Neuron-targeted copolymers with sheddable shielding blocks synthesized using a reducible, RAFT-ATRP double-head agent.

ABSTRACT: Adaptation of in vitro optimized polymeric gene delivery systems for in vivo use remains a significant challenge. Most in vivo applications require particles that are sterically stabilized, which significantly compromises transfection efficiency of materials shown to be effective in vitro. We present a multifunctional well-defined block copolymer that forms particles useful for cell targeting, reversible shielding, endosomal release, and DNA condensation. We show that targeted and stabilized particles retain transfection efficiencies comparable to the nonstabilized formulations. A novel, double-head agent that combines a reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer agent and an atom transfer radical polymerization initiator through a disulfide linkage is used to synthesize a well-defin

SUBMITTER: Wei H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3488458 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature