New serine-derived gemini surfactants as gene delivery systems

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Ana M Cardoso (Author) Other; Catarina M Morals (Author) Other; Rita R Cruz (Author) Other; Sandra G Silva (Author) Other; Luisa L do Vale (Author) FCUP; Eduardo F Marques (Author) FCUP; Maria C P Pedroso de Lima (Author) Other; Amalia S Jurado (Author) Other

Journal

Title: European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics

Vol. 89

Pages: 347-356

ISSN: 0939-6411

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 31 Citations

Scopus - 38 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Basic medicine

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00A-AP3

DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2014.12.013

Abstract (EN): Gemini surfactants have been extensively used for in vitro gene delivery. Amino acid-derived gemini surfactants combine the special aggregation properties characteristic of the gemini surfactants with high biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this work, novel serine-derived gemini surfactants, differing in alkyl chain lengths and in the linker group bridging the spacer to the headgroups (amine, amide and ester), were evaluated for their ability to mediate gene delivery either per se or in combination with helper lipids. Gemini surfactant-based DNA complexes were characterized in terms of hydrodynamic diameter, surface charge, stability in aqueous buffer and ability to protect DNA. Efficient formulations, able to transfect up to 50% of the cells without causing toxicity, were found at very low surfactant/DNA charge ratios (1/1-2/1). The most efficient complexes presented sizes suitable for intravenous administration and negative surface charge, a feature known to preclude potentially adverse interactions with serum components. This work brings forward a new family of gemini surfactants with great potential as gene delivery systems.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10