Objective: To develop a novel vector for gene delivery with low molecular weight polyethylenimine grafted to the natural polysaccharide and conjugated to folic acid (LNT-PEI-FA).
Methods: The properties of LNT-PEI-FA were characterized by (1)H-NMR, FT-IR and TGA, respectively. The particle size of LNT-PEI-FA/DNA complex was measured. The DNA binding ability of LNT-PEI-FA was detected by gel electrophoresis retardation assay.
Result: The particle size of LNT-PEI-FA/DNA complex was about 200 nm. Gel electrophoresis showed that at N/P ratio of 1.8 (W/W) the polymer was able to completely condense DNA. In vitro experiments showed a high efficiency of gene transfection in A293 and B16 cell lines.
Conclusion: A novel non-viral vector LNT-PEI-FA was successfully synthesized and characterized, which may be applied in gene transfection research in the future.