Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Enhanced Gene Delivery and Expression using Intraosseous Injection of Chitosan Nanoparticles Encapsulated Adenine Base Editor Plasmids
Published on: May 16, 2025
Effect of chitosan chain architecture on gene delivery: comparison of self-branched and linear chitosans
Jostein Malmo1, Kjell M Vårum, Sabina P Strand
1Department of Biotechnology, Norwegian Biopolymer Laboratory (NOBIPOL), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), N-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
Abstract:
Chitosan possesses many characteristics of an ideal gene delivery system. However, the transfection efficiency of conventional chitosans is generally found to be low. In this study, we investigated the self-branching of chitosans as a strategy to improve its gene transfer properties without compromising its safety profile. Self-branched (SB) and self-branched trisaccharide-substituted (SBTCO) chitosans with molecular weights of 11-71 kDa were synthesized, characterized, and compared with their linear counterparts with respect to transfection efficiency, cellular uptake, formulation stability, and cytotoxicity. Our studies show that in contrast with unmodified linear chitosans that were unable to transfect HeLa cells, self-branched chitosans mediated high transfection efficiencies. The most efficient chitosan, SBTCO30, yielded gene expression levels two and five times higher than those of Lipofectamine and Exgen, respectively, and was nontoxic to cells. Nanoparticles formed with SBTCO chitosans exhibited a higher colloidal stability of formulation, efficient internalization without excessive cell surface binding, and low cytotoxicity.
Related Concept Videos
Polymer Classification: Architecture
Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Chain Branching
Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview

