[Intracellular gene delivery by polymer micelle vectors]

Abstract

This review paper deals with the development of novel vector system for gene and antisense oligonucleotides. The system is based on the self-association of poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(L-lysine) block copolymer with DNA to form polyion complex micelles with unimodel size distribution in the range of 50-100 nm. DNA molecules are compactly assembled into the core of the micelle, surrounding with the dense corona of poly(ethylene glycol). High resistance to nuclease attack was demonstrated for micellized DNA in the serum-containing medium, indicating the potential of micelle vector system to stabilize DNA in physiological condition. Significant gene expression was confirmed by luciferase assay using 293 cell-line for these micelle vector systems with slightly cationic character.