A Degradable Cationic Polymer Gene Transfection Reagent

Objective:To synthesize a new cationic polymer with high transfection efficiency and low cytotoxicity.Methods:Branched polyethyleneimine(PEI) PEI 600 was cross-linked by hydrolysisable 2,4-pentanediol diacrylate(2,4-PDODA) to synthesize high molecular weight polymers.The DNA binding affinity of synthesized polymers was determinated by DNA gel retardation assay,the gene transfection efficiency of polymers was evaluated in human embryo kidney HEK 293 cells by using green fluorescent protein and luciferase gene as reporter gene.The degradability and cytotoxicity of the polymer was analysized by agrose electrophoresis detection and MTT assay respectively.Results:The synthesized polymer showed high DNA binding affinity and high transfection efficiency.The luciferase activity of transfected 293 cell mediated by polymer was 3×109 RLU/mg,and showed similar or higher transfection efficiency as compare to commercial available transfection reagents.The polymer also showed lowest cytotoxicity.The polymer was very stable in acidic condition and highly degradable in neuture condition.Conclusion:It suggested that the synthesized polymer showed high transfection efficiency and low cytotoxicity.It may play important role in gene transfection and gene therapy study in the near future.