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. 1998 Sep;15(9):1332-9.
doi: 10.1023/a:1011981000671.

Chitosan-based vector/DNA complexes for gene delivery: biophysical characteristics and transfection ability

P Erbacher  1 , S Zou, T Bettinger, A M Steffan, J S Remy
Affiliations

Chitosan-based vector/DNA complexes for gene delivery: biophysical characteristics and transfection ability

P Erbacher et al. Pharm Res. 1998 Sep.

Abstract

Purpose: Chitosan, a natural cationic polysaccharide, is a candidate non-viral vector for gene delivery. With the aim of developing this system, various biophysical characteristics of chitosan-condensed DNA complexes were measured, and transfections were performed.

Methods: Transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) visualizations, sedimentation experiments, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential measurements were realized. Transfections were made by using the luciferase reporter gene.

Results: In defined conditions, plasmid DNA formulated with chitosan produced homogenous populations of complexes which were stable and had a diameter of approximately 50-100 nm. Discrete particles of nicely condensed DNA had a donut, rod, or even pretzel shape. Chitosan/DNA complexes efficiently transfected HeLa cells, independently of the presence of 10% serum, and did not require an added endosomolytic agent. In addition, gene expression gradually increased over time. from 24 to 96 hours, whereas in the same conditions the efficacy of polyethylenimine-mediated transfection dropped by two orders of magnitude. At 96 hours, chitosan was found to be 10 times more efficient than PEI. However, chitosan-mediated transfection depended on the cell type. This dependency is discussed here.

Conclusions: Chitosan presents some characteristics favorable for gene delivery, such as the ability to condense DNA and form small discrete particles in defined conditions.

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