Influence of Polyplex Formation on the Performance of Star-Shaped Polycationic Transfection Agents for Mammalian Cells

Title data

Raup, Alexander ; Stahlschmidt, Ullrich ; Jérôme, Valérie ; Synatschke, Christopher V. ; Müller, Axel H. E. ; Freitag, Ruth:
Influence of Polyplex Formation on the Performance of Star-Shaped Polycationic Transfection Agents for Mammalian Cells.
In: Polymers. Vol. 8 (2016) Issue 6 . - 224.
ISSN 2073-4360
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/polym8060224

Official URL:

Abstract in another language

Genetic modification (“transfection”) of mammalian cells using non-viral, synthetic agents such as polycations, is still a challenge. Polyplex formation between the DNA and the polycation is a decisive step in such experiments. Star-shaped polycations have been proposed as superior transfection agents, yet have never before been compared side-by-side, e.g., in view of structural effects. Herein four star-shaped polycationic structures, all based on (2-dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) building blocks, were investigated for their potential to deliver DNA to adherent (CHO, L929, HEK-293) and non-adherent (Jurkat, primary human T lymphocytes) mammalian cells. The investigated vectors included three structures where the PDMAEMA arms (different arm length and grafting densities) had been grown from a center silsesquioxane or silica-coated γ-Fe2O3-core and one micellar structure self-assembled from poly(1,2-butadiene)-block PDMAEMA polymers. All nano-stars combined high transfection potential with excellent biocompatibility. The micelles slightly outperformed the covalently linked agents. For method development and optimization, the absolute amount of polycation added to the cells was more important than the N/P-ratio (ratio between polycation nitrogen and DNA phosphate), provided a lower limit was passed and enough polycation was present to overcompensate the negative charge of the plasmid DNA. Finally, the matrix (NaCl vs. HEPES-buffered glucose solution), but also the concentrations adjusted during polyplex formation, affected the results.

Further data

Item Type:	Article in a journal
Refereed:	Yes
Keywords:	gene delivery; mammalian cells; non-viral; PDMAEMA; T lymphocytes; transfection
Institutions of the University:	Faculties Faculties > Faculty of Biology, Chemistry and Earth Sciences Faculties > Faculty of Engineering Science Faculties > Faculty of Engineering Science > Chair Process Biotechnology Faculties > Faculty of Engineering Science > Chair Process Biotechnology > Chair Process Biotechnology - Univ.-Prof. Dr. Ruth Freitag
Result of work at the UBT:	Yes
DDC Subjects:	500 Science 500 Science > 500 Natural sciences 600 Technology, medicine, applied sciences 600 Technology, medicine, applied sciences > 610 Medicine and health 600 Technology, medicine, applied sciences > 620 Engineering
Date Deposited:	07 Jun 2016 08:28
Last Modified:	10 Oct 2023 09:23
URI:	https://eref.uni-bayreuth.de/id/eprint/32539