Use of liposomes, viral capsids, and nanoparticles as DNA carriers

We tested a variety of liposomes for parameters such as DNA binding capacity and DNase I protection of incorporated and attached DNA to elucidate their use as vehicles for DNA transfer into cells and animals. The results were compared to other potential DNA vehicles, empty viral capsids, and nanoparticles. Maximal binding capacity was achieved for positively charged nanoparticles, DNase I protection was observed for most preparations with neosome preparations being least efficient. The uptake of radiolabeled DNA by cells in culture was determined for cationic and nonionic surfactant vesicles, viral capsids, and nanoparticles. Cellular DNA uptake was best for dioleoyl-derived positively charged liposomes (N-[1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride; DOTMA) and the DNA could be shown to be physiologically active. The recombination rate for DNA fragments transfected in polyoma capsids in live mice was higher than for liposome mediated transfection. Homologous recombination could be observed for both DOTMA and polyoma-mediated DNA transfer.