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08:51
Evaluation of Polymeric Gene Delivery Nanoparticles by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis and High-throughput Flow Cytometry
Published on: March 1, 2013
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Multifunctional cationic polyurethanes designed for non-viral cancer gene therapy
Jian Cheng1, Xin Tang1, Jie Zhao1
1Shanghai East Hospital, Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Nanoscience, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200092 Shanghai, PR China.
Acta Biomaterialia
|December 2, 2015
Summary
This study introduces a novel bioreducible cationic polyurethane (PUBAP) as a safe and effective non-viral vector for cancer gene therapy. PUBAP-based nanoparticles demonstrate superior gene delivery and tumor inhibition with minimal toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Cationic polymers are promising for gene therapy but polyurethanes are understudied.
- Bioreducible polymers offer enhanced safety and efficacy for gene delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and evaluate a novel disulfide-based cationic polyurethane (PUBAP) for non-viral gene therapy.
- To investigate the gene delivery efficiency and anti-cancer effects of PUBAP-based nano-polyplexes.
- To explore the potential of functionalized PUBAP for targeted cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Stepwise polycondensation to synthesize linear cationic polyurethane (PUBAP) with disulfide bonds.
- Folate-PEGylation and deoxycholic acid (DCA) conjugation to create multifunctional nano-polyplexes.
- In vitro transfection assays in MCF-7 and SKOV-3 cells, and in vivo studies in tumor-bearing mice.
Main Results:
- PUBAP exhibited superior gene delivery compared to its polyamide analog, with high in vitro transfection efficiency.
- Folate-decorated PUBAP nano-polyplexes showed enhanced cellular uptake, intracellular release, and nucleus translocation.
- PUBAP-based polyplexes demonstrated low cytotoxicity and significant in vivo tumor growth inhibition with minimal side effects.
Conclusions:
- Disulfide-based cationic polyurethane (PUBAP) is a viable non-viral vector for gene therapy.
- Novel bioreducible polyurethanes synthesized via non-isocyanate chemistry show promise for cancer treatment.
- PUBAP-based systems offer a safe and effective platform for in vivo cancer gene therapy.
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