Biophysical characterization of quaternary pyridinium functionalized polynorbornenes for DNA complexation and their cellular interactions.

Cationic polymers with hydrophobic side chains have gained great interest as DNA carriers since they form a compact complex with negatively charged DNA phosphate groups and interact with the cell membrane. Amphiphilic polyoxanorbornenes with different quaternary alkyl pyridinium side chains with ethyl-p(OPy2) and hexyl units-p(OPy6) bearing 10 kDa MWT were synthesized by living Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization method. The physicochemical characteristics: critical micellar concentration, size distribution, surface charge, and condensation of polymer/DNA complex were investigated.

Biophysical study of novel oligoelectrolyte-based nonviral gene delivery systems for mammalian cells.

Background: Gene therapy is an important treatment for genetic and acquired diseases. The success of gene therapy is largely dependent on the development of suitable vectors for gene transfer. Vectors are needed to overcome cellular barriers and to achieve efficient DNA delivery with low cytotoxicity.