Stimuli-responsive polyamine-DNA blend nanogels for co-delivery in cancer therapy

Polyamine plasmid DNA (pDNA) hydrogels have been synthesized by an original approach which conjugates pDNA condensation by polyamines and cross-linking reaction with ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether. In an attempt to design more sophisticated vectors with enhanced transfection efficiency and targeting ability, the cell-binding ligand transferrin has been incorporated into polyethylenimine formulations. All systems are photodegradable which allows for the controlled release of different plasmids (pVAX1-LacZ and pcDNA3-FLAG-p53) and anticancer drugs (doxorubicin, epirubicin and paclitaxel). The tumoral treatment through the combined action of pcDNA3-FLAG-p53 gene and an anticancer drug has a stronger potential to suppress the development of cancer cells. The effect is greatly improved when transferrin is encapsulated into the carriers. This study is a relevant contribution for the design of novel generation of plasmid biopharmaceuticals for progresses in gene cancer therapy, feeding the hope of cancer cure.