Advances in Polyethyleneimine-Derived Nanoformulations

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Polyethyleneimine (PEI) is a versatile cationic polymer used as a non-viral vector for therapeutic agent delivery.
• PEI facilitates endosomal escape through the proton sponge effect, enhancing intracellular cargo release.
• PEI-based systems can be combined with various delivery vehicles to improve targeting and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the applications of PEI-based formulations in gene, drug, and vaccine delivery.
• To discuss strategies for enhancing the biocompatibility and safety of PEI delivery systems.
• To highlight recent advances and future prospects of PEI in nanomedicine.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of PEI-based delivery systems.
• Analysis of PEI's mechanism of action, including the proton sponge effect.
• Discussion of formulation strategies involving PEI and other nanomaterials.

Main Results:

• PEI formulations demonstrate efficiency in delivering genes, drugs (especially negatively charged ones), and vaccines.
• Combining PEI with other materials like polymers, lipids, and nanoparticles enhances delivery characteristics.
• PEI can activate antigen-presenting cells, supporting its use in vaccine delivery.

Conclusions:

• PEI is a promising non-viral vector for various therapeutic applications, offering advantages over viral vectors.
• Optimizing PEI's molecular weight, charge density, and branching, alongside chemical modifications, is key to improving biocompatibility.
• Further research into targeted and responsive PEI systems is essential for successful clinical translation.