PID) and hydrophobic polymer segments, poly(benzyl methacrylate) (PBzMA), were synthesized by controlled living radical polymerization. Terminal derivatization of PID segments to either hydroxyl or phenyl groups was achieved through reactions of coupling agents with thiol groups exposed by cleavage of terminal dithiobenzoate groups. Diblock copolymers formed core-shell type polymeric micelles with thermoresponsive outer shells. Hydrodynamic micellar diameters ranged from 12 to 31 nm, controlled by varying PID chain lengths. Differences in PID terminal groups did not affect the critical micelle concentration or micellar diameters. However, these groups demonstrated a significant influence on the micellar thermoresponses. Hydroxylated PID/PBzMA micelles exhibited a phase transition of approximately 40 degrees C, independent of PID molecular weights. Even though molecular weights and compositions of PID chains were equivalent except for terminal groups, micelles having the outermost surface phenyl groups exhibited drastically lower phase transition temperature shifts, especially for micelles with low molecular weight PID chains.     

Controllable Stabilization of Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-Based Microgel Films through Biomimetic Mineralization of Calcium Carbonate

Two types of thermoresponsive microgels, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) microgels and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) (PNIPAMAC) microgels were synthesized and used as templates for the mineralization of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) by diffusion of CO(2) vapor under ambient conditions. Thermosensitive PNIPAM/CaCO(3) hybrid macroscopic hydrogels and micrometer-sized PNIPAMAC/CaCO(3) hybrid microgels were controllably obtained and different mineralization mechanistic processes were proposed. The impact of the loaded CaCO(3) on the size, morphology, stability, and thermosensitivity of the microgels was also analyzed. PNIPAM/CaCO(3) hybrid macrogels had a slight decrease in thermoresponsive phase transition temperature, while PNIPAMAC/CaCO(3) hybrid microgels showed a clear increase in phase transition temperature. The difference reflected different amount and location of ACC in the gel network, causing different interactions with polymer chains. The PNIPAMAC/CaCO(3) microgels formed stable monolayer films on bare silica wafers and glass coverslips upon drying. The microgel films could facilitate the attachment and growth of 3T3 fibroblast cells and their subsequent detachment upon temperature drop from 37 °C to the ambient condition around 20 °C, thus, offering a convenient procedure for cell harvesting.     

Comparison of cultured cell attachment on a temperature-responsive polymer,poly-l-lysine,and collagen using modeling curves and a thermal-controlled quartz crystal microbalance

Journal of Biological Physics - The characteristics of cultured cell attachment onto poly-l-lysine (PLL), collagen, and the thermoresponsive polymer poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) were...     

Hydroxylated poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) as functional thermoresponsive materials

In this study, we developed a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based thermoresponsive polymeric material with a high content of hydroxyl groups. We newly designed the functional monomer, N-(2-hydroxyisopropyl)acrylamide (HIPAAm), considering maintaining the continuous and repeated structure of the isopropylamide group after copolymerization and the monomer reactivity ratios. The thermoresponsive polymer was derived by conventional radical copolymerization of HIPAAm with N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) in high yield. Estimation of monomer reactivity ratios, r(1) and r(2), supported the almost random sequence of the comonomers. The obtained copolymers showed a very sensitive phase transition and/or separation in response to temperature in aqueous media although they have many hydrophilic parts, and their thermoresponsive behavior was not affected by the pH. Furthermore, the cloud points of these copolymers closely depended on the HIPAAm content and could be easily controlled by adding salts. HIPAAm is expected to regulate the phase transition and/or separation temperature of the NIPAAm-based copolymers while maintaining their desirable sensitive thermoresponse. Differential scanning calorimetric analysis showed that dehydration of the polymer chains occurring in phase transition became incomplete with increasing HIPAAm content. Moreover, it was found that poly(NIPAAm-co-HIPAAm) having a high content of the HIPAAm unit showed liquid-liquid phase separation involving coacervation. The sizes of the coacervate droplets were relatively monodisperse and very minimal. Poly(NIPAAm-co-HIPAAm) is valuable for use in biomedical fields such as bioseparation.     

Thermoreversible hydrogels from RAFT-synthesized BAB triblock copolymers: steps toward biomimetic matrices for tissue regeneration

Narrowly dispersed, temperature-responsive BAB block copolymers capable of forming physical gels under physiological conditions were synthesized via aqueous reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The use of a difunctional trithiocarbonate facilitates the two-step synthesis of BAB copolymers with symmetrical outer blocks. The outer B blocks of the triblock copolymers consist of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and the inner A block consists of poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide). The copolymers form reversible physical gels above the phase transition temperature of PNIPAM at concentrations as low as 7.5 wt % copolymer. Mechanical properties similar to collagen, a naturally occurring polypeptide used as a three-dimensional in vitro cell growth scaffold, have been achieved. Herein, we report the mechanical properties of the gels as a function of solvent, polymer concentration, and inner block length. Structural information about the gels was obtained through pulsed field gradient NMR experiments and confocal microscopy.     

Recent advances in rational gene transfer vector design based on poly(ethylene imine) and its derivatives

The continually increasing wealth of knowledge about the role of genes involved in acquired or hereditary diseases renders the delivery of regulatory genes or nucleic acids into affected cells a potentially promising strategy. Apart from viral vectors, non-viral gene delivery systems have recently received increasing interest, due to safety concerns associated with insertional mutagenesis of retro-viral vectors. Especially cationic polymers may be particularly attractive for the delivery of nucleic acids, since they allow a vast synthetic modification of their structure enabling the investigation of structure-function relationships. Successful clinical application of synthetic polycations for gene delivery will depend primarily on three factors, namely (1) an enhancement of the transfection efficiency, (2) a reduction in toxicity and (3) an ability of the vectors to overcome numerous biological barriers after systemic or local administration. Among the polycations presently used for gene delivery, poly(ethylene imine), PEI, takes a prominent position, due to its potential for endosomal escape. PEI as well as derivatives of PEI currently under investigation for DNA and RNA delivery will be discussed.This review focuses on structure-function relationships and the physicochemical aspects of polyplexes which influence basic characteristics, such as complex formation, stability or in vitro cytotoxicity, to provide a basis for their application under in vivo conditions. Rational design of optimized polycations is an objective for further research and may provide the basis for a successful cationic polymer-based gene delivery system in the future.     

Controlled delivery of plasmid DNA and siRNA to intracellular targets using ketalized polyethylenimine

A new polyethylenimine (PEI)-derived biodegradable polymer was synthesized as a nonviral gene carrier. Branches of PEI were ketalized, and capabilities of nucleic acid condensation and delivery efficiency of the modified polymers were compared with ones of unketalized PEI. Ketalized PEI was able to efficiently compact both plasmid DNA and siRNA into nucleic acids/ketalized PEI polyplexes with a range of 80-200 nm in diameter. Nucleic acids were efficiently dissociated from the polyplexes made of ketalized PEI upon hydrolysis. In vitro study also demonstrated that ketalization enhanced transfection efficiency of the polyplexes while reducing cytotoxicity, even at high N/ P ratios. Interestingly, transfection efficiency was found to be inversely proportional to molecular weights of ketalized PEI, while RNA interference was observed in the opposite way. This study implies that selective delivery of plasmid DNA and siRNA to the nucleus and the cytoplasm can be achieved by tailoring the structures of polymeric gene carriers.     

Multi‐armed poly(L‐glutamic acid)‐graft‐oligoethylenimine copolymers as efficient nonviral gene delivery vectors

Background

The application of polyethylenimine (PEI) in gene delivery has been severely limited by significant cytotoxicity that results from a nondegradable methylene backbone and high cationic charge density. It is therefore necessary to develop novel biodegradable PEI derivates for low‐toxic, highly efficient gene delivery.

Methods

A series of novel cationic copolymers with various charge density were designed and synthesized by grafting different kinds of oligoethylenimine (OEI) onto a determinate multi‐armed poly(L ‐glutamic acid) backbone. The molecular structures of multi‐armed poly(L ‐glutamic acid)‐graft‐OEI (MP‐g‐OEI) copolymers were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance, viscosimetry and gel permeation chromatography. Moreover, the MP‐g‐OEI/DNA complexes were measured by a gel retardation assay, dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy to determine DNA binding ability, particle size, zeta potential, complex formation and shape, respectively. MP‐g‐OEI copolymers were also evaluated in Chinese hamster ovary and human embryonic kidney‐293 cells for their cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency.

Results

The particle sizes of MP‐g‐OEI/DNA complexes were in a range of 109.6–182.6 nm and the zeta potentials were in a range of 29.2–44.5 mV above the N/P ratio of 5. All the MP‐g‐OEI copolymers exhibited lower cytotoxicity and higher gene transfection efficiency than PEI25k in the absence and presence of serum with different cell lines. Importantly, the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay revealed that the cytotoxicity of MP‐g‐OEI copolymers varied with their molecular weight and charge density, and two of MP‐g‐OEI copolymers (OEI600‐MP and OEI1800‐MP) could achieve optimal transfection efficiency at a similar low N/P ratio as that for PEI25k.

Conclusions

MP‐g‐OEI copolymers demonstrated considerable potential as nonviral vectors for gene therapy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sequence-specific affinity precipitation of oligonucleotide using poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-oligonucleotide conjugate

In this study we develop a sequence-specific precipitation separation system of oligonucleotide (ODN) using a conjugate between poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and ODN. PNIPAM is known as a thermoresponsive polymer and dehydrates to precipitate above its phase transition temperature in an aqueous milieu. The principal advantage of this separation system using the conjugate is that the hybridization reaction between the conjugate and oligonucleotide is conducted in homogeneous solution. The conjugate was prepared by copolymerization between N-isopropylacrylamide and a vinyl-derivatized (dT)(8). The obtained conjugate efficiently precipitated (dA)(8) from solution when the solution contained more than 1.5 M NaCl. The conjugate containing 3 nmol of (dT)(8) residue was able to precipitate 1.4 nmol of (dA)(8), suggesting that the (dT)(8) residue of the conjugate formed a triple helix with (dA)(8). From an equimolar mixture of (dA)(8) and its one point mutant, the conjugate selectively precipitated (dA)(8): the highest selectivity was obtained for the isolation of (dA)(8) from the mixture consisting of (dA)(4)dT(dA)(3) and (dA)(8). When the conjugate was applied for the precipitation of five oligo(dA)s having different chain lengths, the longer oligo(dA)s tended to be precipitated by the conjugate more efficiently than the shorter ones. The conjugate could be used repeatedly for precipitation of (dA)(8) without showing any loss in precipitation efficiency.