Transfection of primary human nasal epithelial cells using a biodegradable poly (ester amine) based on...

The purpose of this study was to prepare and characterize poly (ester amine) (PEA)/pGL3 complexes and investigate their transfection efficiency in human nasal epithelial (HNE) cells. Particle size, zeta potential, and gel retardation characteristics of PEA /pGL3 complexes were also measured. After treatment of DNase-I, protection and release assay of PEA/pGL3 complexes were performed. To assess the transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity, measurement of relative luciferase activity and MTS assay were performed. PEA/pGL3 complexes showed effective and stable DNA condensation with the particle sizes below 200 nm, implicating their potential for intracellular delivery. PEA/pGL3 complexes successfully transfected into the HNE cells with higher viability of the cells. These results suggested that, the PEA can be used as an efficient cationic polymeric vehicle which provides a versatile platform for further investigation of structure property relationship along with the controlled degradation, significant low cytotoxicity, and high transfection efficiency of the primary HNE cells.