Gemini Surfactants: New Synthetic Vectors for Gene Transfection

Abstract

The superior surfactant properties of cationic gemini surfactants are applied to the complex problem of introducing genes into cells. Of almost 250 new compounds tested, of some 20 different structural types, a majority showed very good transfection activity in vitro. The surfactant is shown to bind and compact DNA efficiently, and structural studies and calculations provide a working picture of the "lipoplex" formed. The lipoplex can penetrate the outer membranes of many cell types, to appear in the cytoplasm encapsulated within endosomes. Escape from the endosome--a key step for transfection--may be controlled by changes in the aggregation behavior of the lipoplex as the pH falls. The evidence suggests that DNA may be released from the lipoplex before entry into the nucleus, where the new gene can be expressed with high efficiency.

Review on chemically bonded geminis with cationic heads: second-generation interfactants

“…Double chain surfactants are potential drug carriers [66] while transfection, i.e. the transport of genetic material through biological membranes into eukaryotic cells, are characteristic applications of green gemini surfactants [67,68]. Certain cationic gemini surfactants with low toxicity have a superior ability to introduce genes into cells [69][70][71][72].…”

Structural, biocomplexation and gene delivery properties of hydroxyethylated gemini surfactants with varied spacer length

“…The use of the so-called nonviral vectors [4] makes it possible to solve problems connected with the condensation and compaction of giant DNA polyanions, with such limitations of viral vectors as immune response avoided. Although the application of synthetic vectors including those based on cationic surfactants and lipids is well documented [5][6][7], it is yet a challenging problem due to their relatively lower transfection efficacy compared to viral carriers. One of the main trends in the development of current protocols is the design of carriers with multicentered interactions with phosphate anions of DNA, including those based on gemini surfactants [8][9][10][11].…”

Influence of surfactant molecular structure on two-dimensional surfactant–DNA complexes: Langmuir balance study

“…In addition, the widely varying molecular architectures of surfactants offer an excellent opportunity for tailoring surfactant-DNA complex behavior and the resulting gene transfer. For instance, gemini surfactants [8], consisting of two conventional surfactant units connected by a suitable spacer, are attracting attention as new synthetic vectors for gene transfection [9] because of their tunable molecular geometry and superior surfactant properties [8].…”