A family of hierarchically self-assembling linear-dendritic hybrid polymers for highly efficient targeted gene delivery

Abstract

(Figure Presented) Modular materials composed of concentric functional "shells" with independently tuneable properties are prepared from the self-assembly of DNA and linear-dendritic hybrid polymers (see scheme; PAMAM = poly(amidoamine), PEG = poly(ethylene glycol)). These ligand-targeted systems demonstrate serum stability, low toxicity, and transfection efficiencies that exceed those of the most efficient commercially available polymer poly(ethylenimine). © 2005 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.