DNA/polycation complexes

The list of references and contributors is not exhaustive. The authors tried to provide the earliest references known to them that describe preparation of the polyplexes specifically for gene delivery. In most cases these papers were followed by advanced work from the same and other laboratories. Furthermore, in several cases, such as PLL, there are earlier references available that describe the biophysical studies on DNA/polycation complexes. Many of these papers are cited in the text when appropriate. 

Size can also be a factor determining which endocytotic pathways are involved in ligand absorption. For example, in nonphagocytotic cells, latex beads with diameters less than 200 nm were taken up by the clathrin-dependent pathway, and latex beads with diameters between 200 and 500 nm were taken up by a caveolin-dependent process. Similarly, absorption of DNA-polycation complexes showed clear size dependence sizes greater than 200 nm were internalized by macropinocytosis. Intermediate size... 

The Introduction will give a brief description of DNA as a biopolymer (structure, conformations, topologies), some definitions in the field of polyelectrolytes (weak and strong polyelectrolytes), some generalities about DNA/ polycation complexes (factors influencing the complexation, models describing the structure of the polyplexes, methods adapted to their characterization), and a description of the parameters to take into consideration for their use in gene therapy. 

S. Bouhallab and T. Croguennec), the use of DNA/polycation complexes for gene delivery and protection (A. Bertin), and the potential of sizable and shapable nanosized PEC particles in pharmaceutical applications such as controlled drug release (M. Miiller). 

Danielsen, S., Maurstad, G., Stokke, B.T. DNA-polycation complexation and polyplex stability in the presence of competing polyanions. Biopolymers 77, 86-97 (2004). doiilO. 1002/bip.20170... 

---