Non-viral transfection systems

摘要

The present invention relates to the use of polyelectrolyte particles as non-viral vectors. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of a polyelectrolyte particle for transferring in vitro, in vivo or ex vivo an anionic substance into a cell, wherein the polyelectrolyte particle is a star-shaped particle that has a common branching centre and a specific number of polymer chains radiating outward therefrom, or is a spherical micelle comprising a specific number of polymer chains radiating outward from the micelle core. Such polyelectrolyte particles have applications in many fields, particularly in molecular biology, but also in gene therapy and for siRNA applications. The present invention further relates to an in vitro method for transferring an anionic substance into a cell by using such polyelectrolyte particles, a complex containing such polyelectrolyte particles and to their medical and biotechnological use.