Self‐Assembly of Polyethylenimine‐Modified Biodegradable Complex Micelles as Gene Transfer Vector for Proliferation of Endothelial Cells

Abstract

Polyethylenimine (PEI) can perfectly condense with DNA and sufficiently transfer genes, but its high toxicity limits its application. Here, complex micelles are prepared as low‐toxicity gene vectors by self‐assembly of two block copolymers in aqueous solution. The complex micelles consist of a biodegradable poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) core and a mixed poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)/PEI shell. The ZNF580 gene plasmid (pEGFP‐ZNF580), which has the ability of enhancing the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells, is encapsulated into the complex micelles. Using dynamic light scattering, the degradation behavior of the micelles is investigated in vitro. The hydrodynamic size and zeta potential of blank and DNA‐loaded micelles are feasible to cellular uptake and gene transfection. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazolyl‐2)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay shows that the cytotoxicity of the complex micelles is very low when the PEG/PEI ratio is 3/1. The DNA‐loaded micelles are found to be able to enhance the proliferation of endothelial cells.

Co-self-assembly of cationic microparticles to deliver pEGFP-ZNF580 for promoting the transfection and migration of endothelial cells

“…30 However, the drawbacks of high-molecular weight PEI, including nondegradability and high cytotoxicity, limit its application in vivo. [31][32][33] In recent decades, the excellent properties of star-shaped polymers have attracted researchers' attention. Compared with linear counterparts, star-shaped polymers with the same molecular weight have showed higher transfection efficiency.…”

“…27,31 Briefly, 0.03 g of D-sorbitol, 4.50 g of LA and 0.50 g of MMD were added into the Schlenk full of nitrogen. Then, the Schlenk was immersed in an oil bath at 125°C for 24 h. The copolymer was purified and dried at room temperature in vacuum for 24 h. The yield was 79.4%.…”

“…24,27,31 Cells were transfected at the N/P molar ratio of 20. After 48 h, a "wound" scratch was formed by plastic pipette tip.…”

Amphiphilic core shell nanoparticles containing dense polyethyleneimine shells for efficient delivery of microRNA to Kupffer cells

“…[13][14][15][16][17][18] For example, Lv et al reported that a complex micelle consisting of a biodegradable PLGA core and a mixed PEG/PEI shell can be prepared via the self-assembly of two block copolymers (PEG-b-PLGA and PLGA-b-PEI) in aqueous solution. This micelle can be used as a gene carrier for enhancing proliferation of endothelial cells.…”

“…This micelle can be used as a gene carrier for enhancing proliferation of endothelial cells. 17 Recently, Li et al developed a new kind of gene carrier based on the amphiphilic block copolymers containing biodegradable hydrophobic depsipeptide copolymers and branched PEI. 18 We have also developed a novel type of PEI-based amphiphilic core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) with diameters in the range of 100-300 nm and explored their potential application as nanocarriers for drug and gene deliveries.…”