Targeted Gene Delivery to MCF-7 Cells via Polyspermine-PEG-Glucose/DNA Nanoparticles: Preparation and Characterization

Abstract

Cationic polymers are positively charged polymers that have a high ability to electrostatically interact with negatively charged species, including nucleic acids. This property has led to the use of these polymers in various fields, including targeted drug delivery. In this study, biocompatible polyspermine-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-glucose (PSPG) nanoparticles were synthesized for DNA delivery to MCF-7 cells. Structural characterization was performed via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹HNMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential thermal gravimetric (DTG) methods. The DNA-loaded nanoparticles exhibited a spherical morphology with smooth surfaces, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Dynamic light scattering (DLS) revealed a particle size of 267 ± 10 nm and a surface charge of + 13.4 ± 1.3 mV. DNA release from PSPG was pH dependent, increasing at acidic pH (5.0, cancer cells) compared with physiological pH (7.4). The biocompatibility assessed via MTT demonstrated high gene transfer efficiency with minimal cytotoxicity. Agarose gel electrophoresis confirmed the protection of the DNA against enzymatic degradation. Gene delivery to MCF-7 cells was validated via fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, confirming successful transfection. These findings highlight the potential of polyspermine-PEG-glucose nanoparticles as efficient DNA carriers for targeted cancer therapy.

Keywords: DNA; Gastric cancer cells; Glucose; Polyspermine; Targeted gene transfer.