Abstract
AimsGene therapy is a promising strategy for the treatment of various diseases. Polyethylenimine (PEI) has received considerable attention for gene delivery applications due to their appropriate properties. However, their toxicity has raised concerns which cause to be used with cautious. This study aimed to prepare different complexes of PEI/DNA and evaluate their parameters affecting in vitro cytotoxicity. Also, apoptosis rate was measured to determine the mechanism of cell toxicity. Materials and methodsThe complexes were prepared through conjugation and characterized using dynamic light scattering, MTT and flow cytometry techniques. Key findingsThe particles' size was from 81 nm to 2785 nm and was increased in the HBS buffer compared to HBG buffer. In the case of branched PEIs, the size of particles was inversely associated with molecular weight. The cytotoxicity results showed that linear 250 KDa PEI was non-toxic whereas branched PEIs with lower molecular weights showed toxicity effects in a concentration dependent manner. Also, the cytotoxicity effects of branched PEIs were proportional with carrier/plasmid (C/P) ratio and were more for the polyplexes prepared in HBG buffer compared to HBS buffer after 24 h incubation. Flow cytometry results confirmed that apoptosis is the main mechanism of cell toxicity produced by polyplexes. SignificanceThe results showed the effect of PEI size on its cytotoxicity. Also, the toxicity effects of PEI-derived polyplexes in vivo environment was evaluated.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
