Synthetic polyamines as vectors for gene delivery

We report the synthesis and physicochemical evaluation of a series of cationic polymethacrylates as vectors for gene delivery. Two different types of polymer have been synthesized: The first is a series of polymers containing tertiary amine, pyridine, imidazole and acid groups; the second is a series of polyamines containing poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) blocks or grafts. The ability of the different polymers to condense DNA has been studied by agarose gel electrophoresis; all polymers are able to condense DNA, their ability to do so being dependent on their chemical composition and molecular weight. The particle size of the different polymer-DNA complexes formed has been measured by dynamic light scattering: complexes have a particle size of around 50 nm. A clear effect of the chemical composition of the polymers on the zeta potential of their complexes with DNA is evident. (C) 2002 Society of Chemical Industry.