Structural characterization of novel micro- and nano-scale non-viral DNA delivery systems for cutaneous gene therapy

摘要

The structural and physicochemical properties of novel dicationic lipid-based DNA complexes have been investigated as microano-scale self assembling delivery systems for cutaneous gene therapy. In vitro transfection efficiency (TE) and cutaneous delivery was dependent on the length of the spacer between the two positively charged head groups. AFM, particle size and ζ potential analysis indicated that the DNA/gemini (with or without DOPE) complexes were generally in the range of 100-200 nm and 40-50mV. Topical gemini-liposomal formulations contained two populations of particles (100-200 nm and 2-5 μm) and the particle size in the gemini-nanoemulsion formulation was 5-10 nm. SAXS measurements indicate that gemini surfactants with shorter spacers have greater ability to induce polymorphic structures in the generally lamellar complexes, and exhibit greater transfection activity and cutaneous delivery.