A Facile Multifunctionalized Gene Delivery Platform Based on α,β Cyclodextrin Dimers

In this paper, adamantane (Ad) substituted reduction-sensitive polyethylenimine (Ad-b-SS-PEI₆₀₀) was used as cationic polymer gene vector for DNA loading. And then the α,β CD dimers were applied as the bridges between the Ad-b-SS-PEI₆₀₀/DNA polyplexes and the functional moieties, i.e. targeting moiety and fluorescent probe through effective host-guest interactions. Located in the surface of the assemblies, the postdecorated functional moieties can efficiently exert their own function. It was found that gene delivery platforms thus obtained exhibited promising DNA compaction capability, rapid stimuli responsiveness, and good biocompatibility, and moreover they can mediate efficient gene transfection, targeting, and imaging both in vitro and in vivo.