Abstract
Gene delivery is the process of introducing foreign genetic material, such as DNA or RNA, into host cells. Gene therapy utilizes gene delivery to deliver genetic material with the goal of treating a disease or condition in the cell. Actual viral vectors may have side effects, while actual systems using metal nanoparticles for gene delivery are toxic. Therefore, we designed here a biocompatible tri-block copolymer PEO20–PPO69–PEO20 as a gene delivery vector [PEO: poly(ethylene oxide); PPO: poly(propylene oxide)]. We studied the conjugation of PEO20–PPO69–PEO20 and DNA using various techniques. Results of gel retardation assay along with zeta potential and dynamic light scattering provide evidence of DNA sequestration. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy show that the PO43− groups of plasmid DNA are primarily involved during nanoconjugate construction. The integrity and functionality of plasmid DNA within the cellular environment is further demonstrated by the expression of green fluorescent protein gene in Escherichia coli. Overall, our findings support the use of block copolymers as delivery systems for mammalian and plant cells.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Batrakova EV, Kabanov AV (2008) Pluronic block copolymers: evolution of drug delivery concept from inert nanocarriers to biological response modifiers. J Control Release 130:98–106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jconrel.2008.04.013
Boussif O, LezoualC’H F, Zanta MA, Mergny MD, Scherman D, Demeneix B, Behr JP (1995) A versatile vector for gene and oligonucleotide transfer into cells in culture and in vivo: polyethylenimine. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 92:7297–7301. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.92.16.7297
Check E (2002) Gene therapy: a tragic setback. Nature 420:116–118. https://doi.org/10.1038/420116a
Choosakoonkriang S, Lobo BA, Koe GS, Koe JG, Middaugh CR (2003) Biophysical characterization of PEI/DNA complexes. J Pharm Sci 92:1710–1722. https://doi.org/10.1002/jps.10437
Daima HK, Navya PN (2016) Rational engineering of physicochemical properties of nanomaterials for biomedical applications with nanotoxicological perspectives. Nano Converg 3:1–14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40580-016-0064-z
Duncan R, Ringsdorf H, Satchi-Fainaro R (2006) Polymer therapeutics: polymers as drugs, drug and protein conjugates and gene delivery systems: past, present and future opportunities. J Drug Target 14(6):337–341. https://doi.org/10.1080/10611860600833856
Gebhart CL, Kabanov AV (2003) Perspectives on polymeric gene delivery. J Bioact Compat Polym 18:147–166. https://doi.org/10.1177/0883911503018002005
Ghosh P, Han G, De M, Kim CK, Rotello VM (2008) Gold nanoparticles in delivery applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 60:1307–1315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addr.2008.03.016
Hamley IW (2003) Nanotechnology with soft materials. Angew Chem Int Ed 42:1692–1712. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.200200546
Kwak M, Herrmann A (2010) Nucleic acid/organic polymer hybrid materials: synthesis, superstructures, and applications. Angew Chem Int Ed 49:8574–8587. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.200906820
McIlroy D, Barteau B, Cany J, Richard P, Gourden C, Conchon S, Pitard B (2009) DNA/amphiphilic block copolymer nanospheres promote low-dose DNA vaccination. Mol Ther 17:1473–1481. https://doi.org/10.1038/mt.2009.84
Pack DW, Hoffman AS, Pun S, Stayton PS (2005) Design and development of polymers for gene delivery. Nat Rev Drug Discov 4:581–593. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrd1775
Petrovykh DY, Kimura-Suda H, Whitman LJ, Tarlov MJ (2003) Quantitative analysis and characterization of DNA immobilized on gold. J Am Chem Soc 125:5219–5226. https://doi.org/10.1021/ja029450c
Sambrook J, Russell D (2000) Molecular cloning: a laboratory manual, 3rd Revised edn. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, New York. ISBN 978-0879695767
Satchi-Fainaro R, Duncan R (eds) (2006) Polymer therapeutics I: polymers as drugs, conjugates and gene delivery systems. Springer, Berlin, pp 1–8. ISBN 978-3-540-32945-9
Shirley DA (1972) High-resolution X-ray photoemission spectrum of the valence bands of gold. Phys Rev B 5:4709–4714. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.5.4709
Sokolova V, Epple M (2008) Inorganic nanoparticles as carriers of nucleic acids into cells. Angew Chem Int Ed 47:1382–1395. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.200703039
Taillandier E, Liquier J (1992) Infrared spectroscopy of DNA. Methods Enzymol 211:307–335. https://doi.org/10.1016/0076-6879(92)11018-E
Torchilin V (2007) Micellar nanocarriers: pharmaceutical perspectives. Pharm Res 24:1–16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-006-9132-0
Tu Z, He G, Li KX, Chen MJ, Chang J, Chen L, Yao Q, Liu DP, Ye H, Shi J, Xuqian W (2005) An improved system for competent cell preparation and high efficiency plasmid transformation using different Escherichia coli strains. Electron J Biotechnol 8:815. https://doi.org/10.2225/vol8-issue1-fulltext-8
Wang J-Y, Marks J, Lee KYC (2012) Nature of interactions between PEO–PPO–PEO triblock copolymers and lipid membranes: (I) effect of polymer hydrophobicity on its ability to protect liposomes from peroxidation. Biomacromolecules 13:2616–2623. https://doi.org/10.1021/bm300847x
Wong SY, Pelet JM, Putnam D (2007) Polymer systems for gene delivery—past, present, and future. Prog Polym Sci 32:799–837. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2007.05.007
Acknowledgements
HKD gratefully acknowledges Government of India for National Overseas Scholarship and Japan Science and Technology (JST) Agency, Japan, for Sakura Science Asia Youth Exchange Fellowship. SS gratefully acknowledges Australian Government for an Endeavour Postdoctoral Research Award. VB acknowledges the Australian Research Council for a Future Fellowship (FT140101285) and Ian Potter Foundation for establishing Sir Ian Potter NanoBioSensing Facility at RMIT University. Authors acknowledge the support of RMIT node of AMMRF for providing technical assistance and access to characterization facilities.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding authors
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Daima, H.K., Shankar, S., Anderson, A. et al. Complexation of plasmid DNA and poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(propylene oxide) polymers for safe gene delivery. Environ Chem Lett 16, 1457–1462 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-018-0756-1
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-018-0756-1