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The effect of environmental pH on polymeric transfection efficiency
Han Chang Kang1, Olga Samsonova, Sun-Woong Kang
1Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA.
Biomaterials
|December 2, 2011
Summary
Environmental pH significantly impacts polymeric transfection. Acidic conditions affect polymer and cell characteristics, influencing gene delivery, with culture medium pH having a greater effect than transfection medium pH.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Gene Delivery Systems
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Polymeric transfection involves polymers and polyplexes interacting with cells in diverse pH environments.
- The influence of environmental pH on polymeric transfection efficiency remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of extracellular pH on polymeric transfection.
- To elucidate how pH affects polymer, polyplex, and cellular characteristics during transfection.
Main Methods:
- Modulating the pH of transfection and culture media.
- Analyzing pH-induced changes in polymer ionization, polyplex size and charge, cellular uptake, and intracellular pH.
Main Results:
- Acidic conditions delayed polyplex endocytosis, endosomal acidification, and cytosolic release, reducing gene expression.
- Acidic conditions inhibited mitosis, reducing gene dilution and enhancing transfection efficiency.
- Culture medium pH influenced polymeric transfection more than transfection medium pH.
Conclusions:
- Extracellular pH is a critical factor influencing polymeric transfection outcomes.
- Modulating pH offers potential strategies for developing safer and more effective gene delivery carriers.
