Papers by Author: In Young Park

Abstract: Novel, biodegradable poly(ester amine)s (PEAs) were synthesized using hydrophobic polycaprolactone diacrylate (PCLDA) and highly cationic polyethylenimine (PEI). This novel gene carrier can form stable DNA complexes with particle sizes around 200 nm, and showing excellent transfection efficiency and relatively low cytotoxicity compared with PEI 25K. Effect of hydrophobicity on transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity was profound and was relatively important parameter for the success of gene delivery.

Abstract: The strategies developed for gene delivery are generally classified into two categories of viral and non-viral vectors. The limitation of viral vectors, which have problems including toxicity, immunogenicity and inflammatory response has led to the development of a novel, synthetic vectors based on non-viral vectors. Chitosan, one of non-viral vectors, has been a good candidate in gene delivery field. Moreover, galactosylated chitosan (GC) had the specific recognition of hepatocytes by galactose in the GC. Also, carbonate apatite increased the rate of DNA endocytosis and the efficiency of gene transfer. We describe here a new concept for improving cell specificity and transfection efficiency by hybridization of carbonate apatite (CAp) with GC. The complex formation was confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis. The complex optimized through controlling calcium ion and charge ratio was evaluated on the cell specificity and transfection efficiency.