Papers by Author: In Kyu Park

Abstract: Polypropylenimine (PPI) dendrimers have been used by many researchers as gene delivery carriers due to their high functionality. Glucose as a kind of carbohydrate is biocompatible and hydrophilic. In this study, we synthesized glucosylated PPI (G-PPI) dendrimers to reduce cytotoxicity. Glucose substitution of G-PPI dendrimers was determined by the sulfuric acid micromethod. The G-PPI dendrimer was complexed with plasmid DNA in various N/P ratios, and the complex was characterized. G-PPI dendrimers showed good DNA binding ability and high protection of DNA from nuclease attack. The G-PPI dendrimer had low cytotoxicity compared to PPI dendrimer by cytotoxicity assay. Also, transfection efficiency was influenced by glucosylation degree and the transfection efficiency for the G-PPI-5 was slightly higher than that of PPI dendrimer in HeLa cell line.

Abstract: Chitosan has been considered to be a good candidate for gene delivery system, since it is already known as a biocompatible, biodegradable, and low toxic material with high cationic potential. However, low specificity and low transfection efficiency of chitosan need to be overcome prior to clinical trial. In this review paper, chemical modification of chitosan for enhancement of cell specificity and transfection efficiency was explained. Also, chemical modification of chitosan for the stability of chitosan/DNA complexes was reviewed.