Degradable and biocompatible poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate-co-caprolactone)s as DNA transfection agents

This study describes the synthesis of a set of novel, degradable block copolymers for DNA transfection, and analyzes their physicochemical and biological properties. PEO macro-azoinitiators are used for the free radical copolymerization of DMAEMA and MDO, resulting in a series of different quaternized or non-quaternized block copolymers. All of the polymers show little cytotoxicity and full degradability, and thus, based on their favorable properties, may represent promising vectors for in vivo applications. Marked differences in DNA complexation efficacies and biological activities are observed, and one of the poly(PEG-co-(MDO-co-DMAEMA))s is identified as optimal for DNA transfection.