Graft copolymers as gene carriers.

摘要

A non-toxic, polymeric gene carrier used to deliver a selected nucleic acid into a host cell comprises a grafted copolymer having straight-chain amphiphilic side polymers grafted to a polycationic main polymer. The polycationic main polymer forms a complex with nucleic acids by electrostatic interaction. The amphiphilic side polymers reduce the cytoxicity of the polycation and enhance solubility. The molar proportion of side polymers may be adjusted to optimize transfection efficiency. Likewise, the ratio of nucleic acid to copolymer may be adjusted to optimize efficiency. The composition may be used in a method for transforming a host cell with a selected nucleic acid. Grafted copolymers of polyethylene glycol and poly-L-lysine (PEG-g-PLL) are particularly effective, achieving peak gene expression within 24 hours and persisting for at least 96 hours.