Synthesis of biodegradable multi-block copolymers of poly(L-lysine) and poly(ethylene glycol) as a non-viral gene carrier

Biodegradable and non-toxic multi-block copolymers based on poly(L-lysine) and poly(ethylene glycol) were synthesized. Synthesized copolymers showed almost negligible cytotoxicity above 95% cell viability and transfection efficiency compared to the PLL homopolymer with molecular weight of 25,700. Biodegradation under physiological conditions revealed that the molecular weight of copolymers decreased to 20% of the initial molecular weight within 72 h. Transfection efficiencies of copolymers were not affected by the presence of serum, while that of PLL homopolymer decreased to the level of naked DNA in the presence of serum. Based on the results, the new copolymers are believed to be a potentially efficient carrier for the delivery of bioactive agents. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.