Transfection and Structural Properties of Phytanyl Substituted Gemini Surfactant-Based Vectors for Gene Delivery Publisher Pubmed



Wang H^{1, 2} ; Kaur T³ ; Tavakoli N⁴ ; Joseph J¹ ; Wettig S^{1, 2}
Source: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Published:2013

Abstract

In this study, the transfection ability and cytotoxicity of a series of phytanyl substituted gemini surfactants, rationally designed and synthesized in an attempt to create cationic surfactants that will improve transfection efficiencies of non-viral vectors was evaluated in OVCAR-3 cells at the charge ratios (N+/P-) of 2:1, 5:1, and 10:1. Particle sizes, zeta potentials, and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) profiles were also determined. For each gemini surfactant complex, the transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity are observed to go through a more or less well-evidenced maximum, occurring at different values of the charge ratio (N+/P-), depending on the surfactant structure. Considering both results of in vitro transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity, the optimal charge ratio to formulate the complexes containing phy-3-m was found to be 5:1. The particle size decreased, while zeta potential increased with increasing N+/P -. Comparing particle size and zeta potential with transfection efficiency, no correlation between size/zeta potential and transfection ability was observed. Analysis of SAXS profiles indicates that the ability of phy-3-m delivery system to adopt multiple phases correlated well with their higher transfection efficiency in OVCAR-3 cells. © 2013 the Owner Societies.