Branched and Linear Poly(ethylene imine)-based Conjugates: Synthetic Modification, Characterization, and Application
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Jäger, Michael; Schubert, Stephanie; Ochrimenko, Sofia; Fischer, Dagmar; Schubert, Ulrich S.
- Abstract:
- Poly(ethylene imine)s (PEIs) are widely used in different applications, but most extensively investigated as
non-viral vector systems. The high ability of cationic PEIs to complex and condense negatively charged
DNA and RNA combined with their inherent proton sponge behavior accounts for the excellent efficiency
in gene delivery. Further chemical modifications of the polymer expand the application potential, primarily
aiming at increased transfection efficiency, cell selectivity and reduced cytotoxicity. Improvements in the
synthesis of tailor-made PEIs in combination with new in-depth analytical techniques offer the possibility
to produce highly purified polymers with defined structures. The contemporary strategies towards linear
and branched poly(ethylene imine)s with modified surface characteristics, PEI-based copolymers as well as
conjugates with bioactive molecules will be discussed. In this regard, the versatile branched PEIs have been
successfully modified in a statistical manner, whereas the linear counterparts open avenues to design and
synthesize well-defined architectures, in order to exploit their high potential in gene delivery.
- Year:
- 2012
- Type of Publication:
- Article
- Journal:
- Chemical Society Reviews
- Volume:
- 41
- Pages:
- 4755 - 4767