Characteristics of DEAE-dextran-MMA graft copolymer as a nonviral gene carrier.

A stable and soapless latex of diethylaminoethyl-dextran-methyl methacrylate (DEAE-dextran-MMA) graft copolymer (DDMC) has been developed for nonviral gene delivery vectors that are possible to autoclave. DDMC relatively easily formed a polyion complex between DNA and DDMC by the hydrophobic force of graft poly(MMA) depending on its large positive entropy change (DeltaS). DDMC has been confirmed as having a high protection facility for DNase by DNase degradation test.