Virion-mimicking nanocapsules from pH-controlled hierarchical self-assembly for gene delivery

Abstract

(Figure Presented) A new concept for fabricating nanocarriers carrying free DNA for gene delivery to overcome the intracellular dissociation barrier of cationic polymer/DNA complexes is presented. Free DNA plasmids (shown in green) are encapsulated in a nanocapsule core, which is protected by a hydrophobicmembrane (purple) with a poly(ethylene glycol) outer layer (blue). The nanocapsules can release free DNA into the cells and have high in vitro and in vivo transfection efficiency. © 2008 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.