Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry quantitative method for the cellular analysis of varying structures of gemini surfactants designed as nanomaterial drug carriers.

Diquaternary gemini surfactants have successfully been used to form lipid-based nanoparticles that are able to compact, protect, and deliver genetic materials into cells. However, what happens to the gemini surfactants after they have released their therapeutic cargo is unknown. Such knowledge is critical to assess the quality, safety, and efficacy of gemini surfactant nanoparticles.

Multi-stage tandem mass spectrometric analysis of novel β-cyclodextrin-substituted and novel bis-pyridinium gemini surfactants designed as nanomedical drug delivery agents.

Rationale: This study aimed at evaluating the collision-induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometric (CID-MS/MS) fragmentation patterns of novel β-cyclodextrin-substituted- and bis-pyridinium gemini surfactants currently being explored as nanomaterial drug delivery agents. In the β-cyclodextrin-substituted gemini surfactants, a β-cyclodextrin ring is grafted onto an N,N-bis(dimethylalkyl)-α,ω-aminoalkane-diammonium moiety using variable succinyl linkers. In contrast, the bis-pyridinium gemini surfactants are based on a 1,1'-(1,1'-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(sulfanediyl))bis(alkane-2,1-diyl))dipyridinium template, defined by two symmetrical N-alkylpyridinium parts connected through a fixed ethane dithiol spacer.

Advancing nonviral gene delivery: lipid- and surfactant-based nanoparticle design strategies.

Gene therapy is a technique utilized to treat diseases caused by missing, defective or overexpressing genes. Although viral vectors transfect cells efficiently, risks associated with their use limit their clinical applications. Nonviral delivery systems are safer, easier to manufacture, more versatile and cost effective.

Structural and transfection properties of amine-substituted gemini surfactant-based nanoparticles.

Background: Increases in DNA transfection efficiencies for non-viral vectors can be achieved through rational design of novel cationic building blocks. Based on previous results examining DNA condensation by polyamines, novel gemini surfactants have been designed that incorporate aza or imino substituents within the spacer group in order to increase interactions with DNA and potentially improve their DNA transfection ability.

Methods: Transfection efficiencies and cell toxicity of gemini nanoparticles constructed from plasmid DNA, gemini surfactant, and a neutral lipid were measured in COS7 cells using a luciferase assay.