ABSTRACT
Objective: To synthesize a new type of cationic polymers (β-ammo esters) (PBAE) and to study its role as a gene vector. Methods: PBAE was synthesized by the Michael addition reaction. PBAE/pDNA complex nanoparticles were prepared by self-assembly, and the gene tranfection efficiency mediated by the nanoparticles into HEK293 cells in vitro was observed. Results: When weight ratio of PBAE/pDNA was 50: 1, pDNA was completely wrapped. And the transfection efficiency of PBAE/pDNA nanoparticles (PBAE/pDNA weight ratio being 200: 1) was significantly higher than PEI/pDNA nanoparticles (43.3% ± 3.7% vs 30.3% ± 2.1%, P < 00.05). Conclution: Cationic poly(β-amino esters) can electrostatically bind to and condense anionic DNA into nanometersized parties. PBAE/pDNA nanopartides has a high transfection efficiency in in vitro transfection experiments.