Abstract
AbstractInteraction of DNA polyanions with polycations results in spontaneous electrostatic coupling of opposite charged macromolecules and formation of interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPECs). If the appropriate conditions are met such complexes can be obtained in the form of equilibrated and well defined water‐soluble supramolecular (actually supramacromolecular) species. Soluble IPECs formed by coupling of cyclic DNA (plasmid DNA) with various polycations are found to be efficient devices enhencing plasmid penetration into intact cells, probably, due to increase of a membrane activity of the complexed DNA. The strategy based on certain fundamental properties of IPECs seems to be a general approach for effective targeting of a genetic material to cells not only in vitro but also in vivo. These properties including those of DNA containing IPECs as well as the representative examples of gene delivery using IPEC supramacromolecular devices are reviewed and discussed.
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