Progress and prospects of polyplex nanomicelles for plasmid DNA delivery

Plasmid DNA (pDNA)-based gene therapy is a promising strategy for treating many chronic diseases and pathological states. Using pDNA has several advantages such as the sustained synthesis of proteins and peptides in their natives form, ease of the combined use of two or more bioactive factors, and cost-effectiveness. For effective pDNA delivery, cationic polymers are good candidates providing high pDNAstability and functionality.In this article, the development of polyplex nanomicelles composed of poly(ethyleneglycol) (PEG)-polycation block copolymers and pDNA as well as their future prospects is reviewed. The issues of safety and the transfection efficiency are highlighted for considerations of in vivo pDNA delivery.