Synthetic polyamines as vectors for gene delivery

We report the synthesis and physicochemical evaluation of a series of cationic polymethacrylates as vectors for gene delivery. Two different types of polymer have been synthesized: The first is a series of polymers containing tertiary amine, pyridine, imidazole and acid groups; the second is a series of polyamines containing poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) blocks or grafts. The ability of the different polymers to condense DNA has been studied by agarose gel electrophoresis; all polymers are able to condense DNA, their ability to do so being dependent on their chemical composition and molecular weight. The particle size of the different polymer–DNA complexes formed has been measured by dynamic light scattering: complexes have a particle size of around 50 nm. A clear effect of the chemical composition of the polymers on the zeta potential of their complexes with DNA is evident.