Micelles gene delivery vector

Kataoka, K. (1998). [Intracellular gene delivery by polymer micelle vectors], Nippon Rinsho 56(3) 718-23. 

Du Y-Z, Lu P et al (2010) Stearic acid grafted chitosan oligosaccharide micelle as a promising vector for gene delivery system factors affecting the complexation. Int J Pharm 391 260-266... 

Fundamentally, gene delivery systems can be differentiated into viral carriers (adenovirus, lentivirus, etc.) and non-viral vectors (complexes, micelles, liposomes, nanoparticles, etc.) [8]. Following are the major requirements for both polymers and nanoparticulate systems intended for gene therapy. 

A PEG-PEl-PBLG hyperbranched block copolymer was prepared by amine-initiated NCA polymerization from the primary amine groups of poly(ethylene imine) (PEI), which had been coupled to a PEG chain via a diisocyanate. The hyperbranched block copolymers form micelles in aqueous solution with a large hydrophobic core and a cationic corona further stabilized by the PEG chains (see Fig. 21). The micelles can form complexes with DNA via electrostatic interaction, and enzymatic degradation of the micelles was shown in vitro. The copolymers therefore might be useful as new vectors for gene delivery [38]. 

The aim of this chapter is to give a brief selective overview of typical biomedical areas where cationic polymers can be employed. The use of cationic polymers in tissue engineering is a high priority topic in this chapter and several aspects on this phenomenon are given related to this is the potential of cationic hydrogels for medical and pharmaceutical applications. The importance of cationic polymers and copolymers as non-viral vectors in gene therapy is described, as well as how micelles and vesicles based on cationic polypeptides can form nanostructures by self-assembly. The potential of cationic polymers for drug delivery applications is also elucidated. 

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