Dual-functionalized calcium nanocomplexes for transfection of cancerous and stem cells: Low molecular weight polycation-mediated colloidal stability and ATP-mediated endosomal release

Abstract

To overcome colloidal instability of calcium phosphate nanoparticles in gene delivery, colloidally stable and endosomolytic Ca2+-based pDNA nanocomplexes (NCs) were designed by a surface coating of biocompatible polycations (PCs; low molecular weight branched polyethyleneimine [bPEI], protamine sulfate and e-polylysine) and the addition of natural and endosomolytic ATP, respectively. Without remarkable cytotoxicity and colloidal instability, Ca2+/ATP-pDNA/13PEI(1.8kDa) NCs having [bPEI(1.8 kDa)] = 3.6 mu g showed 5.8 -fold and 4.4-fold higher transfection efficiencies than bPEI(25kDa)/pDNA NCs in HepG2 cells and dental pulp stem cells, respectively. In conclusion, pH-sensitive endosomolytic ATP and Ca2+-based gene complexes could be potentials as effective and safe gene delivery vectors in various cells. (C) 2018 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.