Light-regulated host–guest interaction as a new strategy for intracellular PEG-detachable polyplexes to facilitate nuclear entry

PEG-detachable polyplexes were constructed for the first time via host-guest interactions between β-cyclodextrin and azobenzene. The polyplexes had excellent colloidal stability and competition stability. Moreover, the intracellular light-regulated dePEGylation facilitated DNA release and nuclear entry, thus resulting in efficient transfection.