Polyethylenimine Carriers for Drug and Gene Delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Polyethylenimine (PEI) is a cationic polymer with abundant amine groups, ideal for electrostatic interactions with biomolecules.
• PEI preserves bioactivity during encapsulation and delivery for biomedical applications.
• PEI is widely explored as a non-viral vector for drug and gene delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of PEI as a drug and gene carrier.
• To highlight PEI polymerization and processing into various carrier forms.
• To discuss structure-property relationships and challenges for clinical translation.

Main Methods:

• Review of polymerization methods for linear and branched PEI.
• Analysis of processing techniques for PEI-based drug carriers (nanoparticles, coatings, nanofibers, hydrogels, films).
• Examination of structure-property relationships (molecular weight, branching, surface modification).

Main Results:

• PEI carriers demonstrate potential in non-viral gene and small molecule drug delivery.
• Molecular weight, branching, and surface modifications significantly impact PEI carrier performance.
• Key challenges for clinical translation include cytotoxicity, non-degradability, and serum instability.

Conclusions:

• Understanding PEI structure-property relationships is crucial for optimizing carrier design.
• Future research should focus on overcoming PEI's limitations for safe and effective clinical applications.
• PEI holds significant promise for advanced drug and gene delivery systems.