Evaluation of Phytotoxicity and Mutagenicity of Novel DMAEMA-Containing Gene Carriers

Abstract

Abstract—The use of novel carriers for gene delivery has been rapidly growing; thus, investigation of potential phytotoxic and mutagenic action of gene delivery carriers is important for preventing their negative side effects. We found that poly-DMAEMA carriers used in a 0.0025% dose exhibited a weak cytotoxic effect towards Allium cepa plants. In a higher dose (0.025%), they slightly (by 26–55%) increased the level of catalase activity but did not affect the level of superoxide dismutase activity and malondialdehyde content in roots of A. cepa. Results of the ana-telophase test in A. cepa demonstrated no genotoxic activity of the polymeric carriers used in a 0.0025% concentration and the higher dose (0.025%). Slight genotoxic activity was detected only for BGP24 and BGP26, PEG-containing poly-DMAEMA carriers, used in 0.025% concentration. The Ames test (–S9 and +S9) revealed no mutagenic potential of the DMAEMA-based polymers. Thus, low phytotoxicity and no mutagenicity of novel polymeric carriers suggest their potential as promising nanocarriers for gene delivery into plant cells.