Stabilized nanocarriers for plasmids based upon cross-linked poly(ethylene imine)

Stabilized PEI/DNA polyplexes were generated by cross-linking PEI with biodegradable disulfide bonds. The reaction conversion of different PEIs with the amine reactive cross-linker dithiobis(succinimidyl propionate) (DSP) was investigated, and the molecular weight of the reaction products was identified. Light scattering and microelectrophoresis were employed to assess size and zeta potential of the resulting polyplexes. Polyplex morphology and mechanic stability were investigated using atomic force microscopy. Finally, albumin and erythrocyte interactions and stability against polyanions and high ionic strength were checked. Polyplexes of PEI and DNA were prepared by two different formulation methods, either using pre-cross-linked polymers or by cross-linking polyplexes after complexation. Only the latter method yielded small (100-300 nm) polyplexes with a positive zeta potential when HMW PEI was used, whereas cross-linked LMW PEI resulted in polyplexes with increased size (>1000 nm) and zeta potentials down to -20 mV. In addition, only cross-linking after polyplex formation was able to enhance resistance against polyanion exchange and high ionic strength. AFM images revealed no changes in the morphology of cross-linked HWM PEI polyplexes, and indentation force measurements using AFM significantly increased mechanical stability of cross-linked HMW PEI polyplexes. These polyplexes also displayed significantly reduced interactions with major blood components like albumin and erythrocytes. The resulting biocompatible particles offer a means of combining enhanced polyplex stability with redox-triggered activation for in vivo application.